Lifestyle
Deciding on Your Tesla Model X Configuration
You placed a deposit on the Model X months if not years ago and the time to design and configure it has finally arrived. What’s that experience like? What are the available options and what will it cost me?
When I first considered buying a Tesla I wanted the Model X, but after Tesla kept postponing availability of the vehicle I decided to pull the trigger on getting a Model S. But despite being very satisfied and happy with my Model S, I still had that “I need a SUV” urge. Thus my $5,000 Model X deposit went in last year.
It hasn’t been an easy wait, mainly because I’ve been conflicted on what I will ultimately do with my beloved Model S. I’m sure my sentiments may resonate with some existing Model S owners or even those that are looking to enter the Tesla market for the first time, so here’s my thoughts around each of the Model X options (as I configure it through the Design Studio).
Model X Pricing
The base price of the Model X stripped down to its minimum features is $81,200. Depending on where you live, you may be eligible for Federal and State incentives that can add up to as much as $10,000 (here in the US) which can be backed out to an additional savings. That base price gets you the 5 seat configuration, falcon wing doors, all wheel drive, a 70 kWh battery, good for 220 miles of range, free access to the Tesla Supercharger network, and the list goes on.
There’s also optional features that can be added on at a later point in case you don’t want to spend the money upfront. The much talked about semi-autonomous driving capabilities such as auto self-parking, and the full suite of Autopilot capabilities is a good example of what could be purchased and enabled later on since every Model X already comes standard with the Autopilot hardware.
On the other hand, if you max out your Model X with all available options, you’re pushing close to $151,450 (at the time of this writing). That includes every feature and hardware option Tesla has to offer. So what are the $70,000 in options you can add?
Battery & Performance
One of the greatest factors in determining cost will be your choice of battery size. That and whether you want enhanced performance. Your options are as follows:
- 70 kWh battery (70D)
- 90 kWh battery (90D)
- 90 kWh battery, Performance model (P90D)
The 70 kWh battery is what comes with the base price model. Choosing the 90 kWh battery adds $13,000 to the base price. Note that you must take the Smart Air Suspension (normally a $2,500 upgrade) when you opt for the larger battery. The 90 kWh battery increases EPA estimated range from 220 miles to 257 miles. This equates to 37 extra miles at a cost of $351 per mile of extra range.
What’s interesting when comparing this cost per mile to the Model S, upgrading the Model S from 85 kWh to 90 kWh will provide you with an extra 16 miles of range but at only $188 per mile of extra range. Adding range to the Model X seems much more costly than it is on the Model S.
If you go for the performance version of the Model X this increases cost by a whopping $20,000 on top of the 90 kWh pack upgrade, making for a total increase of $33,000 over the base model. Note that some options such as the Model X active spoiler are only available on the performance model.
Model X Active Spoiler
While the 90D isn’t the performance model, it still goes from 0 to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds, roughly the same acceleration as a modern Porsche 911 Carrera. The Model X 70D goes from 0 to 60 mph in 6.0 seconds which isn’t shabby at all. The performance version of the 90D, the P90D will rocket you from 0 to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds, and further take you into super car territory of 3.2 seconds with the Ludicrous speed upgrade. Clearly, there’s a big decision to be made when it comes to picking your level of performance especially since there’s a drastic cost difference associated with each.
Tesla appears to be delivering the Model X based on the highest performing models (and most expensive) first, as indicated by the early 2016 delivery estimate in the Model X design configurator. 70Ds are estimated to be delivered mid to late 2016.
My choice would be the 90D. It has the most range and is closest to the range I have now on my Model S and it would also have the same level of performance.
Performance Extras
If you’re a performance junkie and picked the P90D you have a few more choices you can make:
- Ludicrous speed upgrade – Improves performance for 0-60 from 3.8 seconds to 3.2 seconds. Adds $10,000.
- Active spoiler – improves highway range by 1.6% (thats 4 miles…). This is a “free” option, though at the derived price increase at $351 per mile of range added (outlined above), this feature really backs out to an additional cost of $1,400.
- Red brake calipers – this is purely an aesthetic item and it’s also a free option. Some love the look, some don’t.
If I did pick the P90D I’d take the spoiler and calipers but skip the Ludicrous upgrade. Its price is, well, ludicrous.
Seating
The next major choice to make is around the seating options. You can get the Model X with seating for 5, 6, or 7.
