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Tesla Model X
Tesla Model X
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Tesla Model X
Overview
ManufacturerTesla, Inc.
Production2015–present
Assembly
DesignerFranz von Holzhausen[1]
Body and chassis
ClassMid-size luxury crossover SUV (E)
Body style5-door SUV
Layout
Doors
RelatedTesla Model S
Powertrain
Electric motor
  • 670 hp (500 kW) (Long Range)
  • 1,020 hp (760 kW) (Plaid)
Discontinued
  • 60D, 75D, 90D, 100D: 259 hp (193 kW) front and rear
  • P90D, P100D: 259 hp (193 kW) front, 503 hp (375 kW) rear
Transmission
  • Single-speed transaxle gearboxes
  • 60D, 75D, 90D, 100D: 9.34:1 front, 9.34:1 rear
  • P90D, P100D: 9.34:1 front, 9.73:1 rear[2]
Battery
Electric range335–352 mi (539–566 km) (EPA)
Discontinued
  • 75D: 238 mi (383 km) (EPA)[3]
  • 90D: 257 mi (414 km) (EPA)[4]
  • 100D: 325 mi (523 km) (EPA)[5]
  • P90D: 250 mi (400 km) (EPA)[4]
  • P100D: 305 mi (491 km) (EPA)[5]
Dimensions
Wheelbase116.7 in (2,965 mm)
Length198.3 in (5,036 mm)
Width78.7 in (1,999 mm)
Height66.3 in (1,684 mm)
Curb weight
  • 5,148 lb (2,335 kg)
  • Plaid: 5,248 lb (2,380 kg)
Discontinued
  • 60D: 5,072 lb (2,301 kg)
  • 75D: 5,140 lb (2,330 kg)
  • 90D: 5,271 lb (2,391 kg)[6]
  • P90D: 5,381 lb (2,441 kg)
  • 100D: 5,421 lb (2,459 kg)
  • P100D: 5,531 lb (2,509 kg)[7]

The Tesla Model X is a battery electric mid-size luxury crossover SUV built by Tesla, Inc. since 2015. Developed from the full-sized sedan platform of the Tesla Model S, the vehicle uses distinctive falcon wing doors for rear passenger access. In January 2026, Tesla announced that the Model X would be discontinued alongside the Model S.[8]

The Model X has an EPA size class as an SUV,[4] and shares around 30 percent of its content with the Model S, half of the originally planned 60 percent, and weighs about 10 percent more. Both the Model X and Model S are produced at the Tesla Factory in Fremont, California. The prototype was unveiled at Tesla's design studios in Hawthorne, California, on February 9, 2012.[9][10] First deliveries of the Model X began in September 2015.[11] After one full year on the market, in 2016, the Model X ranked seventh among the world's best-selling plug-in cars.[12] A refresh of the Tesla Model X was introduced in 2021, offering a new "Plaid" performance model, along with a revised interior, powertrain, and suspension.[13] Another update of the Model X was introduced in June 2025 with a new front bumper camera, new wheel designs, increased third-row space, dynamic ambient lighting, and adaptive headlights.[14] The updates are similar to the Model S, which was updated at the same time.

As of July 2025, the Model X is available as a Long-Range version with an estimated EPA range of 352 miles (566 km) and a high performance "Plaid" version with an estimated EPA range of 335 miles (539 km).

History

[edit]

Tesla unveiled the Model X prototype at Tesla's design studios in Hawthorne, California on February 9, 2012 as a preview of an all electric SUV taking reservations without announcing a price.[9][10][15]

Initially, Tesla planned for deliveries to commence in early 2014.[16] However, in February 2013, the company announced that deliveries had been rescheduled to begin by late 2014 in order to achieve its production target of 20,000 Model S cars in 2013.[17] In November 2013, Tesla said it expected to begin Model X high volume production the second quarter of 2015.[18] In November 2014, Tesla again delayed and announced that Model X deliveries would begin in the third quarter of 2015.[19] Deliveries began on September 29, 2015. Among the reasons for delay were problems with the falcon-wing doors and cooling the motors when hauling trailers.[20]

In 2016, the company filed a lawsuit against Swiss hydraulics firm Hoerbiger Holding for not producing satisfactory falcon-wing doors for the Model X. Tesla claimed the doors suffered from oil leakage and overheating. Many believe this is one of the reasons for the delay of the Model X.[21] The lawsuit was settled in September 2016.[22]

On July 13, 2016, Tesla introduced its Model X 60D, which is slightly lower priced than the Model X's starting price. The Model X 60D has a 200 mi (320 km) range and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph (0 to 97 km/h) in 6 seconds, with a top speed of 130 mph (210 km/h).[23] The battery capacity in the Model X 60D is 75 kWh but has been software restricted to 60 kWh. Post purchase, owners have the option to unlock the additional 15 kWh, bringing the 60D to 75D range specifications.[24][25]

Global sales passed the 10,000 unit mark in August 2016, with most cars delivered in the United States.[26] In August 2016, Tesla introduced the P100D with Ludicrous Mode to be the new top Model X. The P100D has a 100 kWh battery, accelerate from 0 to 60 mph (0 to 97 km/h) in 2.9 seconds (0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) in 3.1 seconds) and 289 mi (465 km) of range.[27] In October 2016 Tesla discontinued the 60D version and made the "Smart Air Suspension" standard instead of coil springs, increasing the base price to $85,000.[28][29] In June 2017, the 90D version was discontinued.

In August 2017, Tesla announced that HW2.5 included a secondary processor node to provide more computing power and additional wiring redundancy to slightly improve reliability; it also enabled dashcam and sentry mode capabilities.[30][31][32]

In March 2018 it was announced that Tesla upgraded the MCU to version 2.[33] MCU 2 improved the performance of the 17 inch center console screen.

Global cumulative sales since inception totaled 106,689 units through September 2018.[12][34][35][36][37][38][39][40]

In January 2019, Tesla discontinued the 75D version, making the 100D the base version of the Model X. The base price of the Model X 100D is $97,000 (~$117,057 in 2024) as of Jan 2019.[41] In July 2019, Tesla added a Long Range model of the Model X with a 325-mile EPA range priced at $84,500 (~$101,972 in 2024).[42]

Tesla Model X concept in Tesla design studio in Hawthorne, California, February 9, 2012
Early prototype Tesla Model X steering wheel with main dashboard 12.3-inch (31 cm) digital display (left) and central 17-inch (43 cm) touchscreen control panel (right)

In an engineering refresh in May 2019, range was increased to 325 mi (523 km) and smart air suspension was added.[43]

In February 2020 Tesla increased the range of the Model X to 351 mi (565 km) of range.[44]

In October 2020 Tesla increased the range of the Long Range Plus to 371 mi (597 km), and the Performance increased to 341 mi (549 km).

In September 2023, Tesla heavily discounted the price of a base Long Range Model X In the United States to US$79,990, allowing it to fall under the US$80,000 MSRP cap for a federal tax rebate under Inflation Reduction Act.[45]

In January 2026, Tesla announced that the Model X would be discontinued and its production line would be repurposed to manufacture Optimus robots.[8]

Design

[edit]
Side
Rear
Interior

A series production vehicle was unveiled on September 29, 2015. It has a panoramic windshield. According to Tesla CEO Elon Musk, it is the safest SUV in terms of frontal and side impact crash, being more than twice as safe as the next closest SUV in rollover tests as well.[citation needed] The Model X does come with Autopilot as standard, and has an optional full self-driving system. The Model X has standard a collision avoidance system that uses radar-based autonomous emergency braking (AEB) and side-directed ultrasound detection that steers the car away from threats. Tesla uses a wide-band radar system to help prevent the falcon wing doors from hitting nearby objects when opening or closing.

The Model X has double-hinged falcon wing doors which open upwards, allowing the leading edge of the door to remain tucked close to the body, unlike traditional gull-wing doors. Tesla claims the falcon-wing (modified gull-wing) doors ease access to the vehicle by having the door raise up vertically, rather than swinging out hinged at the front, which tremendously reduces accessibility. The Model X offers room for seven adults and their luggage in three rows of seating and front and rear trunks.[46]

Specifications

[edit]
The Model X has double-hinged falcon wing doors.
The Tesla Model S (left) and Model X (right) share the same platform and 30% of their parts.

The Model X weighs about 8% more than the Model S and shares about 30% of its parts content – down from around 60% expected when development began. The cargo space is 87.8 ft³.[47]

Over the years, the Model X has been available with four lithium-ion battery packs, rated at either 60, 75, 90, or 100 kW·h. The highest performance version, the Model X Plaid, goes from 0 to 60 mph (0 to 97 km/h) in 2.5 seconds and the 14 mile (400 meters) in 9.9 seconds,[48] outperforming the fastest SUVs and most sports cars.[49][50] The Model X's all-wheel-drive system uses two motors (one for the front and the other for the rear wheels), unlike conventional AWD systems that have a single source of power.[49] The 2026 Tesla Model X AWD has an official EPA rated range of up to 352 mi (566 km).[51]

The company planned to offer rear-wheel-drive models, but instead all models use all-wheel drive. The standard AWD has 259 horsepower (193 kilowatts) on both the front and rear motors, while the performance edition has 259 hp (193 kW) front and 503 hp (375 kW) rear.[52][53] With an optional towbar, the Model X has a towing capacity of up to 5000 lb[54] or 2250 kg.[55] At the 55 mph (89 km/h) towing speed limit in California,[56] a Model X may have 70% of the 257 mi (414 km) EPA-registered range when pulling a 2,300 lb (1,000 kg) travel trailer.[57]

Energy consumption

[edit]

The following table shows the EPA's official ratings for fuel economy in miles per gallon gasoline equivalent (MPGe) for the variants of the Model X rated as of 2024 and as displayed in the Monroney label.

