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Cariary Vehicle Encyclopedia · Verified Profile

Tesla Model X

Battery-electric mid-size luxury crossover SUV

Tesla Model X

ProductionProduction ended in 2026 after a 2015–2026 run
GenerationFirst generation, refreshed in 2021 and 2025
BodyBattery-electric mid-size luxury crossover SUV
LayoutThree-row SUV with panoramic windshield and falcon-wing doors
PowertrainDual-motor battery-electric powertrain
DrivetrainAll-wheel drive with separate front and rear motors
SeatingUp to seven adults across three rows
Best useLong-distance family transport, performance driving and towing
01 · Core summary

Core summary

Tesla Model X

The Tesla Model X is a battery-electric mid-size luxury crossover SUV that entered customer service in September 2015. It was developed from the Tesla Model S platform and shares about 30 percent of its content with that sedan. Its defining exterior feature is a pair of double-hinged falcon-wing rear doors, while its practical brief combines three-row seating with front and rear trunks. The Model X uses all-wheel drive, with separate electric motors for the front and rear axles. By July 2025, the range-oriented Long Range version was estimated at 352 miles under the EPA cycle, while the high-performance Plaid was estimated at 335 miles. The model received a major refresh in 2021 and a further update in 2025. Tesla announced in January 2026 that production would end and the line would be repurposed for Optimus robots.

02 · History & generations

History & generations

Tesla showed the Model X prototype on February 9, 2012, initially planning deliveries for early 2014. Production timing moved several times as Tesla prioritized Model S output and worked through falcon-wing door and motor-cooling issues. Customer deliveries finally began on September 29, 2015, followed by the Signature edition in December. Early versions included the 60D, 75D, 90D and 100D, with the P100D becoming the performance flagship in 2016. Tesla discontinued those historical battery and trim designations progressively between 2016 and 2019. An engineering refresh in 2019 improved range and added smart air suspension, followed by a substantial 2021 refresh with Plaid, revised interior, revised powertrain and revised suspension. A June 2025 update added a front-bumper camera, new wheels, more third-row space, dynamic ambient lighting and adaptive headlights. Tesla announced discontinuation in January 2026.

2015–2026

First generation

The sole Model X generation began customer deliveries in 2015. It received an engineering update in 2019, a substantial refresh in 2021, and another update in 2025. Tesla announced discontinuation in January 2026.

03 · Body, platform & design

Body, platform & design

The Model X applies a tall crossover body to a platform derived from the Model S. Its panoramic windshield and glass-heavy cabin treatment distinguish it from more conventional SUVs, while the upward-opening falcon-wing doors define rear access. These doors use a double-hinged mechanism that keeps the leading edge relatively close to the body as the door rises, reducing the side clearance normally needed by a conventional door. Tesla also fitted radar intended to help detect nearby objects while the doors operate. The vehicle is classified by the EPA as an SUV and provides three seating rows, along with front and rear trunks. The reference extract gives a total cargo-space figure of 87.8 cubic feet. The 2025 update changed exterior details through new wheel designs and a front bumper camera, while also adding adaptive headlights and lighting changes.

Shadow Grey Tesla Model X Plaid
Shadow Grey Tesla Model X Plaid exterior. · Ethan Llamas · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
04 · Engine & drivetrain

Engine & drivetrain

The Model X is fully battery electric and uses an all-wheel-drive system with two motors: one at the front and one at the rear. This differs from a conventional single-source all-wheel-drive arrangement. Across its history, the model used lithium-ion battery packs rated at 60, 75, 90 or 100 kWh, but those capacities belong to different historical versions rather than a single current specification. The current-era range figures supplied for July 2025 identify Long Range and Plaid versions. Long Range was estimated at 352 miles of EPA range, while Plaid was estimated at 335 miles. The extract gives Plaid acceleration of 0–60 mph in 2.5 seconds and a quarter-mile time of 9.9 seconds. An optional towbar supports a stated maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds or 2,250 kilograms.

Shadow Grey Tesla Model X Plaid front view
Front exterior view of a Shadow Grey Tesla Model X Plaid. · Ethan Llamas · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
05 · Trim differences

Trim differences

The supplied evidence identifies two versions available as of July 2025: Long Range and Plaid. Long Range is the range-focused version, with an estimated EPA range of 352 miles. Plaid is the high-performance version, with an estimated EPA range of 335 miles and a stated 0–60 mph time of 2.5 seconds. Earlier names such as 60D, 75D, 90D, 100D, Performance and P100D describe historical Model X configurations and should not be treated as the 2025–2026 lineup. Tesla introduced Plaid with the 2021 refresh. The reference also records earlier Signature and Founders Series vehicles, including a final invite-only Signature Edition run of 100 units in 2026. Exact equipment packaging, pricing, regional availability and current option lists are not established by the supplied evidence.

Grey Tesla Model X driving on a road
Grey Tesla Model X on the road. · Mocare11? · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
06 · Interior & seating

Interior & seating

The Model X interior is organized around three seating rows for up to seven adults and a large panoramic windshield. Its people-moving layout is supported by front and rear trunks, giving the vehicle storage areas beyond the passenger compartment. The 2021 refresh brought a revised interior, while the 2025 update increased third-row space and added dynamic ambient lighting. The reference extract also records a 17-inch center console screen and an MCU 2 upgrade in 2018, but those details describe the model’s historical development rather than a complete current cabin specification. The second-row seats were criticized by Consumer Reports for not folding in a tested version, and early production vehicles experienced some door and window operation problems. No supplied evidence establishes the current upholstery, seating materials, dashboard configuration or detailed infotainment equipment.

