The Tesla Model X is definitely getting closer to reaching the final production stage. And today’s photograph of a Model X, which looks close to being in production form, was shot on a highway near the Tesla manufacturing plant in Fremont, California.
The all-electric crossover SUV was first revealed back in February 2012 and prospective buyers have been laying down $5,000 deposits (or $40,000 for a Signature Series vehicle that will be delivered first and have special options). Sadly, production of the Model X has been fraught with delays. It was originally slated to arrive late 2013, and then pushed back to April 2015. Now the indomitable car company is promising first deliveries will begin September 29.
The Model X will be Tesla’s third production car and shares about 60 percent of the content from its sedan counterpart – the Model S. It even has the same wheelbase as the S, and the crossover’s length and width will be close to the Model S, too. The most prevalent design of the Model X is the use of double-hinged doors, which rise up and over the top of the car. Tesla says the falcon-wing style doors will give better access to the Model X’s third row seats.
Similar to the Model S, the Model X will have a pair of electric motors that are mounted on the front and rear of the vehicle. It hasn’t been confirmed, but it is a good bet that the same battery packs, a standard 60 kWh and a more performance-oriented 85 kWh battery will be used. Output could be in the neighborhood of 400 horsepower, while range is expected to be 200 miles or more for both models.
Be ready to dish out some serious cash if you want one of these falcon-wing, electric powered crossovers. Prices range from around $90,000, and up to $144,000 for a Signature Series with all the bells and whistles, including the $10,000 Ludicrous mode which makes the Model X fly from zero to sixty in a scant 3.2 seconds.
A big thank-you goes to Norman for spying the Tesla Model X and his passenger, Hillari, for shooting the photos.
