Tesla Model X on Tour in Montreal
Imagine yourself ordering your next vehicle, leaving a deposit and waiting two years before getting actually sitting in it. For some Tesla customers, patience was a prerequisite, but the wait was probably worth it.
The new SUV from Tesla Motors made an appearance in the company’s Montreal dealership, located just above the Decarie freeway, but stayed just long enough to greet its future owners. These people were invited by the manufacturer to discover the vehicle in and out, and even to take it for a spin around the block. Buyers would then review their order with the help of a sales representative; they would choose their vehicle’s colour in addition to which options and accessories their new 100% electric SUV would be equipped with.
The Tesla Model X is a fascinating vehicle from many standpoints. We can opt for a five-, six- or seven-passenger seating arrangement; the third row is optional, and by choosing it, we can decide whether we prefer two individual seats in the second row instead three. And in this second row, all three seats can slide fore and aft individually, maximising legroom for rear-seat occupants and allowing increased comfort for the middle passenger.
Behind the third row, a very deep cargo area is found under the load compartment floor. Here’s an advantage of an electric vehicle that doesn’t have any mechanical components that eat up interior space, such as an exhaust system.
The falcon wing rear doors will definitely draw a lot of attention in the Walmart parking lot. Its double-hinged mechanism allows them to open in a few seconds, even if there’s a vehicle parked really close to them. Ultrasound sensors are mounted inside the doors, which make sure the latters don’t hit other vehicles or the heads of distracted or imprudent kids and adults. Obviously, this complex, power-operated mechanism will have to withstand the harsh Canadian winter. We’ll see about that.
Up front, the doors also benefit from a power opening function, and the vehicle can even be programmed to open the driver’s door automatically as we approach with the keyfob in our pocket. Folks who are always in a hurry will appreciate, as will bank robbers fleeing the scene of the crime with their hands full of money bags. We’re kidding, of course.
Just like in the Model S sedan, the dashboard houses an immense touchscreen that allows controlling pretty much every one of the vehicle’s functions, in addition to surfing the Net with a 3G network connection. At first glance, interior finish seems of higher quality and more refined than what’s found in the Model S. We can also choose between various interior trim finishes, such as aluminum, piano black plastic and even open-pore wood.
The Model X’s windshield stretches over the front passengers’ heads, so outward visibility is excellent and the cockpit is well illuminated. We can already imagine how much it would cost to replace after getting hit by a stone.
Under the hood, nothing. Actually, there’s a trunk that’s twice as big as the one in the Tesla Model S sedan’s snout. However, the Model X will include AWD as standard in Canada and offer three output levels, identical to those of the sedan.
The base 70D version gets 328 horsepower and 387 lb.-ft. of torque. According to Tesla, it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.2 seconds and allows an estimated range of 354 km. The 90D version dishes out 417 hp and 485 lb.-ft., good for a 0-100 km/h sprint of 5.0 seconds and an estimated range of 410 km.
The most powerful version, and the first one to hit dealerships, is the P90D that boasts 503 hp at the rear wheels and 259 at the front. That amounts to 762 hp, although the manufacturer says the batteries limit output to 463 hp, or 532 by choosing the optional Ludicrous mode. Whatever. The Model X also benefits from 713 lb.-ft. of torque, and 0-100 km/h dashes are accomplished in a dizzying 3.4 seconds with the Ludicrous mode engaged. The P90D’s range is estimated at 400 km, and the SUV can even tow up to 5000 lbs. (2268 kg).
Blastoffs are explosive, as we witnessed when we sat aboard a Model X with a customer behind the wheel. For now, journalists don’t get to drive it, but such an opportunity should happen soon.
The enthusiasm and the curiosity of the vehicle’s future owners were palpable as they were getting acquainted with the Model X in the dealership’s back showroom. We would’ve shared their comments with you, but they preferred staying anonymous. We can understand that.
The first units of the Tesla Model X will land in Canada this summer. However, don’t except to see one hanging around at a dealership anytime soon, as the company will deliver them to customers who have already ordered one—some have been waiting for more than two years. According to Tesla, the waiting list for getting this superfast and sophisticated SUV currently stretches over nine months. Oh, and its base price will start at about $120,000 in Canada, while P90D will all the bells and whistles will easily cost twice that much.
- Visit our Tesla Zone
- Check out our visit of Tesla's factory in California
- Read our review of the Tesla Model S P90D