The 2023 Model X provides the effectiveness and attractiveness that comes with the Tesla brand, but its gimmicks could be more appealing these days.
The luxury electric crossover sector has grown and now offers more options. Two X models are available, beginning with the dual-motor base SUV, which produces 670 horsepower and has a 348-mile EPA-rated driving range.
The performance-oriented Plaid model is more expensive but yields an astounding 1020 horsepower and can travel up to 333 miles between charges. Its horrific acceleration and extended driving range impress us.
What is new in 2023?
The Model X will receive a new key card in 2023, but the old design car-shaped fob will be available as an option.
A standard steering wheel is also free (a $700 remodel available for current owners). Or else, the Model X remains unchanged for the new year.
The Plaid model’s three electric motors are sure to produce an insane acceleration, but the X Plaid’s speed is cost prohibitive.
And its 333-mile approximated driving range could be better than the base model’s, so we’d skip it. The base Model X has a projected driving range of up to 348 miles and is still relatively quick.
| MODEL | PRICE |
| Model X | starts at $120,990 |
| Model X Plaid | starts at $138,990 |
Electric Vehicle Motor, Power, and Effectiveness
The base Model X is equipped with two electric motors, one at the front axle and one at the rear, allowing for all-wheel drive. This arrangement is high-speed: Tesla claims a 3.8-second zero-to-60-mph time.
The 1020-hp three-motor Plaid high-performance version claims a zero-to-60-mph time of 2.5 seconds.
The X’s handling is honorable, but its main attraction is the powerful acceleration provided by its electric motors.
| POWER | F: 259 hpR: 503 hp |
| Combined | 532 hp |
| Torque | F: 244 lb-ftR: 469 lb-ft |
| Combined | 713 lb-ft |
| Transmission | speed direct-drive |
Battery Life, Range, and Charging
The Model X is equipped with a sufficient battery to provide a claimed 348-mile driving range; improving to the faster Plaid model reduces the approximate driving range to 333 miles.
Recharging is quick and easy with one of Tesla’s Superchargers across the country.
Charging at home with a 240V or 120V connection will be longer, but it will likely be more advantageous for owners, so Tesla sells in-home charging equipment.
C/D Test Results:
| Zero to 60 mph | 3.3 sec |
| Zero to 100 mph | 8.3 sec |
| Zero to 120 mph | 13.0 sec |
| 5-60 mph | 3.5 sec |
| Top gear, 30-50 mph | 1.3 sec |
| Top speed | 130 mph |
Real-World MPGe and Fuel Efficiency
The Model X has the highest EPA MPGe ratings among several similar-sized all-electric SUVs.
The base models merged 107 cities, 97 highways, and 102 MPGe. In this metric, even the Plaid model, which gives up some efficiency for speedier acceleration, outperforms critical competitors such as the Jaguar I-Pace and Audi e-Tron SUVs.
Visit the EPA’s website for more information on the Model X’s fuel economy.
| EPA city/highway driving | 89-90 MPGe |
| EPA range | 250 mi |
| C/D observed | 77 MPGe |
Cargo, Interior, and Convenience
Tesla’s interior design is striking and nearly buttonless.
The driver is confronted with a digital gauge display and a one-of-a-kind yoke-style steering controller that is frequently upsetting to use and difficult, if not impossible, to get used to.
At the very least, a standard steering wheel is free of charge. The Model X’s windshield/glass roof is also distinctive, running smoothly from the base of the hood and up and above front-seat passengers for a nearly undisrupted view of what’s ahead and above.
Despite these high-tech features, the Model X’s cabin leaves something to be desired, especially given its high price tag, with nondescript air vents, unaligned panels, and flat-backed seats that need to be adjusted.
| Wheelbase | 116.7 inches |
| Length | 198.3 inches |
| Width | 81.5 inches |
| Height | 66.3 inches |
| SAE volume | F: 60 cu ftM: 52 cu ftR: 28 cu ft |
| Cargo volume (third row up/folded) | 13/68 cu ft |
| Front trunk | 7 cu ft |
| Curb weight | 5594 lb |
Connectivity and infotainment
The dashboard is dominated by a massive touchscreen infotainment system that manages almost all of the Model X’s different features and settings.
The gauge cluster is a supplementary digital readout in front of the driver.
Tesla’s infotainment platform is cutting-edge but lacks Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
Rear-seat passengers have a small display that provides entertainment and some control over the vehicle’s functionalities.
Features for Driver Assistance and Protection
Many buyers, however, are looking for digital features rather than luxury, and the Model X can be equipped with the quality that has generated the most buzz: Autopilot. Tesla’s hands-free driving mode detects objects, people, and other vehicles with multiple cameras, sensors, and radars and uses them to pilot the Model X autonomously.
The Model X also has a Summon feature, which enables the user to park or remove the SUV from tricky corners while standing outdoors function that appears gimmicky but was necessary due to the ridiculous top-hinged doors.
