The long-awaited Tesla Model X SUV officially unveiled (video)

After several delays, US carmaker Tesla had promised the official unveiling and delivery of the first Model X vehicles in the third quarter of 2015, and this took place at its Fremont factory this morning, with the first cars from the „Founders Series“ delivered to their owners.

After the Model S, the Model X is only Tesla's second mass-produced model, but it is also the first production SUV with a purely electric drivetrain. Customer confidence in the Tesla phenomenon is such that, as of today, more than 27,000 customers have ordered the vehicle, with a base price of USD 132,000, without seeing the final version in advance. The official specifications and photos suggest that this will not be a bad choice.

From 0 to 100 in 3 seconds

Like the Model S (on the market since 2012), the Model X is also available with two motors (the D version), giving it all-wheel drive without a mechanical connection between the axles. Thanks to the motors being located directly on the axles, the Model X can also be ordered with 7 seats and a front luggage compartment.

In the 90D version, it has an EPA-rated range of 257 miles (413 km), while the top-of-the-range P90D has 250 miles (402 km). Acceleration from 0 to 96 km/h in 3.2 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h are truly impressive figures for an SUV, complemented by the vehicle's low centre of gravity and the complete silence and smoothness of its electric drivetrain.

The vehicle's total weight reaches almost 2.5 tonnes, and although its drag coefficient, Cx, is only 0.24 for an SUV, a car of this size cannot be called truly environmentally friendly. Such a vehicle should not consume energy in large quantities, which the Model X naturally will due to its size and weight, especially if its owner makes use of its performance. However, Tesla places considerable emphasis on energy savings, so the Model X is fitted with an active spoiler to improve aerodynamics at high speeds.

A look from the future

From the beginning of development, there had been mention of the upward-opening „Falcon wing“ doors, somewhat modelled on the Mercedes 300 SL Gullwing from the 1950s, its current successor the SLS, and the DeLorean. At first, it might seem that they would pose a problem in car parks, as they would take up a great deal of space alongside the vehicle.

However, as can also be seen in the video, the wings automatically fold with the help of sensors and only open fully where there is no risk of collision. They should need a gap of around 30 cm and 6 to 7 seconds to open. Convenient access comes at the cost of being unable to fit a roof rack, but for its anticipated family use, a bike or ski rack can be mounted on the tow bar.

During the presentation of the Model X, Elon Musk focused most on its safety – the vehicle received five stars in every IIHS test, something no SUV has achieved so far (it should be added that US crash tests are more demanding than EuroNCAP tests).

In addition, the Autopilot feature will be available at extra cost. While it does not yet offer fully automated driving, it is nevertheless an advanced active safety system.

Given its purchase price, an exclusive interior is a matter of course, including a 17-inch LCD display in the centre of the dashboard, GPS with real-time traffic information, a windscreen extending into a panoramic roof window (Tesla says it is the largest window ever fitted to production cars), frameless front windows, 17 speakers with a total output of 560 Watts, and much more.

The Model X's combustion-engine competitors will include the new Bentley Bentayga, which can even exceed 300 km/h, the BMW X6 and the Porsche Cayenne. Audi is preparing the electric Q6 model, while Rolls-Royce and Lamborghini are also considering producing luxury SUVs, which customers apparently want. Tesla's major advantages are its modern design, rapidly expanding Supercharger charging network and the prestige of its name.

First driving video and presentation of the Model X