Tesla’s electric Model X SUV almost ready for the road

Jonathan Fairfield · September 30, 2015

Tesla’s electric Model X SUV almost ready for the road

It’s been a long time coming – but after many delays Tesla’s Model X electric car is getting ready to hit the road.

It’s a significant moment for the luxury SUV market – and Tesla’s glitzy but rare launch events have been compared to Apple’s.

The new car was first unveiled three and a half years ago. Now customers who pre-ordered them are seeing their new cars for the first time.

Compared to the Model S, Tesla hopes the Model X will attract new kinds of customers. It’s taller and wider, with space for up to seven passengers and unusual doors that open vertically.

The company intends to expand production – even though making two cars at the same time at its California factory presents new challenges.

Shipments of the new car have been delayed several times. The big test for Tesla will be whether it can meet its production objectives.

Prices for the new electric car are expected to start at around $80,000 (71,000 euros) – $5,000 more than the Model S – with top-of-the-range models likely to cost up to $144,000 (128,000 euros).

Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk commented recently on the Volkswagen emissions scandal, reportedly saying it was time to give up on fossil fuels and embrace new technology.

Source: http://www.euronews.com/2015/09/29/tesla-s-electric-model-x-suv-almost-ready-for-the-road/

-- (c) Copyright Euronews 2015-09-30

Tywais · September 30, 2015

IMHO · September 30, 2015

Lots of charging points out in the deserts, jungles and tundra's of the world. yep.

I guess the biggest challenge it's up for is speed bumps - so long as they're not big ones, as it doesn't have the ground clearance for them

Edited September 30, 2015 by IMHO

Tywais · September 30, 2015

JaseTheBass · September 30, 2015

Stupid doors. They'd never open anywhere outside the US as the parking bays are too narrow.

Aparently, it's been designed with women drivers in mind (as they make up 80% of the US customer base), hence it being fecked.

Sviss Geez · September 30, 2015

Stupid doors. They'd never open anywhere outside the US as the parking bays are too narrow.

Based on the video demonstration of the doors opening successfully in a restricted parking area you're wrong.

JaseTheBass · September 30, 2015

Stupid doors. They'd never open anywhere outside the US as the parking bays are too narrow.

Based on the video demonstration of the doors opening successfully in a restricted parking area you're wrong.

More than likely.

JaseTheBass · September 30, 2015

I bet they don't cal it the Model X thought...

IMHO · September 30, 2015

Look at the height of the open door compared to the woman. That ain't opening in a Thai carpark.

Tywais · September 30, 2015

Look at the height of the open door compared to the woman. That ain't opening in a Thai carpark.

Screen Shot 2015-09-30 at 14.33.17.png

They'll just modify the supercar spaces in the malls to accommodate.

Berkshire · September 30, 2015

Look at the height of the open door compared to the woman. That ain't opening in a Thai carpark.

Screen Shot 2015-09-30 at 14.33.17.png

That concept didn't work too well for the DeLorean either back in the day.

empireboy · September 30, 2015

What's the point of a door like that?

The Deerhunter · September 30, 2015

What's the point of a door like that?

Looks cool. Back to the future might have been one of the inventor's fave movies. I'll never get to own one. Rich (wo)man's toy only.

Doc46 · September 30, 2015

How much extra is this car costing than a Normal car? were are all the Charging Stations? How much does it cost to Charge the car? How much does it cost to make the Electricity?Is the Electricity made from GREEN power?How much Extra is the Maintenance cost? In my Book Electric cars and Trucks and Buses are a Disaster,,,Why do you think,,,You wait The electricity companies will have a ball,, Price will go Up and Up ,The machines are going to be more expensive to run/operate and maintain than on normal fuel /gas.

IMHO · September 30, 2015

I bet they don't cal it the Model X thought...

I wouldn't put money on that one mate. It's the Tesla Model X. really.

JaseTheBass · September 30, 2015

I heard that Ford own the rights to the name and it will be released as the Model 3.

IMHO · September 30, 2015

I heard that Ford own the rights to the name and it will be released as the Model 3.

https://trademarks.justia.com/861/27/model-86127168.html

BSJ · September 30, 2015

A 7 seater! What are we talking 7 midgets?

And from a design point of view, the rear doors are atrocious! And the gas struts look like they came off a Toyota van!

It a lot of money for a personal mode of transportation.

SpokaneAl · September 30, 2015

Tesla makes magnificent, state of the art electric automobiles. If the price is a bit too steep, and you want an electric vehicle, stick with the Prius or Nissan Leaf. Tesla making leading edge works of art for those who can afford and desire such a car. I doubt that they considered the parking challenges of Thailand when they developed the design.