The following are important safety features:
- Automatic emergency braking is standard.
- Typical lane departure warning
- Automatic cruise control with the hands-free driving mode is usable
Key Features
| KEY FEATURES |
| Top-Hinged Falcon |
| new Upgraded rear Infotainment Screen |
| Semi-Autonomous Driving Option |
Tesla Model X Drivetrain in 2023
The Model X, which has been on the market since 2016, has set the bar for electric SUVs and has gradually improved over the years. For 2023, there will be two Model X variants to choose from.
The Model X Long Range is the entry-level model, featuring a dual-motor structure driven by a 100-kWh battery pack mounted underneath the floorboards. Despite being the less powerful of the two options available, the Long Range Model X produces a mind-boggling 670 horsepower and 713 pound-feet of torque.
Improving the Model X Plaid offers you a ticket to one of the fastest-produced cars or trucks. Basic sense, the Plaid is outrageous and offers far more control than 99.9% of owners will ever require or know what to do with.
The Model X Plaid adds a third motor for 1,020 horsepower and 1,050 pound-feet torque.
All the Model X’s power is routed through a 1-speed automatic transmission to all four wheels to help put as much of that enormous power into the roadway as possible.
The Plaid does have a torque-vectoring system, which transports power to the wheel or wheels with the most excellent traction to keep things from becoming too hairy.
| Trim | Long Range Plaid |
| Model | Model X |
| Engine/Motor | 2 or 3 Asynchronous AC |
| Horsepower | 670-1,020 Horsepower |
| Drivetrain | All-wheel Drive |
| Transmission | 1-speed Automatic |
| Range | 335-351 miles |
| Battery | 100 kWh 410 V Lithium-ion |
Tesla Model X Performance And Control Capability in 2023
With a top speed of 190 mph, the Urus remains one of the three fastest SUVs on the planet, and Lamborghini claims that its super-SUV can speed up from 0-60 mph in just 3.3 seconds.
Those figures are short enough to outperform the Model X Long Range.
The Model X can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds and has a top speed of “only” 155 mph amidst having a very low drag coefficient of 0.24 Cd.
The Plaid, on the other hand, is a game changer. The Model X Plaid can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 2.5 seconds thanks to its 1,000 horsepower.
It can run a sub-10 second quarter-mile but is thankfully (for the driver’s safety) limited to a top speed of 163 mph, despite several outlets and stories claiming that the Model X can easily break through the 200 mph barrier. The driving range is 333-348 miles.
As it is still an SUV, the Model X should be prepared to do some work in addition to embarrassing SRT owners.
Its towing capability is limited, given the torque produced by either trim, but 5,000 pounds is enough for most tasks that most owners will need to complete.
The maximum payload is a relatively light 1,600 pounds, likely due in part to the Model X weighing a hefty, either 5,158 pounds or 5,390 pounds for the Long Range and Plaid models, respectively.
Tesla Model X Interior Layout, Quality, And Technology in 2023
Yet having performance as one of its main selling points, the Model X also comes with a slew of gadgets and technology designed to catch people’s attention. The Model X instantly opens and closes the front doors, and its Falcon Wing rear doors stand out.
While occasionally inconvenient in tight garages or parking decks, the rear doors provide unprecedented access to the rear cargo area, which has a maximum capacity of 92 cubic feet.
The semi-autonomous driving mode is also a big draw (and a $15,000 price increase). It uses a slew of detectors, radars, and sensors to enable the Model X to pilot itself in specific situations. Another clever trick is the Summon feature, which allows owners to have their car pull itself out of a parking spot if necessary or to show off.
The Long-range can seat up to seven passengers, while the Plaid can only seat six. The panoramic glass roof gives passengers an almost unobstructed view of what is ahead and above them.
If that’s not enough, the massive tilting 17-inch front infotainment screen with an incredible 2,200-1,700 resolution dominates the relatively sparse interior. At the same time, rear passengers gain from a new, upgraded rear screen.
Pricing for the Tesla Model X in 2023
With so many Teslas on the road, it can be challenging to remember that they are still luxury vehicles.
A Tesla Model X Long Range starts at $120,990, while the Plaid begins at $138,990.
Tesla does promote pricing that includes refunds and gas savings of $8,400, which they factor into their costs to incentivize prospective buyers further. Despite this, Tesla persists in asserting its superiority with a mixture of innovation, luxury, and sheer effectiveness that no one has been capable of matching or beating.
Warranty and Maintenance Protection
Tesla provides an extensive warranty package to secure the powertrain and hybrid elements of the Model X.
Still, it lacks the I-extensive Pace’s bumper-to-bumper protection and complimentary regular maintenance packages.
- The limited warranty lasts four years or 50,000 miles.
- The powertrain warranty is valid for eight years, regardless of mileage.
- There is no free scheduled maintenance.