2024 Tesla Model X fuel economy and operating costs
Model Model
year
Fuel efficiency (MPGe)
Combined City Highway
Dual Motor AWD[58]

(100 kWh)

2024 100; 34 kWh/100 mi
or 21 kWh/100 km
104; 33 kWh/100 mi
or 23 kWh/100 km
96; 35 kWh/100 mi
or 22 kWh/100 km
Plaid[59]
(100 kWh)
2024 98; 35 kWh/100 mi
or 21 kWh/100 km
102; 33 kWh/100 mi
or 21 kWh/100 km
92; 36 kWh/100 mi
or 22 kWh/100 km


Production and sales

[edit]
Elon Musk delivering one of the first six Model X (VIN 0002) Founders Series models to Tesla board member Steve Jurvetson

Tesla started taking reservations for the Model X in February 2012 without announcing prices.[15] The standard Model X required a US$5,000 deposit, while the limited time production Signature model required a US$40,000 deposit in 2013.[46] More than 20,000 Model Xs had been reserved by September 2014.[60] In August 2015, user groups estimated around 30,000 Model X pre-orders had been received, compared to 12,000 for the Model S.[61]

The first six Founders Series models were delivered at a market launch event in the Fremont factory on September 29, 2015.[11] The first Signature edition was delivered on December 18, 2015.[62] Pricing for the limited edition Signature version of the Model X varies between US$132,000 and US$144,000,[63] while the standard production version of the Model X will be priced at US$5,000 more than a comparably equipped AWD Model S that is priced at US$75,000 for the base Model 70D.[64]

After the first quarter of 2016 all Tesla Model X deliveries had gone to US customers. Nevertheless, in January 2016 a Tesla car other than the Model S was registered in Germany and a Tesla Model X was sighted driving there with a license plate from Ingolstadt. Since the Audi headquarters are located in Ingolstadt, this led to speculation that Audi has acquired a Tesla Model X as part of its effort to develop its own battery-electric SUV.[65][66][67]

Tesla produced 507 Model X in the fourth quarter of 2015, of which 206 were delivered to customers.[68] Model X sales totaled 2,400 units during the first quarter of 2016.[69] According to Tesla Motors, deliveries were lower than expected because production was impacted by severe Model X supplier parts shortages in the first two months of 2016, and because Tesla had been too ambitious in wanting advanced features (committed "hubris").[69] The first Model X that didn't need corrections was made in April 2016.[70]

Tesla Model X global sales by quarter
Quarter Units sold
Q3 2015[11]
6
Q4 2015[68]
206
Q1 2016[69]
2,400
Q2 2016[71]
4,638
Q3 2016[72]
8,774
Q4 2016[73]
9,500
Q1 2017[34]
11,550
Q2 2017[35]
10,000
Q3 2017[36]
11,865
Q4 2017[37]
13,120
Q1 2018[38]
10,070
Q2 2018[39]
11,370
Q3 2018[40]
13,190
Q4 2018[74]
14,050

Sales during the second quarter of 2016 totaled 4,638 units. Although production was up 20% from the previous quarter, the number of vehicles in transit at the end of June 2016 was much higher than expected (5,150 including Model S cars), representing 35.8% of the number of cars delivered in the quarter (14,402 vehicles including the Model S).[71][75] Global sales passed the 10,000 unit mark in August 2016.[26] A total of 8,774 units were delivered in the third quarter of 2016, totaling 15,812 Model X cars sold during the first nine months of 2016.[72]

The Model X ranked as the top-selling plug-in electric car in Norway in September 2016.[76][77] However, when Volkswagen Golf nameplate registrations are broken down by each variant's powertrain, the all-electric e-Golf registered 392 units, the Golf GTE plug-in hybrid 358, and the internal combustion-powered Golf only 242 units. Therefore, the Model X also ranked as the top-selling new car model in September 2016.[76][77][78] Norway was the world's first country to have all-electric cars topping the new car sales monthly ranking. Previously, the Model S had been the top-selling new car four times, and the Nissan Leaf twice.[76]

Multiple Model X cars parked

According to Tesla, with 5,428 units sold in the U.S. in the third quarter of 2016, the Model X captured a 6% market share of the luxury SUV market segment, outselling Porsche and Land Rover, but behind seven SUV models manufactured by Mercedes, BMW, Cadillac, Volvo, Audi, and Lexus.[79] With an estimated 9,500 units delivered worldwide during the fourth quarter of 2016,[73] global sales in 2016 totaled 25,312 Model X cars, allowing the Model X to rank seventh among the world's top ten best-selling plug-in cars just in its first full year in the market.[12]

As of December 2016, cumulative sales totaled 25,524 units.[12] The United States is its primary market with 18,240 units delivered through December 2016,[12] of which, an estimated 18,028 Model X vehicles were delivered during 2016, making the electric SUV the third best-selling plug-in electric in the American market that year after the Tesla Model S and the Chevrolet Volt.[80] Registrations in California totaled 6,289 units in 2016, representing a 7.0% market share of the state's luxury mid-size SUV segment, ranking as the fifth best-selling car in this class, which was led by the Lexus RX with 20,070 units.[81] Retail deliveries in China began in June 2016, and a total of 4,065 Model X vehicles were sold in 2016.[82]

Global sales totaled about 11,550 units during the first quarter of 2017.[34] A severe production shortfall of 100 kWh battery packs limited the second quarter of 2017 global deliveries to just about 10,000 Model X vehicles,[35] with a slight increase to 11,865 vehicles during the third quarter of 2017.[36] An additional 13,120 units were delivered in the fourth quarter of 2017,[37] for total annual deliveries of 46,535 units globally.[34][35][36][37] As of December 2017, cumulative sales since inception totaled about 72,059 units.[12][34][35][36][37] Global sales during the first nine months of 2018 totaled 34,630 units, allowing the Model X to pass the 100,000 milestone in September 2018, with 106,689 units delivered since inception.[38][39][40]

On April 30, 2019, 5 Model X 75Ds were bought and operated by Blue Bird Group for their premium taxi service, Silver Bird, in Indonesia.[83]

In the UK from 2021 to 2022, deliveries of Model X vehicles dropped significantly to almost zero.[84] In 2023, Tesla also stated that the Model X will not be sold in the UK or Ireland in right-hand drive for the 'foreseeable future'.[85]

Reception

[edit]

Consumer Reports wrote that the all-wheel-drive Model X 90D largely disappoints, as rear doors are prone to pausing and stopping, the second-row seats cannot be folded, and the cargo capacity is too limited. Even its panoramic, helicopter-like windshield was disapproved, as it is not tinted enough to offset the brightness of a sunny day. Consumer Reports added that overall "the ride is too firm and choppy for a $110,000 car".[86]

Car and Driver, despite some criticism of the Model X falcon wing doors, approved of the panoramic windshield, stating "We were left dumbfounded, like slack-jawed tourists endlessly looking upward. Lose the Falcon Wing doors, Elon; the windshield is the Model X's best gimmick". Overall, it was given a rating of 5/5 stars, stating "There are no other electric SUVs at the moment. And even against fossil-fuel-fed SUVs, the Tesla's effortless performance and efficiency can't be matched."[87]

Motoring journalist Jeremy Clarkson's made his first review of a Tesla vehicle in 10 years, on his TV show The Grand Tour in February 2018; Clarkson gave a positive review of the car that he called "fabulous" that is unlike anything on the road. Lawyers were present during the review presumably because Clarkson's previous scathing review of the original Roadster caused a lawsuit.[88]

The 2016 Model X was named one of the top ten tech cars in 2016 by IEEE Spectrum.[89]

Awards

[edit]
  • On November 16, 2015, the Tesla Model X was chosen as AutoGuide.com's 2016 Reader's Choice Green Car of the Year and Luxury Utility Vehicle of the Year awards. The model was noted for its falcon-wing doors, long range, efficiency, and acceleration.[90]
  • On November 8, 2016, the Model X was awarded the Golden Steering Wheel (Das Goldene Lenkrad), one of the most prestigious automotive awards in the world, in the "Large SUV" category. Candidates for this award are nominated by hundreds of thousands across Europe for excellence across six categories. The Golden Steering Wheel jury, composed of professional race car drivers, accomplished technicians, editors, designers, and digital and connectivity experts, then spent three days judging Model X.[91][92]
  • On April 18, 2017, the American Automobile Association named the Tesla Model X 75D its Top Green Vehicle overall, as well as best in the SUV/Minivan category,[93] with a score of 100/130. The vehicle scored 10/10 for its EPA Emissions Score, crashworthiness, Fuel Economy and Luggage Capacity. Though ambivalent toward Autopilot and the Model X's glass roof, AAA favoured its falcon-wing doors, and approved of the vehicle's performance, stating that its "acceleration is smooth and strong, as is the braking."[94]
  • On June 8, 2017, the Model X was awarded the Australian Good Design Award in the Automotive and Transport category. The design of the vehicle was described as "set with an athletic build, whilst remaining proportional. Delivering on the functional form of a cross between SUV and people mover, the design remains true to a sports SUV."[95]
  • On December 11, 2017, Forbes named the Model X 100D Best Vehicle of the Year stating that "Tesla makes every internal combustion vehicle on the highway seem a clunky, clumsy relic of the 20th century."[96]

Use by SpaceX

[edit]
Tesla Model X for astronaut transportation from Operations and Checkout Building to Launch Complex 39A ahead of a Crew Dragon mission

Since 2020, SpaceX has used modified Tesla Model X SUVs (with umbilicals for the astronauts) to transport astronauts, especially for Commercial Crew Program missions for NASA.[97] For every mission, the cars have vanity plates:

  • Crew Dragon Demo-2 – The vehicles used had the NASA meatball logos on the driver and passenger doors, while the Worm logos were on the upper part of the rear window, and the plates read ISSBND for "ISS bound".[98]
  • SpaceX Crew-1 – The vehicles used had plates that read L8RERTH for "(see you) later, Earth".[99]
  • SpaceX Crew-2 – The three vehicles had plates reading "REDUCE", "REUSE", and "RECYCLE" respectively, since the mission was originally scheduled on Earth Day.[100]
  • SpaceX Crew-3 – The vehicles had plates that read "S3ND IT" for "send it" with a 3 for Crew-3.
  • SpaceX Crew-4 - The vehicles had plates reading "GO4LNCH" for "go for launch". with a 4 for Crew-4.
  • SpaceX Crew-5 - The vehicles had plates reading "BLA5TOFF" for "blast off" with a 5 for Crew-5.
  • SpaceX Crew-6 - The vehicles had plates reading "CRW DR6N" for "Crew Dragon" with a 6 for Crew-6.
  • SpaceX Crew-7 - The vehicles had plates reading "BYEEEEE" using 7 letters for Crew-7.
  • SpaceX Crew-8 - The vehicles had plates reading "YAYSP8C" for "yay space" with an 8 for Crew-8.
  • SpaceX Crew-9 - The vehicles had plates reading "READY4IT" for "ready for it".
  • SpaceX Crew-10 - The vehicles had plates reading "LIF1OFF" for "liftoff" with the 1 and O symbolizing Crew-10.
  • SpaceX Crew-11 - The three vehicles had plates reading "LIVE", "LAUGH", "LAUNCH", a play on the motto Live, Laugh, Love.

