Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider
- The Tesla Model X is unrivaled in the electric-vehicle market in terms of its ability to deliver performance, range, and cargo capacity.
- I first drove the Tesla Model X in 2015 shortly before it was unveiled to the public.
- Several years later, I decided to take the Model X on a road trip and try out the Tesla Supercharger network.
- We were impressed by both the Tesla Model X and the company's network of fast chargers.
- The Tesla Model X Long Range starts at $75,315, while our fully loaded Model X Performance carried an as-tested price of $163,250.
Tesla unveiled the production Model X SUV in the shadows of its Fremont, California, factory on September 29, 2015.
A few hours before the festive event where the Tesla faithful convened to hear their almighty leader preach the gospel of Falcon Wing doors and Bio-Weapon Defense Mode, I became one of the first people to drive the Model X.
Since then, Tesla's crossover SUV has become a benchmark in the industry. As a large premium electric crossover SUV, it inhabits a segment with only a handful of rivals like the Audi e-tron and the Jaguar I-Pace.
A few years had passed since I most recently drove the Model X. So I figured a road trip from northern New Jersey to Wilmington, Delaware, would be a good opportunity to check out a new Model X Performance and get reacquainted with the Tesla SUV.
In addition, the 120-mile drive would finally give me the opportunity to try out Tesla's vaunted Supercharger network.
Though I've spent plenty of time behind the wheel of Tesla's Model S and Model 3, they've generally been drives near Business Insider's headquarters in New York. That means I usually never burn off enough range to require a recharge.
For our road trip, Tesla provided us with a fully loaded Deep Blue Metallic Model X Performance that costs a hefty $163,250. The Tesla Model X Long Range starts at a more affordable $75,315.
Here's a closer look at our road trip with the Tesla Model X Performance.
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Here it is! Our Tesla Model X Performance test car. The Model X's rounded edges and sleek, aerodynamic profile are signature traits of the Tesla look. Naturally, the Falcon Wing doors take center stage.Benjamin Zhang/Business InsiderThey are perhaps the most striking feature to appear on any of Tesla's vehicles. Fortunately, the electrically operated, double-hinged doors are also immensely useful — making ingress and egress from the second row a breeze.Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider
Out back, there's a power-operated rear hatch and a fixed spoiler. The spoiler, while useful in delivering downforce, does obstruct rearward visibility.Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider
Inside, our Model X was decked out in white leather, dark ash wood, and black Alcantara. There's also Tesla's famous 17-inch vertical touchscreen.Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider
In front of the driver is a large, configurable digital instrument display.Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider
See the rest of the story at Business Insider
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