The 2021 model year sees a change in the trims bifurcation for the Model X with the advent of the all-new and more powerful Plaid model. The base Long Range trim now gets all the features and creature comforts and hence sees a considerable hike in the price, while the Plaid model only gets an updated powertrain for all that extraordinary performance with its triple motor setup as compared to the dual-motor set up on the base trim. 

Which trim should you buy?

As the price for the Plaid trims increases by a huge margin and the base trim has a longer range and more than enough performance to offer with no compromise in terms of features as well, it is best to opt for the Long Range trim and save some of your hard-earned money. 

The Tesla Model X comes with either a dual electric motor setup or a triple electric motor setup based on the trim. The base trim with dual motors generates 518 hp while the triple motors get you a whopping 1020 hp right from the word go. The motors are mated to a single-speed automatic transmission which sends powers to all four wheels as standard. 

If there is one thing that the Model X doesn’t lack is performance. Even in the base trim, the Model X speeds to a 3.8 second 0-60 mph sprint while the Plaid manages it in a mind-numbing 2.5 seconds. The top speed is 155 mph for the Plaid and that’s for an over 5,000 lbs SUV. It also has a solid 5,000 lbs towing capacity which makes it very practical as a regular SUV. 

The Mercedes EQC is the most affordable SUV of the lot and that translates to the most underwhelming performance as well. Although it is no slouch, when compared to the Model X, it looks lackluster. The I-Pace costs a bit more than Mercedes and also is marginally quicker, but the tugging capacity is almost non-existent. 

How does the 2021 Tesla Model X handle?

SUVs are not renowned or even meant to be great handlers but the Model X isn’t just any ordinary SUV in any which way. The floor-mounted battery pack helps keep the center of gravity low which limits body roll and provides stability going into corners. The steering does not provide any feedback but the Model X is sharp and agile around the corners feels surreal for an SUV.

One can also choose how the steering weighs to suit your style which adds another layer of comfort to the driving. The adaptive suspension setup offers great ride comfort and stability which is helped by the heavyweight of the car, but the larger optional 22-inch wheels aren’t the most comfortable ones and should be avoided. 

2021 Tesla Model X Braking Performance

The regenerative braking system of the Model X has quite a learning curve to it as we tend to go for the brakes instinctively which just wastes the battery juice. Instead, the regenerative braking system can be set as per personal preference for its intensity which can help drive the car with brakes being used only when it is necessary. The large brake rotors and the regenerative system does a great job of stopping the car in just 109 feet of braking distance despite its over 5,600 lbs of weight. 

All the three cars offer regenerative braking systems but none of them come even close to the superiority of the Model X. In fact, none of them even manages to match up the stopping distances of the Tesla as the Jaguar I-Pace is the lightest by around 1,000 lbs travels farther in a panic braking situation and the EQC has the longest braking distance amongst the SUVs present here. 

The electric driving range of the Teslas is what made it so popular in the first place and although Tesla updates its model’s range intermittently, one can expect a well over 300 miles of range from the 75 kWh battery pack of the Model X Long Range. The convenience of juicing up about 175 miles on a 15 minutes charge at any of the free and ever-growing Tesla fast-charging stations, and long trips are never going to be a matter of anxiety again. 

Both the Mercedes EQC and the Jaguar I-Pace have similar EPA efficiency ratings which are far lower than Tesla’s and in spite of packing in larger battery packs, they fail to match the driving range offered by the Model X. The EQC has the shortest driving range in this segment and while the Jaguar offers a bit more with its massive 90 kWh, it is far behind the Model X in this race. 

The place where owners spend all their time and see the car most is where Tesla fails to awe us. In fact, things tend to fall apart in the interior department of the Model X as although it has a radical cabin design, the materials are subpar and do not feel worth the asking price of the car. Add to that the poor fit and finish quality and most of the buyers are in for a disappointment right from the start of their ownership. 

There are plenty of cabin creature comforts and an option to opt for 6 & 7 seat options apart from the standard 5 seats, which is very well complemented by the sustainable materials used in its construction. Space is plenty on offer in which variant and of course the third row of seats isn’t the most spacious one but the high roofline ensures decent comfort in the last row as well. The 25 cu-ft of the trunk can be extended 91 cu-ft with the second row down while opting for the third row reduces it to 13 cu-ft which is good enough for this size of SUV.

The stylish and sloping roofline of the Jaguar I-Pace might look great aesthetically but does not turn out well in terms of headroom for the occupants. The EQC on the other hand does better in this regard but has a much smaller trunk on offer. The 2021 Model X feels far more spacious, comfortable and practical in this comparison. 

• 8-Way Front Seats w/Power 4-Way Lumbar Support
• Heated Front Bucket Seats w/custom driver profile
• 60-40 Folding Bench Heated Fold Forward Rear Seat
• Premium Leatherette Seat Trim and Leather Door Trim Insert
• Power Tilt/Telescoping Steering Column
• Heated Leather Steering Wheel w/Auto Tilt-Away
• Dual Zone Front Automatic Air Conditioning
• Memory Settings for Door Mirrors and Steering Wheel

What’s there to keep you entertained?

