2020 Tesla Model X Electric

The 2020 Tesla Model X carries forward the simple trim hierarchy comprising two trim levels, Long Range, and Performance models. The 2020 Model X Long Range starts at $79,990 while upgrading to the Performance version raises the prices to $99,990. 

The only difference that separates the Long Range and Performance variants range and performance. The Long Range comes equipped with a 100-kWh lithium-ion battery, two electric motors, and all-wheel drive. The Model X Performance adds a larger electric motor and Ludicrous Mode which enables faster acceleration. Rest both variants share similar features.

Which Trim should you buy?

As much as we love the Ludicrous Mode on the Performance trim of the Tesla Model X, the price difference is too steep to justify the added cost. Yes, you do get your money’s worth when looking for the added thrill, but the Long Range makes infinitely more sense as both have similar standard features. 

With an EPA estimate of 99 MPGe in the city and 93 MPGe on the highway, the Tesla Model X Long Range manages a driving range of 328 miles. The Model X Performance has a range of 305 miles and gets 90 MPGe in the city and 89 MPGe on the highway. The Model X is yet to face more competition, but as of right now, we do believe that the Model X offers not just speed but also a ton of practical range as well.

As has been the trend in all other metrics, Tesla has an advantage over all other EV’s even when it comes to efficiency which is just bonkers. Not only is the Tesla quicker, but also more frugal! Who would have known, you can now have your cake and eat it too! Even when the variant with the longest range is not taken into comparison, it performs very well. 

"Aside from its panoramic windshield, Falcon Wing rear doors, and extra cargo capacity, the Tesla Model X SUV is essentially identical to the Tesla Model S sedan." - Kbb.com

If you have never been inside a Tesla before, it can be a really jarring experience to sit inside one, but it is still the most technologically advanced vehicle out on the market. Many would be very cautious of the white upholstery, but if we are to believe present owners, the oleophobic coating on them makes them hassle-free to clean. The minimalist dash design that is similar to the Model S is also something that one needs to get used to but we have to iterate that it does look mighty futuristic.

The seats are decently comfortable in all rows, but we would have appreciated some better lateral support. The jaw-dropping panoramic roof extends and merges ever so effortlessly with the windshield giving the occupants an uninterrupted view of the sky. Although, as pretty as it is to look at, it can sometimes be a pain when you have the sun being a little too aggressive since the sun blinds are useless in every regard. Ingress and egress are pretty decent and although the falcon doors are definitely more of a show feature than actual function, we aren’t too critical of their operation. The second row could have done with better headroom for taller passengers while the last row is best reserved for kids.

The Tesla not only offers an extra row of seats (although only suitable for children) but also the most amount of storage space which makes it extremely practical. Yes, we do prefer the interiors of the Audi due to the sheer upgrade in quality and feel-good factor, but if we are honest, most people thinking of getting their first EV might just prefer the futuristic-looking Tesla cabin. Some interior features include:

• Five, six, or seven-passenger layout
• Six cupholders
• Simulated leather upholstery
• Glass roof
• Minimalist dashboard design

What’s there to keep you entertained in the 2020 Tesla Model X?

The star of the Tesla Model X’s cabin has got to be the monumental 17-inch portrait-oriented infotainment screen that is essentially the brain of the entire machine. Tesla chooses to do away with as many hard buttons as possible and integrate functionality in the touch screen which does make the cabin appear highly minimalistic. Although newer Teslas now feature a landscape-oriented display, we believe that we need to wait about a year before the Model X can also boast of the same. Talking about the interaction experience, the Model X’s infotainment is an eye-opener in the world of automobiles as it has some serious processing power!

