Overall Rating
Updated on: March 16, 2021
Automotive Journalist
The electric car industry is booming and Tesla is on a roll like no other. Tesla has capitalized in this segment by providing the best possible products at a comparatively lower price. The 2020 Tesla Model X is one of such gems that have come out of the Tesla manufacturing. The SUV offers great utility with an equally impressive range which makes it one of the best vehicles to own in this age of conserving and protecting the environment.
7-seat SUV with 328 miles of range
Great acceleration and handling
Exceptional cargo area
Build Quality is questionable
No Apple CarPlay or Android Auto
Full self-driving capability
Revised trims
Vehicle images are guides only and may not reflect the model's exact specifications/features– exact specifications/features should be confirmed with the seller.
Features
Engine and Performance
Fuel Economy
Interior
Exterior
Safety
Competition
8.8
OVERALL RATING
Overall Rating
The Model X makes for a compelling SUV in the current market trends. The SUV offers 3 rows with enough space and utility aspects that most conventional manufacturers fail to provide. The Falcon Wing design for the rear doors give the Model X an exotic appeal to it. With a growing list of celebrities that own a Tesla, it is evident that the electric movement is making its mark among the masses.
9.9/10
Features
8.8/10
Engine and Performance
7.5/10
Fuel Economy
8.7/10
Interior
8.8/10
Exterior
8.5/10
Safety
9.0/10
Competition
The Model X has cut down on the trims that it used to be offered in during its introduction, for 2020 it is available in 2 trims namely Long Range and Performance. Both these models have a dual-motor all-wheel drive train with free unlimited access to the Tesla supercharging network. The interiors are wrapped in leather, but it is not the conventional leather rather Vegan leather has been utilized which helps Tesla keep its "environment-friendly" image intact. Heated seats and steering wheel add the extra touch of luxury to the SUV.
Trims |
Long Range Plus |
Long Range |
Performance |
---|---|---|---|
MSRP |
$79,990 | $84,990 | $99,990 |
Key Features |
351 Mile Range |
Adds/Upgrades to Long Range Plus |
305 Mile Range |
0-60 in 4.4 seconds |
0-60 in 2.7 seconds |
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12 Way Power Adjust, Heated Front Seats with Memory and Driver Profile |
Enhanced Interior Styling | ||
Comes with 240V NEMA 14-50 and 120V NEMA 5-15 adapter |
|||
Auto-Dimming RVM and Heated, Power Adjustable ORVM |
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3 position Dynamic LED Turning Lights with LED Fog lamps |
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Self-Presenting Front Door with Largest Glass Panoramic Windshield in Production |
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XM/FM Radio, Bluetooth, 2 USB ports for media/power and Internet Radio |
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17" Touchscreen Display with Wi-Fi/Mobile data, Onboard Maps, and Navigation |
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LED Ambient Interior Lighting and Voice Activated Controls |
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20-foot mobile connector with storage bag |
We Recommend
The Model X Performance is the right option since it supplies a much faster acceleration, especially via Ludicrous mode. The interior also features a carbon-fiber trim selection with black or white upholstery.
Tesla has its own unique way of offering AWD drive-train in its vehicles. The front and the rear wheels are powered by individual 3 phase, 4 pole AC Induction Motor with Copper Rotors. One motor on each axel proves to be efficient and convenient as well, in case of a motor failure the other motor would be able to drive the Model X to the destination. The difference in terms of the trims here is just the range and the performance that the motors are capable of pushing.
The single-speed direct-drive transmission enables the Model X to have a linear drive with no shifts. This also improves the efficacy in terms of performance that the SUV is capable of.
Models |
Tesla Model X AWD |
Audi e-Tron Premium Plus with Quattro |
Jaguar I-Pace S AWD |
---|---|---|---|
MSRP |
$79,990 |
$75,795 |
$70,495 |
Engine |
Dual 3 phase. 4 pole AC Induction Motor with Copper Rotors |
Dual Asynchronous Electric motors |
2 Permanent Magnet Synchronous Electric Motors |
Transmission |
Single Speed direct drive |
Single Speed Direct Drive |
Single Speed |
Horsepower |
417hp (est) |
355hp |
394hp |
Torque |
487ft.-lbs. (est) |
414ft.-lbs. |
513ft.-lbs. |
The official figures have not been released by Tesla but there are estimations on the power it generates, considering the estimations valid the Model X has the most power but the I-Pace generates more torque in comparison. The e-Tron generates the least power and torque in comparison to both these competitors.
