Tesla confirms Model X range-opener

TESLA will introduce its Model X SUV as an entry-level 60D variant from $111,900 plus on-road costs, which represents a $3600 premium over the equivalent Model S five-door large luxury liftback.

The price inclusive of the luxury car tax increases to $122,812.20, with on-road costs varying depending on the state or territory.

Tesla is expected to hold first drives of the Model X for media and buyers “in the coming months” according to a company spokesperson, with the first customer deliveries set for late-2016.

It is unclear how many reservations Tesla is holding for Model X in Australia but the order books have been open since early-2014.

The announcement of the base 60D variant follows the reintroduction last month of the Model S 60 and 60D which lowered the price of entry to the range.

Pricing for the rest of the range is expected to be announced in the coming months and the line-up will also include the 75D, 90D and the P90D performance variant. A Model S P90D costs $165,800 before on-roads, which means a Model X version would likely attract a premium.

The Model X will be priced to compete with more traditional premium large SUVs such as Audi’s Q7 ($96,300-$103,900), the BMW X5 ($86,200-$185,510), Mercedes-Benz GLE ($86,900-$189,900), Volvo XC90 ($89,950-$122,950), Range Rover Sport ($90,900-$174,700) and Porsche Cayenne ($107,900-$287,500).

All Model X variants will feature the dual-motor all-wheel drive system as standard, while the Model S is offered as a single-motor rear-drive in base 60 versions.

The Model X 60D has a 355km electric range from its 245kW/525Nm electric drivetrain, helping it reach 100km/h from standstill in 6.2 seconds and on to a top speed of 210km/h.

In 75D guise, the Model X electric range increases to 417km but all other performance figures mimic the 60D, while the 90D has a 489km range, a 5.0s 0-100km/h sprint time and a 250km/h top speed from its 311kW/660Nm powertrain.

Topping the range is the P90D, producing a combined 346kW/830Nm – or 397kW/967Nm in its much hyped Ludicrous mode – for a 467km range, 250km/h top speed and 4.0s 0-100km/h time that drops to 3.4s when Ludicrous mode is engaged.

In a media release, Tesla’s Australian arm described the Model X as “the safest, quickest and most capable sport utility vehicle in history” and said that the range will give buyers “the flexibility to choose the Tesla model, price point and range that best fits their lifestyle”.

As already reported, the Model X is a seven-seat SUV that features Falcon Wing doors that open above the car, allowing for easier access to the second and third row, according to the EV-maker.

Sensors detect the Model X’s proximity to other vehicles, walls or low ceilings and adjust the opening of the doors accordingly to avoid damage.

Tesla offers Model X buyers free access to its Supercharger network that is dotted along the eastern seaboard, maps and navigation with real time traffic information and regular over-the-air updates to safety, nav and performance features.

It will be offered with autonomous emergency braking, a side collision avoidance system, a blind-spot warning, parking sensors, LED headlights power folding heated exterior mirrors, keyless entry, power tailgate, what Tesla says is the largest panoramic windscreen/sunroof in production, a front trunk that has room for a pair of strollers or a golf bag and 2180 litres of storage capacity inside when it is in six-seat configuration.

Its 5029mm length, 3061mm wheelbase, 1999mm width and 1684mm height are similar to the Audi Q7’s 5052mm length, 2994mm wheelbase, 1968mm width and 1741mm height.