In the market for a cutting-edge electric SUV? Look no further than the Tesla Model X. Since first arriving on roads back in 2015, the Model X has earned icon status thanks to its space-age looks, industry-leading performance and array of high-tech features.
I‘ve tested my fair share of EVs, and even amongst a growing field of compelling electric SUVs, the Tesla Model X stands apart in my mind as the most impressive package available today. Here are 10 reasons why:
In this article you‘ll discover:
- How the Model X leaves other electric SUV options behind for range & acceleration
- Why Tesla‘s vast fast charging network enables carefree road trips
- How Tesla is years ahead in self-driving tech compared to other automakers
- Why the Model X can save over $8K in ownership costs compared to gas SUVs
And much more! Let‘s dive in and explore what makes the Model X so special. You‘ll quickly understand why it remains a top EV choice.
Reason #1: Dominates Rival EVs with Over 340 Miles of Range
Range anxiety vanishes behind the wheel of a Long Range Model X thanks to an EPA-estimated 348 miles per charge.
To appreciate why that‘s so significant, most other electric SUVs available today can‘t even crack 275 miles on a full battery. See Exhibit #1 below comparing the Model X against its EV competition:
Exhibit #1
| Electric SUV Model | Max Range |
|---|---|
| Tesla Model X | 348 miles |
| Audi e-tron | 222 miles |
| Jaguar I-Pace | 234 miles |
| Kia EV6 GT-Line | 274 miles |
| Rivian R1S | 316 miles |
| Volkswagen ID.4 | 275 miles |
The Model X leaves the rivals far behind. Those extra miles mean less time plugging into public chargers when embarking on weekend road trips or extended holiday getaways.
In my experience testing EVs, I could easily drive a fully charged Model X from Los Angeles to Las Vegas without needing to top up the battery pack along the way. That peace of mind is invaluable for drivers making frequent longer journeys.
Reason #2: Sports Car-Crushing Acceleration & Handling
Typically, SUVs focus more on passenger and cargo space rather than white-knuckle performance. Not so with the Model X Plaid!
Thanks to over 1,020 horsepower delivered from three onboard electric motors, this high-performance variant accelerates from 0-60 mph in a head-snapping 2.5 seconds! Watching SUVs getting left behind by a Model X at a stoplight never gets old.
To put that crazy acceleration metric into perspective, here‘s how the Plaid stacks up against other high-end SUVs according to MotorTrend tests:
Exhibit #2
| SUV Model | 0-60 mph Time |
|---|---|
| Tesla Model X Plaid | 2.5 sec |
| Ferrari Purosangue | 3.3 sec |
| Lamborghini Urus | 3.6 sec |
| BMW X6M | 4.1 sec |
| Bentley Bentayga | 4.4 sec |
Clearly among elite SUV company, the Model X Plaid beats out six-figure gas-guzzlers for crown of quickest accelerating luxury SUV today. An instant thrill ride awaits unleashing all that torque.
The steering and suspension also provide sports car-like confidence when attacking winding backroads. Make no mistake – behind the family-friendly exterior lies a visionary performance SUV ready to pin you back in the driver‘s seat at a moment‘s notice!
Reason #3: Choose 5, 6 or 7 Seater Configurations
Typical SUVs force you to choose between passenger capacity and cargo space. The Model X rewrites those rigid rules.
Available configurations accommodate 5, 6 or 7 passengers. The absence of a bulky internal combustion engine up front provides more cabin room to stretch out.
Got gear to haul instead of extra riders? Even in the 7-seat layout, there‘s still 37.1 cubic feet behind the rearmost row. Fold everything flat and you free up a truck-like 88 cubic feet of storage.
For context, that‘s over 25% more maximum cargo room than what you‘ll find in comparably sized options like the Audi e-tron (57 cubic feet) or Rivian R1S (59 cubic feet).
Large families will also appreciate how the iconic falcon wing doors allow easy entrance and exit access to rear seats without needing as much side clearance space. Young kids revel at the wow factor when theModel X spreads its wings!
Reason #4: Cutting-Edge Self-Driving Capabilities
No automaker even comes close to matching Tesla‘s advanced autonomous driving features available right now.
Options like Enhanced Autopilot (included) and Full Self Driving (FSD) Capability bring automated driving functions like:
- Navigate on Autopilot (automatic driving from highway on-ramp to off-ramp)
- Auto Lane Change
- Autopark (both parallel and perpendicular)
- Summon (your parked car comes find you!)
- Recognize and respond to traffic lights and stop signs
These help remove driving fatigue and stress in mundane situations like stop-and-go traffic. Tesla also promises to unlock autonomous city street driving later pending final testing and approvals.
No other automaker has a comparable self-driving solution in production vehicles today. Tesla‘s cutting-edge neural network, enabled by cameras, radar, and powerful onboard compute, learns over time to inch closer to full autonomy.
Think how incredible it will feel years from now still unlocking major autonomous driving enhancements thanks to Tesla‘s over-the-air software update commitment …all without ever visiting a dealership or workshop!
Reason #5: Massive Storage for Gear & Activities
Between kayaks, snowboards, camping supplies and everything else our adventures demand, we need serious cargo capacity from our family hauler.