The two motors powering individual axels enables the Model X to launch its prowess with a tap on the accelerator. The single-speed transmission lets the power surge with no interruptions or shifts. The Long Range trim can hit 0-60 in 4.4 seconds, not impressive enough? The Performance trim switched to Ludicrous Mode can hit 0-60 in 2.7 seconds, now that does catch eyes, doesn't it?
Models |
Tesla Model X Long Range AWD |
Audi e-Tron Premium Plus with Quattro |
Jaguar I-Pace S |
---|---|---|---|
0-60 MPH |
3.7 sec (2.7 for Perf. Trim) |
5.5 sec |
4.5 sec |
Quarter mile |
11.2 sec |
16 sec |
12.9 sec |
The Long Range version of the Model X is the clear winner here followed by the I-Pace, the I-Pace does have higher torque but the Model X outperforms it nonetheless. The e-Tron is left behind huffing and puffing all the way from the 0-60 till the quarter-mile mark.
With the silent and responsive motors, it is rather easy to have a blast driving around the city. Both trims are similar in terms of drive and handling where the only difference as we mentioned earlier is in the range and performance. The Model X like its siblings handles well and has a low center of gravity as well, this is due to the batteries laid out on the floor.
On aggressive corners, one might feel the body roll in the tall and hefty Model X which is rather contained. With responsive steering feedback, it is rather easy to maneuver the SUV like its a car half its size. The smart design style helps the Model X be a tad bit better in terms of handling.
The braking in the Tesla does exude the confidence in the driver to push the Model X to its limits. The responsive brakes do get the SUV to a halt in a roll rather easily. With the sensors present on the bay it becomes even easier to activate the emergency braking, the sensors will do that bit for the driver in severe cases. The regenerative braking does go a long way in helping the Model X in conserving the battery as much as possible.
Model |
Tesla Model X AWD |
Audi e-Tron Premium Plus with Quattro |
Jaguar I-Pace S |
---|---|---|---|
Brake Front (in.) |
N/A |
14.8 |
13.8 |
Brake Rear (in.) |
N/A |
13.8 |
12.8 |
Curb Weight (lbs.) |
5421 |
5643 |
4784 |
60-0 MPH (ft.) |
109 ft |
N/A |
N/A |
Tesla is the quickest to stop as no other information about its competitors is available. The Audi, however, has rather large brake rotors which might result in better braking performance, we can't be the judge of that but one can certainly estimate.
The electric vehicles have just one issue, that is getting them charged. Household power plug has about 120 volts or 240 volts at max where one would have to charge the Model X overnight for a week's worth of daily driving. However, with the growing V3 fast charging superstations around the country, the Model X can charge for a range of 155 miles in 15 minutes. Introduced in 2019, the Tesla Supercharge Stations are free to use for the Model X users.
Model |
Tesla Model X AWD |
Audi e-Tron Premium Plus with Quattro |
Jaguar I-Pace S |
---|---|---|---|
MPGe (city) |
N/A |
N/A |
76 |
MPGe (highway) |
N/A |
N/A |
80 |
MPGe (combined) |
N/A |
N/A |
72 |
Range(Miles) |
295 |
248.5 |
298 |
Towing Capacity |
5000lbs. |
4000lbs. |
5290lbs. |
The I-Pace has the best range which is just marginally better than that of Tesla, but with the growing fast-charging stations Tesla's might be much more convenient. The e-Tron lags behind in terms of range as well.
It might be called a 7 seater, but the standard arrangement is that of 5 seats only. The additional configuration can be as per individual choice of 6 or 7 seats which are available as options. The distinctive form factor here is that of the panoramic windshield and the rear Falcon doors, apart from which the Model X resembles it Model S sibling rather closely.
Entering the rear seats is a treat due to the Falcon wing doors that add a bit of pizzazz to the Model X. The optional third row is much more suitable for children than adults. Also, adults taller than 6'3 feet might find it difficult to adjust to the rear seats. The car does have ample space but there would certainly be some discrepancies when it comes the human aspect of things.
Model |
Tesla Model X AWD |
Audi e-Tron Premium Plus with Quattro |
Jaguar I-Pace S |
---|---|---|---|
Passenger capacity |
7 |
5 |
5 |
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.) |
41.7/60.7/41.2 |
39.8/58.6/40.8 |
39.9/57.6/40.9 |
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.) |
40.9/56.8/38.4 |
38.6/57.2/39.1 |
38.1/54.6/35.0 |
Third (Head/Shoulder/Leg)(In.) |
37.1/40.0/32.7 |
N/A |
N/A |
The Model X is hands down the most spacious out the lot and a segment leader at that too. The I-Pace does lose out to the e-Tron when it comes to the rear seating space.