Guinness World Record

[edit]

On May 15, 2018, the Tesla Model X and Qantas set the Guinness World Record for "heaviest tow by an electric production passenger vehicle." The Model X was able to tow a 287,000 lb (130,000 kg) Boeing 787–9 nearly one thousand feet (300 metres) on a taxiway at Melbourne Airport.[101]

Issues with production units

[edit]

The Tesla Model X faced criticism in 2016 for issues with the falcon-wing doors, which sometimes did not open or latch properly in some early production units, and the windows, which sometimes did not open or close all the way.[102] Tesla addressed these issues with several software updates, and no known issues remained after the 8.0 firmware was released.[103] On June 27, 2016, Tesla settled on a lawsuit over usability concerns, accepting that the Model X was rushed to production before it was ready,[104] and by October 2016, Tesla claimed the problems had been reduced by 92%.[105]

In 2017 Chinese newspaper Xinhua reported that security researchers from Keen Security Lab at Tencent were able to remotely gain control of the Tesla Model X, allowing them to remotely open the car's doors, blink the lights and control their brakes. They found zero day vulnerabilities that allowed them to install new firmware. The lead researcher for the team said they informed Tesla of the findings and most of the cars were patched by an update one month after Tesla was made aware of issues.[106]

Recalls

[edit]

As of April 2025, Tesla has had thirty-eight product safety recalls of the Model X:

  • On April 11, 2016, 2,700 Model X vehicles were recalled due to the third-row seats unlatching during collision testing, folding over to the second row.[107]
  • On April 20, 2017, Tesla recalled 53,000 (~70%) of the 76,000 Model S and Model X vehicles it sold in 2016 due to faulty parking brakes.[108]
  • In October 2017, Tesla issued an 11,000 vehicle recall for a faulty locking cable mechanism in the second-row seats, estimating that about 3% of recalled vehicles may be affected.[109]
  • In February 2020, 15,000 vehicles Model X vehicles were recalled due to corrosion found on aluminum bolts that attach the electric power steering motor.[110]
  • In November of 2020, approximately 9,100 Tesla vehicles, including the Model X, were recalled due to missing primer on the spine and front cosmetic roof trim. One or both trim pieces could detach unexpectedly.[111]
  • In January of 2021, nearly 135,000 Tesla vehicles, including the Model X, were recalled over malfunctioning rearview cameras. When an affected vehicle's flash memory device reached lifetime wear, some center display functions could stop working.[112]
  • In October of 2021, approximately 11,700 Tesla vehicles, including the Model X, were recalled due to the potential for the automatic emergency brake to activate unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a collision.[113]
  • In November of 2021, approximately 7,600 Tesla vehicles, including the Model X, were recalled due to a potential defect with the driver's air bag cushion.[114]
  • In January of 2022, approximately 54,000 Tesla vehicles, including the Model X, were recalled due to a flaw in the Full Self-Driving (Beta) software that allowed affected vehicles to not stop when directed to by a stop sign.[115]
  • In February of 2022, approximately 817,000 Tesla vehicles, including the Model X, were recalled. Affected vehicles would not sound a warning chime if the driver started the vehicle without buckling their seat belt.[116]
  • In February of 2022, approximately 26,700 Tesla vehicles, including the Model X, were recalled over an ineffective defrosting system.[117]
  • In February of 2022, approximately 578,000 Tesla vehicles, including the Model X, were recalled over non-compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141. The "Boombox" feature of these vehicles could obscure the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds.[118]
  • In March of 2022, approximately 940 Tesla vehicles, including the Model X, were recalled. When affected vehicles were put into reverse, there could be a delay before the rearview image would display on the touchscreen.[119]
  • In April of 2022, approximately 7,300 Model X vehicles were recalled due to potential improper deployment of the left and right side curtain air bags. When the vehicle's windows were lowered, the air bags could deploy incorrectly and increase the risk of injuries.[120]
  • In April of 2022, approximately 595,000 Tesla vehicles, including the Model X, were recalled over non-compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141. The "Boombox" feature of these vehicles could obscure the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds.[121]
  • In April of 2022, a single Tesla Model X vehicle was recalled. The second-row seat was installed without a body structure reinforcement bracket. The single vehicle was replaced for its owner at no cost.[122]
  • In May of 2022, approximately 130,000 Tesla vehicles, including the Model X, were recalled. The infotainment central processing unit (CPU) could overheat during a fast-charging cycle, causing the CPU to shut down or lag.[123]
  • In September of 2022, approximately 1,097,000 Tesla vehicles, including the Model X, were recalled due to an issue with the window automatic reversal system.[124]
  • In November of 2022, approximately 40,200 Tesla vehicles, including the Model X and Model S, were recalled. Affected vehicles could lose power steering assist after hitting a pothole or driving on a rough road.[125]
  • In November of 2022, approximately 29,300 Model X vehicles were recalled over improper deployment of the front-passenger air bag during a low-speed collision.[126]
  • In February of 2023, approximately 363,000 Tesla vehicles, including the Model X, were recalled for issues with the Full Self-Driving Beta (FSD Beta) software.[127]
  • In April of 2023, approximately 38 Model X vehicles were recalled. Weak camera signal strength could cause issues with the display of the rearview image.[128]
  • In July of 2023, approximately 15,900 Tesla vehicles, including the Model X and Model S, were recalled. The seat belts could detach from the pretensioner anchor.[129]
  • In July of 2023, approximately 1,300 Tesla vehicles, including the Model X, were recalled due to a potentially misaligned forward-facing camera. The incorrect camera angle could negatively affect the performance of emergency braking, forward collision warning, and lane assist features.[130]
  • In October of 2023, approximately 54,700 Tesla vehicles, including the Model X, were recalled. When affected vehicles had low brake fluid, the associated warning light would not display correctly.[131]
  • In November of 2023, approximately 160 Tesla vehicles, including the Model X and Model S, were recalled. An incorrect air bag may have been installed in affected vehicles.[132]
  • In December of 2023, approximately 2,031,000 Tesla vehicles, including the Model X, were recalled due to Autosteer problems.[133]
  • In January of 2024, approximately 2,194,000 Tesla vehicles, including the Model X, were recalled due to an incorrect font size on the instrument panel.[134]
  • In February of 2024, approximately 6,600 Tesla vehicles, including the Model X, were recalled because the PWS sounds were inadvertently muted by a factory reset.[135]
  • In May of 2024, approximately 125,000 Tesla vehicles, including the Model X, were recalled because warning chimes did not sound when the driver was unbelted.[136]
  • In July of 2024, approximately 1,850,000 Tesla vehicles, including the Model X, were recalled because the vehicle's software did not properly detect an unlatched hood. The unsecured hood could fly up while the vehicle was in motion, obscuring the driver's vision.[137]
  • In August of 2024, approximately 9,100 Model X vehicles were recalled because the roof trim could fly off due to missing primer.[138]
  • In December of 2024, approximately 25 Model X vehicles were recalled due to flickering flickering low beam headlights and parking lights.[139]
  • In December of 2024, approximately 294 Tesla vehicles, including the Model X and Model S, were recalled due to a defective driver's air bag.[140]
  • In January of 2025, approximately 239,400 Tesla vehicles, including the Model X, were recalled because the rearview camera could fail.[141]
  • In March of 2025, approximately 91 Tesla vehicles, including the Model X and Model S, were recalled. Affected vehicles may have had the wrong horn pad installed, preventing the horn from sounding.[142]

Safety

[edit]
NHTSA side pole crash test of the 2017 Tesla Model X
NHTSA test videos 2017
video icon Frontal crash on YouTube
video icon Side crash on YouTube
video icon Pole crash on YouTube

ANCAP

[edit]
ANCAP test results
Tesla Model X
(2019, aligned with Euro NCAP)[143]
Test Points %
Overall: StarStarStarStarStar
Adult occupant: 37.4 98%
Child occupant: 42.2 86%
Pedestrian: 35 72%
Safety assist: 12.3 94%

NHTSA

[edit]

On June 13, 2017, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced its crash testing results for the 2017-manufactured Tesla Model X, revealing 5-star ratings in all assessed categories, the only SUV to have done so.[144] Tesla attributed the ratings to safety-focused design, in addition to a low centre-of-gravity resulting from its battery pack, adding "More than just resulting in a 5-star rating, the data from NHTSA's testing shows that Model X has the lowest probability of injury of any SUV it has ever tested. In fact, of all the cars NHTSA has ever tested, Model X's overall probability of injury was second only to Model S."[145]

NHTSA 2017[146][147]
Overall StarStarStarStarStar
Frontal, driver StarStarStarStarStar
Frontal, passenger StarStarStarStarStar
Side, driver StarStarStarStarStar
Side, passenger StarStarStarStarStar
Side pole, driver StarStarStarStarStar
Rollover StarStarStarStarStar / 9.3%

Euro NCAP

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The Model X has been tested and received five stars from Euro NCAP.[147]

Euro NCAP test results
Tesla Model X (2019)
Test Points %
Overall: StarStarStarStarStar
Adult occupant: 37.5 98%
Child occupant: 39.9 81%
Pedestrian: 35 72%
Safety assist: 12.3 94%

