What's all this about?
Details of the production-ready Tesla Model X have been revealed. Highlights include gull-wing (or 'Falcon Wing' in Tesla-speak) rear doors, 751hp and a claimed range of 250 miles on a charge. Pricing is still to be confirmed but expected to start at about £65,000 with UK deliveries due mid-2016.
What's with those doors?
The upward opening doors are designed to give easy entry to the back seats and are said to need only 30cm of space either side to open. Sonar sensors in the doors and roof monitor the car's surroundings and adjust how far the doors open. There is also automatic opening for the driver's door.
What about the drivetrain?
A dual-electric motor set-up - shared with the Model S P85D - is fitted, which means a front motor delivering 255hp and a rear motor with 496hp. Maximum torque is 967Nm and Tesla claims 0-62mph in 3.2 seconds with a top speed of 155mph. The figures relate to the 'Signature' version, which comes with a 90kWh battery for a range of up to 250 miles. Standard '90D' models lose a little performance with 0-62mph in 4.8 seconds and a claimed 257-mile range.
Anything else we need to know?
The Model X's drag coefficient of 0.24 is said to be the lowest of any SUV and lower than many cars. Weight is quite high at nearly 2.5 tonnes - heavier than a Range Rover Sport Hybrid - but the battery pack is mounted under the floor giving 'ideal weight distribution for exhilarating performance and superior handling'.
The interior is based on the Model S's with a 17-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Cabin air is filtered via a system said to be capable of delivering 'medical grade air'.
Tesla has designed the Model X to be 'the safest car on the road' with autonomous emergency braking, a side collision detection system, plus forward-facing camera, radar and sonar sensors. Wireless updates will be used to enhance the car's safety systems while crash protection is provided by stiff, aluminium pillars and a large front crumple zone.
John Lambert - 1 Oct 2015