There's something special between Tesla and Oslo. About a year and a half ago I was here for the first time for a test with
the Tesla Model S P85D. Six months later I drove from Amsterdam to Oslo via the supercharger-network with a Model S, and now
we're back for the third time. We just left the airport for a train to visit the next electric vehicle. The Tesla Model X.
Right, press conference over. Time to wait. There are about 80 journalists from different European countries and Tesla has made
a very tight schedule so there is enough time to drive. We're on the schedule for 14:00, so that leaves us time to answer some questions.
I got a question through Facebook about the direct competitors for the Model X. Which cars will the new Tesla be targeting.
One of these cars is right here, the new Volvo XC90. This is the T8. Those are the cars the Model X is targeting.
Big, expensive, luxury SUV's with a six-figure pricetag. A XC90, a X5, you name it... There's one!
It took a while, but finally: the key! I'll immediately show you an awesome novelty. The ultimate feature for lazy drivers. An automatic door.
you get in the car, and it closes for you. Incredible!
Right, the first Model X-metres. A good moment to see what batterypacks Tesla will be supplying the Model X with.
It'll be quite similar to the Model S. The X will be available with a 75kWh-batterypack and a 90kWh-batterypack.
you can expand the packs with "P", which stands for performance. If you get the P90D, you can also upgrade the software for €11,000
which adds the "Ludicrous-mode", that'll make it the fastest SUV in the world. 3,4 seconds to 100km/h. Crazy.
When it comes to suspension, you also have enough choices. The standard Model X has normal springs and dampers, but it's
also available with air-suspension. And there's a little difference between the Model S and the Model X.
you don't have 3 suspension-settings, you've got 5. The most notable difference is the adjustable ride height.
Of course you can question the off-road abilities of this Model X, which has permanent 4-wheel drive. It's not really meant for that.
The adjustable ride height can be useful though, for example when you're driving through the snow.
But how does it drive? I find it very similar to the Model S. It's very smooth. The power output through the pedals is very well done,
you really notice their experience. The cars just keep getting better through updates. It has become a brilliant travelling mate.
And when you put your foot down and go full electricity, it's not really gas anymore now is it, it really impresses me.
When it comes to cornering, you really notice it's a heavy car. It weighs 2400kg. That's about the same as a Cadillac Escalade, mind you.
and you feel it's weight when you're cornering. One positive aspect is that it's got a lower center of gravity because of the batteries.
That means it's close to the ground. Combine that with the air-suspension and it buffs out the lean.
Everytime I'm amazed how much speed they put in these things. Okay, it isn't the cornering king. But if you compare it to a XC90 or a X5, you really notice it doesn't weave as much.
What I love with Tesla is that they aren't afraid to use easter eggs in their software, that's why I think they're so sympathetic.
For example, take the climate control. It has three settings; normal, recirculating and Bio Weapon Defense Mode.
How awesome does that sound? But what does it do? Well, this car is equipped with a huge HEPA-filter. Medical grade quality.
That means that the filter can clear the air in the car up to a quality you'll find in the operating room in a hospital.
All kinds of bad smells and such are filtered out. I love the name Tesla gave it. I mean, Bio Weapon Defense Mode. Awesome.
But, it actually works. Not just for fun. There so much more I could tell you about the Model X, but my 20 minutes are running out.
What I would like to share is this huge plate of glass which is supposed to be the windshield. Gigantic.
The big eyecatcher on the exterior of the Tesla Model X are the Falcon-doors of course. Two rear doors which open like Gullwings.
Now, Tesla has told me it was quite the pickle to calibrate the rear doors. The doors are full of sensors and it was a challenge to make all of them work properly.
This is how it works. As soon as the door notices that it's too close to you or another object, it stops opening. I'm not sure if it's not just a gimmick, I have my doubts when it comes to practicality.
And then, electrically moving seats. That provides you with a decent entrance to the back row when that's installed.
Again, this isn't the most practical solution. It sure does work, but the middle seats only fold forwards, but not flat, that's where the batteries are.
That means you've got a lot of space, but you can't haul planks for instance. It sure looks nice, but it isn't practical.
In the rear there's plenty of space, when the bootlid is opened. If I were to buy a 7-seater, I'd go for the XC90.
Right. That was our first drive in the Tesla Model X. What's our opinion? It's mostly a car for people who like funky gadgets and stuff.
Is it the most practical car in the segment? Absolutely not, but just like we expected from Tesla; It's very cool.