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Tesla Model X Sightings and Spy Shots Gallery

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Elon Musk has confirmed that first deliveries of the Model X to early reservation holders will take place by September. However with the Tesla Model X design studio not yet available, and with no official announcement that the Model X has even reached the final design phase, we thought it would be fun to create an ongoing list of recent sightings and spy shots of the Model X.

Join in on the fun and share your photos of the Model X (and any news from the rumor mill) through the comments section below. Or email us at Teslarati.com Leaf Logo tips@teslarati.com.

 

  • Location: Palo Alto, CA
  • Date: August 29, 2015
  • Description: A very first close up look at the Tesla Model X as caught on cell phone. A brave pedestrian courageously approaches the, previously covered in white transport wrap, blue Model X, and attempts to film around the vehicle, nearly catching a glimpse of the interior before it takes off from the traffic light.
  • Source: YouTuber Missy P

 

  • Location: San Jose, CA
  • Date: August 27, 2015
  • Description: A black Tesla Model X with falcon wing door, partially ajar, is seen driving down Hwy 85 in San Jose, CA. Illuminated rear brake lights seen on the retractable rear spoiler.
  • Source: Submitted by Sameet via tips@teslarati.com

 

  • Location: Palo Alto, CA
  • Date: August 17, 2015
  • Description: The first sighting of a blue colored Tesla Model X with protective plastic wrap. See the video.
  • Source: Submitted by Instagram user SiliconValleyTeslas
[Source: SiliconValleyTeslas via Instagram]

[Source: SiliconValleyTeslas via Instagram]


 

 

  • Location: Palo Alto, CA
  • Date: July 31, 2015
  • Description: A rare sighting of the Model X next to a Model S is spied on Page Mill Rd. near Tesla headquarters.
  • Source: Submitted by Instagram user SiliconValleyTeslas

Model-X-S-size-comparison

 

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  • Location: Palo Alto, CA
  • Date: July 31, 2015
  • Description: Model X Falcon Wing doors begin to take shape as delivery nears. See spy photos of the Model X leaving Tesla Headquarters.
  • Source: Submitted by Lee

Tesla-Model-X-Palo-Alto-07312015-1

 


  • Location: Gilroy, CA
  • Date: July 22, 2015
  • Description: Tesla Model X hauling a dump trailer with unidentified freight down Hwy 101 Northbound in Gilroy, CA. Read more
  • Source: Submitted by Darin

Tesla-Model-X-Towing-Freight-Gilroy-2Tesla-Model-X-Towing-Freight-Gilroy-1

 


  • Location: Chandler, AZ
  • Date: July 20, 2015
  • Description: Video of a dirt covered Model X sparks rumors that Tesla is performing off-road testing of the electric crossover. Read more
  • Source: YouTube

Tesla-Model-X-Off-Road-HitchTesla-Model-X-Off-Road-Tires2 Tesla-Model-X-Off-Road-Tires Tesla-Model-X-Off-Road-Hitch2

 


  • Location: Berkeley, CA
  • Date: July 21, 2015
  • Description: New images (and video) surfaces of the Model X being tested with an active rear spoiler. Active spoilers and active aerodynamics have been used by performance carmakers for decades as a way to reduce drag coefficient by way of smoothing out airflow across the contours of the vehicle, but also as a way to increase downforce for added performance. The Model X is said to have range equivalent to the Model S and in order to achieve that goal, especially on a heavier and larger vehicle, Tesla will be outfitting the X with the new 90kWh battery pack and presumably the best possible aerodynamics in its class through the use of the active spoiler. Lower drag equates to less energy needed to propel the car forward at a given speed, and ultimately ensures maximum battery range.>>>> [VIDEO] Digital Wind Tunnel Technology Behind Tesla Model S Aerodynamics

Model-X-Active-Spoiler
Model-X-Active-Front-Sensor Model-X-Active-Spoiler2

Fair warning: The owner of the cell phone video shot it while rotating the device making the video a little difficult to watch.