See also

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
The Tesla Model X is a battery electric mid-size luxury crossover SUV manufactured by Tesla, Inc., distinguished by its falcon-wing rear doors that articulate upward for easier access in tight spaces, dual-motor all-wheel drive, and seating for up to seven passengers with over 2,500 liters of cargo volume when configured for five seats. Development began alongside the Model S in 2012, with production commencing in late 2015 after delays from initial targets, leading to first customer deliveries in 2016; the vehicle utilizes a shared platform with the Model S, incorporating a low center of gravity from its skateboard chassis design housing the battery pack beneath the floor. Key features include automatic door operation via sensors that detect obstacles and adjust opening paths, a panoramic windshield for enhanced visibility, and over-the-air software updates enabling iterative improvements to performance and autonomy hardware. The Model X has earned the highest crash safety ratings among SUVs tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), achieving five stars in every category and the lowest overall probability of injury of any SUV evaluated, attributed to its rigid structure, advanced battery placement, and active safety systems like automatic emergency braking. Performance variants, such as the tri-motor Plaid edition introduced in 2021, deliver 1,020 horsepower, 0-60 mph acceleration in 2.5 seconds, and an EPA-estimated range of 335 miles, positioning it as one of the quickest production SUVs while maintaining electric efficiency. Early production units faced challenges with falcon-wing door reliability and supply chain constraints, yet ongoing refinements have enhanced functionality through software and hardware iterations. On January 28, 2026, Elon Musk announced that Tesla would end production of the Model X and Model S.

Development History

Concept and Announcement

Tesla announced the Model X on February 9, 2012, at its design studio in Hawthorne, California, positioning it as the company's first all-electric SUV derived from the Model S platform. The vehicle was unveiled by CEO Elon Musk, who emphasized its role in expanding Tesla's lineup to address family transportation needs with zero-emission capabilities. Musk envisioned the Model X as an all-electric family hauler that combined the utility of a minivan, the premium styling of an SUV like the Audi Q7, and the acceleration performance of a sports car, all powered by electric motors. Initial specifications included dual electric motors for all-wheel drive, a targeted range exceeding 250 miles per charge, and seating for up to seven passengers. The design incorporated innovative falcon-wing doors for the second-row seats, engineered to open upward for easier access in confined spaces such as garages, while minimizing aerodynamic drag when closed. The announcement highlighted engineering priorities like safety, with a low center of gravity from the battery pack placement and advanced structural rigidity surpassing federal requirements, aiming to set new standards for electric vehicle practicality without compromising performance. Reservations opened immediately following the reveal, reflecting early interest in Tesla's ambition to disrupt the SUV segment traditionally dominated by internal combustion engines.

Prototyping and Initial Delays

Tesla unveiled the Model X prototype on February 9, 2012, at its design studios in Hawthorne, California, demonstrating the signature falcon-wing doors intended to enhance accessibility in tight spaces. The prototype highlighted the vehicle's crossover SUV form, aiming to blend sedan-like efficiency with greater cargo and passenger utility. Original plans scheduled production to begin in late 2013, followed by deliveries in early 2014. Development faced substantial engineering obstacles, resulting in timeline extensions. The falcon-wing doors posed challenges in achieving reliable operation, including precise sealing to prevent water ingress and noise, integration of side-impact beams for crash protection, and secure mounting of torsion springs on the aluminum roof without compromising structural integrity. Attaining a drag coefficient of 0.24 Cd, exceptional for an SUV's height and width, required optimized aerodynamics alongside an aluminum-dominant body structure evolved from the Model S to reduce mass while preserving rigidity. Scaling battery packs—such as the 85 kWh variant targeting approximately 250 miles of range—demanded adaptations for the heavier chassis, exacerbating thermal and efficiency demands during towing simulations and high-speed testing. These delays stemmed from causal trade-offs in innovating novel mechanisms and performance metrics simultaneously, prioritizing validation over accelerated rollout, unlike legacy manufacturers' iterative refinements on established platforms. Prototyping emphasized iterative testing to ensure functionality under diverse conditions, including door kinematics and powertrain thermal limits.

Production Launch and Early Years

Production of the Tesla Model X commenced at the Fremont, California factory in the third quarter of 2015, after repeated delays from the originally planned 2014 start due to engineering complexities in features like the falcon-wing doors. Initial output was limited, with only 507 units produced in the fourth quarter of 2015, of which 206 were delivered to customers. The ramp-up prioritized internal testing and employee deliveries to gather empirical data on real-world performance before wider customer rollout in early 2016. Early production faced significant hurdles, particularly with falcon-wing door calibration and body panel alignment, necessitating iterative adjustments to achieve precise fits and reliable operation. These issues stemmed from the vehicle's novel design elements, which demanded new manufacturing processes not scalable from the Model S platform, leading to what Tesla described as production bottlenecks. Tesla's commitment to vertical integration—producing key components like motors and battery packs in-house—supported long-term cost efficiencies and quality control but constrained short-term volume increases by requiring custom tooling and process refinements. The initial variants included the P90D performance model and standard 90D, offering an EPA-estimated range of 257 miles with dual-motor all-wheel drive as standard for superior traction and stability over front-wheel-drive alternatives. A 75D option with 237-238 miles of range was introduced later in 2016 to broaden accessibility while maintaining the all-wheel-drive configuration. Overall, these efforts yielded approximately 25,000 Model X units delivered in 2016, reflecting adaptive manufacturing responses to early feedback rather than aggressive volume targets.

2021 Refresh and Plaid Introduction

In January 2021, Tesla announced a significant refresh of the Model X, marking the first major update since the model's 2015 production launch and following a production hiatus during the ramp-up of Model 3 and Model Y volume manufacturing. The redesign retained the core falcon-wing door architecture and SUV proportions but introduced substantial interior revisions, including a 17-inch horizontal infotainment touchscreen oriented landscape-style, similar to those in the Model 3 and Y, which enhanced usability for certain media and navigation functions. A yoke-style steering control, resembling aircraft yokes with integrated scroll wheels and haptic buttons, replaced the traditional round wheel, aiming to reduce driver distraction through minimized physical inputs; Tesla positioned this as an evolution for advanced driver assistance integration, though early user feedback highlighted adaptation challenges in tight maneuvers. The refresh debuted the tri-motor Plaid powertrain configuration, delivering 1,020 horsepower across three electric motors—one front and two rear—for all-wheel drive, enabling 0-60 mph acceleration in 2.5 seconds under ideal conditions. This positioned the Model X Plaid as the quickest production SUV at launch, with independent drag-strip testing verifying times as low as 2.3 seconds in real-world launches, attributable to torque vectoring and carbon-sleeved rotors in the rear motors that sustain high output without thermal throttling. The vehicle's top speed reached 163 mph, constrained by aerodynamic drag coefficient limits rather than powertrain capacity, as confirmed by physics-based simulations and highway tests aligning with the 0.24 Cd rating. Battery capacity standardized at a 100 kWh pack for refreshed variants, integrated structurally into the vehicle's underbody for enhanced torsional rigidity—contributing to a 10-15% stiffness increase over prior models via direct bonding to the gigacast chassis elements—and modest efficiency gains through optimized thermal management and aerodynamics. The Long Range dual-motor version achieved an EPA-estimated range of up to 360 miles, while the Plaid's higher power draw reduced this to approximately 314 miles, reflecting trade-offs in sustained high-speed efficiency validated by cycle testing. Production deliveries commenced in October 2021 after supply chain delays, with the refresh emphasizing scalability from shared Model 3/Y components for cost-effective high performance.

2024-2025 Minor Updates

In June 2025, Tesla implemented minor refinements to the Model X, focusing on cabin comfort and efficiency without altering core powertrain or chassis components. These included enhanced insulation materials and more effective active noise cancellation, resulting in reduced wind and road noise for a quieter interior experience. The updates also introduced new wheel designs, such as the 20-inch Perihelix and 22-inch Machina options, alongside a slight EPA-estimated range improvement of approximately 5 miles on smaller wheel configurations, prioritizing aerodynamic efficiency. Pricing adjustments accompanied these changes, with a $5,000 increase applied across all trims to account for added premium features like ambient interior lighting and a front bumper camera for improved visibility in Full Self-Driving operations. The base Model X Long Range AWD started at around $86,880, while the Plaid variant reached $101,880 before incentives, reflecting sustained demand amid inflationary pressures. Software optimizations emphasized compatibility with existing Full Self-Driving hardware, enabling iterative autonomy improvements through over-the-air updates rather than physical retrofits. Earlier in 2024, incremental tweaks included lighter panoramic glass roofs with enhanced UV protection and improved brake pad thermal efficiency for Plaid models, maintaining production continuity as evidenced by consistent VIN sequencing without model-year redesignations. These enhancements prioritized verifiable gains in ride smoothness and energy efficiency over speculative overhauls, aligning with Tesla's iterative engineering approach.

2026 Refresh

The refreshed Model X for 2026 features one front bumper camera as standard equipment to enhance forward visibility for autonomous driving systems. Tesla provides a retrofit option for older HW4-equipped Model X vehicles, adding one front bumper camera and resulting in a total of one camera on the front bumper.

Production Discontinuation

On January 28, 2026, Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced that production of the Model X and Model S would end. The announcement was made via a post on the social media platform X, marking the conclusion of production for these models after more than a decade in production. This follows the minor updates in 2025 and reflects Tesla's strategic shift toward next-generation vehicle platforms.

