Tesla Model X – the people’s verdict

With a claimed 350-mile range, Tesla’s new £85,000 all-electric Model X SUV promises much on paper, but how does it fare in real life? We’ve invited a group of readers along to a private viewing, to get up close and personal. What do they think?

Well, IT consultant Kuldip Sidhu loves the Tesla’s high driving position, because it’s similar to that of the Cayenne he currently owns. And he reckons the Model X is ‘future proof’ – unlike his diesel-powered Porsche, which he believes may be rendered extinct sooner rather than later. Kuldip also praises the Tesla’s five, six and seven-seat versatility – despite the third row’s limited headroom – along with the huge iPad-like touchscreen and virtually everything else from visibility to comfort. He lives in London, which has an extensive Tesla Supercharger infrastructure. He reckons the Model X might well have a place in his future.

There are plenty of aspects of the Model X that appeal to charity coordinator Liz Train, including the 2270kg towing capacity and the Autopilot semi-autonomous mode that accelerates, brakes and steers the car on motorways. She isn’t inspired by the Tesla’s styling, however, and thinks it could have a better load capacity, especially with the third row of seats in place. Despite this, she concedes that it might well make a practical alternative to her current Land Rover Discovery 4.

The efficiency and cost savings on offer from the Model X are of chief importance to financial advisor Russell Hunt. He explains: “The main benefit of electric motoring for me is the increased fuel efficiency. The range is up to 351 miles and my commute is around 15 miles, so I could simply charge it at home overnight.” Despite the interior material quality not impressing him quite so much – “It’s not representative of a car at this price point” – he enjoys the driving experience very much. He says: “It’s so easy to drive. In the city, it really takes the stress away, due to the lack of noise, the electronic assistance and the lack of a gearbox.”

Sales development manager Maurizio Cappitta is more used to his Jaguar XKR, and he says his expectations of the Model X were originally quite low: “I anticipated that it’d be like driving a household appliance – something that just does the job. The way I see it, Tesla is doing to the motor industry what Apple did to mobile phones.” Yet he changes his mind after his test drive, saying: “The instant torque is unbelievable!” The newcomer’s performance, top-hinged ‘Falcon Wing’ doors and remote software updates all get his vote, too. Not like a washing machine or dishwasher at all, then, Maurizio?