It is completely absurd to deny it: Tesla Motors knows a thing or two about electric cars. Its products have withstood all the criticism and tests that the automotive industry has thrown at them, but the plan of Elon Musk and company has never been to rest on their laurels. In February 2012, Tesla presented the Model X, technically the first electric CUV on the planet. The first deliveries began this week, and despite its high price, everything seems to indicate that it is worth every penny.
A Long-Awaited Arrival
Some call it a "crossover" or "CUV". Others, a "luxury SUV". Calling it a "utility vehicle" sounds too simple for what it offers, but it is typical among Tesla cars: they are hard to define. However, the difficulties for the Model X were not limited to its identification. Let’s see: Elon Musk’s original plan was to deliver the first units in early 2014. This was moved to the end of that year, to fulfill the delivery of 20 thousand Model S units, but it was in November 2014 when the second delay was confirmed, postponing the debut of the Model X to the third quarter of 2015. Finally, the Model X is a fact, and to be honest... Tesla Motors made a spaceship.
Performance and Features
The Model X is available with different lithium battery packs (70, 85 and 90 kW/h), but even with a weight higher than that of a Model S (an eight percent difference), this CUV can do a "0 to 100" in just 3.2 seconds (in its Ludicrous mode). The EPA established its range at 257 miles, something like 413 kilometers on a single charge, and although it seems unbelievable, it can carry a maximum of seven people. The doors, baptized "falcon doors" by Tesla Motors, require a minimum of 30 centimeters to open, a negligible value compared to other similar doors. The Model X is packed with sensors that allow it to detect any potential obstacle and avoid bumps when the doors open, and as if that were not enough, it received a Class 3 towing capacity, which translates to about 2.2 tons.
Biohazard Protection and Pricing
Some media reported that the Model X also has a mode to resist bacteriological attacks... and they are not exaggerating. According to Musk himself, the Model X has a HEPA filter that in its maximum protection mode can provide air quality similar to that in a hospital operating room, keeping at bay viruses (there are doubts about this), bacteria, and spores. Logically, there was no lack of a portal that came out to complain about the overall quality of the presentation for the Model X, expecting a much more elaborate public debut, but the value of a keynote is irrelevant if the product finally delivers what it promises. Want one? Well, you need at least 132,000 dollars, and wait between eight and twelve months if you order today.