Seating for 5 is included in the base price. Seating for 6 adds $3,000 to the base price while seating for 7 adds $4,000 to the base price. The 5 seat configuration is also a lower build priority for Tesla so picking that could further delay your delivery.
The seat configuration and the way the seats tilt forward has been a very hot topic of discussion among Model X owners and enthusiasts. The second row seats do not fold flat but can be moved forward to make for more cargo room. The third row seats do fold flat.
Your choice of seating arrangement will largely depend on your intended use of the Model X. The 6 seat configuration is popular as it allows you to walk through the middle of the second row seats to access the third row without having to move the seats or occupants.
For myself I was looking to replace the ability of my old Acura MDX which could seat 7. The main purpose of the Model X to me would be to be a people mover, so my choice would be the 7 seat option for an additional $4,000.
More Options
Next comes a series of major options. While all Model X’s have autopilot hardware, you need to pay extra for the feature to be enabled. This will cost $2,500 now, or $3,000 after you’ve taken delivery. This is a way to defer some cost if needed, but if you’re going to get it you’re better off paying for it upfront. I’d definitely be choosing this option!
Another major choice to be made is around the Premium Upgrade package. This one is a tough decision for me. The package is expensive at $4,500 but has a bunch of cool features, though most of which I’d be fine without. Here’s the list:
- Self-presenting drivers door
- HEPA air filter (bioweapon defense mode)
- Two activated carbon air filters
- Ventilated front seats
- Leather in a few more places (arm rests etc)
- Alcantara headliner/upper dashboard
- Soft LED ambient lighting
- 3 position LED turning lights
- LED fog lights
Back when I ordered my Model S, the Premium Lighting Package was $1,000 and I struggled when trying to justify the value I would get for that price point. All I can say is that I purchased it and have loved it since. I really only care for a third of the features listed in the Model X Premium Upgrade package, so I’d love to see Tesla break this package up a bit.
Smart air suspension is an option at $2,500, but only for the 70D. The other two battery configurations include this feature. I’m not sure why Tesla chose to do this. I intentionally opted out of getting the Smart Air Suspension when I bought my Model S and have had no regrets doing so. To me this is another gimmicky feature that can lead to additional long term maintenance issues over time. I wouldn’t pick it if I had a choice, but the 90D forces me to take it.
Ultra high fidelity sound is the next major package for $2,500. This adds a bunch of speakers and XM radio capability (you still have to pay the subscription for XM). This is also another option that I don’t regret skipping when I first purchased my Model S. I’ve driven cars with and without upgraded sound systems and my ears can’t tell the difference. Perhaps it’s my country music taste 🙂
The Subzero weather package is another option. At $1,000, adding this feature is a no-brainer especially if you live in New England like I do. I have it on my Model S and get to use the features far too often. Like the package on the Model S, the Model X Subzero weather package will give you the option to heat all seats. On my MDX front and middle row seats had seat heaters but the third row occupants were left out — not so in the Model X!
Tow/Hitch options
The next two options are unique to the Model X. The first is the option to add a Towing Package for $750 which includes the hitch, the receiver, the wiring harness and software to handle it all. There’s a great video online demonstrating the Model X towing a boat using this upgrade.
![Signature Red Model X towing a 4,850 pound boat [Source: Max Kennedy via YouTube]](http://www.teslarati.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Signature-Red-Model-X-Towing-Boat.jpg)
Signature Red Model X towing a 4,850 pound boat [Source: Max Kennedy via YouTube]
Getting the tow package really depends on what you plan on using the Model X for. When I bought my Acura MDX I added the towing package but ended up never using it even after 200k miles of ownership. I have other vehicles that are better for towing and once again I’d skip this upgrade.
For one, towing on an electric vehicle will drastically cut your driving range. There have been numerous discussions in the forums on how/if you can use Superchargers while towing. At the very minimum, you will need to disconnect/reconnect at Supercharger locations since the layouts generally don’t allow you to pull into the stall with a trailer attached. Also, you may not make it from one Supercharger to another with a heavy non-aerodynamic item in tow. Towing locally would probably be fine, but it doesn’t sound like road trips while towing large items are in the cards.
The beautiful and clever falcon wing doors have raised concerns for those that want to carry roof-mounted items such as skis, containers, and bikes. Tesla’s answer is as elegant as always. They include a free accessory hitch that lets you add a 2″ hitch mounted rack to the rear.
