2019Tesla Model X Performance

The Tesla Model X Performance has an MSRP of $104,990, which is significantly less than the $138,000 P100D which it effectively supersedes. The price excludes a destination charge of $1,200, as well as tax, licensing, and registration. Being an all-electric car, the Model X Performance is eligible for a $1,875 federal tax rebate, along with many other incentives, which vary according to state. For instance, California offers EV rebates of up to $2,500.

Considering that the Model X Performance has over 5,500 lbs of weight to contend with, it handles surprisingly well. It's far from a Porsche Cayenne, but the Model X doesn't fall apart in the bends either and can be accurately hustled at speeds high enough to excite. The steering has limited feedback, but is direct and best left in Normal or Comfort modes, with Sport mode requiring more muscle than it should. Still, the Tesla always feels on the heavier side.

空气悬架是不错的乘坐舒适性,同时with an underlying firmness, although there's just enough cushioning to mask the worst surface imperfections. That's on the standard 20-inch wheels, however, with the optional 22-inch wheels having an impact on ride comfort that some may not be prepared to live with. Straight-line stability is excellent, with the Model X feeling planted and secure.

The regenerative brakes don't require any input to slow down the SUV when only slight deceleration is needed. When you do need more stopping power, they're up to the job. Of course, a lack of traditional engine noise makes for quite a serene driving environment, although this can emphasize tire and wind noise. This is a nicely refined SUV, though.

Buying a new car is as much an emotional choice as it is a rational one. The Tesla scores incredibly high marks in both areas, its blinding performance, falcon-wing rear doors, and futuristic cabin combining to ensure that this is no boring EV. On the more practical end of the spectrum, there are drastically reduced running costs relative to a gas-fed SUV, industry-leading safety standards, and a spacious cabin adding day-to-day peace of mind. It's a compelling package, made even more convincing with an increased range of over 300 miles for the Model X Performance. Qualms are few, with the cramped optional third row of seats and rather shoddy build quality detracting from the Model X's overall sheen. Those rear doors can also be frustrating in daily use. Otherwise, it's pretty much impossible to find a comparable SUV with the same spread of abilities as the Model X Performance, with many true exotics falling short of the Tesla's 0-60 mph sprint time of 2.7 seconds. But, even more than the remarkable on-paper statistics, the Model X Performance feels truly special.

You don't get much choice here, as there's just a single trim for the Model X Performance, and a scarcity of options. We'd stick with the standard 20-inch wheels, as they maintain a decent ride quality and provide the best range. Unless you really need the extra seats, the five-seater option also makes the most sense. The Full Self-Driving Capability package is the only significant add-on, and as part of buying a Tesla is accessing some of the leading technologies in the industry, it's worth adding.

Jaguar's well-received I-Pace operates on a lower price and performance plane than the Tesla. At $85,900, the priciest First Edition I-Pace is still over $20,000 less expensive than the Model X Performance, but the Jaguar's smaller 90 kWh battery means that its 4.5-second sprint to 60 mph is a fair amount behind the ballistic Tesla's. The Jaguar is still a wicked performer and a spirited driving partner, however, with excellent handling for an SUV. It also has Android Auto and Apple CarPlay functionality, along with superior build quality to the Tesla. But once again, the Model X's superior capabilities as an EV leave the Jaguar trailing, with over 70 miles of added range over the I-Pace, a significant differential. If you can't quite stretch to the pricey Tesla, then the Jaguar is a highly capable electric SUV, but the Tesla is the more impressive overall.

SUV or sedan? At just under $100k, the Tesla Model S Performance is even faster than the Model X Performance, and at a lower price. You'll also manage 345 miles on a single charge in the Model S, which is more than the X's 305 miles. As usual, then, the equivalent sedan is the more agile and faster performer. The Model X does have the edge in some areas though, such as being able to tow, the option of seven seats, and being more practical with the seats folded. Both of these performance-oriented EVs don't have the smoothest ride, but it's not unlivable. Technology-wise, there's little to separate them, with the 17-inch touch screen and Autopilot common to both. If you don't need the X's extra space and seating capacity, save yourself some money and go for the faster Model S.