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]

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

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