Final choices
My options selected during my Model X configuration has taken my price from a base of $81,200 to $112,200. The final choices to be made are around paint, wheels and interior.
For paint, your choices can add $0, $1,000, or $1,500 depending on what color you choose. I’d likely be in the $1,000 price range with the Titanium paint. My old “dolphin” grey is no longer available and the new grey is a bit too dark for me. Titanium wasn’t an option on my Model S back then and it looks fantastic in person.
Wheels can also make quite a big impact on price. The base wheels add no cost, but you can pay an extra $2,500 or $4,500 to upgrade your wheels from the standard 20″ to 22″ in two types of finish.
Finally the interior choices. If you chose the Premium Upgrade Package then the seat choice is just a matter of preference and there is no additional cost. If you didn’t choose that package, seats can add another $2,500 to the cost.
The interior trim décor can cost anywhere from $0 to $1,000 extra based on your finish. The figured ash wood trim is a new option that adds $750, while the choice from my Model S – matte obeche wood – is the default and free option. There’s also a choice for a tan or black headliner. Both are free options. I’d go with the black headliner after learning first hand how many finger prints can end up on a tan headliner.
Even with my latest options, I’m still at a total price of $112,200 delivered.
One more thing
There’s one more hidden feature you can add. By default the Model X includes a 48 amp charger. If you type “charger” while configuring your Model X a hidden option appears for a 72 amp charger upgrade.
This is similar to the old “Dual Chargers” option on the earlier Model S’s. I opted for the dual charger configuration on my Model S and have gotten good use out of it. For that reason I’d add this option to the Model X for an additional $1,000.
Summary
My Model X would theoretically cost me $113,200 or $103,200 after tax credits.
Just for fun I configured a new Model S with similar options and the price came to $98,450, or $88,450 after tax credits. There are differences for sure — no falcon wing doors, a 85 kWh battery vs the 90 kWh battery, only seating for 5, etc.
The difference between my configuration of the Model X and the Model S is $14,750. To be fair, that gap narrows to $6,750 if I configure the Model X for 5 seats and the Model S with a 90 kWh battery, and leave both with the default charger configuration.
So, where do I go from here? That’s a good question and the subject of another post to come.
Related Topics
Elon Musk
Elon Musk says he knows how to save Earth for a billion years
Elon Musk says sentient AI satellites launched from the Moon could keep Earth livable forever.
Elon Musk spent part of his weekend describing a plan to keep the planet livable for roughly a billion years, and it starts with satellites that can think for themselves.
In a post on X, Musk argued that swapping fossil fuels for solar and wind power will not be enough to protect humanity from what he called extremely severe extinction events, the kind that occur roughly every 100 million years. His fix is what he called sentient satellites, or solar-powered satellites, controlled by AI, that would sit in a fixed spot between Earth and the Sun after being launched off the Moon using a giant electromagnetic catapult instead of rockets.
The satellites’ onboard AI would make continuous, small adjustments rather than waiting on human instructions. The mass driver is Musk’s proposed way of getting the raw material there cheaply by using an electromagnetic launch track built on the Moon, where lower gravity and no atmosphere make it far easier to fling cargo into space than it is from Earth.
But we do need to act much faster than that if people still want to live where the beach is today. We have about 50 years or so to take action, which should be more than enough time for the space satellites to solve any heating problems. https://t.co/xhrVQALwQw
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 30, 2026
Musk shared a Grok generated estimate suggesting roughly 5 percent of Florida’s land, or about 1.68 million acres, could face regular flooding by 2070 under a high sea level rise scenario, and said humanity has about 50 years to act before coastal living looks very different than it does today.
This is not the first time Musk has floated the idea. He raised a similar concept in November, describing a solar powered AI satellite constellation that could make tiny adjustments to incoming sunlight to fine tune Earth’s temperature. Musk has also tied planetary risk to his broader vision at SpaceX, where his compensation package is explicitly linked to establishing a self-sustaining Mars colony, one he has described as an insurance policy against the kind of extinction event he referenced this weekend, and where he has said humans could set foot within five to seven years.
A former Vancouver police sergeant with ALS accounts his journey to become a patient for Elon Musk’s Neuralink wireless brain-computer interface technology.
“I’m texting you from my brain right now.” That was the first message Lee Marten sent after waking up from Neuralink surgery, five hours and one migraine after dozens of threads were stitched into his motor cortex.
