A condensation of revolutionary solutions and technologies that make one exclaim 'wow' every time the hawk-wing rear doors are opened, that the newspapers are read on the large 17-inch vertical display and - above all - that one feels crushed against the seat, as in racing cars, when accelerating from a standstill. To describe Tesla Model X, the incredible crossover-suv of Elon Musk 100% electric, these few words might be enough. But behind this 'wow' effect (which, moreover, does not concern the external style, perhaps the less innovative part of this huge car, 5.036 meters long), there is really a lot of technological innovation that deserves an adequate deepening. A long test - measurable in number of complete recharges to the Superchargers, used 3 times - allowed to discover the merits (many) and the defects (few) of this model that, despite the debut on the market of the different BEV suvs signed by Audi, Jaguar and Mercedes, still remains a point of reference in the context of the electric 'revolution'.
Driving Model X in everyday traffic it turns out, for example, that dimensions are not a limit except in parking lots and that, unlike other aesthetically more 'aggressive' models, other users do not react with the typical behavior of "where does this arrogant suv go?" People, on the contrary, are constantly turning to admire Model X, still perceived in most cases as a modern road spaceship, especially when the rear doors are opened.
And here is one of the small defects of this Tesla: the Falcon Win opening mechanism is impeccable, but the controls and the control sensors are not, so it happens to have to repeat the maneuver or insist with the buttons to open and close the doors. On board, however, the excitement from Model X is such as to make you forget everything. The environment is large and bright, favored in the specimen under test by the clear coating of the six seats. In this regard it should be noted that Tesla Model X Performance - which costs 110,900 euros - comes standard with 5 seats, which become six (all comfortable seats) with a 7,000 euro surcharge and seven with 3,800 euros. The windshield has a record width and the furniture, while not shining for luxury or originality, responds perfectly to the concept of 'suite on wheels'.
Tesla Model X is also the suv that lets the world breathe the cleanest air in the cabin, as it is equipped with a HEPA filtering system that also includes a 'biological defense' mode that exploits a positive pressure inside of the cabin to protect the occupants. The large 17-inch screen is the 'heart' of Model X's operation, with a navigation system always connected to the network that offers real-time traffic information. And as with all Heads, the 'over-the-air' connection allows the House to update the car's software, adding safety, comfort and driving functions, also improving performance and energy consumption, even when the car is stationary. Triple 'wow' (and perhaps even more) as soon as the consent is given to put into operation the powerful electric machine enclosed in the Tesla platform.
Specifically, Model X Performance uses two engines and a huge 100 kWh battery, for a total power of 500 kW (equal to 680 hp) and a maximum torque - a value well above that of the highest performing petrol or diesel suv - of 967 Nm The result, also thanks to the setting that Tesla defines as 'Ludicrous Mode', is a sprint from 0 to 100 km / h in 2.9 seconds, which allows (if anything happened to have a supercar next to a red light) of sow almost all non-electric sports cars. Needless to speak of the 250 km / h top speed, also because the Tesla Model X technology correctly can not do anything in front of Tutor and Autovelox. More satisfying, instead, to deepen the theme of driving dynamics and road holding, positively influenced by the very low position of the battery, with a 'center of gravity' effect that literally glues the car to the asphalt. However, it is necessary to become familiar with the tightness of the four driving wheels, because the super-acceleration and the super-grip on the straight and on the fast curves can make the tight corners reach too high a pace. There is also a system that varies the height from the ground, but to imagine an off-road Model X from Land Rover goes beyond its exceptionality. And here we come to consumption: for this version Performance the House has homologated in WLTP 487 km, while for the less fast Long Range (0-100 in 4.6 seconds) but also less expensive (94.400 euros) this value rises to 507 km. Actual electricity consumption is obviously linked to driving style. In Efficiency the House declares 17.5 kWh per 100 km in the NEDC cycle. However, there is one aspect that should not be underestimated: the 120 kW Superchargers, which are the ideal recharging point for Model X, are already 34 in Italy and in continuous growth. And this deserves at least a 'wow'. (HANDLE)