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  • Location: San Jose, CA
  • Date: July 15, 2015 @7:15 pm
  • Description: Randy Frei was driving down 280 South in San Jose, CA, near the Stevens Creek exit, when he came across the Tesla Model X. This is the first sighting of the Model X, submitted exclusively to TESLARATI, which shows testing equipment attached to the front contours of the vehicle. Other points worth noting are the taped gaps between the front body panels and the sharper nose design.
  • Source: Randy Frei

 

Model-X-Sensors-San-Jose Model-X-Sensors2-San-Jose Model-X-Front-San-Jose

 

 


  • Location: Petaluma, CA
  • Date: June 18, 2015
  • Description: A side by side size comparison of the Model S and pre-production Model X posted by a member of Stocktwits.
  • Source: User TslaUp via Stocktwits, Facebook

Model-X-Petaluma-size-comparisonModel-S-vs-X

 

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  • Location: ???
  • Date: June 13, 2015
  • Description: The Model X falcon wing door is seen opened on the same test mule car that’s been spotted testing across Tesla headquarters. According to a reddit user (account has since been deleted by the user), presumably a contracted engineer working on the Model X, the user writes “Spent some time behind the wheel of a Tesla Model X today!”
  • Source: Reddit

Updated June 26, 2015: The picture has been removed at the request of the user who originally posted the image.

 


  • Location: Hwy 280N, Los Altos, CA
  • Date: June 5, 2015
  • Description: According to YouTube user kenken830, “Spotted on Hwy 280N in Los Altos Hills, California on June 5th, 2015 6:39 PM PD. No camouflage.”
  • Source: kenken830

 

 


  • Location: CA
  • Date: May 27, 2015
  • Description: A white Model X is seen testing on the streets with, what appears to be, new body panels. It’s questionable as to whether this will be the final version of the electric crossover, slated to go into production in a few months.
  • Source: 60grayev

White-Model-X-Testing-052715
White-Model-X-Side-052715
White-Model-X-Side2-052715


  • Location: Foothill Expwy and Page Mill Rd. near Tesla Motors HQ in, Palo Alto, CA
  • Date: May 8, 2015
  • Description: A quick glimpse of the Model X interior shows that it’s largely the same design as the Model S. The large center touchscreen has been recessed under the protrusion of the center dashboard, identical to that of the Model S.
  • Source: nbkagzw13

 

 


  • Location: Rt 101 @ “near the University exit” by Palo Alto, CA
  • Date: May 4, 2015
  • Description: The contours of the Model X seen from the picture closely resembles that of the Model S. According to Ron’s comment from his Google+ page, the Model X “looks like a Model S with a pug nose. And the front had the classic black oval from the Model S.”
  • Source: Ron Tailan

Black-Tesla-Model-X-Palo-Alto

 

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  • Location: I-280 near Palo Alto, CA
  • Date: Exact date unknown. Approx. Apr 21, 2015
  • Description: Tesla Model X appears to be testing a lane departure system which automatically steers the car away from the shoulder and back into the lane.
  • Source: Yann Kerhervé

 

 


  • Location: I-280 near Palo Alto, CA
  • Date: Exact date unknown. Approx. Apr 3, 2015
  • Description: This appears to be the same test mule seen across much of Northern CA near Tesla Motors headquarters. Worth noting is the misaligned falcon wing doors, blacked out rear windows, fender flares and the trailer hitch.
  • Source: Reported on imgur.

Tesla-Model-X-Sighting-I280

 

 

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  • Location: Palo Alto, CA
  • Date: Mar 19, 2015
  • Description:
  • Source: YouTube user nbkagzw13 spotted the Tesla Model X testing on the streets near Tesla’s headquarters in Palo Alto, CA.

 

 


  • Location: TBD
  • Date: Mar 10, 2015
  • Description:
  • Source: Instagram user >@moriahdanielle

Model-X-Black-Wheels


  • Location: Arastradero Road leading to Tesla Motors HQ in Palo Alto, CA
  • Date: Feb 26, 2015
  • Description: “Tesla Suv out for a ride on 280, aka the test track.”
  • Source: Twitter user @JKDmobile

 


  • Location: Alameda, CA
  • Date: Jan 28, 2015
  • Description: Tesla Model X sighting at a retired Naval Air Station 30 miles from Tesla's Fremont factory. [See the video]
  • Source: YouTube user Juan del Real

Tesla Model X sighting spy shot at the Alameda Naval air station.

