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Tesla Model X review: The icon flaps its wings

Tesla Model X article image
Picture: TechnikNews
(Post picture: © 2024 TechnikNews)

If someone describes the Tesla Model X as an icon of electromobility, there is usually little to say against it. It has been almost thirteen years since the fully electric SUV with its unmistakable gullwing doors was presented to the public, and three years later the first vehicles rolled off the production line. Since then, at first glance, the Model X has hardly changed on the outside. But as we all know, it is what's on the inside that counts. I tested in detail for a week what Tesla can offer today with the Model X.

Conclusion: The coolest electric car with a painful flaw

It's not easy to outdo the Tesla Model X in terms of coolness. Here, the Tesla shines across the board: The look is futuristic, the interior is modern and minimalist, and the range of functions is unrivaled. The Tesla operating concept requires some time to get used to. At first glance, many functions seem complicated or awkward to use - but it quickly becomes clear that Tesla has found an unconventional but well-functioning alternative for almost all of these cases. The driving performance is outstanding, and the long-distance suitability is more than guaranteed.

Unfortunately, the Model X is disappointing when it comes to autonomous driving. For years, European customers have been fobbed off with makeshift software that has long been out of date by the competition. The otherwise very good driving comfort is seriously dampened here.

Anyone who wants to afford the Tesla flagship will have to pay at least €97.990 for the basic model, and €112.990 for the Plaid model. In this price category, Tesla is no longer a lone fighter; there are other exciting cars here that also have their strengths. Nevertheless, the Model X is still a great premium electric car that sets the tone in many areas.

The ultimate eye-catcher

Falcon-Wing-Doors

Although the Model X has been rolling down the streets for almost a decade, it still inevitably attracts the gaze of astonished passers-by. Press a small symbol on the 17-inch touch display and the spectacular "Falcon Wing Doors" at the rear of the vehicle open. The entry area for the rear row of seats opens more or less synchronously with the mouths of astonished observers. "Don't open it in the garage!" is often the first well-intentioned piece of advice when the amazement has faded. But no need to worry: Several sensors in the doors ensure that they do not hit the garage wall or vehicles parked next to it. When Tesla introduced the unusual door concept in 2012, they promised that getting in would be even easier than with conventional doors. Apart from the fact that you occasionally bump your head and the doors take longer to open, that may even be true.

Tesla Model X front gullwing doors

Picture: TechnikNews

Futuristic design – even today

In the past, Tesla has only had to make very few design adjustments to its premium Model S and Model X vehicles. Why? Because the design has not aged and still makes a futuristic impression. The missing grille is a good example of a trend started by Tesla that is increasingly found in new vehicles from other manufacturers and is therefore still very current.

Otherwise, little has changed from the early Model X. With the 2021 model year, small adjustments were made to the light signature, and the chrome trim strips were replaced with matte black ones.

Minimalist interior

The biggest changes to the new Model X were visible in the interior. Here, the vertical touchscreen gave way to a horizontal display, the angle of which can be adjusted. The horizontal orientation of the display makes it easier to consume media such as Netflix or YouTube, and with the 960 watt premium sound system in the rear, the Model X comes surprisingly close to a movie theater. Tesla attracted a lot of attention with the Yoke steering wheel, which was initially offered without an alternative to a round steering wheel. After much criticism regarding the difficulty of handling with the Yoke, Tesla finally offered a round steering wheel, and the Yoke now even costs extra. The test car also came with a round steering wheel.

Tesla Model X wing doors from the inside

Picture: TechnikNews

operating concept with familiarization period

Steering column lever? You don't need it

Tesla likes to take the adjective "unconventional" to the extreme. One example of this is the lack of a steering column lever behind the steering wheel. Instead, the indicator is activated using two touch-sensitive buttons, and the gear is selected using the touchscreen. The indicator is particularly confusing in roundabouts, as the steering wheel is usually turned the wrong way round when exiting and the position of the indicator buttons is therefore swapped. However, as you always exit the roundabout to the right and the indicator button is always the same, you eventually figure out where to press.

When it comes to gears, Tesla offers the so-called "Smart Shift" as an alternative to swiping on the touchscreen, which can be particularly annoying when turning. The vehicle uses the movement and camera data to recognize whether it can drive forwards or backwards and only needs the driver to tap the brake to confirm. When maneuvering, the Model X automatically changes gear when the brakes are applied and the steering wheel is turned at the same time. After a short period of getting used to it, this function works surprisingly well and definitely lives up to the name "Smart" Shift. But is it really better than using a normal steering column stalk? Not really.

