Tesla has officially unveiled the all-electric Model X ‒ the new four-wheel drive crossover ‒ at the company’s design studio in California. According to Tesla, the Model X will blend the best of a SUV with the benefits of a minivan.
The Model X will be offered with a choice of two battery packs, rated at 60 and 85 kilowatt-hours. Depending on battery-pack specification, the Model X can travel 160-300 miles on a full charge.
The Model X will come with three drivetrain configurations: rear-wheel-drive, dual motor all-wheel-drive and the Performance dual motor all-wheel drive. The second motor enables more than all-weather, all-road capabilities: it increases torque by 50%. When outfitted with AWD, the Tesla Model X should be able to accelerate from zero to 60mph in less than five seconds.
An interesting feature of the Model X are the rear doors, dubbed by Tesla “Falcon Wings”. These doors are quite similar to the famous Gullwing doors of the iconic Mercedes 300SL and the SLS. A major benefit of these doors is the fact they could be opened in tight spaces while offering better access to the rear and third row of seats. On the inside there is room for a total of seven adult people. Another remarkable feature is the huge touchscreen in place of all the conventional controls.
According to Tesla CEO Elon Musk, the price tag of the Model X will be similar to the Model S sedan, which will cost $ 57,500 in the United States. Production of the powerful, environmental friendly family car will begin late 2013, deliveries will start early 2014. Tesla expect to produce between 10,000 and 15,000 units of the Model X annually. More details will be announced as production nears.