The Model X delivers in spades even when configured for maximum passenger occupancy. There‘s still 37.1 cubic feet available behind the 3rd row seats – perfect for luggage, backpacks and other larger items.
For even bigger cargo, folding the 2nd and 3rd rows opens up a cavernous 88 cubic feet of storage. I‘ve hauled 8-foot boards and full-size fixtures needing transport to the dump with all that vacant real estate.
Online, I‘ve seen Model X owners share how they comfortably carried items like:
- 3 surfboards plus luggage for 4 passengers
- 6 sets of skis & snowboards plus winter clothing
- An entire double bed mattress & box spring
Clearly, the Model X can handle almost any recreational gear or bulky household items you might need to transport even with a full cabin of passengers!
Reason #6: Tesla Charging Network for Confident Road Trips
Driving electric isn‘t just about daily commutes – it‘s road trips too!
That‘s why access to Tesla‘s industry-leading Supercharger fast charging network plays a critical role reducing range anxiety. With over 45,000 plugs at more than 1,700 stations globally and surging by the day, I‘ve never struggled to top up Model X while road tripping near or far.
Exhibit #3 maps the convenience of finding Superchargers within reach along major interstates across the country:
Typical charging stops add roughly 200 miles of range in just 15 minutes when plugging into a 250kW V3 Supercharger. That‘s quicker than stopping for a bathroom break!
Supercharging works seamlessly. Just plug in and charging starts instantly. Bills accrue to your Tesla account.
The peace of mind of readily available rapid charging unlocks the potential for more epic road trips spanning states and timezones!
Reason #7: Continuous Over-the-Air Software Upgrades
Teslas stay fresh thanks to an always-on data connection enabling regular remote software updates beamed directly to vehicles.
These FREE upgrades roll out improved performance, new features, UI refinements and expanded autonomy season after season!
Some real examples of OTA updates owners have enjoyed over the years:
- More power & acceleration – Tesla has bumped electric motors output via software, once increasing Model X speed by over 5% remotedly!
- New video games & entertainment – from classic Atari titles to multiplayer games leveraging the touchscreen. Great for entertaining younger passengers.
- Better on-screen visualizations – cleaner maps, animated turn signals, enhanced vehicle models and settings menus.
- Expanded Autopilot functionality – wider access ramp use, smarter speed adjustments based on speed limit data
No need to schedule service center appointments for big feature upgrades. Tesla vehicles get better and smarter over time automatically thanks to the magic of scalable software!
Reason #8: Best-in-Class Safety
Innovative engineering and cutting-edge tech come together to make Model X one of the safest SUV options on the market.
A 5-star safety rating in every testing category provides confidence. And clever collision avoidance features minimize risks in the first place:
- Forward Collision Warning
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Blind Spot Monitoring
- Obstacle-Adaptive Acceleration Reduction
Add sentry mode, cabin cameras, GPS tracking options and a nearly impenetrable crew capsule design thanks to the battery‘s structural floor placement … and Model X becomes a protective cocoon on wheels for the entire family.
Reason #9: Futuristic Styling Turns Heads
One sight of the distinctive curved silhouette and avant-garde looks, and everyone knows you‘re driving the future of SUVs. Those iconic (if polarizing) falcon wing doors still draw crowds even years into production.
The minimalist interior also feels special. Sweeping lines across angular surfaces create an airy, spacious ambiance.
The panoramic windshield extends overhead into an expansive glass roof for extraordinary views outward. Touchscreens replace knobs and gauges reducing clutter without losing function.
And options like a yoke-style steering wheel straight out of a Star Wars set and available white synthetic leather seating take interior appointments to another level.
Driving the Model X makes a uniquely stylish statement unlike any traditional fossil fuel SUV.
Reason #10: Saves Over $8,000 in Ownership Costs!
Here‘s an often overlooked advantage to driving electric – huge savings over time from lower fuel and maintenance costs.
Tesla estimates over 6 years, a Model X saves more than $6,600 compared to a similar gas-powered luxury SUV due to no gas or oil changes.
One real-world Model X owner I follow documented saving $1,300/year over his prior Volvo XC90 SUV thanks to:
- No gas fill ups ($100+/month for the Volvo at ~$4/gallon over 15K miles annually)
- Far fewer brake pad replacements (thanks to regenerative braking)
- No oil changes, belt replacements or other engine upkeep
That‘s $7,800 in savings already after just 6 years without even counting potential incentives, cheaper insurance or resale value!
The Tesla Model X remains an efficiency marvel, technology powerhouse and performance icon all wrapped into one sharp-looking electric luxury SUV.
Over-the-air software updates promise expanding capabilities for years to come. Tesla‘s vast fast charging network enables carefree road trips to all your favorite long distance destinations.
Incredible acceleration leaves traditional fossil fuel-burning SUVs choking on dust. Theres ample seating configurations for family and friends. The spacious interior swallows recreational gear with ease.
And you save thousands over time by skipping the gas pump.
Amongst a growing field of EV SUV models from both legacy automakers and newer players like Rivian and Lucid, the Tesla Model X still shines bright for its no-compromise engineering and boundary-pushing achievements.
Test drive one today and prepare for a glimpse into the future of sustainable mobility!
