Tesla's storming electric SUV will be shown in production form tonight, and is set to go on sale next year.Tesla's CEO Elon Musk has announced on Twitter the firm will reveal the production Model X tonight. A live webcast will show the electric SUV in all its glory, ahead of US deliveries at the end of the year.
Although we've seen a concept and numerous spyshots of the Model X on the road, the expected early 2015 release of the Porsche Cayenne rival has been delayed. But when it does arrive in 2016, Musk claims it'll be the fastest SUV on sale today.
Speaking to Auto Express at the announcement of the Model S upgrades, Musk said: “First, I should address something that might be on your mind, like: ‘Where the heck is the Model X and the Model 3!? You should really get on that.’
“Don't worry, those remain our focus and good progress is being made on both. X is on track for first deliveries in two months and Model 3 in just over two years.”
Musk went on to talk further about the Model X and how the newly announced 90kWh battery pack will be used in the new car. “The 90kWh pack is an important part of Model X. It’s an SUV with a higher centre of gravity so will have 10% higher energy usage than the S – the net range impact will be 4-5%.”
Although the Model X has yet to be tested, Musk said that a 0-60 time in seconds of “3.3-ish” could be expected, making it the fastest accelerating production SUV. A Porsche Cayenne Turbo S will get from 0-62mph in 4.1 seconds.
The base model Signature Series Model X will set users back $132,000. For consumers who want to truly trick out their Model X and opt for every upgrade option possible — including a Tow Package and Ludicrous Mode — the final sticker price rises to $144,750.
Yep, even the Model X, an SUV!, is getting the Ludicrous Mode treatment, enabling it to accelerate from 0-60 MPH in 3.2 seconds. Otherwise, its 0-60 time is 3.8 seconds, still not too shabby for an SUV.