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 November 2022, the Tesla Model X has an Expert Rating of 72%, based on the scores collected from 16 different reviews published by UK media sources.
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 £82,700 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
“Three 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.”
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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.”
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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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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?
Model reviewed: Range overview
“Tesla’s Model X offers sparkling performance, zero tailpipe emissions and the novelty of ‘falcon wing’ rear doors. It’s also practical, seating up to seven with plenty of luggage space. All-wheel-drive is standard, too. With a mileage range comparable with many conventional cars, it’s very usable. Reliability is also a concern.”
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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%
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
As of November 2022, the Tesla Model X has not been lab tested by Green NCAP.
As of November 2022, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Tesla Model X to generate a reliability rating.
The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively to us using extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy. As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the Model X, we’ll publish the score here.
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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