Photo: Tesla Motors
Tesla went all in when it launched its new electric SUV, opening deliveries with the most expensive version of the Model X that cost no less than $132,000.
People who liked Tesla’s new creation but didn’t have that kind of cash at hand did not panic, because Tesla was always going to release a more affordable version just for them. Instead of saying “come on, if you have $80,000 and are willing to spend it on a large electric SUV, you can search in your pockets and come up with $50,000 more, can’t you?,” Tesla gave the people what they wanted.
And that turned out to be the Model X 70D. As opposed to the 90D, the lesser model comes with a 70 kilowatt-hour battery pack (but you figured that one out by yourself) which means less impressive acceleration, and more importantly, a shorter maximum range.
Well, the 70D’s acceleration is still enough to put most hot-hatches to shame (0-60 mph / 0-96 km/h in six seconds flat), and the range difference over the 90D is considerable, but still well beyond what other manufacturers are offering on significantly smaller cars: 220 miles from 90D’s 257 miles.
The drop in price, however, is substantial, with the Model X 70D’s asking price of $80,000 being well below that of the 90D. And that’s before subsidies are applied. There’s also a shipping tax of $1,200 to be considered, but that was never going to be a deal-breaker.
Compared to the company’s equally-powered bestseller, the basic Model S version, the SUV requires a premium of just $5,000, which you’ll agree is close to nothing for those who prefer the roominess of an SUV over the restrictions of a sedan. And, nowadays, that’s almost everybody.
But before you start counting the last penny, there are a few things you need to know. The $80,000 price is for a base Model X 70D with a five-seat cabin. The optional sixth seat will require an extra $3,000, while a seven-seat configuration comes at a cost of $4,000. Fully specced, the Model X 70D hovers around the $100,000 mark.
Since production capacity is somewhat limited, Tesla will prioritize the more expensive Model X 90D, but 70D customers shouldn’t worry they’ll be left staring at the sun - even though it might take longer, you’ll be well informed on the status of your order at any time.
Tesla’s every move is being closely watched by the rest of the automakers, many of them planning similar vehicles soon to be launched that look to steal some of the pie Elon Musk’s company has been munching on its own lately. Good luck with that, you only have like a ten-year handicap to compensate for.
And that turned out to be the Model X 70D. As opposed to the 90D, the lesser model comes with a 70 kilowatt-hour battery pack (but you figured that one out by yourself) which means less impressive acceleration, and more importantly, a shorter maximum range.
Well, the 70D’s acceleration is still enough to put most hot-hatches to shame (0-60 mph / 0-96 km/h in six seconds flat), and the range difference over the 90D is considerable, but still well beyond what other manufacturers are offering on significantly smaller cars: 220 miles from 90D’s 257 miles.
The drop in price, however, is substantial, with the Model X 70D’s asking price of $80,000 being well below that of the 90D. And that’s before subsidies are applied. There’s also a shipping tax of $1,200 to be considered, but that was never going to be a deal-breaker.
Compared to the company’s equally-powered bestseller, the basic Model S version, the SUV requires a premium of just $5,000, which you’ll agree is close to nothing for those who prefer the roominess of an SUV over the restrictions of a sedan. And, nowadays, that’s almost everybody.
But before you start counting the last penny, there are a few things you need to know. The $80,000 price is for a base Model X 70D with a five-seat cabin. The optional sixth seat will require an extra $3,000, while a seven-seat configuration comes at a cost of $4,000. Fully specced, the Model X 70D hovers around the $100,000 mark.
Since production capacity is somewhat limited, Tesla will prioritize the more expensive Model X 90D, but 70D customers shouldn’t worry they’ll be left staring at the sun - even though it might take longer, you’ll be well informed on the status of your order at any time.
Tesla’s every move is being closely watched by the rest of the automakers, many of them planning similar vehicles soon to be launched that look to steal some of the pie Elon Musk’s company has been munching on its own lately. Good luck with that, you only have like a ten-year handicap to compensate for.
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