Tesla Model X review - Interior, design and technology
The styling isn’t as cohesive as that of the Model S, though the interior is smart
While the Tesla Model X is certainly distinctive to look at, with its rounded nose, swooping roofline and raised stance, we’d argue that it isn’t as slick as the Model S it’s based on. It looks more like a jacked-up saloon than a true SUV, and the blank nose looks oddly unfinished.
Of course the most unusual detail about the Model X is the rear doors, which open outwards and upwards in a ‘falcon wing’ shape. It’s certainly a unique design choice, and some will love the oddball arrangement, but it does seem slightly out of place on a car like this.
Inside you’ll find the same huge 17-inch touchscreen display in portrait orientation on the dashboard, plus some Mercedes switchgear and a plush set of seats. There’s lots of room inside and the materials used look good, but the design is very plain. There’s none of the flair you’ll find in a Mercedes, despite some of the same parts being used here.
The large panoramic windscreen gives you a great view of the road and sky ahead, extending almost over the driver’s head. A special tint means there’s only slightly more glare from the sun than in a normal SUV, too.
Sat-nav, stereo and infotainment
The central screen is easy to use, and you control a huge amount of the car’s functions with it - including opening and closing all of the doors, moving the seats and changing the climate control. Doing so on the move is a pain, though, and we prefer using buttons and switches in that situation. There are almost no buttons inside the car, in fact - and that frustrates when the screen is booting up and you want to set up the air-conditioning straight away.
Sat-nav gets real-time traffic information, and there are regular over-the-air updates from Tesla to keep things up to date. In some cases these updates even add new features to the car. You can pair your phone with the quick-connect system in the centre console, too.
A large and powerful stereo system stretches across the top of the dash, and it sounds good - but on sunny days the perforations reflect onto the huge windscreen and reduce visibility.
Which Is Best
Cheapest
- NameLong Range AWD 5dr Auto
- Gearbox typeAuto
- Price£81,990
Most Economical
- NamePerformance Ludicrous AWD 5dr Auto
- Gearbox typeAuto
- Price£101,990
Fastest
- NamePlaid AWD 5dr Auto
- Gearbox typeAuto
- Price£109,990