Design and Engineering

Exterior and Aerodynamic Features

The Tesla Model X features a body design optimized for aerodynamic efficiency in an SUV form factor, achieving a drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.24 through a teardrop-inspired profile that minimizes airflow separation and turbulence. This value surpasses many conventional sedans, which often exceed 0.25 Cd, despite the Model X's overall height of 66.1 inches, as the smooth contouring, tapered rear, and integrated underbody panels reduce frontal pressure and wake effects. Key aerodynamic elements include flush-mounted door handles that retract to streamline the side profile, eliminating protrusions that would otherwise increase drag, and an active rear spoiler that adjusts position based on speed to balance downforce and resistance. The expansive panoramic windshield, extending rearward over the front seats, contributes to the vehicle's sleek glass-heavy aesthetic while providing unobstructed visibility; its curved integration aids laminar flow over the roofline. The aluminum-intensive body structure supports this design's utility, with a curb weight around 5,200 pounds enabling the form's functional stiffness without excess mass that could compromise efficiency. Falcon wing doors, employing dual electric hinges and sensors for obstacle detection, open to approximately 90 degrees or more, facilitating access in confined spaces like parking garages or airports by folding upward rather than swinging outward. This mechanism prioritizes practical ingress for rear passengers and cargo over conventional sliding or hinged alternatives, aligning the SUV's exterior with real-world usability demands.

Interior Layout and Innovative Elements

The Tesla Model X provides seating for up to seven passengers in a 5-, 6-, or 7-seat configuration, as offered in the 2019 Long Range model, with the third row accessible via falcon-wing doors that open upward to ease entry in confined spaces. The Plaid variant is only available in the 6-seat configuration. These configurations include fold-flat second- and third-row seats, yielding up to 2,410 liters (85 cubic feet) of cargo volume behind the first row when the second row is folded, offering greater versatility than sedans limited by fixed rear structures. Following the 2021 refresh, the interior features a yoke-style steering control in place of a traditional wheel, paired with a 17-inch horizontal central touchscreen that integrates vehicle controls, navigation, and entertainment functions. This setup supports over-the-air software updates, allowing iterative improvements to interface responsiveness and features without hardware changes. This minimalist, touchscreen-heavy approach reflects Tesla's design philosophy of prioritizing software over physical controls to future-proof the vehicle for full autonomy. A key innovative element is the HEPA filtration system in Bioweapon Defense Mode, which recirculates cabin air through a hospital-grade filter capable of removing 99.97% of particulate matter, as verified in controlled tests where it cleared simulated pollutants like red smoke from the interior within minutes. This mode pressurizes the cabin positively relative to the exterior, reducing ingress of external contaminants and providing measurable air quality benefits for occupants sensitive to allergens or pollutants. The panoramic glass roof further enhances spatial perception by offering unobstructed overhead views, contributing to the cabin's open ergonomics.

Chassis, Suspension, and Handling

The Tesla Model X employs a body structure predominantly constructed from aluminum, incorporating stamped panels, extruded aluminum profiles, and large cast nodes derived from the Model S platform to achieve high torsional rigidity while minimizing weight. This mixed-material design, which also includes select high-strength steel and magnesium components in critical areas, supports the vehicle's falcon-wing doors and overall structural integrity under dynamic loads. Its adaptive air suspension system automatically adjusts ride height via sensors and compressors, ranging from 5.7 inches in low mode for improved highway aerodynamics to 8.1 inches at maximum elevation, allowing the SUV to balance ride comfort with moderate off-road capability uncommon in electric vehicles of its class. This self-leveling setup provides variable damping for a compliant ride over imperfections while firming up during spirited driving. All-wheel drive with software-controlled torque vectoring distributes power independently to each wheel, enhancing cornering stability; instrumented tests have recorded lateral acceleration of up to 0.89 g on the skidpad, demonstrating capable handling for a vehicle weighing over 5,000 pounds despite its high profile. The battery pack's low placement lowers the center of gravity relative to conventional SUVs, improving rollover resistance and permitting sportier dynamics, but the added mass strains suspension components and elevates unsprung weight from heavy wheels and motors, necessitating precise tuning to mitigate impacts on ride quality and responsiveness.

Powertrain and Specifications

Electric Motors, Battery, and Drivetrain

The Tesla Model X utilizes all-wheel-drive powertrains featuring either dual-motor or tri-motor configurations, with the Long Range variant delivering 670 horsepower and the Plaid variant producing 1,020 horsepower through three independent electric motors. These motors are AC permanent magnet synchronous types, liquid-cooled with variable frequency drives, incorporating carbon-sleeved rotors in the Plaid setup to enable high sustained power output without thermal throttling during repeated high-demand operation. Permanent magnet designs achieve peak efficiencies exceeding 95%, surpassing traditional induction motors by reducing energy losses through magnetic pre-excitation, as verified in engineering analyses of Tesla's motor upgrades. The battery pack consists of a 100 kWh lithium-ion assembly using nickel-cobalt-aluminum (NCA) chemistry, structurally integrated into the vehicle's floor for low center of gravity and modular scalability across variants. Liquid cooling circulates through the pack's modules to maintain optimal temperatures, supporting consistent discharge rates and countering premature capacity fade under load—contrary to unsubstantiated claims of rapid degradation in high-performance applications, as evidenced by long-term fleet data showing retained capacity above 90% after 200,000 miles in similar Tesla packs. While Tesla has deployed larger 4680-format cells in other models for cost and density gains, Model X production has primarily retained proven cylindrical formats for reliability in low-volume assembly. The drivetrain employs a permanent direct-drive architecture with single-speed planetary gear reduction ratios tailored to each axle (approximately 9:1), bypassing multi-gear transmissions entirely to minimize mechanical losses and enable instantaneous torque vectoring between motors. The tri-motor configuration in the Plaid variant provides enhanced reactivity, stability, and performance in challenging conditions through electronic precision and torque vectoring, with software capable of deactivating motors during cruising for energy efficiency, such as switching to rear propulsion only. The motors also enable regenerative braking, acting as generators to recharge the battery during deceleration. This design avoids mechanical constraints of traditional systems, facilitating precise power delivery, brute force, and overall efficiency. Teardown examinations confirm this setup's efficiency, with power transferred via half-shafts to the wheels without clutches or variable gearing, allowing seamless reversal through motor inversion rather than mechanical shifting. This design's causal simplicity—rooted in electric motors' broad torque curves—avoids the frictional inefficiencies of conventional gearboxes, contributing to the system's overall 90%+ end-to-end powertrain efficiency under nominal conditions.

Performance Capabilities

The Tesla Model X Plaid variant, equipped with three electric motors producing over 1,000 horsepower, achieves 0-60 mph acceleration in 2.5 seconds under optimal conditions, as stated by the manufacturer and corroborated by independent drag strip testing. Independent runs have recorded quarter-mile times as low as 9.75 seconds at speeds exceeding 144 mph, demonstrating the vehicle's capability while highlighting that such performance is constrained by tire traction limits, typically around 1.1-1.2 g of lateral acceleration for standard road tires before wheelspin occurs. The dual-motor Long Range model delivers 0-60 mph in 3.8 seconds or 0-100 km/h in about 3.9 seconds per official specifications, with instrumented tests achieving 3.3 seconds, reflecting efficient power delivery from its approximately 670 horsepower setup but still bounded by similar frictional limits of the all-season tires. Real-world acceleration can vary due to factors like battery preconditioning, surface grip, and vehicle loading, as the instantaneous torque from electric motors tests the physical limits of tire-road interface without traditional gearing to modulate force. Top speeds reach 163 mph for the Plaid and 149 mph for the Long Range, electronically governed and fundamentally restricted by the vehicle's aerodynamic drag coefficient of 0.24, which, combined with its frontal area, generates substantial air resistance at high velocities according to drag force equations (F_d = 0.5 * ρ * v² * C_d * A). In towing configuration, the Model X supports up to 5,000 pounds via its standard hitch, with Trailer Mode automatically activating stability control, sway mitigation, and adjusted regenerative braking to maintain handling integrity during loaded operation. Empirical drag strip and road tests confirm stable performance under tow at moderate speeds, where aerodynamic and rolling resistance penalties are less pronounced than at highway velocities.

Range, Efficiency, and Charging

The Tesla Model X has achieved various EPA-estimated ranges across model years and variants, including 325 miles for the 2019 Long Range variant and 329 miles for the dual-motor All-Wheel Drive variant and 294 miles for the tri-motor Plaid variant in 2025 models, with maximum range approximately 560 km for the Long Range dual-motor AWD, reflecting battery capacities around 100 kWh and influences from vehicle weight exceeding 5,400 pounds, which causally increases energy demands per mile due to inertial and rolling resistance forces. Efficiency stands at approximately 33 kWh per 100 miles, equivalent to 94-102 MPGe, outperforming comparable gasoline SUVs' effective energy consumption (e.g., models like the Cadillac Escalade at 15-20 mpg, translating to far lower efficiency when accounting for well-to-wheel losses in fossil fuel chains). These figures derive from standardized EPA cycles emphasizing highway and city driving, though real-world efficiency varies inversely with load and speed, as heavier curb weight amplifies aerodynamic drag penalties at highway velocities. Charging capabilities include peak rates of 250 kW on Tesla Superchargers, enabling addition of approximately 170 miles of range in 15 minutes from low states of charge, limited by battery thermal management and voltage curves that taper after 50-60% capacity to prevent lithium plating. Home alternating-current charging supports up to 11.5 kW via the onboard charger, which in older models such as the 2024 Model X lacks the hardware required for bidirectional charging (e.g., vehicle-to-home or vehicle-to-grid), preventing its enablement through software updates alone; it remains compatible with Level 2 stations for full replenishment in 8-10 hours, prioritizing grid stability over rapid throughput. Causal factors like ambient temperature affect charging speed, with cold conditions reducing peak power by up to 50% due to slowed ion diffusion in the battery electrolyte. Empirical fleet data from Tesla indicates battery degradation of about 12% after 200,000 miles in Model X vehicles, retaining 88% capacity on average, countering exaggerated fade concerns by demonstrating chemical stability from controlled cell chemistry and usage patterns that minimize deep discharges. Real-world range variance arises from causal elements such as cold climates, which can diminish usable capacity by 20-40% via heating demands and reduced electrochemical efficiency, and high-mileage highway driving, where tire wear and alignment further erode efficiency beyond EPA baselines. These outcomes stem from the vehicle's intrinsic design, including its mass and all-wheel-drive configuration, which impose higher baseline energy needs but benefit from regenerative braking recapture exceeding 20% of kinetic energy.