 

 


  • Location: CES 2015 Las Vegas, NV
  • Date: Jan 5, 2015
  • Description: Tesla Model X sighting at the Panasonic booth at the 2015 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. [See the video]
  • Source: YouTube TechVideo channel

Tesla Model X sighting at CES 2015 (falcon wing doors)

Tesla-Model-X-Seating-CES-2015Tesla-Model-X-Interior-CES-2015 Tesla-Model-X-Touchscreen-Display-CES-2015

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Tesla tipped its hand at where Robotaxi is heading next

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Tesla Cybercab production units rolling off the factory line in Gigafactory Texas (Credit: Tesla)
Tesla Cybercab production units rolling off the factory line in Gigafactory Texas (Credit: Tesla)

In the world of autonomous ride-hailing, there are only a handful of names. Among those few companies lies a strategy play by each to keep the opposition on their toes. Tesla, on the other hand, already tipped its hand at where it is headed next.

Tesla has signaled its next major push in the autonomous ride-hailing market by filing for an Autonomous Vehicle Network Company permit in Nevada (Docket 26-05015). Through Tesla Robotaxi, LLC, the company seeks approval to operate up to 5,000 robotaxis in Clark County, including high-traffic areas like Las Vegas and Henderson airports, within the first 12 months of launch.

This filing builds on Tesla’s earlier testing approvals from the Nevada DMV in September 2025 and preparations such as maintenance hubs in the Las Vegas area. Nevada represents a strategic expansion into a major tourist destination, where high visitor volumes could drive strong utilization and showcase the reliability of unsupervised autonomy to a broad audience.

Approval would mark a significant step toward commercial operations in a new state, following progress in Texas.

Tesla’s shareholder decks and earnings calls have clearly outlined these ambitions. In the Q4 2025 shareholder deck, the company listed planned Robotaxi coverage for the first half of 2026, explicitly naming Las Vegas alongside Phoenix, Miami, Orlando, and Tampa, with Dallas and Houston already advancing. Austin was noted as “ramping unsupervised,” while the Bay Area remained in safety-driver mode.

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By Q1 2026, the deck updated statuses to reflect launches in Dallas and Houston, with “preparations underway” for the remaining cities, including Las Vegas. Paid Robotaxi miles nearly doubled sequentially in Q1, underscoring momentum even as broader timelines adjusted slightly for regulatory and operational readiness.

On earnings calls, CEO Elon Musk and executives have emphasized a phased rollout prioritizing safety. Unsupervised operations in Texas have shown strong results with no reported accidents or injuries in the program. Tesla continues groundwork in additional major U.S. metros through testing and permitting, positioning it to scale quickly once approvals clear.

This Nevada move aligns with Tesla’s vision of transforming from an EV maker into an AI and robotics leader. The forthcoming Cybercab, which started production at Giga Texas in April, is expected to eventually dominate the fleet, replacing many Model Y vehicles and driving down costs to enable affordable rides.

For investors and the industry, this signals Tesla’s intent to dominate key Sun Belt and tourist markets where weather, regulations, and demand favor rapid scaling. Success in Las Vegas could validate the model for denser urban and high-tourism environments, accelerating the shift toward a future where robotaxis generate meaningful revenue.

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Las Vegas will also expand knowledge among the general public at Tesla’s capabilities, helping people experience driverless ride-hailing from several companies during their time on The Strip.

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Tesla Model 3’s cheapest trim just got a major accolade

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(Credit: Tesla)

The Tesla Model 3’s cheapest trim level just got a major accolade, as Edmunds just revealed the Rear-Wheel-Drive trim of the all-electric sedan is the most efficient EV that is currently in production.

The 2026 Tesla Model 3 Rear-Wheel-Drive not only beat its EPA-estimated range by 30 miles, but it also bested its efficiency mark by 13.2 percent. The Model 3 tested by Edmunds traveled 393 miles, beating its EPA rating by 8.3 percent, while it returned 21.7 kWh per 100 miles, or 4.61 mi/kWh.

Tesla Model 3 wins Edmunds’ Best EV of 2026 award

Beating those two metrics is especially pertinent when it comes to EV ownership and driving down the cost of ownership from ICE counterparts across the board. The real money savings come from driving down the cost of driving per mile, especially when it comes to high-mileage driving.

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Edmunds stated in its report and review that the process it uses to test EV efficiency is aimed at giving “the most accurate representation of a car’s real-world range.” The assessment uses a strict route that features 60 percent city and 40 percent highway driving, and an average speed of 40 MPH across the trip.