The star attraction of the cabin of the 2021 Model X is the large 17-inch touchscreen infotainment system that controls each and every function of the vehicle. This year sees a new landscape style layout as compared to the vertical alignment of before. The voice control is a much-needed and well-implemented function as even the air conditioning and seat warmers need you to take your eyes off the road and dive into the system.

The lack of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay is missed by all but the new 8-inch rear-seat screens is a welcome addition. 

• 17-inch landscape touchscreen infotainment system
• Premium Audio System specifically tuned for Tesla's ultra-quiet cabin
• Satellite maps w/live traffic visualization
• In-car internet music, media, and video streaming
• Real-Time Traffic Display
• Bluetooth
• Smart Device Integration
• Mobile Hotspot Internet Access

Tesla’s design language has been all about simplicity and low drag coefficients for enhanced driving ranges and that seems to have worked a charm for the thousands of Model X buyers. The new 2021 model sees subtle yet significant exterior improvements with smoother detailing with the panoramic windshield being the highlight which is the largest on any production car.

The quirky yet stylish powered Falcon Wing Rear Doors may limit a bit of practicality in some instances, but adds a lot of suave to the car. The flush door handles and the standard 20-inch Cyberstream wheels do and look perfect for their job while the optional 22-inch Turbine wheels with dark finish add an aesthetic appeal to the already striking looking SUV.

The 2021 Tesla Model X is longer, wider, and taller than both the other competitors and hence also has the highest curb weight in this comparison. The shortest I-Pace offers the longest wheelbase and highest ground clearance while the Mercedes rides closest to the ground, although the difference between the ride heights of the three is nominal. 

• Auto On/Off Projector Beam LED Auto-Leveling Directionally Adaptive Auto High-Beam Daytime Running Lights Preference Setting Headlamps
• Front Fog Lamps and Perimeter/Approach Lights
• LED Brakelights
• Power Liftgate and Power Falcon Wing Rear Doors
• Rain Detecting Variable Intermittent Wipers w/Heated Jets And Wiper Park
• Power Heated Auto Dimming Side Mirrors w/Tilt Down and Power Folding
• Black Grille w/Chrome Surround
• Chrome Door Handles, Side Windows Trim, and Bodyside Insert
• Fixed Glass Panoramic Sunroof

The AutoPilot function of Tesla is the biggest flex from Tesla to the automotive industry and although it is an optional add-on, it is absolutely safe and worth the investment. There is no compromise in the safety department as most of the safety and driver assistance features are available as standard. The NHTSA has also rated the 2021 Model X with an overall 5-star rating for performing well in their crash test and although the IIHS hasn’t tested the electric SUV yet, expect it to come out with flying colors when it does go under testing. 

• Forward Collision Mitigation
• Rear Collision Warning
• Autopilot Lane Keeping Assist and Lane Departure Warning
• Blind Spot Monitor
• Restricted Driving Mode
• 360-degree view Camera
• Front And Rear Parking Sensors
• Tire Specific Low Tire Pressure Warning

2021 Tesla Model X vs Jaguar I-Pace

Arguably more stylish in a conventional manner, the Jaguar I-Pace packs in plenty of attributes at a more affordable and accessible price tag. Jaguar offers a pretty solid acceleration and braking performance with a decent driving range as well. The cabin is a lot more premium and appealing to look and feel and although the rear seat is a bit cramped, overall passenger and cargo space is pretty good. That being said, the lucrative fast-charging network across the country makes the Model X an exciting prospect. But if you think you can live with a regular home charging kit offered by Jaguar, it could be the right choice for you and your family.

2021 Tesla Model X vs Mercedes-Benz EQC

The newest entrant in the electric SUV segment, the Mercedes-Benz EQC lacks in multiple fronts and is probably why Mercedes has been delaying its official launch for a while now. Although it is the most affordable ones in the market, the performance and driving range is far behind the segment leader, the Model X. The cabin is spacious but has limited cargo space. The charging speeds are nowhere near the Tesla with the household socket, the 3-phase fast chargers are very limited when compared to the Tesla’s network. Therefore, it is best to control the urge of levitating to the stylish and attractive feature-loaded cabin of the Mercedes and settle with the more practical and tried & tested product like the Tesla Model X. 

The Tesla Model X has created a special place in the hearts of many in the American market and it’s got only better over the years. The new 2021 revisions make the car look sleeker, offer a more practical cabin with the landscape infotainment system, new digital instrument cluster, and new steering wheel. The driving range is exceptional as always and the introduction of the Plaid trim has ensured breathtaking performance for the ones who would want to head to a race track in their family SUV while also towing a small motorboat. What more could you ask about your family SUV?