Manufacturing and Sales

Production Facilities and Output

The Tesla Model X is assembled primarily at the company's Fremont Factory in Fremont, California, a facility originally established as the New United Motor Manufacturing Inc. (NUMMI) plant by General Motors and Toyota before Tesla's acquisition in 2010. This site handles production for both the Model X and Model S, sharing assembly lines with higher-volume Model 3 and Model Y variants, which constrains dedicated output for the premium SUV to prioritize mass-market demands. The Fremont plant's overall capacity supports up to 550,000 Model 3/Y units annually alongside approximately 100,000 Model S/X combined, enabling flexible scaling but revealing bottlenecks during peak production of entry-level models. Gigafactory Shanghai, Tesla's largest export hub, does not produce the Model X, focusing instead on Model 3 and Model Y with a capacity exceeding 950,000 units as of 2024. Model X units for global markets, including prior exports to China, originate from Fremont, a strategy that maintains quality control for specialized components like falcon-wing doors but limits regional output responsiveness amid trade barriers such as 2025 tariffs halting Chinese orders for the model. No dedicated expansions for Model X production have been announced as of October 2025, though Tesla's broader vertical integration—encompassing in-house battery, motor, and software manufacturing—supports efficient Fremont operations by reducing external dependencies. Quarterly output metrics underscore the model's niche positioning, with Tesla producing 17,161 units across Model S, Model X, Cybertruck, and Semi in Q1 2025, where S and X dominate the legacy lineup's contribution. This low-volume scaling, averaging under 20,000 units quarterly for S/X combined, benefits from process optimizations like integrated die-casting for structural components, though not the full underbody giga-casting applied to newer platforms. Vertical integration has yielded documented cost efficiencies, with Tesla achieving roughly 15% reductions in overall production expenses by internalizing supply chains, enabling sustained Model X viability despite shared facilities and fluctuating demand. The Tesla Model X achieved peak global sales of approximately 50,000 units in 2020, driven by expanded production capacity and early adopter demand for its falcon-wing doors and performance features. Sales declined thereafter, with U.S. figures—representing about 80% of global volume—totaling 25,050 units in 2020, dropping to 7,312 in 2021 amid supply chain disruptions, then recovering to 24,099 in 2022. By 2024, global deliveries fell to around 27,800 units, a 37% year-over-year decrease attributed to intensified competition in the luxury electric SUV segment and softening EV demand. In 2025, Model X sales continued to trend downward amid broader EV market saturation, with U.S. quarterly data showing Q1 at approximately 499 units, Q2 at 7,999 units, and Q3 estimated at around 3,592 units globally, contributing to combined Model S/X/Cybertruck deliveries of 15,933 units for the quarter. The Plaid variant accounted for roughly 20% of the Model X sales mix in recent periods, appealing to performance-oriented buyers but insufficient to offset overall volume contraction. Key demand drivers included eligibility for U.S. federal EV tax credits of up to $7,500 under the Inflation Reduction Act, which boosted early sales until phase-out risks for higher-priced trims emerged in 2025; however, post-incentive price sensitivity and hikes contributed to reduced accessibility. Competition from rivals like the Rivian R1S, offering comparable three-row capacity at lower entry prices, eroded market share, particularly in the U.S. where Tesla's luxury EV SUV dominance faced pressure from diversified offerings. Global trends reflected EV adoption plateauing, with Model X's niche positioning limiting growth compared to mass-market models like the Model Y. In Germany, a major European market, Tesla Model X new registrations totaled only 105 units in 2025 according to data from the Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt (KBA), underscoring the model's very limited demand in Europe and contributing to the overall downward sales trend. In August 2025, Tesla introduced the Luxe Package as a mandatory bundle for all Model X vehicles, increasing the base price by $10,000. The package includes Full Self-Driving (Supervised) software, lifetime free Supercharging for the original owner (non-transferable to subsequent owners or vehicles), a four-year premium service plan covering scheduled maintenance, tire and windshield protection, and premium connectivity. When trading in a Model 3 equipped with Full Self-Driving for a Model X with the Luxe Package, transfer of FSD from the Model 3 is optional since FSD is bundled in the package. According to owner reports, opting out of the FSD transfer may sometimes result in a higher trade-in offer from Tesla, potentially to avoid reductions in trade-in value sometimes associated with transferred FSD, though user experiences indicate variable results with no guaranteed or consistent discount, and trade-in values ultimately depend on vehicle inspection and other factors.

Supply Chain Dynamics

Tesla sources lithium-ion battery cells for the Model X primarily through its partnership with Panasonic at Gigafactory Nevada, where raw materials including lithium and nickel are integrated into production for cathode and anode components. This facility has produced over 7.3 billion cells and 1.5 million packs as of 2023, emphasizing localized supply chains to mitigate global dependencies. Nickel, critical for high-energy-density cathodes, is sourced via Panasonic's supply agreements, including high-nickel materials, supporting the NCA chemistry used in Model X packs. Tesla's transition toward 4680-format cells, announced in 2020, reduces reliance on cobalt by shifting to higher-nickel cathodes and tabless designs that improve energy density and manufacturing efficiency. While early Model X variants used 18650 and 2170 cells with cobalt-containing NCA chemistries, the 4680 architecture—deployed in other models and scaling for broader application—lowers cobalt dependency to near-zero in some variants through nickel-rich formulations, enhancing cost control and ethical sourcing amid cobalt supply constraints from diversified global suppliers. This in-house innovation contrasts with competitors' heavier dependence on external cell makers, allowing Tesla greater control over material mixes and production yields. Supply disruptions, such as the 2022 global semiconductor shortage, delayed Model X output by constraining microcontroller availability for vehicle electronics and battery management systems. Tesla resolved these by rewriting firmware to accommodate alternative chips from multiple vendors, avoiding production halts experienced by less agile suppliers and restoring full capacity within quarters. Battery pack costs for Tesla vehicles, including those powering the Model X, have fallen approximately 50% since 2017, driven by economies of scale at Gigafactory Nevada and process optimizations like dry electrode coating in 4680 production. This reduction—from levels around $200-250/kWh in 2017 to under $130/kWh by 2024—stems from vertical integration, yielding higher margins at volume compared to rivals reliant on pricier, fragmented supplier networks.

Achievements and Unique Applications

Acceleration Records and Benchmarks

The Tesla Model X Plaid variant, introduced in 2021, achieved an official 0-60 mph acceleration time of 2.5 seconds, establishing it as the quickest production SUV at the time of launch. Independent testing has verified even faster performance, with one timed run recording 2.3 seconds to 60 mph under optimal conditions. This capability stems from the vehicle's tri-motor all-wheel-drive configuration, which provides immediate peak torque—exceeding 1,000 horsepower—without the delays inherent in internal combustion engines, such as turbocharger spool-up or multi-gear shifts, allowing linear power delivery governed primarily by traction limits at low speeds. In quarter-mile benchmarks, the Model X Plaid set a production SUV record of 9.754 seconds at 144.88 mph in a stock configuration, surpassing Tesla's claimed 9.9 seconds and outperforming many high-end sports cars in straight-line speed. For context, this time eclipses the Lamborghini Urus Performante's 11.2 seconds, demonstrating the electric powertrain's advantage in sustained acceleration where aerodynamic drag eventually caps velocity but initial thrust remains uncompromised by mechanical inefficiencies. Earlier Model X Performance models, such as the 2016 P100D, had previously held SUV quarter-mile records around 11.0 seconds, but the Plaid's advancements in battery chemistry and inverter efficiency enabled sub-10-second runs accessible to a broader market without requiring track modifications. These benchmarks highlight the Model X's edge in real-world usability over exotic rivals, as its heavy curb weight—over 5,000 pounds—does not hinder low-end sprint due to the electric motors' flat torque curve, though top-end speeds remain drag-limited to around 163 mph. Independent outlets like Car and Driver have corroborated swift performance in base trims, testing a non-Plaid Long Range at 3.3 seconds to 60 mph, underscoring consistent execution across variants. However, such feats are traction-dependent, often requiring preconditioned batteries and prepared surfaces for peak results, aligning with physics constraints on vehicle mass and tire grip.

Integration with SpaceX Operations

The Tesla Model X serves as the designated crew transport vehicle for SpaceX human spaceflight operations, replacing NASA's legacy Astrovan for missions involving the Crew Dragon spacecraft. In May 2020, ahead of the Crew Dragon Demo-2 mission, NASA and SpaceX introduced a customized Model X featuring agency logos and SpaceX branding, which carried astronauts Robert Behnken and Douglas Hurley the approximately 5-mile distance from the Operations and Checkout Building to Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center. This integration leverages the vehicle's falcon-wing doors for easy access with bulky spacesuits and its electric powertrain for zero-emission operation in environmentally sensitive launch areas, ensuring reliable performance over the site's access roads. SpaceX and Tesla jointly confirmed the Model X's role as the standard astronaut transport for all future crewed Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy missions, with the vehicle undergoing modifications for mission-specific needs, such as enhanced climate control for pre-launch suiting. This application highlights the Model X's utility in high-stakes aerospace logistics, where precision timing and equipment compatibility are paramount, demonstrating its structural integrity for personnel handling in operational environments beyond typical consumer scenarios. Subsequent missions, including Crew-1 and beyond, continued employing Model X variants, underscoring its proven dependability in coordinating with Dragon capsule preparations. While direct payload hauling like rocket components remains outside its primary function—handled instead by specialized trucks—the Model X facilitates ancillary synergies through shared Tesla-SpaceX engineering, such as battery management principles that inform reliable, low-maintenance ground support. However, it functions as an enabler rather than a core SpaceX asset, with no evidence of routine use for heavy aerospace payloads or vibration-qualified transport of items like fairings or capsules, preserving focus on its specialized crew mobility role.

