Tesla Model X Gets the Plaid Treatment: 1,020 HP & 340 Mile Range
“They’ve Gone to Plaid“
Ever feel like the Model X wasn’t fast enough as an SUV? Yeah, neither did we. Regardless, Elon Musk and his crew at Tesla have juiced up their lightning fast Model X by adding a third electric motor into the mix. You know… for those who feel like the “standard” Long Range model’s measly 670 hp isn’t enough. They’ve gone from Ludicrous to Plaid, and it’s only fitting that Tesla’s spaceship of an SUV receive more of the Model S Plaid’s interior touches as well.
Elegance in simplicity… and more tech
The Model X’s interior was pretty minimalist before. With just two screens, one for the instrument cluster and the other for all of the car’s controls, Tesla’s digital approach to interior design has always been a polarizing one.
The once vertical 17-inch center screen now takes a more traditional horizontal widescreen orientation. The screen looks more visually integrated to the dashboard and flows with the horizontal wood accent that stretches across the front half of the cabin. The new horizontal screen is also potentially safer to use than the vertical one it replaces, as it sits higher in the field of view and doesn’t require the driver look down to access vehicle controls.
We wouldn’t call the outgoing model’s interior cluttered, but the new Model X’s interior further refines an already simple design: replacing smaller elements with large sweeping ones. An obvious example of which are the once separate vents that have now been combined into a sleek single unit that sits atop the wood accent trim. Combined with the less curvaceous dashboard allowed by the now horizontal screen, the two elements ground the cabin and give it more visual weight.
The center console also takes a simpler approach, removing the two-panel cushioned armrest for a more traditional single piece unit. The new Model X also gets a wireless charging cubby that sits underneath the center screen and is molded for two smartphones. Tesla has also equipped the SUV with multi-device bluetooth and USB-C fast charging capable of powering tablets and laptops for all passengers. Tesla is really capitalizing on gaming in their Model X marketing, touting ten teraflops of processing power and wireless gaming from any seat – as the rear seats now get their own dedicated screen as well.
Last, but definitely not least, the extremely controversial yoke steering wheel from the Model S Plaid makes its debut on both Model X trim levels. We can’t imagine making multi-point turns is very fun with this yoke, but it sure does look cool.
Refined exterior
Not much has changed on the Model X’s exterior. The design remains mostly the same, with small refinements made to the front and rear bumpers – adding cleaner lines while improving aerodynamics. New wheels are also available with performance tires to increase handling while reducing rolling resistance. Overall, Tesla has taken the same approach with the exterior as they did with the interior: simpler and more elegant design.
Two Trims: Long Range & Plaid
Starting from the top, we’ve got the new Plaid trim making its way to the Model X. Plaid gets you 1,020 hp, 340 miles of range, a 0-60 mph time of 2.5 seconds, and will set you back $121,190 before government incentives and after destination fees.
The Long Range trim makes 670 hp, 20 more miles of range at 360 miles, a 0-60 mph time of 3.8 seconds, and comes in at $99,990 pre-incentives and post-destination fees. The new Long Range model has 42 miles more range than the outgoing Model X Long Range.
Fans of the Model S Plaid and its record-setting performance on the Nürburgring will also notice that the Model X Plaid is significantly slower and has lower range. In comparison, the Model S Plaid hits 0-60 mph in 1.99 seconds and has 396 miles of range – 50 miles more than the Model X Plaid. This is most likely due to Model X being much heavier and having a higher drag coefficient. Regardless of its performance deficit against its sedan sibling, the Model X Plaid still holds the title of fastest production SUV. Both models are available to order now on Tesla’s website.
