Summary
The Tesla Model X is a large SUV/crossover with seating for up to seven people. It was launched in Europe in 2016 and, like all Teslas, is driven by an electric motor powered by a battery pack.
The Model X has received consistently positive reviews from the UK motoring media, although it hasn’t had any directly comparable rivals as points of reference for most of its time on sale. In the last couple of years, other electric SUVs like the Audi e-tron and Jaguar i-Pace have arrived on the scene.
It has received particular praise for its performance, minimalist styling and innovative ‘Falcon’ wing rear door design, however it has been criticised for not matching the build quality of other cars in its price range.
As of 2023, the Model X is only available in top-spec trim and in left-hand drive, which serious limits its appeal to UK buyers.
As of January 2024, the Tesla Model X has a New Car Expert Rating of A, with a score of 73%. It scores highly for safety and has zero tailpipe emissions, but is let down by poor scores for reliability and running costs. These last two factors hurt its used car score to a greater degree as they are weighted more heavily in our used car calculations.
Model X highlights
- Thrilling performance
- Commendable safety features
- Spacious seven-seater with serious pace
- Intuitive infotainment system
- Unique exterior styling and ‘falcon’ doors
Model X lowlights
- Questionable build quality
- Very expensive
- Slightly rigid ride comfort
- There are concerns about long-term reliability
Key specifications
Body style: Large SUV/crossover
Powertrain: electric motor and batteries
Price: From £100,290 on-road
Launched: Summer 2016
Last updated: Summer 2019
Replacement due: Autumn 2021
Image gallery
Media reviews
Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
The Car Expert
Model reviewed: 90D
“The Tesla Model X is targeted at wealthy people with a big family who want to make a statement about the planet’s future – or who just want to be seen that way.”
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Auto Express
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“If you want a ludicrously quick crossover with all-electric drive and funny doors, the Tesla Model X is it.”
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Autocar
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Its greatest asset is mixing spaciousness, refinement, impressive infotainment and forward-looking tech with a respectable all-electric range and agreeably guilt-free pace. Add to that the apparently innate desirability that the segment already provokes in buyers and the Model X’s impact on Tesla’s sales is likely to be sizeable.”
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Model reviewed: Long Range
Score: 7 / 10
“The Model X can now charge at a faster rate, too, so it should top its battery up 50% quicker than before when plugged into one of Tesla’s latest Superchargers.”
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Car
Model reviewed: 90kW Performance
Score: 8 / 10
“Four years on from launch, the Tesla Model X isn’t the leap ahead it used to be, but it’s still a quirky, intuitive SUV – and one that’d probably suit some families well. The Model X is still disruptive, and from the sci-fi panoramic windscreen to doors that open for you, the Tesla still gives you some things that other cars just don’t have.” (Curtis Moldrich)
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Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7.4 / 10
“With cutting-edge looks and the technology to back them up, the Tesla Model X is one of the most impressive and family-friendly electric cars you can buy.” (Andy Goodwin)
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Company Car Today
Model reviewed: 100D
Score: 8.5 / 10
“Not subtle in any way, and certainly not cheap, but a useable range, massive practicality and immense performance make for a very appealing car.”
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Daily Mail
Model reviewed: 90D
“The Tesla Model X is a phenomenal family car. It’s comfortable, it’s quick, it’s packed full of gadgets and it’s a calming place to be – and that sense of calm more than anything else is what you need when driving around with the family.”
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Green Car Guide
Model reviewed: 100D
Score: 10 / 10
“It’s amazing to drive, and our week with the car shows that it can fit into your life perfectly, even if a very muddy hill is involved. And it’s from a company that didn’t even exist 15 years ago. At £100,000, it’s not cheap – but it’s the future.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 10 / 10
“The Tesla Model X genuinely pushes forward the boundaries of what can be done with cars to make them more sustainable as well as highly impressive to drive and to live with.”
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Honest John
Model reviewed: Range overview
“Tesla’s seven-seat MPV with unusual bi-folding rear doors is expensive”
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Move Electric
Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“In terms of its range, space and seven-seat versatility the Tesla Model X is unrivalled. It’s also stupendously fast, packed with technology that’ll bring a smile to your face and backed by the brilliant Supercharger network. By gum, it’s pricey though.” (James Disdale)
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Parkers
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Capable, roomy and fast, with street theatre rear doors”
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The Telegraph
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The Tesla Model X is a desirable car and offers useful additional space over the Model S for big families. However, while its electric range and performance impress, it is also expensive compared with rivals.”
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Top Gear
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Not cheap, and not a conventional SUV, but a thoroughly capable family wagon.”
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What Car?
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Model X is a viable alternative to its conventionally powered rivals, but it could be better finished.”
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Which EV?
Model reviewed:
Score: 9.1 / 10
“The Tesla Model X is a stunning premium SUV. It drives like a much smaller, lighter car and is incredibly fast, whichever version you go for. The interiors are minimal but comfortable for long journeys, and the level of technology included is unparalleled. There are lots of flexible seating options for different occupant needs, the luggage space is potentially huge, and it can tow over two tons as well. This is a very expensive car, but the most accomplished electric SUV currently on the market.” (James Morris)
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Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: December 2019
Read the full Euro NCAP review
Adult protection: 98%
Child protection: 81%
Vulnerable road users: 72%
Safety assist: 94%
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
As of January 2024, the Tesla Model X has not been lab tested by Green NCAP.
The Green NCAP programme measures exhaust pollution (which is zero for an electric car) and energy efficiency. Electric cars are much more energy-efficient than combustion cars, so the Model X is likely to score very highly in Green NCAP testing whenever it ever takes place. Check back again soon.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
Total claims: 37
Average repair cost: £780.63
Last updated: January 2024
Reliability score
All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims
The Tesla Model X has a poor reliabilit
Awards
Trophies, prizes and awards that the Tesla Model X has received
2021
- What Car? Awards – Best Large Electric Car for Big Families
2020
- What Car? Electric Car Awards – Best Electric Seven-Seater
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Tesla Model X, you might also be interested in these alternatives
Audi e-tron | Audi Q7 | Audi Q8 | BMW X5 | Jaguar I-Pace | Mercedes-Benz EQC | Mercedes-Benz GLE | Porsche Cayenne | Range Rover Sport | Volvo XC90
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