Is the 2020 Tesla Model X a Good Buy?
The Cybertruck might be getting all the Tesla press these days, but the 2020 Model X is still the large Tesla vehicle with true value. The falcon doors are a bit cheesy; people either love them or hate them. However, there’s no denying that the all-electric powertrain, huge touchscreen, and regenerative braking are stellar features.
Introduction to the Model X
The Model X mid-sized SUV first debuted back in 2015. You didn’t see that many of them on the road back then, but times are changing. The 2020 Model X is one of the highest rated plug-in electric vehicles on the market. There are essentially two models to choose from. There is the Long Range Plus with a starting MSRP of $79,690 and the Performance model which raises the bar to $99,690.
Gaudy Outside, Austere Inside
When you consider the futuristic design of the Model X it’s a bit of a letdown to only have five basic colors for the exterior. Perhaps black is the best color to mute the garish manner in which passengers must enter and exit. There are three different wheel designs. The 20-inch onyx black wheels are attractive but drop the driving range down to 272 miles on the Performance Model X.
The front end has the signature Tesla emblem and flat, nondescript paneling where a radiator and front grille would have been. The profile has a teardrop shape. It’s very similar to the Tesla Model S, just larger.
Related: Tesla Model Y Review
That style worked incredibly well for the Model S, but the larger teardrop for the Model X lacks nuance. The door handles sit flush with the paneling to reinforce the futuristic branding of the 2020 Model X. Then, the doors open straight up into the air like wings. It’s truly unique and fits well with individuals who like to exist outside of the box.
It’s ok, but I like this one better. Song is stellar. #Tesla #ModelX #Frunkpuppy https://t.co/xminNAziVA pic.twitter.com/E0eIDXyE2v
— 🐶 Earl of FrunkPuppy 🐶 (@28delayslater) February 24, 2020
The interior of the 2020 Tesla Model X is quite versatile. There are seating configurations for five, six and seven passengers. The second row can be split into captain’s chairs with a middle passthrough or owners can have a solid bench. The bench configuration will leave a middle occupant less than thrilled, but with just five seats you get more cargo space in the back.
It’s a trade off – passengers or cargo. You don’t get both in the 2020 Tesla Model X.
Like all Teslas, the Model X is bare bones inside. The layout is futuristic and austere with minimal surfaces and controls. With white synthetic leather seats, the interior seems a bit brighter and can become glaringly empty.
Tan guts with wood trim add sophistication, but the black seating with carbon fiber inlays darken the interior of the Model X so that passengers don’t notice how minimalist it really is inside. If you want to do some aftermarket customization, then the Model X has plenty of space for modulation.
For example, this custom interior is futuristic and functional.
A High-Performance Electric Vehicle
There aren’t many SUVs that can match the performance of a Model X. You can mention names like the Lamborghini Urus or the Jaguar I-Pace, but the races are still going on and there’s no clear winner. There aren’t even that many supercars that can hang with the Model X on ludicrous mode.
Can a 2020 Model X beat a Lambo?
The Performance Model X has a 305 mile driving range. It can hit a top speed of 163 miles per hour and go from zero to 60 in 2.4 seconds. That’s almost an insane amount of acceleration for a vehicle this size. Yet, that’s achievable with an electric powertrain. This model also comes with ludicrous mode.
Technology on Deck
The interior of the 2020 Tesla Model X is dominated by the 17-inch vertical touchscreen display. In an industry where automakers equip luxury vehicles with 8-inch touchscreens, it’s refreshing to see that Tesla has splurged a bit on your infotainment interface.
You won’t find any other switches or buttons for climate control or audio controls. That doesn’t mean the 2020 Model X doesn’t have state-of-the-art tech features. The Model X comes with an air purifier that encapsulates the vehicle occupants in a controlled environment. There are five USB ports. The Model X has voice control and software updates that stream to the vehicle.
Safely Driving Itself
The Model X comes with Tesla’s auto pilot system. According to the manufacturer’s website this system is designed to “assist you with the most burdensome part of driving”. The 2020 Model X can navigate highway on-ramps and off-ramps. It can overtake vehicles and change lanes autonomously.
Your vehicle can even remove itself from a parking space and come find you in the parking lot. Some of these are vanity functions, but the Tesla Model X does have emergency braking, blind spot monitoring and collision avoidance technology in place. You still need to supervise the vehicle from the driver’s chair and the driver may need to override the autopilot functions in certain conditions.
Model X Takeoff
The profile is the 2020 Model X’s less flattering side. The problem with the profile is that the Model X looks large around the beltline and there aren’t any lines or contours to break up the plumpness of the vehicle’s waist. Also, the falcon doors probably look better on paper than in real life operation. You can’t open them in places without enough overhead clearance and people aren’t accustomed to operating doors that open in that fashion. This makes them downright inconvenient.
Otherwise, there’s little fault to be had in the 2020 Model X from Tesla. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gives the Model X a five-star safety rating. There’s a hot debate over the true safety statistics on the AutoPilot function, and time will tell whether autonomous driving is really safe. Luckily, the 2020 Model X does come with a steering wheel. You should use it whenever and wherever possible.
The 2020 Model X isn’t the most attractive vehicle on the road, but it doesn’t have to be. You won’t need a brake job for years thanks to the regenerative braking and you’ll save thousands of dollars on fueling costs.
It all comes down to practicality and the Model X from Tesla has that factor on lockdown.
What do you think of the 2020 Tesla Model X? Is it better than a Cybertruck?