Industry Awards and Recognitions

The Tesla Model X prototype earned a Gold award at the 2015 New York Design Awards for its innovative falcon-wing doors and overall vehicle architecture. In 2016, the production Model X received the Golden Steering Wheel award in the SUV category from Auto Bild magazine and publisher Krüger Verlag, recognizing its combination of electric performance, safety features, and seating versatility among 27 finalists evaluated by a jury of 24 automotive experts. In environmental categories, the Model X shared AAA's top Green Vehicle Award in 2017 with other electrics like the Chevrolet Bolt, based on criteria including efficiency, emissions, and infrastructure compatibility. It swept AAA's 2018 Green Vehicle Awards, winning Best Overall Green Car, Best Green Car Over $50,000, and Best Green SUV/Minivan, highlighting its zero-emission drivetrain and range capabilities. The Australian Good Design Awards granted it recognition in 2017 for automotive and transport design, emphasizing engineering integration of aerodynamics, battery placement, and door mechanisms. Such design and sustainability accolades often rely on panel evaluations, which introduce subjective elements alongside empirical metrics like energy efficiency. The 2021 Model X Plaid variant set production SUV acceleration benchmarks, achieving 0-60 mph in 2.5 seconds and quarter-mile times under 10 seconds, outperforming supercars in drag tests and earning media designations as the quickest family-hauling SUV. These performance feats stem from tri-motor power exceeding 1,000 horsepower, verified through independent instrumented runs, though formal awards in high-volume sales categories have been fewer than for Tesla's Model 3 and Y, reflecting the X's niche positioning. J.D. Power studies indicate improving initial quality for Tesla vehicles post-2021, with the brand's problems per 100 vehicles dropping from 250 in 2020 to 203 in recent surveys, aiding Model X's segment ranking as a top upper-midsize premium SUV based on owner-reported quality and reliability data. These scores measure early ownership issues like infotainment and fit-finish, where empirical owner feedback shows gains from manufacturing refinements, though Tesla trails industry averages in initial quality overall.

Safety Performance

Independent Crash Test Results

The Tesla Model X achieved a 5-star overall safety rating from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in crash tests conducted on 2017 models, marking it as the first SUV to earn 5 stars across every category and subcategory, including frontal barrier crash, side barrier crash, side pole crash, and rollover resistance. This rating has carried over to subsequent model years through 2024 without structural changes warranting retesting, as NHTSA evaluations focus on vehicle architecture rather than minor refreshes. The tests demonstrated low injury risk probabilities, particularly in side impacts, where the rigid gigacast frame and energy-absorbing aluminum exoskeleton distributed crash forces effectively away from occupants. A key factor in the Model X's performance is its low center of gravity (CoG), resulting from the floor-mounted battery pack, which positions the vehicle's mass near ground level and yields a rollover resistance rating with a probability under 10%—the lowest ever recorded by NHTSA for an SUV. In rollover methodology, NHTSA measures dynamic stability through tilt-table and fishhook maneuvers, where the Model X's design prevented tipping, contrasting with higher-CoG traditional SUVs prone to instability. Frontal crash tests involved a 35 mph offset barrier impact, revealing controlled deceleration and minimal cabin intrusion due to the front crumple zones engineered around the battery's protective enclosure. In 2019, the Model X received a 5-star rating from Euro NCAP under the 2018/2019 protocol, scoring 98% for adult occupant protection—the highest in the large off-road vehicle class—and excelling in full-width rigid barrier, oblique pole side impact, and frontal offset deformable barrier tests. These methodologies assess biomechanical injury criteria like head, chest, and femur loading via instrumented dummies, with the Model X's battery-integrated underbody enhancing side pole intrusion resistance by channeling deformation outward. No significant structural updates in the 2021 refresh altered these core attributes, preserving the rating's applicability.

Autopilot and Driver Assistance Data

Tesla's quarterly vehicle safety reports indicate that, in the third quarter of 2025, drivers using Autopilot technology experienced one crash for every 6.36 million miles driven, compared to one crash for every 1.51 million miles driven without Autopilot engagement. These figures, derived from Tesla's fleet telemetry, suggest a correlation between Autopilot use and reduced crash frequency per mile, outperforming both non-Autopilot Tesla driving and the U.S. national average of approximately one crash per 670,000 miles as reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for 2023 data. The data encompasses Autopilot features available on Model X, including adaptive cruise control, autosteer, and Full Self-Driving (FSD) Supervised beta, which remains classified as a Level 2 advanced driver assistance system requiring constant driver supervision. Hardware iterations have advanced capabilities: Hardware 3 (HW3), introduced in 2019, supports city street navigation via software updates like FSD v12.x, while Hardware 4 (HW4), deployed in Model X from early 2023, enhances camera resolution and processing power for improved object detection in complex urban environments. Both rely on Tesla's vision-only approach, eschewing radar and lidar to lower sensor costs, with efficacy tested through billions of simulated miles focusing on edge cases such as occluded objects or unusual intersections. Regulatory scrutiny persists regarding causal attribution in incidents, as Tesla's metrics report all crashes involving equipped vehicles without isolating Autopilot's direct role versus driver error or external factors; NHTSA investigations into over 1,000 Autopilot-related crashes as of 2025 highlight concerns over misuse and system limitations in real-world attribution. Tesla counters that supervised engagement inherently mitigates risks, but independent verification of causality remains limited by the absence of third-party auditing of raw telemetry data.

Overall Accident Statistics

Tesla's quarterly Vehicle Safety Reports aggregate accident data across its fleet, including the Model X, reporting incidents per miles driven to enable comparisons with national averages. In Q3 2025, the company recorded one accident for every 6.36 million miles driven with Autopilot engaged, compared to one every 1.51 million miles without Autopilot and a U.S. average of approximately one per million miles based on NHTSA estimates. These per-mile metrics, derived from Tesla's vehicle telemetry, suggest the fleet's overall accident rate is lower than the industry baseline when advanced driver assistance is used, countering narratives emphasizing elevated risks from high-profile incidents. However, independent analyses, such as a 2024 iSeeCars study of NHTSA data, indicate Tesla vehicles collectively exhibit a fatal accident rate of 5.6 per billion miles driven—higher than competitors like Kia (5.5) or Buick (4.8)—potentially influenced by factors including driver demographics and urban driving patterns rather than vehicle defects. For the Model X specifically, its structural design contributes to fleet safety by minimizing certain risks inherent to SUVs. NHTSA testing has confirmed the Model X possesses the lowest rollover probability of any SUV evaluated, at under 10%, attributable to its low center of gravity from floor-mounted batteries and wide track width, which enhances stability in dynamic maneuvers. Despite its curb weight exceeding 5,000 pounds, which could amplify impact forces in collisions with lighter vehicles, empirical rollover data shows no disproportionate incidence compared to peers, with primary accident causes traced to external factors like inattention rather than chassis vulnerabilities. Insurance analytics further contextualize these statistics, with Tesla's real-time data enabling premiums that average $2,028 annually—below the U.S. mean of $2,278—reflecting actuarial assessments of reduced claim frequency tied to safety features and driving behavior monitoring. Yet, Tesla Insurance reports elevated loss ratios, exceeding 90% in recent years, primarily from high repair costs rather than increased accident volume, underscoring that while per-mile incidents remain infrequent, post-collision economics differ from traditional vehicles. Overall, these metrics highlight a fleet profile where advanced systems correlate with fewer accidents per mile than averages, though fatal outcomes warrant scrutiny against self-reported limitations and varying source methodologies.

Controversies and Criticisms

Persistent Quality and Build Issues

The Tesla Model X has exhibited ongoing fit and finish inconsistencies, such as uneven panel gaps, door misalignments, rattles, creaks, and higher wind noise at highway speeds, with these issues documented in owner reports and inspections persisting into 2024 models despite production refinements. These manufacturing variances result from tolerances in automated assembly processes that emphasize production velocity and post-build corrections over the exacting initial alignments common in legacy automakers' slower, labor-intensive lines. Falcon wing doors remain a focal point of complaints, with sensor obstructions and failures frequently occurring after rain exposure due to water ingress compromising electrical components and seals, often necessitating service adjustments. Owners also report the doors open and close slowly compared to conventional doors, and clearance issues in low-ceiling garages where sensors limit full opening. Water leaks through degraded seals and intermittent operational failures, including incomplete opening or closing, have led to repeated early-ownership interventions, as evidenced by owner accounts of doors functioning unreliably in up to half of attempts. Additionally, pre-refresh Model X vehicles (2014–2020) have been subject to owner reports of clicking, clanking, rattling, shuddering, or other noises accompanied by vibrations during acceleration, particularly under hard launches or at higher ride height settings. These symptoms are commonly attributed to the front drive unit half-shafts (including CV joints) and are addressed as an NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) condition. Tesla Service Bulletin SB-21-39-001 (originally issued May 14, 2021, with the current revision R3 dated January 19, 2024) recommends replacing both front drive unit half-shafts upon customer complaint for affected Model S and Model X vehicles. In some cases, inspection and possible replacement or repositioning of the front drive unit clevis and axle seal are required. After replacement, a break-in procedure involving repeated full-throttle accelerations from 0 to 50 mph is necessary to eliminate any initial excessive NVH before returning the vehicle to the owner. This pattern reflects a causal trade-off in Tesla's non-unionized, robot-centric manufacturing, which accelerates design iterations and volume output but introduces variability absent in traditional unionized facilities' methodical welding and quality gates, per industry analyses of Tesla's scaling pressures. Owner surveys and service data underscore higher initial visit rates for these tolerances compared to conventional SUVs, though Tesla's mobile service model mitigates some downtime.