SpokaneAl · September 30, 2015

It is truly a piece of art.

http://www.cnet.com/uk/videos/elon-musk-unveils-the-tesla-model-x/

IMHO · September 30, 2015

I doubt that they considered the parking challenges of Thailand when they developed the design.

I'm sure you're right... But they also didn't consider the garage most of their American buyers would park it in either.

"Sorry kids, you'll have to get out in this rain/sleet/snow because we can't open the doors inside our warm, insulated Garage" Oops.

I'm all for art. This is form over function though.

Edited September 30, 2015 by IMHO

Naam · September 30, 2015

Look at the height of the open door compared to the woman. That ain't opening in a Thai carpark.

Screen Shot 2015-09-30 at 14.33.17.png

That concept didn't work too well for the DeLorean either back in the day.

it worked very well for this car:

IMHO · September 30, 2015

Look at the height of the open door compared to the woman. That ain't opening in a Thai carpark.

Screen Shot 2015-09-30 at 14.33.17.png

That concept didn't work too well for the DeLorean either back in the day.

it worked very well for this car:

300 SL Gullwing.jpg

Yeah, but only for those with arms long enough to reach the handle

And, because this was a car you elected not to drive in rain and snow...

Imagine how wet the insides of the Model X will be when you need to open those rear doors in the rain

Even Benz went back to conventional doors on the SLS when renaming it the AMG GT.

Edited September 30, 2015 by IMHO

SpokaneAl · September 30, 2015

I doubt that they considered the parking challenges of Thailand when they developed the design.

I'm sure you're right... But they also didn't consider the garage most of their American buyers would park it in either.

"Sorry kids, you'll have to get out in this rain/sleet/snow because we can't open the doors inside our warm, insulated Garage" Oops.

I'm all for art. This is form over function though.

Did you watch the video? The doors seem to open just fine in very tight spaces.

Naam · September 30, 2015

Yeah, but only for those with arms long enough to reach the handle

And, because this was a car you elected not to drive in rain and snow...

Imagine how wet the insides of the Model X will be when you need to open those rear doors in the rain

Even Benz went back to conventional doors on the SLS when renaming it the AMG GT.

this car was driven in rain, sleet and snow in the small German town i grew up by a 22-year old who inherited a huge brewery after his parents died in an accident. a year later he bought the same 300SL model but the convertible which he used to drive roof down when the weather allowed it. cost at that time between 32,000 and 35,000 Deutsch Marks (equivalent to the cost of a normal single family home including land).

can you imagine the awe and green envy of me and my friends being 14-15 years old at that time?

Even Benz went back to conventional doors on the SLS when renaming it the AMG GT.

the last batch of gullwing models (final edition) is still built but sold out. prices of delivered cars have risen >50% when the limitation of 350 units was announced end of 2013.

SpokaneAl · October 1, 2015

And you don't have to worry about reaching any handle. Push a button and it opens or closes. And the front driver's door senses when the driver walks towards it and opens and closes automatically.

IMHO · October 1, 2015

I doubt that they considered the parking challenges of Thailand when they developed the design.

I'm sure you're right... But they also didn't consider the garage most of their American buyers would park it in either.

"Sorry kids, you'll have to get out in this rain/sleet/snow because we can't open the doors inside our warm, insulated Garage" Oops.

I'm all for art. This is form over function though.

Did you watch the video? The doors seem to open just fine in very tight spaces.

Yeah I did. If only they'd show us one where the roof was actually low like a real garage (esp. one with a panel lift door + motor) - then you'd see it needs a 4M wide berth to open.

Example, when they can only raise up this much:

they then need to go out much, much wider.

Anyways, I suppose you could just decide your 2 car garage is now a 1 car garage

Edited October 1, 2015 by IMHO

luk AJ · October 1, 2015

Importtax for Tesla in Thailand is 80%. According to the country list this is the highest in the world!

IMHO · October 1, 2015

Importtax for Tesla in Thailand is 80%. According to the country list this is the highest in the world!

Malaysia charges 200% import duty for non-ASEAN CBU passenger cars. Less for Vans, 4WD's and commercial vehicles though.

In the case of the Model X, I guess it would depend on how they class it.

luk AJ · October 1, 2015

Importtax for Tesla in Thailand is 80%. According to the country list this is the highest in the world!

Malaysia charges 200% import duty for non-ASEAN CBU passenger cars. Less for Vans, 4WD's and commercial vehicles though.

In the case of the Model X, I guess it would depend on how they class it.

malaysia 39% in the list I found..http://www.dutycalculator.com/dc/188489781/cars-motorcycles/other-vehicles/electric-cars/import-duty-rate-for-importing-car-tesla-model-s-from-united-kingdom-to-thailand-is-80/