The 2023 Tesla Model X is making a comeback this year. A lot of improvements have been made to the new model. Plus, you won’t have to pay an extra $700 for the traditional round steering. The starting price of the base trim has been reduced by $20,000 in order to make it more affordable.
Read on the detailed 2023 Tesla Model X review!
The Best of Tesla Model X
- It has insane acceleration and power.
- Tesla Model X offers three rows of seating.
- You get access to the premium Supercharger network of Tesla.
- The base trim has an impressive range of 348 miles.
The Worst of Tesla Model X
- The price is still on the higher end.
- Build quality isn’t as good as it used to be.
- Large Windscreen lets in too much sunlight.
Price of a Tesla Model X and Trims
Model X is offered in two different trim levels. The basic trim is called just Model X, whereas the higher trim will be called Model X Plaid. Tesla offers a lot of upgradation and customization options in both variants.
2023 will see a significant drop in the price of the Model X. The pricing of the base Model X starts at $101,380 instead of $122,440. On the other hand, the pricing of Model X Plaid is set at $111,380, unlike last year, where it was priced at $140,440.
There isn’t much of a difference between the prices of both trims. This is mainly because most of the features remain the same. The major difference between Model X and Model X Plaid is the acceleration, motor power, and overall performance. We will highlight these differences in detail in the upcoming sections.
Motor Power, Performance, and Top Speed
Tesla Model X is one of the faster electric cars on the market. The base variant of the Model X is powered by dual motors. One motor is placed on the rear axle, while the other one is located on the front axle. The dual-motor version can produce 670 hp at a considerable amount of torque.
The company claims that AWD base Model X can go from 0 to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds. However, independent testing has revealed that Model X can do much better than that. During real road testing, Model X breached the 60 mph mark in less than 3.5 seconds which is quite amazing.
The aerodynamic shape of the Model X is the major reason behind such spectacular performance statistics. The overall design is in line with the aerodynamic elements such as wheels and tires. Tesla Model X boasts a drag coefficient of just under 0.24 Cd. This not only aids the mighty performance of Model X but also helps to increase the range.
The other variant of Model X, X Plaid, is powered by three motors instead of two as if the dual motor variant was any slow. The three motors of Model X Plaid produce a ginormous 1,020 hp combined. This takes Tesla Model X from zero to 60 mph in less than 2.5 seconds. Hopefully, this claim will also hold during real road testing.
Range and MPGe
Tesla Model X is not only the fastest but also the longest-range electric car. It is among a few cars that boast a driving range close to the 350-mile mark. Please read our article on the longest-range electric cars. With a 100 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, the range figures of the Model X are quite impressive.
The base variant of the Tesla Model X gives a driving range of up to 348 miles. On the other hand, the range for Model X Plaid drops to 333 miles. This is mainly due to the load of triple motors. If you see at the power difference between both variants and then at the range drop, it would seem quite insignificant.
Model X has one of the best MPGe figures for a Tesla sedan. According to EPA estimates, Model X will give an MPGe of 107 in the city, 97 on the highway, and 102 combined. This is mainly why Tesla Model X is able to go longer miles despite having an average-sized battery pack.
Battery Size and Charging Time
As I already mentioned, Tesla Model X comes with a standard lithium-ion battery pack of 100 kWh. The best and fastest method of charging any Tesla car is the Tesla Supercharger. Here you can add up to 175 miles of driving range in only 15 minutes. But it isn’t recommended to always use a Tesla Supercharger as repeated usage can adversely impact the life of your battery pack.
The slowest and most basic method of charging your Tesla Model X is at home. You can add approximately 11 miles of driving range using a single-phase wall plug with 3.7 kW AC power. In total, it would take somewhere between 30-32 hours to charge the battery pack up to 80%. It is important to note that charging the first 80% takes nearly 60% of the total time to charge a battery.
At a Level-II charging station, you can charge your Tesla Model X in about 7 hours. The home charging solutions provided by Tesla offers a quick charging service. The maximum AC charging power is capped at 18 kW. At this rate, you can add up to 50 miles per hour. So, it should take no more than 7 hours to replenish the battery.
For details read our article on charging time and charging costs of Tesla Model X.
Interior Design and Cargo Space
The Model X has the interior of the future. It is loaded with a bunch of high-tech features. You are greeted with a 17-inch touchscreen with a left-right tilt. The central screen offers 2200 x 1300 resolution, true colors, and exceptional responsiveness for gaming, movies, and more. Model X also offers the world’s largest panoramic windshield for a better user experience.
The infotainment screen of the Tesla Model X is a treat for gamers. They can play the most advanced games. The system provides up to 10 teraflops of processing power for in-car gaming, which is on par with today’s latest gaming consoles.
The Yoke steering of the Tesla Model X is a bold new approach to steering. It offers a better feel and an unobstructed view of the road ahead. The air-conditioning system of the Model X is powered by tri-zone climate control. The AC vents are hidden to enhance the user experience. Things such as ventilated front seats and HEPA filtration come standard.
To make your travel experience more soothing with music play, Tesla Model X offers a 22-speaker, 960-watt audio system. The system features an active road noise reduction function. It offers the best listening experience no matter where you are.
Tesla Model X has one of the most versatile cargo spaces for an SUV. You can extend the cargo space up to 92 cubic feet by folding the rear seats. It offers three rows of seating. However, the third row of seating isn’t as spacious and comfortable as the first two. Still, Model X appears in results while looking for a 7-seater car.
Exterior and Dimensions
Aerodynamic is the first word that comes to your mind when you see the exterior of the Model X. The curves on the body give an aesthetically pleasing look. The attention to detail in the exterior design of the 2023 Tesla Model X is quite amazing.
A minimal gap between wheels and wheel domes ensures that no air is trapped inside. Things like falcon doors and pop-out door handles are the highlights of the exterior. Tesla Model X is laced with 20 x 9/9.5-inch wheels and all-season tires.
The wheelbase extends up to 116.7 inches, while the length, width, and height of the Model X are 198.3, 78.7, and 66 inches, respectively. The curb weight of the Model X is around 5,390 lbs with a 100 kWh battery pack.
Safety Rating and Features
Tesla Model X is the first SUV ever to achieve a 5-Star rating in each testing category and sub-category of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. This goes on to show that Tesla has always prioritized safety as a brand. There is more than a 93% probability that the driver and passengers will walk out without any serious injury in case of a crash.
The autonomous driving features of Tesla are no secret. Autopilot enables your car to steer, accelerate and brake automatically within its lane under your active supervision. It assists the driver with the most burdensome parts of driving, reducing driving fatigue and anxiety.
Final Verdict, Should You Buy Tesla Model X?
The new 2023 Tesla Model X is not much of an upgrade in comparison to its predecessor. To our surprise, the starting price has been reduced by more than $20,000. But even after the price cut Model is quite expensive. Cheaper options are available on the market.
However, the performance and smart features of Tesla are simply not matched by any brand. So, you will have to pay extra for that speed, joy, and soothing driving experience. What do you like the most about the all-new 2023 Tesla Model X? Would you like to buy it? Let us know in the comments below.