The standard interior features part of the Tesla Model X are premium and worth the price.
Tech is something Tesla has mastered over time. It does resemble a Tablet that has been placed in portrait mode which makes it that much more easier during operation. Most of the in-vehicle features are controlled via the infotainment as the cabin is clean and minimalistic with no buttons present whatsoever. The 17inch touchscreen infotainment does miss out on essential requirements like Apple CarPlat and Andriod Auto but due to the ease of access, we give it to Tesla for trying something out of the box in this case.
To control the climate system, audio system, and other functions, its only the touchscreen to rely on.
The Model X is a utilitarian in all aspects, the cargo storage space is enough to carry everyday requirements in the boot. Be it a week's grocery or luggage for a weekend getaway, the Model X has the storage aspect covered. If the provided space doesn't seem sufficient the third row can be folded for some extra storage space. The second row, however, can not be folded.
Model |
Tesla Model X AWD |
Audi e-Tron Premium Plus with Quattro |
Jaguar I-Pace S |
---|---|---|---|
Cargo Volume (ft.3) |
26 |
28.5 |
25.3 |
It is finally time for the Audi to shine with the best storage capacity among its rivals. The Tesla can store more luggage if the third row is folded. While the I-Pace does have sufficient storage space it does lack behind both its competitors.
It does take a while to fathom the divergent design of the Model X. Beating all conventional design laws, the Model X has no grille in the front fascia, which makes no sense either considering the fact that it is an electric vehicle. It flaunts a tear-drop shape which helps in the aerodynamic qualities of the SUV. It does have a panoramic windshield that traces all the way to the rear which makes it an eye-candy with all the glass in the exteriors. The aspect that steals the show would definitely be the Falcon Wing rear doors.
From the rear, the Model X seems like a taller version of the Model S. There aren't many changes when comparing the two in terms of placement of the taillights and other elements. This is why these two cars from Tesla hold similarities that are even similar in terms of the chassis configuration.
Model |
Tesla Model X AWD |
Audi e-Tron Premium Plus with Quattro |
Jaguar I-Pace S |
---|---|---|---|
Curb weight (lbs.) |
5421 |
5643 |
4784 |
Length(in) |
198.3 |
193 |
184.3 |
Width(in) |
81.5 |
76.3 |
74.6 |
Height(in) |
66 |
65.5 |
61.3 |
Ground clearance (in) |
5.4 |
6.9 |
5.6 |
Wheelbase (in) |
116.7 |
115.1 |
117.7 |
Tesla stands the tallest, longest, widest and lowest compared to the others. The I-Pace is the lighter one out of the lot while being the shortest as well. The e-Tron fits the gap between the two competitors in terms of size while weighing the most.
Some of the exterior features in the Tesla Model X includes,
Tesla has aimed at making the safest cars in the industry, where all the cars making their way to the streets are persistent in ensuring occupant safety. The NHTSA has given the Model X a 5-star rating which is the highest possible rating from the organization. Apart from which the chassis is constructed with alloys of aluminum and steel giving the frame of the Model X making it more sturdy. There are sensors that add an extra bit of features like collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, and a rearview camera which are all standard in the Model X.
Audi has finally come out with an answer to the market leader by Tesla. But being new to the game there are a lot of things in the e-Tron that have to be refined. This is not the case with the Model X as it has been relevant in the market for a few years now. Model X has a lot of technological benefits to itself apart from the space that is offered in the interiors making it a better pick.
The Jaguar I-Pace has got most things right in the first attempt, the keyword here is "most". As this is the beginning of electric vehicles to make it out of the JLR brand it does hold some luxury standpoint to its credit. The Model X, however, makes up for the luxury in terms of performance. Which is why both these brands cater to a different type of crowd. The Model X would definitely be the better pick in our books at least.
Tesla has been innovative ever since they were introduced to the world. Their vehicles have been setting benchmarks in terms of performance and technology ever since. Well expect no less from the Model X, it does have an essence of everything one would come to expect from an SUV and then some more. The unique design and the advanced tech along with the comfort in the cabin do give the Model X a foothold of its own. Tesla has literally rocketed its way up the sales charts and the quality of the cars is the proof for the same. Why should one pick the Model X? It is the perfect family SUV with great performance, it also does its bit in contributing to conserving the environment while conserving the owners' wallet in terms of fuel efficiency.