You have to think that Elon Musk was glued to NASA’s live web streaming of its big Mars’ announcement Monday morning.
A little over 24 hours later, it was Musk who had the world logging into his big Tesla Motors announcement.
And while no one knew for sure that NASA would reveal the discovery of — at least they think — running water on the red planet, it was no secret that Musk would reveal the electric vehicle company’s third model — the Model X. He even delivered a handful to a few lucky buyers Tuesday night at the live event in Fremont, California.
The photos here, released by the company in conjunction with Musk’s web show, aren’t too exciting as we’ve all seen what the large SUV looks like. It has made the rounds at auto shows for over a year now. Likewise those rear gullwing doors. No surprise there.
But what has been revealed are some of the numbers behind the Model X. And yes, some of them are ludicrous. To wit: a zero to 97 km/ time of 3.2 seconds; top speed of 250 km/h; a 0.24 drag coefficient, according to Musk the lowest of any SUV in history; the first electric vehicle with a 5,000 lbs. (2268 kg) tow capacity; Signature Model X comes with a 90 kWh battery providing a driving range of 402 km on a single charge; 17 speakers.
Designed with Tesla’s electric vehicle architecture, Model X’s floor-mounted battery gives the vehicle a low center of gravity and ideal weight distribution for exhilarating performance and superior handling.
Model X comes standard with an active spoiler that automatically adjusts to three positions for maximum visibility and efficiency. According to Tesla, under 70 km/h, the spoiler is positioned so the driver can see above and below it. At higher speeds the spoiler partially retracts for improved highway efficiency and optimizes the vehicle’s lift distribution. In addition, Model X is the only car with an active spoiler equipped with a center-high-mounted stop lamp (CHMSL).
Dual motors digitally and independently control torque to the front and rear wheels to give Model X all-wheel drive.
Tesla reports that according to their internal crash tests, Model X will receive a 5-Star safety rating in all categories. If so, it will be the first SUV to ever do so.
According to the company, “Not needing a big gasoline engine under the hood, Model X has a large crumple zone to absorb the energy of a high-speed impact. The battery’s location on the floor gives Model X an extremely low center of gravity, reducing the risk of rollover common in most SUVs. Aluminum pillars reinforced with steel rails protect occupants and the battery while improving roof stiffness.”
Model X also comes standard with automatic emergency braking and side collision.
Also on the safety front, every Model X carries a forward-looking camera, radar, and 360-degree sonar sensors to enable advanced autopilot features. Tesla’s over-the-air software updates regularly improve the sophistication of these features, enabling increasingly capable safety and convenience features like Autosteer and Autopark, and bringing the Model X ever closer to autonomous operation.
Tesla also says the Model X is the world’s cleanest SUV on the inside, too. The front fascia is designed with a functional duct that pushes air through the first true HEPA filter system available in an automobile allowing medical-grade air to fill the cabin, no matter what is going on outside.
Model X Falcon Wing doors aren’t just really cool looking but also, Tesla says, offer unprecedented convenience, entry, and maneuverability. The wing doors open up then out, requiring only 30 cm of space on the side of the vehicle. Each door is equipped with capacitive, inductive, and sonar sensors to monitor surroundings and avoid contact with obstacles around the car, making it possible to park in tight spots.
The industry’s first auto presenting door automatically opens and closes as the driver approaches or exits Model X.
Monopost seats move independently, sliding and tilting forward and back to allow passengers easy access to the third row and give them plenty of foot room when they sit down.
The windshield in Model X stretches up and over the front seat occupants. Second row passengers get a first row vantage point with an expansive view ahead, atop the falcon wing door, and beside them. The windshield’s solar tint transition completes the modern and open feel.
Model X also provides space for passengers and cargo. With three rows of seats, a front and rear trunk, and room under the second row seats, there’s room for people, luggage, and big things like surf boards and bikes.
It might not be as world-changing as water on Mars, but the new Model X is certainly a bit of a game-changer in the sport luxury SUV category.
No Canadian pricing was released, nor was a delivery date for Canadian customers.
