Used 2021 Tesla Model X

The Model X really gets zero-emissions family transport right, offering space for up to seven occupants or a large cargo area, the comport of a standard adaptive suspension, plus the reassurance of all-wheel drive, top safety scores, and many standard safety features. And the Model X can be recharged by Tesla’s own network of Supercharger stations.

It does all this with style, bringing a large windshield/panoramic roof feature and the dramatic Falcon Wing side doors. And with technology, deploying a 17-inch infotainment touchscreen and offering self-driving features. The 2021 Model X has plenty of driver appeal as well, with stunning acceleration and surprisingly agile handling.

It’s fast, it’s fabulous, but the 2021 Model X also requires many fistfuls of Franklins.

Refrain from pulling out the stopwatch, and the differences between the Long Range Plus and the Performance versions are not that marked. Both enjoy a smooth, quiet ride quality courtesy of a standard-issue adaptive and predictive suspension. And that’s with 20-inch alloy wheels.

The Long Range can still sprint from standstill to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds — a remarkable time for a 7-seater SUV weighing more than 2.5 tons. The new-for-2021 Model X Plaid version does it in a remarkable 2.5 seconds, faster than the claimed time for a Lamborghini Urus SUV. Actually, that’s as fast as a Lamborghini Aventador SVJ supercar.

These figures come with the Tesla territory. Electric motors can turn on their power like humans turn on a light switch. The 2021 Model X puts the run into school run.

It’s also adept through the corners. By locating the battery pack under the floor, the center of gravity is kept sweet and low. The steering is also tactile and quick to respond, making the Model X feel smaller than it is. The standard all-wheel-drive setup makes the most of grip and traction as well.

Comfort levels are high in the 2021 Model X, matched by the quality of cabin materials. What’s not so impressive is the inconsistency in how all the parts have been assembled.

The centerpiece of any Tesla interior is the large infotainment screen. This one is a 17-inch unit mounted vertically, and deals with the climate control along with various other functions. It’s both fast-acting and user-friendly. The driver has a dedicated instrument cluster.

As well as the standard 5-seat layout (with floating pedestal seats in the second row), Tesla offers 6-seat and 7-seat options. Occupant space is generally good, but the third row isn’t so roomy. The two rearmost rows are accessed easily through the spectacular roof-hinged Falcon Wing side doors.

Maximum cargo space behind the front seats is 91 cubic feet. Not class-leading, but undeniably useful.

The drag coefficient of the Tesla Model X is 0.25, better than the Acura NSX hybrid supercar. But this is a large SUV/crossover that holds seven occupants. So if there’s a little bulbousness around the flanks, it’s completely forgivable.

It bears a corporate resemblance to other Tesla vehicles with the LED headlights, flush-fitting door handles, and sloping roof line. But there are two aspects that are particular to the Model X. The windshield/panoramic glass roof for one. The Falcon Wing side doors for another.

They open upward more than outward and look like they could have come from a Star Trek shuttlecraft. But Starfleet officers never have to worry about tight parking spaces, low parking lot ceilings, or how the doors might be affected by heavy rain or snow. And they stop the Model X from having a roof rack, which is a bit of an oversight for a family SUV. A rear-end rack is offered instead.

PANORAMIC GLASS SUNROOF
There’s one massive pane of curved glass that serves as the windshield and the panoramic roof on the Model X. It really makes the cabin feel open, but the roof also protects against ultraviolet and infrared light.

FIVE-STAR SAFETY RATINGS
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has given the Model X its maximum 5-star score overall, along with top marks in individual crash tests. For a family vehicle, this is especially good to know.

The two variants of the 2021 Model X are Long Range and Plaid. The former is still quite quick, and the latter has a respectable range of 340 miles.

Either way, the Model X does a lot to justify its high prices with a comprehensive standard equipment inventory that includes heated seats for every occupant, heated steering wheel, wiper blade defrosters, heated washer nozzles, LED fog lights, 20-inch alloy wheels, adaptive/predictive suspension, heated/self-dimming side mirrors, location-aware garage door opener, automatic front doors, vegan simulated-leather upholstery, 12-way power-adjustable front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, powered tailgate, and a HEPA cabin air filtration system that catches viruses, bacteria and offensive smells.

As well as a premium 17-speaker audio system tuned especially for the Model X’s quiet cabin, there’s also navigation, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and wireless charging. No Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, though.

Safety features include forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assistance, and adaptive cruise control.

The only paint color that doesn’t cost extra is white. Tesla tends to update its vehicles whenever it wants, so consider this a snapshot taken in early 2021.

The Plaid version brings crazy acceleration as opposed to merely rapid. Both models offer seating for up to seven, premium paint colors, 22-inch alloy wheels (which will affect energy consumption), cabin decor choices (black/white with dark oak or cream with oak), and the pricey ($10,000) Full Self-Driving Capability package.

Not to be confused with Autopilot (explained in our SafetyTech section), the Full Self-Driving Capability array brings a self-parking feature for parallel and perpendicular spaces, automatic lane changing, Smart Summon (the Model X drives itself to where the driver is or another set location), traffic light/stop sign control, and Navigate on Autopilot where the Model X takes over freeway driving suites from the on-ramp to the desired off-ramp — including handling interchanges and overtaking.

Tesla is working on adding Autosteer on city streets. This whole self-driving package can be purchased after taking delivery of a new Model X. As these systems improve, Tesla will activate over-the-air updates.

The Long Range version of the 2021 Tesla Model X has a dual-motor configuration creating all-wheel drive as standard. These electric motors run off a 100-kWh lithium-ion battery pack. It can travel for 360 miles from a full charge.

The 2021 Model X Plaid has three high-performance electric motors and covers 340 miles. When 22-inch wheels are fitted, this is reduced to 300 miles. These ranges have been calculated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), along with the miles-per-gallon equivalent (MPGe) figures of energy consumed for distance traveled.

Recharging the Model X at home is best done with a 240-volt supply. Tesla also sells home charging equipment. Even then, expect it to take around 10 hours. A Tesla Supercharger station could take about an hour, or less if all that’s needed is a top-up to get back to base, like 175 miles of range in 15 minutes. The expanding network of Superchargers brings road-trip capability to the Model X.

Maximum towing capacity is 5,000 pounds. And despite the presence of all-wheel drive, we wouldn’t take a Model S much further off-road than a campsite.

Long Range:
Two AC electric motors w/100-kWh lithium-ion battery pack
670 horsepower
N/A lb-ft of torque
EPA city/highway fuel economy: N/A
Range on a full charge: 360 miles

Plaid:
Three AC electric motors w/100-kWh lithium-ion battery pack
1,020 horsepower
N/A lb-ft of torque
EPA city/highway fuel economy: N/A
Range on a full charge: 340 miles (20-inch wheels), 300 miles (22-inch wheels)