2019 Tesla Model X features in UAE

While plug-in hybrids were a common sight in the world market, fully-electric ones were almost non-existent. Back then, which is less than a decade ago, electric vehicles (or EVs) weren’t very popular. Almost none of them were exciting enough plus their range was quite poor. However, when Tesla entered the market with the Model S in 2012, all of that began to change rather quickly. And it happened again in 2015, which is when the Tesla Model X went on to hit the streets. Unlike its sedan sibling on which it’s based, the Model X was designed as an SUV.

With the raging success of the Model S, the Model X soon took flight and orders came pouring in. Despite the many delays and several technical bugs that plagued the Model X, today, it’s one of the most in-demand EVs around. In fact, in Dubai, the Model X is quite a common sight as it’s also used extensively by Uber. As for its rivals, the Tesla Model X can be paired against the Audi Q7 or Range Rover Sport.

Exterior

Where the Model S looks pleasing and well-proportioned, the Tesla Model X isn’t quite that beautiful. Its bulky and rounded shape means it looks more like a minivan rather than an SUV. The front of the Model X is characterized by its steeply-raked windscreen, a vast sloping hood, stylish LED headlamps with their Tesla-special LED DRLs, a narrow slit up front with the brand logo, and a chunky bumper with a centrally-placed air dam and some position lights along the sides.

The Model X’s bulbous and rounded side silhouette highlights its low-drag profile. Then there’s the plastic body cladding, flush door handles, turbine-design 20-inch alloy wheels, sleek wing mirrors, and the fantastically fascinating “falcon doors”. The chubby rear end houses a massive tailgate, an active rear wing, trendy 3D-styled LED taillights and an air-diffuser integrated beefy bumper. The Tesla Model X measures 5.037 meters in length, 2.271 meters in width, 1.676 meters in height, and its wheelbase stands at 2.964 meters. Also, with all the seats folded down, it can haul up to 2,180 liters of cargo.

Interior

As with the Model S, the primary theme inside the Tesla Model X is that of minimalism and clean design. This is clearly evident by the sheer lack of a million-odd buttons, switches, and dials. The Model X’s interior is also a technological tour de force. This is point brought forth by the massive 17-inch high-definition touch-display in the dash and a fully-customizable digital instrument console display. There’s also acres of space in all rows, except for the third row which isn’t that great.

Getting in and out is pretty easy, and the seats are fairly comfortable. However, the overall build quality and fit & finish aren’t that great, though far from terrible. The Model X comes equipped with adaptive cruise control, automatic climate control, a power tailgate, Google Maps navigation, all-round parking sensors and cameras, internet connectivity, leather upholstery, and tons more. Its safety catalogue includes 8 airbags, rollover stability & traction control, and collision detection, among others.

Engine and performance

The 2.5-ton Tesla Model X P100D uses dual electric motors with a combined output of over 700 hp and 1,070 Nm of torque. With the advantage of all-wheel drive and Tesla’s “Ludicrous Mode” launch control, the Model X can hit 100 km/h in just 3.1 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h. The maximum range of the P100D with the performance package is 542 km.

Verdict

The 2019 Tesla Model X costs from between AED 349,125 and AED 602,070 for the 75D and P100D, respectively. Meanwhile, insurance starts from AED 5,442 for the base trim.