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Tesla Model X to be fastest SUV in the world

Tesla Motors boss, Elon Musk, says he expects the Model X SUV to not only offer the fast-accelerating ‘Ludicorous mode’, but be similar in performance to the just updated Model S.


The 2016 Tesla Model S, can now accelerate from 0-100km/h in under three seconds (0-60mph in 2.8 seconds), giving it bragging rights over the likes of the Ferrari 488 an the Lamborghini Huracan.

The highly anticipated Model X SUV, which goes on sale in North American markets in September this year (Australia delivery dates expected in the third quarter of 2016), will become the fastest SUV in the world by outpacing the BMW X5M and X6M, Porsche Cayenne Turbo and Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG. Expected SUV Models from Lamborghini and Bentley are yet to disclose their power or performance figures, though we suspect they will be unable to match that of the Model X.

Speaking to the media this morning, Musk said that the Model X is running on time and its slightly higher weight over the Model S will not be a detractor from its performance.

“We will offer ludicrous mode on the [Model] X, it will be 10 percent heavier car, so you’d expect the X be 3.2 or 3.3 seconds [in 0-60mph acceleration], probably 3.3 seconds due to higher centre of gravity.”

Musk pointed out that the additional weight will also not suffocate the SUV's range, with the battery pack being upgraded to almost account for the weight change.

“The X is roughly 10 per cent greater mass, energy usage per mile will be roughly 10 per cent higher than the S, so we have a five or six percent greater battery packing so the net range impact is only around four or five percent [compared to the S], so that’s good for the X.”

That means the top-spec Model X should be able to manage at least 400km on a single charge, though we expect complete and confirmed details of the car in the next few weeks.

What is most interesting, however, is the difference between the Model S and X, which many suspected would share a huge number of parts, a point dismissed by Musk.

“At the end of the day we originally thought the X would have a lot of commonality with the S, but in order to make the X great we really had to go to the point where only 30 percent of parts are common between X and S. So there’s a huge amount of bodywork that’s involved with the X and that’s our main focus right now.”

Local Tesla Model X pricing is yet to be confirmed, however it’s likely to mirror that of the Model S with a slight premium. Prices should start at around the $130,000 mark and top out around $170,000.

In Australia the Tesla range now starts at $100,100 for the Model S 70 RWD, $114,200 for the Model S P85 RWD, while the top-spec high performance and high range P85D AWD retails for $148,000. All prices do not include luxury car tax or stamp duty. For a driveaway price check out Tesla Australia's website here

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