- Tesla sells five electric vehicles: two sedans, a full-sized and a crossover SUV, and a truck.
- The Model X SUV is the company's full-sized SUV and second-largest vehicle overall.
- Here's what to know about Tesla's Model X, including specs, prices, and pictures.
Tesla is by far the most popular electric car brand in the US. It basically created the EV market as we know it.
Elon Musk's startup rose to dominance on the back of four models: two SUVs and two sedans. The Tesla models' names spell out the word "S3XY." Leave it to Musk to sprinkle in some juvenile humor wherever possible. With the release of the Cybertruck, the "acronym" doesn't work as well, but we can still appreciate the long game that went into the puerile joke.
The Model X is Tesla's largest SUV and its second-most expensive offering, judging by entry-level price; the Cybertruck costs $2,000 more than the Model X.
How much does a Tesla Model X SUV cost?
The regular Model X costs $77,990. That's before any options or a $1,390 destination fee that Tesla slaps onto all of its vehicles regardless of the delivery destination.
There's also a higher-performance SUV, the Model X Plaid, which costs $92,990. With all models factored in, Tesla's price range generally spans $39,000 to $99,000, but the company adjusts its prices frequently, so you'll need to check its website for the latest info. Since Tesla doesn't use dealerships and instead sells direct to consumers, buyers don't have to deal with any markups over MSRP. They also have almost no room to negotiate on the price, however.
What do you get for that?
Like most Teslas, the Model X delivers sporty performance, competitive range, and loads of technology you won't find in more conventional cars. It comes with five seats, but you can pay extra for a third row with six- or seven-seat layouts.
The Model X earns a range rating of 335 miles from the Environmental Protection Agency, making it one of the longest-range EVs you can buy. It has two motors and all-wheel drive. Tesla quotes a 155-mph top speed and a 3.8-second 0-60-mph time. That's super quick for a large family SUV.
But the Model X Plaid's performance is otherworldly. Tesla says the tri-motor, all-wheel-drive beast produces a whopping 1,020 horsepower and hits 60 mph in a mere 2.5 seconds. Those are supercar numbers. Range comes in at a slightly diminished 326 miles as a result of the extra oomph.
The Model X's falcon-wing rear doors swing up instead of out, making it look like some kind of spaceship. They use sensors to steer clear of cars parked on either side and to avoid garage ceilings. All four doors open and close electronically and can be operated through the key fob or Tesla's app.
Tesla interiors are known for being minimalist but packed with all sorts of flashy technology. The Model X's big central screen controls all settings and houses quirky Tesla features like Sentry Mode (a camera-based surveillance system), Dog Mode (which maintains cabin temperature when the vehicle is locked), Netflix, and video games. It's also the place where you can access Tesla "Easter eggs" like Santa Mode, unique honk noises, and the infamous flatulate sounds.
As in other Teslas, Autopilot, an advanced form of cruise control that accelerates, brakes, and follows lanes, comes standard. Tesla's Full Self-Driving system, a feature that attempts to pilot the vehicle on all roads (not just highways), is available with a subscription that costs $99 per month.
Does Tesla have a smaller, cheaper SUV?
The Tesla Model Y is the company's smaller and cheapest SUV, which recently became Tesla's best-selling vehicle in the world.
It starts at $42,990 for a base model with all-wheel drive and an EPA-estimated 279 miles of range. Spring for the $44,990 Model Y Long Range and you get 320 miles of range and quicker performance.
What's the Model X's competition?
When it first hit the market in 2015, the Model X had little in the way of competitors. Now well-heeled buyers can pick up big luxury SUVs like the BMW iX, the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV, the Lyric from Kadillac, and the R1S from Rivian, a California startup. Soon, the all-electric Volvo EX90 will also be a competitor.