Detailing Expert Examines the Tesla Model X Plaid, It's Not Looking Good

It's time to admit it – the Model X is one superb vehicle. No matter your stance on total electrification and SUVs replacing minivans as family haulers, introducing this Tesla was brilliant. People love a higher driving position, appreciate not worrying too much about uneven roads thanks to the improved ground clearance, prefer the enhanced cabin and cargo space, and rightfully believe that a bigger and heavier vehicle will provide better crash protection. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has already confirmed the latter, so there's no point in arguing that a higher center of gravity may lead more easily to rollover accidents.

But besides all these perks that can apply to most third-row SUVs (including the gas-powered ones), the Model X has something other manufacturers were afraid to implement – the beautifully complicated falcon wing doors. This manufacturing decision gave the EV that special thing it needed to set itself apart from the others. It would have been a shame to confuse this vehicle with a bland crossover, after all.

But what's genuinely fantastic is rarely reliable, and that's what this detailer starts pointing out first. He explains that the mechanism may create costly issues for owners because the door panels pinch together. The top glass piece has a rubber seal. This part may bubble up and push against the glass and may take it out of its secure position. When opening the door completely, the glass shatters because the bottom part of the door pushes against the top and creates uneven pressure, which compromises the material's strength.

The owner's solution is simple – they don't allow the rear passenger doors to stretch completely. The detailer also claims these are "flimsy" things, unfitting for such an expensive car.

The man continues to point out that the plastic components are tightly secured and shows that other important rubber sealing isn't stuck in place but taped to the polycarbonate molding. As expected, there are also alignment issues, similar to what we've recently seen on the first production-ready Cybertruck unit. But this Model X has it a lot worse because the big windshield is warped at the top part, which can compromise its overall strength. However, situations like this are expected with the now Texas-based EV maker.

Panel gaps are a common quality issue about which many have complained, and some have even refused to take delivery of a Tesla vehicle that presented itself with such noticeable build issues.

But he continues talking about what's wrong with this SUV because the non-metallic paint could be better too. The detailer says the texture feels off, and the black paint is very soft. That makes it hard to polish properly because it feels like "buffing on butter." It can also haze easily, and that's a challenge for those in the detailing business.

He even brings out the paint thickness gauge that reveals the paint is not evenly matched on the vehicle's body. Ultra-thin layers of paint can lead to expensive fixes when rock chips may have to be repaired. Maybe wrapping the car would be a great idea!

Sadly, pointing out problems with this Plaid unit does not stop here. While examining the trunk, the detailer touches the carpet and says it's the worst such material he has ever seen put on a car, critiques the fingerprint-magnet door handles, and dislikes that the soft-close system isn't as good as it could've been.

Ultimately, this guy likes the Model X's interior but says the mass-produced and cheaper Model 3 might be better put together than the expensive high-riding six-seater.

Would you still buy a Tesla Model X Plaid now? Let us know below!