Tesla Model X in the Washington DC metro area
Tesla Model X photographed in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. · OWS Photography · CC BY 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
07 · Efficiency & range

Efficiency & range

The Model X has no combustion engine or fuel tank; its energy source is a rechargeable battery. The supplied current-era range estimates are 352 miles for Long Range and 335 miles for Plaid, both under the EPA cycle and stated as of July 2025. Historical range figures varied substantially by battery, software configuration and model year, including a 200-mile estimate for the 60D and later increases for Long Range Plus and Performance versions. Those earlier figures should not be applied to the final lineup. Towing can materially reduce electric range: the reference states that a Model X pulling a 2,300-pound travel trailer at California’s 55-mph towing limit may retain about 70 percent of its 257-mile EPA-registered range. No complete current MPGe table is included in the supplied extract.

08 · Safety & equipment

Safety & equipment

The reference records five-star NHTSA ratings in all assessed categories for the 2017-manufactured Model X and a five-star Euro NCAP result. Tesla attributed the vehicle’s crash performance partly to its low center of gravity, which results from the battery-pack placement. Standard safety equipment described in the extract includes Autopilot, radar-based automatic emergency braking and side-directed ultrasonic detection that can steer the vehicle away from threats. Full Self-Driving is described as an optional system, not as a fully autonomous capability. The model also used radar to help prevent the falcon-wing doors from contacting nearby objects. Safety history includes numerous recalls involving cameras, airbags, seat belts, software, warning chimes, lighting, hood detection and other systems. Owners should verify recall status for a specific vehicle rather than generalize from model-level results.

09 · Strengths

Strengths

The Model X combines a fully electric powertrain with three-row capacity, all-wheel drive and substantial claimed range. Its separate front and rear motors provide the basis for the model’s AWD layout, while Plaid performance gives the nameplate unusually rapid acceleration for a large family-oriented SUV. The falcon-wing doors offer a distinctive access solution and reduce the outward space needed beside the vehicle when opening. A panoramic windshield, front and rear trunks and available towing hardware broaden its practical scope. The model also earned strong reported crash-test results from NHTSA and Euro NCAP. The 2021 and 2025 updates extended the product’s technical and cabin development rather than replacing it with a new generation. These attributes made the Model X a notable early three-row electric SUV.

Cariary perspective
A distinctive three-row electric SUV whose production ended in 2026
10 · Considerations

Considerations

The falcon-wing doors are mechanically complex and were associated with early opening, latching, leakage and overheating concerns. Tesla addressed reported operating problems through software updates, but the door design remains a central ownership consideration. Contemporary testing also criticized the ride as firm and choppy, limited cargo usability in context, the brightness of the panoramic windshield and the inability of tested second-row seats to fold. Towing reduces usable range, and the vehicle’s relatively large, heavy SUV format may not suit every charging or parking environment. The Model X accumulated a long recall history through April 2025, including campaigns involving airbags, cameras, software, steering assistance, trim, hood detection and warning systems. Since production ended in 2026, buyers of used examples should distinguish hardware and software changes by model year and confirm outstanding recalls.

11 · Recommended use

Recommended use

The Model X is best matched with buyers seeking a large, fast electric family vehicle with three seating rows and all-wheel drive. Its up-to-seven-person capacity and front and rear trunks support family travel, while the falcon-wing doors are intended to improve rear-passenger access in tighter side-clearance situations. Long Range is the evidence-supported choice for prioritizing estimated driving distance, while Plaid emphasizes acceleration at the expense of the lower stated range figure. The optional towbar gives the model a stated 5,000-pound towing capacity, although the supplied towing example shows a meaningful range reduction. The vehicle can also suit drivers who value advanced driver-assistance hardware and a highly distinctive cabin and body design. It is less appropriate for buyers wanting simple door hardware, a conventional second-row folding arrangement or a new-production vehicle after 2026.

Tesla Model X exterior from the rear
Rear exterior photograph of a Tesla Model X. · Alexandre Prevot from Nancy, France · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons
12 · FAQ

FAQ

Q: Is the Tesla Model X still in production? A: No. Tesla announced discontinuation in January 2026, and production ended that year.

Q: How many people can the Model X seat? A: The reference states that it can accommodate up to seven adults in three rows.

Q: Is every Model X all-wheel drive? A: Yes. The extract says Tesla planned rear-wheel-drive models but produced all models with AWD.

Q: What is the stated range of the final versions? A: As of July 2025, Long Range was estimated at 352 miles and Plaid at 335 miles under EPA testing.

Q: What makes the Model X distinctive? A: Its panoramic windshield and double-hinged falcon-wing rear doors are its signature design features.

Q: Can it tow? A: With an optional towbar, the stated maximum towing capacity is 5,000 pounds or 2,250 kilograms.

What makes the Tesla Model X different?

A distinctive three-row electric SUV whose production ended in 2026

Who should consider it?

Long-distance family transport, performance driving and towing

13 · Sources & updates

Sources & updates

Research for this Tesla Model X profile prioritized current manufacturer specifications, model-year equipment pages and official press material. Independent safety or regulatory records were used where available. Historical references were kept separate from current-generation specifications and image identification.

Equipment, pricing and certified figures can vary by market, trim and model year. The expandable reference list below contains the linked sources used for verification. Last editorial review: August 30, 2026.

Last editorial review: August 30, 2026. Specifications remain market- and model-year-specific.