Displays instead of buttons

Tesla doesn't like buttons. Almost all of the Model X's functions are controlled via the central display in the middle. This requires that it is well structured and understandable, and runs smoothly. Tesla has now mastered both based on long experience with this operating concept. The system runs as smoothly as a smartphone, and moving and zooming the navigation map is a real pleasure. Many German manufacturers can (or must) learn a lot from this.

There is now also a display for the middle row of seats. This runs just as smoothly as the central display and, in addition to settings for the climate and seat heating, also offers media content and games to pass the time.

Tesla Autopilot: Only lower average

Early pioneer

Tesla's ambitions for autonomous driving are great, as are the announcements. In 2015, Tesla boss Elon Musk announced that autonomous driving at Tesla was only three years away, and pictures of Tesla's Model 3 without a steering wheel were already circulating online. Elon Musk was probably more wrong on this point than on any other point. In 2018, the so-called "Full Self Driving" was launched, for which the configurator now charges an additional €7.500, but to date it has hardly brought any added value, at least for European customers. Anyone who ticked the box in the configurator seven years ago has had next to no benefit from it to this day.

Europe falls by the wayside

From a global perspective, it must be mentioned that there are Teslas with functioning Full Self Driving (FSD). For several years now, more and more customers in the USA have been receiving the appropriate software that allows their Tesla to drive practically anywhere without the driver having to intervene. The driver must still be behind the wheel and be able to intervene at any time, but the system's capabilities are impressive. Teslas with FSD can turn on their own at confusing intersections, correctly position themselves on motorways and navigate practically any road imaginable.

But where is this system for European customers? While Tesla is working hard to improve the FSD software for customers in America, the European autopilot has been treading water for years. For example, there is still no functioning sign recognition on board. It happens that the Model X suddenly wants to brake to 40 km/h on free motorways - which is both illegal and life-threatening. The speed is not automatically adjusted when signs are recognized. Predictive braking so that the correct speed is shown on the speedometer on the sign in accordance with the road traffic regulations is out of the question.

There is no doubt about this: if a European customer wants a vehicle with a good autonomous system today, they don’t go to Tesla, but to BMW or Volkswagen.

Tesla Model X rear left side

Picture: TechnikNews

Connectivity – A+

As with the futuristic interior concept, Tesla was also very early on the topic of connectivity. The Tesla app for smartphones - and now also for smartwatches - is a loyal companion that is characterized above all by its high reliability and its enormous range of functions. Other manufacturers often fail when it comes to establishing a quick connection to the vehicle. "Request timed out" or "connection failed" - you just want to throw your phone out the window.

Such bugs have long been a thing of the past at Tesla. The app runs smoothly, the vehicle can be connected quickly if desired, and various settings make everyday life with the Model X easier. The vehicle can be pre-conditioned to an individual temperature, and the seat and steering wheel heating can also be adjusted remotely. A route can be planned in advance using the location menu, including charging stops. The guard mode alerts the driver via the app if a risk of vandalism is detected, and the live image from all cameras can be accessed remotely at any time. Last but not least, it is also possible to book a service appointment via the app, which, depending on the location and scope of service, can be carried out by a mobile Tesla service in the home garage.

With these and many other features, the Tesla app has been unrivaled for years.

Tesla Model X Charge Port

Picture: TechnikNews

Technology at its finest

Tesla becomes a cheetah

Like the top model "Plaid" with over 1.000 hp, the Model X economy version also offers the so-called "Cheetah Stance". This is a launch control that lowers the standard air suspension at the front so that the Model X comes into a stance like a cheetah. If the brake pedal is then released, the 2,4-ton SUV shoots forward brutally - up to 250 km/h if you want. Gazelles don't stand a chance.

long-distance travel without compromise

The Tesla Model X has been available for some time now only with a 100 kWh battery, of which around 94 kWh can be used. These are generous values, especially since the "basic model" with up to 750 hp is satisfied with very little energy. On my test route, in late autumn 9 °C and on wet roads, the Model X only consumes 171 Wh/km at 90 km/h and 221 Wh/km at 120 km/h. This results in ranges of 550 and 425 km respectively at the speeds mentioned. Thanks to Tesla's dense and currently very attractively priced fast charging network, the Model X is therefore a perfect car for longer journeys.

If you do need to stop at the Tesla Supercharger, you don't need to plan for a long downtime. Despite the battery voltage still being only 400 V, the Model X achieves a good charging capacity of 250 kW. Only 11 kW is possible at the AC wallbox at home - too little for a premium electric car with such a large battery.

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Leander Diedrich

Leander is 24 years old and a master's student at the Münster University of Applied Sciences in electrical engineering. Leander completed his bachelor's degree in electromobility at the Trier University of Applied Sciences. TechnikNews Leander tests electric cars and writes news articles. In addition to electromobility, music is Leander's greatest passion.

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