The Tesla Mannequin X electrical crossover is predicted to outsell the producer’s Mannequin S saloon globally, and with the SUV market continually rising, particularly in markets like China and the US, you’ll be able to see why. The added practicality of the Mannequin X’s bodystyle means it is going to enchantment to much more prospects than the four-door Mannequin S, with comparatively little drop in efficiency or vary in comparison with the Mannequin S which means there’s little compromise.

There’s a great deal of house inside and the quiet, easy and fast powertrain means it’s a good way to journey. It gained’t enchantment to eager drivers, or these with vital calls for by way of vary, however in the event you can afford the excessive costs then the Mannequin X may simply be the SUV for you.

Unusually-styled, the Mannequin X’s signature lifting ‘Falcon’ rear doorways permit excellent entry to the second and third rows of seats – albeit with some vital compromises outlined under. Speaking of seats, you’ll be able to configure your Mannequin X as both a five-, six- or a seven-seater relying on your loved ones wants.

At somewhat over 5m in size, the Mannequin X is an imposing sight though its cumbersome quantity is much less elegantly disguised than the Mannequin S saloon which manages to look svelte. Regardless of its additional dimension the 2 fashions share a platform and all their core engineering, from batteries to motors to the Tesla Autopilot self-driving tech.

Though Tesla calls the Mannequin X an SUV, the car-like profile with sweeping rear roofline makes it way more of a crossover. All variations are four-wheel drive due to its pair of electrical motors, one driving the entrance wheels and the opposite driving the rears, however there’s no intention that the Mannequin X ought to be pushed off tarmac. On tarmac its acceleration is nothing in need of astonishing, which is unquestionably a part of the enchantment for early adopters of Tesla’s electrical know-how.

The very fact it’s such a novel proposition means it’s onerous to match the Mannequin X as much as rivals. Costly full dimension SUVs with excessive efficiency and fuel-saving plug-in hybrid tech embrace the Audi Q7, BMW X5, Mercedes GLE, Porsche Cayenne and Vary Rover Sport, whereas the Volvo XC90 T8 hybrid additionally has environmental credentials. Patrons on the hunt for an SUV with electric-only energy even have the choice of the Audi e-tron, Mercedes EQC and Jaguar I-Tempo – which gained our 2018 Automotive of the Yr award. 

Tesla up to date the Mannequin X in early 2021, though the evaluation right here consists of pre-facelift photos. Essentially the most notable change was the alternative of the Efficiency trim-level with the brand new 1,006bhp Plaid mannequin – which now sits alongside the Lengthy Vary automotive within the lineup. The Plaid powertrain is a three-motor set-up and was initially developed for the revised Mannequin S saloon however, as the 2 vehicles use the identical platform, it is prepared and in a position to go straight into the Mannequin X.

A lightweight exterior makeover retains issues recent with the Mannequin X that includes a redesigned entrance bumper and diffuser, together with new 22-inch alloy wheels, whereas the cabin consists of new tech equivalent to a revised digital gauge cluster, a 17-inch infotainment display and 4 wi-fi smartphone charging pads.

This being an completely electrical automotive, there aren’t any different powertrain variations out there: your solely alternative with the Mannequin X is how briskly and the way far you need it to go. There are many choices to select from, although, together with the surprisingly named Bioweapon Defence Mode, which filters impurities from the air coming into the cabin, together with, it’s claimed, micro organism and viruses.