Animations and transitions are silky smooth and loading times seem like a thing of the past, the touch response is nothing short of brilliant and if you aren’t too bothered with this command system being the sole form of input in the cabin, then the Model X has everything else beat hands down. One glaring omission in this otherwise brilliant experience comes in the form of the lack of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay since Mr. Musk believes that Tesla employs more sophisticated tech in their systems but we would be lying if we said that we didn’t miss the convenience. Some of the more notable infotainment features are mentioned below:

• Online Streaming Services(Netflix, Hulu, etc.)
• Camp Mode (Access to Climate Control to sleep or camp within)
• Dog Mode (Displays a message and climate control temp when a pet is left alone inside.)
• Vehicular Controls
• Residual Battery Monitoring
• 14 Speaker Audio System
• Driving Mode Access
• OTA Updates
• Satellite Maps and Voice Control

"The bulbous Model X looks like a Model S that went on a cake-and-ice-cream binge, but at least the interior remains a simple, elegant affair." - TheCarConnection.

The Tesla Model X is quite the attention grabber even though it is quite stealthy in its outlook. Yes, the overall silhouette of the Model X is rather minivan-esque, but the amazingly pretty falcon doors and the lack of a front grille make it stand out quite evidently. The rolling front windshield and typical Tesla styling make it unapologetic about its design and we certainly dig it.

The lower ground clearance could serve to be a problem for some but we don’t think buyers actually would want the Model X for Overlanding adventures.

The exterior of the Audi somehow is just too good to look away from and the I-Pace itself is a fantastic machine to gawk at too. When it comes to the Tesla though, we do have some mixed thoughts since, although we do like the overall Tesla aesthetic, it just can be a little ugly sometimes. We still can’t rubbish the fact that many consumers like futuristic over pretty when it comes to EV’s, and for this, Tesla should ideally be “the choice”. Some of the other exterior features that make the Tesla Model X stand out are as follows:

• 3 Position dynamic LED turning lights
• LED headlamps and fog lights
• 2" Receiver for hitch-mounted bike and ski carriers
• Self-presenting front door
• Falcon wing rear doors

Safety is one of the top priorities when a Tesla is under development and all the care taken through the development is evident the moment you view the list of safety features on offer. Not only does the Model X offer one of the most sophisticated forms of input-less motoring, but it also is loved by the NHTSA which gives it a perfect 5-star rating, as well as five stars in the frontal crash, side crash, and rollover tests. Some of the more notable safety features on offer in the Tesla Model X are as follows:

• Tesla Autopilot Suite
• Radar Guided Cruise Control
• 360 Degree Cameras
• Lane Change Assist
• Lane Departure Warning
• Forward Collision Warning
• Blind Spot Monitoring
• Automated Emergency Braking
• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
• Pedestrian Monitoring

2020 Tesla Model X vs 2020 Audi e-tron

Getting right at it, the Audi e-Tron is definitely one of the prettiest EV’s out there and smokes Tesla by a significant margin. Not only does it look much more proportionate, but it also has exterior elements that don’t make it stand out as an out-and-out EV which can be a good thing for many. Sadly that is pretty much what it has going for it since even though the e-Tron is a brilliant vehicle when it comes to range and performance, the Tesla has a significant upper hand.

Yes, we also do believe that Audi somehow has a classier interior and noticeably better quality of materials used for construction but the Model X would likely be refined via OTA through your own which isn’t something that can be ignored.

2020 Tesla Model X vs 2020 Jaguar I-Pace

Jaguar has definitely left us impressed with the Jaguar I-Pace as even with their first EV attempt, they have sent some ripples to the Tesla headquarters. The I-Pace is stunning to look at, engaging to drive, loaded with tech, and all in all one of the best EV’s on the market right now.

We would definitely suggest potential buyers give the I-Pace a serious consideration before deciding on your next purchase as it can genuinely give Tesla a run for their money.

The Tesla Model X might be a little older than most of its competitors and is due for at least an interior refresh pretty soon, but that just goes to show how much of a lead Tesla has in the EV space that everybody is simply trying to catch up. Yes, we are well past the stage where Tesla was the only thing you looked at when you switched to an EV, but even today is there something that in its entirety is better than the Model X or any Tesla for that matter in the EV space?