Marten, a former Vancouver police sergeant, is one of the first Canadian ALS patients to receive Neuralink’s N1 brain implant, and the 26th recipient overall. He tells his story in a first-person account published by Maclean’s.
Marten recounts how he was a healthy, athletic Vancouver police sergeant until April 2022 when symptoms of muscle twitching and balance loss, were followed by a bad fall that broke his leg. He would eventually be diagnosed with ALS in early 2025 at the age of 47. ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a fatal neurodegenerative disease that progressively destroys the motor neurons controlling voluntary muscle movement, eventually taking away a patient’s ability to walk, speak, swallow and breathe. There’s no cure, and most patients live two to five years after diagnosis.
He describes the devastation of the diagnosis and how he began preparing for it while connecting with other young ALS patients through a WhatsApp group called Young Guns. Through that group he learned about a Neuralink clinical trial at Toronto Western Hospital and, after a roughly seven-month vetting process (physical assessments, psychiatric evaluation, a final interview with the Neuralink team), was accepted this past April as the trial’s 26th recipient and the first Canadian ALS patient to get the N1 implant. He recounts the May surgery in detail, including the robotic system that stitched 64 threads into his brain, and describes the app, Link, translating his neural signals into cursor control, which he was using within hours of waking up.
Marten walks through what daily use looks like, including weekly “brain training” exercises, a real-time neural-activity display, charging the implant via a beanie-mounted MagSafe charger, and using the implant for emailing, texting, social media, and gaming via a “Magic Box” that connects it to other devices. He also gives brief context on brain-computer interface history and quite candid about Musk, calling him “divisive” but saying he found him “easy to admire.
The piece closes on a heavier note, with Marten seeking to pursue medical assistance in dying as his symptoms progressed, noting that he’ll be able to communicate his final words to his family through Neuralink rather than facing a silent decline. He expresses hope the data from his case will help future ALS patients, even without a cure in his own lifetime.
Investor's Corner
Tesla Robotaxi gets a massive upgrade in Nevada
Nevada regulators just approved a massive expansion of Tesla’s robotaxi fleet across the entire county.
Tesla’s robotaxi footprint in Nevada just grew by roughly 500 times in a single regulatory vote.
The Nevada Transportation Authority approved Tesla’s full Autonomous Vehicle Network Company permit on Thursday, clearing the way for the company to deploy up to 5,000 driverless vehicles across Clark County over the next 12 months. The decision came during a four hour general session meeting that Tesla investor Sawyer Merritt watched live and reported on X, noting the vote replaces the interim order that had limited Tesla to just 10 robotaxis on a narrow stretch of the Las Vegas Strip.
EXCLUSIVE: Tesla has just officially received approval for its full Autonomous Vehicle Network Company permit in Nevada, clearing the way for Tesla to launch a paid public Robotaxi service in Las Vegas.
This officially allows @Tesla to deploy up to 5,000 robotaxis over the next… pic.twitter.com/DPs5UtUlrE
— Sawyer Merritt (@SawyerMerritt) August 20, 2026
That earlier cap, covered here after it surfaced on August 13, came with restrictions that looked stricter than what Tesla runs in Austin: a 45 mph speed ceiling, no airport pickups, and a geofence confined to the Strip corridor. The new approval extends Tesla’s operating authority to all of Clark County, with room to request an even wider geofence across the state.
Tesla representatives at the meeting said they have no intention of putting 5,000 cars on the road right away. Commercial rides are expected to start within 30 days, pending vehicle inspections, insurance filings, and fare approval, the standard steps every robotaxi operator in Nevada has had to clear.
Tesla’s own Robotaxi account replied to the news with a short line, The golden future is upon us.
The timing lines up with Tesla’s broader robotaxi push this month. The company is preparing to open Cybercab rides to the public in Austin as soon as this month, and it opened a sweepstakes for riders to win a seat at the launch event. Tesla filed its original application for a 5,000 vehicle Nevada fleet back in June, a request regulators trimmed to 10 vehicles when they issued the interim order in July. Thursday’s vote effectively grants the number Tesla asked for from the start.
Zoox, the Amazon owned robotaxi operator, has run in Nevada since 2025 and was capped at 100 vehicles before Thursday’s decision. Tesla’s new ceiling puts it well ahead of that comparison on paper, though the company has said its actual fleet size will depend on how quickly FSD v15 rolls out, the software update executives have called the gateway to scaling unsupervised robotaxi operations nationwide.
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