Guest
Thanks: Silent Auto @Silent-Auto 2023 Tesla Model X Starting at $ Highs: Long-range battery, brutally quick and insanely quick powertrains, recharges quickly on road trips. Lows: Too spartan inside for the price, below-average build quality, steering yoke controller is a pain. Verdict: For these prices, you should get a lap-of-luxury interior along with the stellar performance but the Model X offers only mediocre appointments and a side helping of Tesla-style gimmicks. Overview The 2023 Model X offers the performance and cachet that comes with the Tesla brand name but its gimmicks aren’t as compelling these days. The luxury electric crossover segment has expanded and now includes better options. Three X models are offered, starting with the dual-motor Standard Range SUV, which makes 670 horsepower and offers a 269-mile EPA-rated driving range; the more expensive Long Range model comes with a 348-mile driving range estimate. The performance-oriented Plaid model costs a lot more but makes an astounding 1020 horsepower and still can go up to 333 miles between charges. We’re impressed by its brutal acceleration and great driving range. Beyond that, though, we question the value of the Model X when you consider its cabin doesn’t provide the high-end luxury ambiance one expects with a six-figure price tag. New EV SUV entrants such as the BMW iX and the Rivian R1S are cheaper, fancier, and nearly as quick. What's New for 2023? The Model X gets a new key card for 2023, but if you want the older style car-shaped fob, you can add it as an option. A regular steering wheel also returns as a no-cost option (a $700 retrofit is also available for current owners). Tesla has also reintroduced a Standard Range model with a cheaper starting price and a 269-mile driving range. Otherwise, the Model X carries over to the new year with no changes. Pricing and Which One to Buy Long Range: $81,630 Standard Range: $90,130 Model X Plaid: $110,130 The Plaid model with its three electric motors is sure to deliver insane acceleration but its speed is mighty expensive. And its 333-mile estimated driving range isn't as good as the less expensive Long Range model, so we'd save the cash. The Long Range Model X offers up to 348 miles of estimated driving range and is still mighty quick. EV Motor, Power, and Performance The base Model X comes standard with two electric motors—one at the front axle and one at the rear—which enable all-wheel drive. This setup is plenty swift: Tesla claims a zero-to-60-mph time of 4.4 seconds but we beat that in our testing with a run. The 1020-hp three-motor Plaid high-performance variant boasts a claimed zero-to-60-mph time of 2.5 seconds, but we haven't verified its acceleration times at our test track yet. When we tested the Model S Plaid—the Model X's sedan platform-mate—it managed a viscera-compressing zero-to-60-mph time. The X’s handling is respectable, but its party trick is the strong acceleration generated by its electric motors. Interior, Comfort, and Cargo A stark and nearly buttonless interior design is classic Tesla. The driver faces a digital gauge display and a unique yoke-style steering controller, which is often frustrating to use and difficult if not impossible to get used to. At least a regular steering wheel is available as a no-cost option. Also unique is the Model X's windshield/glass roof that runs seamlessly from the base of the hood and up and over the front-seat passengers for a nearly uninterrupted view of what's ahead and what's above. Despite these whiz-bang features, the Model X's cabin leaves us wanting, especially considering its price can easily break the six-figure barrier, with non-descript air vents, misaligned panels, and flat-backed seats that don't offer enough adjustments. Read More 📌 Instagram ▶ 📌 Tiktok ▶ @cartvpress
