TESLA Model X Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Tesla upgraded the Model X again in 2023 for the 2024 model year and improved it in a few areas, but it was almost impossible to spot the differences between it and its predecessor.

While other automakers struggled to add exterior details to the upgraded vehicle compared to their predecessors, Tesla focused on what mattered. As a result, only its fans could spot the differences between the 2022 and the 2024 model years. On the other hand, the refreshed product came with a significant improvement in terms of manufacturing quality, a problem for which Tesla was often criticized. But the most significant difference was its price, which was lowered to fit into a government program for tax deductions. As a result, Tesla tried to keep its cars on top of the EV market, even though it lost the lead for the largest EV maker in the world, falling behind the Chinese automaker BYD.

With a front fascia that looked almost identical to the 2022 model year, the 2024 Model Y was hardly noticeable among its older sibling. But still, that didn’t mean it was the same. The most significant improvement was for the headlights, which had received the Matrix LED technology that made them better during night driving situations.

From its profile, the 2024 Model X kept its overall shape virtually unchanged. However, the automaker introduced a new color option for the vehicle, Ultra Red, the most expensive shade for Tesla’s SUV. The American car manufacturer offered the Model X in two grades: the Base and the Plaid, and both were available with standard 20” light-alloy wheels, with an option for a 22-inch set. Those who wanted to take their Model X camping could tow a 5,000 lbs (2,267 kg) trailer behind since the towing hook was fitted as standard.

The cabin was one of the most significantly upgraded parts of the vehicle. For the 2024 model year, Tesla upgraded the materials used for the interior. Furthermore, it placed a thinner, lighter, yet with the same level of UV protection panoramic glass roof that extended above the front passengers’ heads. The driver fronted a standard round steering wheel, while the yoke was offered at extra cost. Atop the center stack, the landscape touchscreen could swivel left and right, allowing the side passenger more control for filling the DJ role on long trips. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were still unavailable. Tesla relied on its own app and Bluetooth connectivity with mobile devices, but that was it. A new feature was the screen for the rear passengers, which could keep playing videos while driving to entertain the kids back there. Like the previous model, the Model X was available in a five or seven-seat configuration.

Another significant improvement for the 2024 model year Tesla Model X was the drivetrain. The American electric SUV relied on a revised suspension system with air springs. Thanks to that, the maximum ground clearance reached 8.1 inches (206 mm), while the lowest was 5.7 inches (146 mm), which worked best for highway driving. The Model X Base featured a dual motor setup that provided 670 hp (679 PS). At the same time, the Model X Plaid came with three motors offering a staggering output of 1,020 hp (1,034 PS). Both versions were fed by the same battery pack, which allowed them a 335 miles (539 km) range for the former and 326 miles (525 km) for the latter.

Tesla unveiled the Model X in September 2015 after a few delays. Still, it impressed customers with its new features and astonishing performance.

In 2021, Tesla introduced a facelifted version of the Model X and improved the vehicle in many areas to make the car even more attractive to customers. Thus, the front fascia with horizontally-mounted fog lamps. In addition, the vertical side scoops from the bumper were slimmer. Last but not least, it ditched the chromed trims on the car's exterior.

Inside, the most striking difference was on the dashboard, where the instrument cluster was taller, and the center display was positioned in a landscape position instead of a portrait, as in the 2016 model year. In addition, the automaker replaced the classic, round steering wheel with a yoke. Along with that change, the turn-signal stack was replaced by two buttons on the left spoke of the yoke. Another downturn of the vehicle was the gear selection, which could've been made only by using the center display. Unlike the 2016 model, on the 2022 model, the screen could've been tilted towards the driver or the passenger. But Tesla took care of rear passengers too, and installed a second screen behind the front seats, on the center console's ending, so those seated in the back could've enjoyed watching movies.

For the drivetrain, the automaker ditched the former low-powered motors and provided a 670 hp unit for the base version and a 1020 hp for the top-spec one.

After the successful Model S electric sedan, the Model X came on the market as the first SUV from Tesla Motors. At the time of its launch, it was the quickest SUV on the market.

The electric shock of the electric cars built by Tesla gathered more attention with the electric SUV. It was a true statement for electric mobility. Unlike many other cars on the market, it was built to carry up to seven people inside on medium-long journey in comfort and serenity.

Tesla Model X was the most aerodynamic SUV in the world with a drag coefficient of just 0.25. There were many sports cars that couldn't match that number. Its sharp short front fascia and curved appearance. A small gap under the front lid stretched between the headlights. The front doors were front hinged, like a regular car, while the rear were up-hinged and opened upside, like a seagull wing. As a Star-Wars fan, Elon Musk, the owner of Tesla Motors, named these doors as “Falcon-Doors”, from the “Millenium Falcon” star-ship.

Inside, the Model X offered true seating for up to seven adult passengers. While the fits and finishes were not quite as good as in a premium car, it featured a completely new approach for the driver experience. The instrument panel was a TFT display and the center stack was occupied by a huge, 17” touch-screen display, which integrated all the controls for the climate control, infotainment unit and car settings.

The Model X was powered by two electric motors, one in the front and one in the rear. Initially it was offered with more power and range versions. The towing capacity was huge, in 2018 it towed a Boeing 787-9 for 1000 feet (304.8 m) that weighted 287,000 (130.000 kg).