It also drives each car within 5 MPH of all posted speed limits, and the climate control is set on Auto at 72 degrees to ensure even testing. In other words, Edmunds does not use methods to maximize efficiency, and instead tries to make it reasonable to achieve the same ratings yourself.

In comparison to other EVs, it beat the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA 350, which went 385 miles, as well as the 2026 Audi A6 Sportback E-tron Prestige AWD, which traveled 392 miles. Only the Mercedes-Benz CLA 250+ traveled farther, making it an impressive 434 miles on a charge.

However, the Tesla Model 3 RWD’s efficiency is “unmatched” because of its incredibly low energy usage per mile.

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The Model 3 Rear-Wheel-Drive might be the best bang-for-your-buck EV if you’re looking to buy new and want access to features like Full Self-Driving, while also being aware of efficiency. This trim of the Model 3 is also priced over $9,000 cheaper than what Kelley Blue Book says the average transactional price for a new car was in May 2026, which sits at $46,023.

If you’re looking for something with more speed, an All-Wheel-Drive drivetrain, or more premium features, the Premium trims of the Model 3 currently come with one year of Free Supercharging.

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Investor's Corner

SpaceX IPO set to provide massive $11.6B windfall for teacher pension plan

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SpaceX Starship V3 from Starbase, Texas on April 14, 2026

The Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan (OTPP) stands to reap one of the most extraordinary returns in pension fund history thanks to a bold 2019 investment in SpaceX.

According to a recent report from The Globe and Mail, the Toronto-based fund invested roughly $300 million CAD (~$220 million USD at the time) in Elon Musk’s space company as its inaugural deal through the Teachers’ Innovation Platform.

At SpaceX’s anticipated $1.75 trillion IPO valuation, set for a mid-June debut on Nasdaq under ticker $SPCX, that stake could now be worth up to $11.6 billion USD. This would represent a roughly 50x return and easily become OTPP’s most successful single investment ever.

The fund manages $279 billion in assets for approximately 346,000 working and retired teachers in Ontario, potentially delivering an average boost of around $33,500 per member if fully realized.

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SpaceX has filed its S-1 and plans to price shares at $135 each, aiming to raise a record $75 billion in what would be the largest IPO in history, surpassing Saudi Aramco. The company reported $18.67 billion in revenue for 2025, driven primarily by Starlink satellite internet growth and NASA contracts, though it continues to post significant losses tied to ambitious R&D in Starship and AI initiatives.

Important pieces moving forward include:

  • Starlink Expansion: The satellite broadband service is scaling rapidly, targeting global connectivity, especially in underserved rural and remote areas. This segment offers massive recurring revenue potential as numbers climb.
  • Starship and Reusability Leadership: SpaceX’s fully reusable Starship aims to slash launch costs dramatically, enabling frequent missions, Mars ambitions, and lucrative government/defense contracts. Success here could unlock exponential growth.
  • AI and Diversification: Recent moves, including ties to xAI, position SpaceX in high-growth AI infrastructure, broadening beyond traditional aerospace.
  • Validation Scrutiny: While the $1.75 trillion target excites investors, analysts like Morningstar value the company closer to $780 billion, citing high multiples (around 90x trailing revenue) and execution risks. A 180-day lockup period will prevent early investors like OTPP from selling immediately post-IPO.

The irony has not been lost on observers. Ontario’s government previously canceled a Starlink rural internet contract amid political tensions involving Musk, yet the pension fund’s savvy investment, made when SpaceX was valued around $33-36 billion, and Starlink was nascent, delivers outsized gains independent of politics.

For OTPP, this windfall strengthens its already solid 111 percent funding ratio and underscores the value of patient, innovation-focused capital allocation.

For SpaceX, the IPO marks a new chapter: greater transparency, access to public markets for talent retention and growth capital, and heightened pressure to deliver on its multi-planetary vision.

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SpaceXAI just launched into your kitchen with their new app

All eyes are fixed on whether SpaceX can justify its lofty valuation through sustained execution. For Ontario teachers, the returns are already stellar, but SpaceX, like other Musk companies in the past, has plenty of things to prove. Perhaps the most ideal person for the job is at the helm, hoping to bring the company to a massive valuation.

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