Is the Tesla Model X Bad? [Know this before BUYING!]

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Tesla Model X Plaid

Are you considering purchasing a Tesla Model X but feeling unsure about whether it’s the right choice for you? You’re not alone. 

With so many electric SUVs on the market, it can be difficult to know which one is the best fit for your lifestyle and budget. But when it comes to the Tesla Model X, the stakes are even higher. 

As Tesla’s flagship SUV, the Model X represents the future of electric vehicles and is packed with cutting-edge features and technology. But, as with any new car purchase, it’s important to do your research before making a decision.

In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the Tesla Model X to help you determine whether it’s the right car for you. We’ll cover everything from performance and range to safety features, maintenance costs, and real-world reviews from current owners. 

By the end of this post, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of the pros and cons of owning a Tesla Model X, so you can make an informed decision before you buy. 

So, let’s dive in and explore whether the Tesla Model X is really as good as it’s cracked up to be.

Tesla Model X: Features and Specs

The Tesla Model X is one of the most technologically advanced and feature-rich electric SUVs on the market. Here are some of its key features and specifications:

  1. Design: The Model X is a sleek and stylish SUV that seats up to seven passengers. Its most notable design feature is its Falcon Wing doors, which open vertically and provide easy access to the second and third rows of seats. The exterior also features a panoramic windshield, automatic retracting door handles, and an aerodynamic body.
  2. Performance: The Model X comes with two electric motors, all-wheel drive, and a high-capacity battery pack that provides an impressive range of up to 348 miles on a single charge. The Model X can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.8 seconds, making it one of the fastest SUVs on the market.
  3. Interior: The Model X’s interior is spacious and luxurious, with plenty of high-end features and amenities. Some of the highlights include a 17-inch touchscreen display, a panoramic glass roof, heated front and second-row seats, and a premium sound system.
  4. Safety: Tesla is known for its advanced safety features, and the Model X is no exception. The SUV comes with features like Autopilot, which provides semi-autonomous driving capabilities, as well as a suite of sensors and cameras that provide 360-degree visibility around the vehicle.
  5. Charging: The Model X can be charged at home using a standard 120-volt outlet, or with a faster 240-volt outlet. It also has access to Tesla’s extensive network of Superchargers, which can charge the battery up to 80% in just 40 minutes.

Specifications: Breakdown of some of the key numbers

  • Battery capacity: 75 kWh or 100 kWh
  • Range: up to 348 miles
  • Acceleration: 0 to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds
  • Top speed: 155 mph
  • Horsepower: 670 hp

All of these features and specifications combine to make the Tesla Model X one of the most impressive electric SUVs on the market. If you’re looking for a high-performance, high-tech, and eco-friendly vehicle, the Model X is definitely worth considering.

Tesla Model X Plaid: What are the differences against Tesla Model X

The Tesla Model X Plaid is the latest and highest-performance version of the Tesla Model X electric SUV. Here are some of the key differences between the Model X Plaid and the standard Model X:

  1. Powertrain: The Model X Plaid has a tri-motor powertrain, with one motor in the front and two in the rear, compared to the dual-motor powertrain of the standard Model X. This gives the Model X Plaid more power and faster acceleration.
  2. Acceleration: The Model X Plaid can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 1.98 seconds, which is faster than any other production car on the market. By contrast, the standard Model X has a 0-60 mph time of 3.8 seconds.
  3. Top speed: The Model X Plaid has a top speed of 163 mph, which is higher than the standard Model X’s top speed of 155 mph.
  4. Range: The Model X Plaid has a slightly shorter range than the standard Model X, with an estimated range of 340 miles compared to the standard Model X’s 371-mile range. However, the Model X Plaid’s range is still impressive for a high-performance electric SUV.
  5. Price: The Model X Plaid is significantly more expensive than the standard Model X. 

Overall, the Model X Plaid is designed for customers who want the absolute highest performance and the most advanced technology available in an electric SUV. 

If you’re looking for a high-performance and luxurious electric vehicle, the Model X Plaid is definitely worth considering. However, if you’re looking for a more affordable option with more range, the standard Model X may be a better choice.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Owning a Tesla Model X?

Pros of Owning a Tesla Model X:

  1. Eco-Friendly: The Tesla Model X is an all-electric vehicle that produces zero emissions, making it a great choice for environmentally-conscious drivers.
  2. Performance: The Model X is one of the fastest and most powerful electric SUVs on the market, with quick acceleration and responsive handling.
  3. Advanced Technology: Tesla is known for its cutting-edge technology, and the Model X is no exception. It comes with a large touchscreen display, advanced safety features, and convenient remote access and control via the Tesla mobile app.
  4. Space and Comfort: The Model X has a spacious and luxurious interior, with plenty of room for passengers and cargo.
  5. Supercharger Network: Tesla has an extensive network of Supercharger stations that allow Model X owners to charge their vehicles quickly and conveniently on long road trips.