Recalls and Defect Resolutions

The Tesla Model X has been included in 38 NHTSA-mandated recalls since its market introduction in September 2015, encompassing issues ranging from software glitches to hardware components such as seats and steering systems. These actions primarily affect model years 2016 through 2025, with Tesla issuing voluntary recalls in response to identified defects, often before regulatory mandates, demonstrating a pattern of proactive disclosure rather than concealment. For instance, on October 13, 2017, approximately 11,000 Model X vehicles from 2016-2017 were recalled to address second-row seat-back frames that could shift forward in crashes, potentially increasing injury risk. More recently, in August 2024, NHTSA ordered the recall of 9,136 Model X SUVs (model years 2020-2024) due to loose roof trim panels that might detach and create road hazards. Over 70% of Model X recalls have been resolved via over-the-air (OTA) software updates, enabling fixes without physical service visits and achieving completion rates of 99% or higher for such remedies in 2024 across Tesla's fleet, including Model X. This contrasts with traditional automakers' mechanical recalls, which often require dealer interventions and yield lower compliance due to owner inconvenience; NHTSA data for hardware-based recalls industry-wide shows correction rates around 60%, while Tesla's OTA approach facilitates near-complete adherence. Examples include the 2024 recall for hood latch sensor failures on certain 2020-2024 Model X vehicles, addressed through OTA recalibration to prevent unexpected openings, and the rearview camera delay issue affecting 239,000 vehicles including Model X, predominantly fixed remotely. Post-recall analyses of NHTSA completion reports indicate no sustained elevation in defect recurrence for addressed Model X issues, with Tesla's software-centric resolutions correlating to rapid remediation timelines—often within weeks—versus months or years for rivals' physical repairs. This efficiency stems from the vehicle's integrated computing architecture, allowing seamless updates, though a minority of hardware recalls (e.g., seat belt anchors or steering bolts) necessitate service center visits for full compliance. Overall, these processes reflect over-compliance through transparent, tech-enabled fixes rather than evasion, as evidenced by Tesla's cooperation with NHTSA in validating OTA efficacy.

Reliability Debates and Long-Term Ownership

Third-party reliability surveys have frequently rated the Tesla Model X below average, with issues in electronics and infotainment systems cited as primary concerns; for instance, the J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study reported Tesla vehicles averaging 209 problems per 100 vehicles after three years of ownership, placing the brand near the bottom of rankings due to higher incidences of body hardware and feature malfunctions compared to the industry average of 190. Similarly, What Car?'s 2024 Reliability Survey ranked Tesla 15th out of 31 manufacturers with an overall score of 91.4%, though earlier assessments highlighted persistent electronic faults in Model X owners' feedback. These metrics, derived from owner surveys, tend to emphasize subjective annoyances like software glitches over catastrophic mechanical failures, potentially amplified by selection bias toward vocal dissatisfied respondents. Owner forums and anecdotal reports often describe service interventions around 20,000 miles, including falcon-wing door mechanical issues such as sensor failures, misalignment, erratic opening, and closing malfunctions, air suspension leaks or compressor issues, HVAC system repairs, and complaints of firm suspension leading to a less smooth ride, contributing to perceptions of frequent downtime and build inconsistencies, with repairs often costly and involving long wait times. For used Model X vehicles, common concerns also encompass battery degradation, typically retaining 85-90% capacity after 100,000-200,000 miles depending on charging habits and climate, though some owners report higher rates prompting warranty claims; owner reports for 2017 Model X 100D vehicles indicate typical battery degradation of 12-15% after 8 years, with some displaying ranges of 380-400 km or lower at full charge, and degradation of 10-12% considered better than average. Air suspension problems frequently involve leaks in air springs or hoses and compressor failures due to wear or contamination, often requiring replacements around 80,000 to 100,000 miles. Such accounts, while highlighting real causal factors like complex door mechanisms prone to wear from repeated cycles, may overrepresent early-adopter experiences from production ramps, skewing toward complaint amplification on platforms like Reddit and Tesla Motors Club. In contrast, aggregated fleet data and high-mileage owner testimonials demonstrate robust long-term durability, with many Model X vehicles surpassing 300,000 miles and batteries retaining approximately 88% capacity after 200,000 miles—far exceeding typical gas SUV engine lifespans, which often require overhauls by 150,000-200,000 miles due to internal combustion wear. Tesla's design minimizes moving parts, reducing failure modes absent in traditional vehicles, and over-the-air updates have resolved numerous electronic issues remotely, earning praise from enthusiasts for extending usability without shop visits. Detractors, however, point to service center delays and towing needs during hardware faults, though empirical degradation rates averaging under 12% over extended cycles support a causal narrative of batteries outlasting vehicle bodies. Resale value retention underscores market confidence in longevity, with three-year-old Model X examples holding 50-60% of original MSRP, though the model experiences higher depreciation than traditional luxury SUVs, retaining about 37% after five years amid EV-specific pressures from rapid tech iteration. This balance reflects debates where survey biases toward minor faults clash with data-driven evidence of superior powertrain endurance, advising prospective owners to weigh OTA mitigability against potential electronic variability.

Reception and Broader Impact

Expert and Media Reviews

Car and Driver's 2025 review rated the Tesla Model X 3.5 out of 5, praising its competitive range of up to 348 miles on 20-inch wheels, tremendous acceleration from the dual-motor setup delivering 670 horsepower and 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds, and seating for up to seven passengers, while critiquing the dated design and some underperforming innovations relative to the vehicle's high price point exceeding $100,000. The outlet noted the Plaid variant's 1020 horsepower enables supercar-like performance, but handling remains merely respectable given the SUV's substantial weight over 5,000 pounds, limiting agility compared to lighter electric competitors. Edmunds awarded the Model X a 7.6 out of 10 in expert testing for recent models, highlighting its sports-car acceleration, falcon-wing doors for accessibility, and family-friendly interior space, though it acknowledged the ride's firmness and potential value erosion after Tesla's price increases. MotorTrend similarly scored it 3.8 out of 5, commending the practical cabin layout, front trunk utility, and efficient energy use supporting the EPA-estimated range, but pointed to the absence of significant updates tempering enthusiasm amid evolving SUV competition. Consumer Reports emphasized the Model X's nimble cornering and quick power delivery as strengths, with efficiency enabling real-world ranges aligning closely with EPA figures under varied conditions, yet faulted the stiff suspension transmitting road imperfections and excessive wind noise at highway speeds, which undermine luxury aspirations despite the premium positioning. Early media coverage from 2016 onward often hyped the falcon doors and all-electric drivetrain as groundbreaking, but subsequent reviews reflect a more measured assessment as rivals like Rivian and Lucid offer comparable performance with refined dynamics and interiors, highlighting the Model X's causal trade-offs from its heavy battery pack and complex door mechanisms.

Consumer Experiences and Feedback

Owners of the Tesla Model X report high overall satisfaction in structured surveys, with Kelley Blue Book aggregating consumer reviews for the 2025 model at 4.6 out of 5 stars, where 83% of 48 respondents rated it five stars. Tesla's brand-wide data from Bloomberg Intelligence indicates an 87% retention rate among U.S. owners, reflecting strong repurchase intent that extends to Model X users based on forum self-reports of repeat purchases. These figures counterbalance vocal online dissatisfaction, as empirical polling shows most owners value the vehicle's usability despite imperfections. Positive experiences center on daily driving attributes, including the silent electric powertrain that eliminates engine noise for a refined ride, and substantial fuel cost savings from home charging at approximately 5 cents per mile versus 13 cents for a comparable gas SUV assuming national averages. Owners in owner forums like Tesla Motors Club frequently highlight seamless integration with home energy setups, yielding annual savings of $500–$1,000 for average mileage compared to gasoline equivalents. Common drawbacks include persistent falcon-wing door malfunctions, such as sensor failures preventing proper opening or closing, noted in 2025 Reddit threads and repair data affecting usability in tight spaces or adverse weather. Cold weather range degradation, reducing EPA-estimated figures by 20–40% in sub-freezing conditions, fuels anxiety for owners in northern regions without reliable Supercharger access. Furthermore, long-distance travel requires advance planning around Supercharger locations, potentially increasing overall trip duration due to charging times compared to refueling in gas vehicles. Service delays, often exceeding weeks for non-urgent issues, and the absence of a spare tire—relying instead on tire repair kits or roadside assistance—exacerbate frustrations during unexpected flats. Despite these, J.D. Power's 90-day ownership metrics for the 2025 Model X reflect above-average ease of use in navigation and ingress/egress, underscoring that core functionality satisfies the majority. Some owners with large families have expressed concerns about the Model X's interior space limitations, particularly for accommodating four or more children with car seats, third-row seating usability, and trunk capacity. Forum discussions indicate challenges in accessing the third row when rear-facing car seats are installed in the second row, as the seats do not slide forward sufficiently, and the third row offers limited legroom suitable mainly for smaller children. Additionally, with the third row in use, trunk space is often insufficient for strollers or luggage on family trips, leading some to consider alternatives like larger SUVs; the second-row seats do not fold completely flat, further limiting cargo versatility for bulky items. Expert analyses confirm that while the falcon-wing doors aid car seat installation, the narrow seats and shallow third-row depth pose constraints for secure fittings and comfort in multi-child configurations.

Economic and Industry Influence

The Tesla Model X pioneered the premium electric SUV segment upon its 2015 debut and 2016 market entry, creating demand where none existed and forcing incumbents like General Motors and Ford to redirect resources toward comparable offerings, such as GM's Ultium-based SUVs and Ford's Mustang Mach-E. Despite achieving only modest volume—approximately 27,800 units sold globally in 2024, equating to less than 1% of the luxury SUV market—the model's early traction exceeded that of most hybrid SUVs in its class, demonstrating consumer viability for full EVs in a segment dominated by internal-combustion vehicles. This disruption contributed to broader EV adoption, with Tesla's vertical integration driving battery and production cost reductions that spilled over to rivals, enabling more affordable electric SUVs from startups like Rivian and Lucid. Critics have highlighted Tesla's initial dependence on regulatory credits—$11 billion in revenue from 2014 to 2024, often comprising a significant portion of quarterly profits—as evidence of subsidy reliance rather than pure market merit, though by 2025, the company's automotive gross margins exceeded 18% from vehicle sales alone, independent of such credits. Legacy manufacturers, facing existential threats from Tesla's efficiency, have countered through regulatory advocacy, including opposition to EV mandates and enforcement of dealer franchise laws that impeded Tesla's direct-to-consumer model in multiple U.S. states. These efforts, documented in global policy analyses, reflect a pattern of resistance to policies accelerating electrification, even as GM and Ford scaled back EV investments amid slowing demand post-2024 tax incentive changes.

References

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