Tesla Model X likely to cost $200,000 in Australia

Game changing American auto maker breaks the bank with new Falcon-doored electric SUV.

Dom Tripolone

23:3702 September 2015

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Tesla Model X likely to cost $200,000 in Australia

Tesla is set to tackle the world's most expensive SUVs with its long-awaited Model X.

US prices for its launch model, the Model X P90D Signature Edition, point to an Australian price well in excess of $200,000, putting it in the same league as European-sourced performance SUVs from Range Rover and Porsche.

The electric car maker shot to prominence in the US and beyond by offering blistering performance from its electric drivetrains along with beautiful design and space-age technology.

Though we have not seen Australian prices for the new SUV, the Model X's US price tag is significantly higher than the more conventional Models S. It starts at $US132,000 ($187,000) in the US, well more than the $US75,000 ($106,500) it charges for the entry-level Model S 70D sedan that costs around $130,000 drive-away in Australia.

The Model X is powered by two electric motors that power the front and rear wheels, the front wheels are powered by a 193kW motor and the rear by a 375kW motor taking the combined power output to 568kW.

Its nearest equivalent is the 515kW P85D sedan, a car priced from $US105,000 in its home market and $185,000 in Australia.

Tesla claims the new SUV can accelerate to 100km/h in just 3.8 seconds, on to a top speed of 250km/h. Thanks to a 90kWh battery pack, its maximum range is 386 kilometres.

The futuristic SUV also has a towing capacity of about 2200kg.

An upgrade to include the brand's 'Ludicrous Mode' is available and costs an extra $10,000 bringing the price up to $142,000 ($201,000).

In Ludicrous mode the 0-100km/h time decreases to a staggering 3.2 seconds.

The Model X's styling features the same flowing lines of the Model S it is based on.

However, where it really steps up the wow factor is in its 'Falcon-wing' rear doors that open upward, giving passengers more space when parked close to other vehicles.

The SUV's standard equipment in Signature form includes blind-spot monitoring, falcon door sensors for opening in enclosed spaces, semi-autonomous driving tech, air suspension with GPS memory, an upgraded sound system and ventilated and heated seats.

Tesla says the Model X will go on sale in early 2016 in the US, before arriving locally at the end of next year.