Cons of Owning a Tesla Model X:

  1. Price: The Model X is a high-end luxury vehicle, and its price tag reflects that. It’s one of the more expensive electric SUVs on the market, with a starting price of around $90,000.
  2. Range: While the Model X’s range is impressive for an electric SUV, it may not be enough for drivers who regularly travel long distances. The estimated range is around 371 miles, which is less than some gasoline-powered SUVs.
  3. Charging Time: Although Tesla’s Supercharger network is convenient, it still takes time to charge the Model X. Even with a Supercharger, it can take around an hour to charge the battery to 80%.
  4. Maintenance: While electric vehicles are generally less maintenance-intensive than gasoline-powered vehicles, the Model X may require more frequent service due to its advanced technology and features.
  5. Limited Service Centers: While Tesla’s service network is expanding, it’s still not as widespread as traditional automakers. This can make it more difficult for some owners to get their vehicles serviced or repaired.

So, the Tesla Model X is a high-performance and technologically advanced electric SUV that’s well-suited for environmentally-conscious drivers who value luxury and advanced features. 

But, it comes with a high price tag and may not be the best option for drivers who need to regularly travel long distances.

Safety Features: Is the Model X a Safe Choice for You and Your Family?

Safety is a top priority for many car buyers, and the Tesla Model X has a range of safety features that make it a safe choice for families. 

Here are some of the safety features of the Model X:

Crash Safety:

The Model X has received top safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP), with a five-star rating from both organizations. Its rigid body structure, advanced airbag system, and automatic emergency braking all contribute to its high safety rating.

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems:

The Model X comes with a range of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) that can help prevent accidents and keep you and your family safe. These include features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking.

Autopilot:

The Model X also has Tesla’s Autopilot system, which uses a range of cameras and sensors to assist with steering, acceleration, and braking. While Autopilot is not a fully self-driving system, it can make driving safer and more convenient by helping to avoid accidents and reducing driver fatigue.

Active Safety Features:

The Model X has a range of active safety features, including automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert, that can help prevent accidents and keep you and your family safe on the road.

Battery Safety:

Electric vehicles have unique safety considerations related to their battery technology, and the Model X has a range of safety features and protocols to ensure the safety of its battery system. These include redundant cooling systems, a fireproof battery pack, and advanced thermal management systems.

So, the Tesla Model X has a range of safety features that make it a safe choice for families. Its high safety ratings, advanced driver assistance systems, and active safety features all contribute to its reputation as one of the safest electric SUVs on the market.

Maintenance and Repair Costs: Are Tesla Models More Expensive to Own Than Other Cars?

When it comes to maintenance and repair costs, Tesla models have some unique considerations. Here are some factors to keep in mind:

  1. Less frequent maintenance: Unlike gasoline cars, Tesla models have fewer moving parts that require regular maintenance. There is no need for oil changes, transmission fluid changes, or exhaust system maintenance, which can save owners time and money.
  2. Battery maintenance: Tesla’s battery technology requires some unique maintenance, including periodic updates to its software and calibration of its battery management system. However, these costs are typically covered under the vehicle’s warranty.
  3. High repair costs: If your Tesla does require repairs, the cost can be higher than for traditional gasoline cars. This is because Tesla vehicles use advanced technology and parts that are not always readily available. Additionally, Tesla has its own network of authorized service centers, which may be more expensive than independent repair shops.
  4. Extended warranty options: Tesla offers extended warranty options that can provide peace of mind for owners concerned about potential repair costs. These warranties can cover up to eight years and 125,000 miles, and can be extended beyond the original warranty period.

Overall, Tesla models can have lower maintenance costs due to their fewer moving parts, but repair costs can be higher than traditional gasoline cars.

It’s important to weigh the potential savings in maintenance against the potential costs of repairs when deciding whether a Tesla model is the right choice for you.

Real-World Reviews: Tesla Model X Plaid

Final Thoughts: Is the Tesla Model X the Right Car for You?

In conclusion, the decision to buy a Tesla Model X is a complex one that requires careful consideration of a wide range of factors.

While the Model X offers many advantages such as exceptional performance, advanced safety features, and a luxurious interior, it also has some potential drawbacks, including high purchase price and maintenance costs, limited range, and charging infrastructure.

However, with the rapidly changing landscape of the automotive industry, and the increasing focus on sustainability and clean energy, the Tesla Model X represents an exciting glimpse into the future of transportation.

By owning a Model X, you are not only joining a growing community of environmentally conscious drivers, but also experiencing some of the most cutting-edge technology and engineering available today.

Ultimately, whether the Tesla Model X is the right choice for you will depend on your personal priorities, lifestyle, and budget. But with its impressive array of features and performance, it’s hard to argue that the Model X is anything other than a game-changer in the world of electric vehicles.

As you continue to explore your options and consider the pros and cons of the Model X, remember to keep an open mind and do your research.

And above all, don’t forget that the decision to purchase a car is not just a practical one, but also an emotional one. So take the time to listen to your heart as well as your head, and choose the vehicle that truly speaks to you.

PRADEEP JAYATILAKA

Pradeep is a mechanical engineer by profession. His passion for modern tech in transportation goes hand in hand with his career. He loves all things about high tech transportation. When he’s not digging into latest auto news, you can find him either working on his tech startup or playing chess with his buddies.

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