Consumer Reports finds the Model X more showboat than functional calling it “fast and flawed” in its latest review of the electric crossover SUV. CR complains about the iconic Falcon Wing doors calling them “prone to pausing and stopping.” The review continues, “But beyond the brag-worthy magic [of the Falcon Wing doors], the all-wheel-drive Model X 90D largely disappoints,” CR says.
“The big windshield is neat but not tinted enough to offset the brightness of a sunny day and wind noise is excessive.”...MORE
But among the negative sentiments by CR, Tesla’s Model X production numbers are on the rise and the vehicle continues to establish its role in the luxury SUV segment. As of last month, Model X held 6% of the U.S. large SUV market and #8 in the large luxury SUV category, edging out Porsche’s Macan and Cayenne, the Land Rover R-R Sport, and Infiniti’s QX80.
Bolstered by a series of Model X over-the-air software updates aimed at addressing early issues related to the doors, Model X owners are seeing a 92% reduction in reliability concerns over the past year. The vehicle was also recently awarded the ‘Golden Steering Wheel’ for best SUV....
And from Consumer Reports, Nov. 23:
2016 Tesla Model X Review: Fast and Flawed
More showboat than functional, the electric Tesla Model X has plenty of high-tech gimmicks but forgets about the ‘U’ in SUV
The Model X’s rear doors rise like wings to reveal two “floating” rear seats. This fully electric luxury SUV also has a jet-fighter-like canopy windshield and power front doors, and can park itself.
But beyond the brag-worthy magic, the all-wheel-drive Model X 90D largely disappoints. The rear doors are prone to pausing and stopping. The second-row seats can’t be folded, limiting cargo-carrying ability. The big windshield is neat but not tinted enough to offset the brightness of a sunny day, and wind noise is excessive.
Despite its 5,400-pound weight, the X has warp-speed thrust, hitting 60 mph in just 4.9 seconds.
Driven sedately, our test car’s 90-kWh battery provided about 230 miles of range. The agile Tesla corners more like a sports sedan than an SUV, but its ride is too firm and choppy for a $110,000 car.
The interior is striking in its minimalism. Most vehicle functions are controlled via the giant, responsive touch screen, but you need to take your eyes off the road to use it....MORE
