It has already been established many times that Tesla is now being consumed by the very revolution it initially ignited. While the American brand is still enjoying a staggering amount of success, it has lost a decent amount of credibility over the last few years as more cons, flaws, and imperfections have kept emerging. When the Model X initially made its grand debut almost a decade ago, it immediately captured the imagination. Its slick-looking falcon doors set it apart from the rest, while its specs inspired faith in both Tesla and the electric future it was meant to dictate. In 2018, it would set the Guinness Book Record for the heaviest tow by an electric passenger vehicle, after towing a freaking Boeing Headliner.
The Model X also came filled with Easter eggs, and was simply the coolest electric car, until it wasn't. Remember when the dancing trick was the best thing to come out of the EV industry? Well, those days are long gone, and gimmicks just don't cut it anymore. Consumers have since been introduced to an abundance of choices, with more regard to their budgets. The world's first electric SUV has now lost a huge chunk of its aura, as other manufacturers from BMW to Kia have managed to offer more, for less.
The Model X Is A High-End SUV With A Low-End Build
The common fit and finish imperfections, unfortunately, made their way to the Tesla Model X. And while a bit of unfinished paint, and random dents might be more tolerable on a Tesla Model 3, they’re absolutely unacceptable in a car that starts north of a hundred grand. Alas, mere aesthetic flaws are the least of the grievances. Consumers have also complained about the overall poor build of the Model X. If you expect a robust vehicle for that price, you may or may not be sorely disappointed, as it’s a hit or miss. Glitches are also a common occurrence, people have reportedly dealt with unyielding window switches, as well as an unresponsive infotainment screen. While the Falcon Doors of the Model X are a cool feature, they can also be quite inconvenient at times. Parking in a tight space can also be somewhat problematic. The doors might sometimes refuse to open completely, even with a clearance of 18 inches, making them less practical than sliding doors, or even regular ones. In addition, the Model X comes with an outdated look that makes it pale in comparison with other EVs that have set new aesthetic standards. In short, it lacks a decent premium vibe to match the hefty price tag.
The Model X Is Cursed With Reliability Issues
Tesla vehicles are not known for being resilient under wintry conditions. While the Model X drives exceptionally well in the snow, it still remains particularly vulnerable to it. The sensors are notably prone to be blocked by the snow, which in turn makes the Autopilot and Falcon Doors inoperable. The side view mirrors also have a tendency to freeze, which renders them useless, and prevents them from retracting properly. On top of that, we have the typical battery degradation issues, which are made even worse under low temperatures. This caveat can be somewhat remedied if you park your Model X in a garage, but it obviously isn’t a viable option for everyone. Another common method to limit the impact of cold weather is to preheat your Model X for up to one hour before use, which is obviously not very convenient either. The reliability curse further follows the SUV to its suspension system as it tends to wear out rather quickly in some cases, which translates to squeaking and rattling noises when driving. The heavy repair bills are further complemented by the exorbitant maintenance costs that stack up over time. The True Cost To Own for a ModelX, according to Edmunds, amounts to $76,890 over a theoretical period of five years with 15,000 miles driven per year. The car is thus clearly not budget-friendly, and you might be better off opting for a Tesla Model Y, which offers a better bang for your buck.
The Alternatives Are Now Cheaper And Better
The Model X does a few things right, for one, it’s an absolute beast of an EV. The base model hits 60 mph in a mere 3.3 seconds while the 1,020 horsepower Plaid variant does it in 2.5 seconds, thus making it one of the fastest electric cars on the planet. However, the high-end SUV still overlooks many crucial areas, which are in turn properly exploited by more affordable competitors. For instance, the Cadillac Lyriq is a more suave vehicle, inside and out, that gives you the privilege of rolling in a Caddy for a starting price of $62,690
Customers looking for more power can instead opt for the Fisker Ocean Extreme, which comes at $70,500. The upcoming EV offers more range, with a whopping 360 miles, and churns out the power of 550 horses that allow for an impressive 0-60 mph time of 3.6 seconds, which is roughly similar to the base-level Model X. On top of offering a better overall value, the top-variant Fisker Ocean is also powered by the revolutionary SolarSky a solar panel that can add up to 2,000 clean miles of range per year.
The Rivian R1S is yet another alternative that offers a better combination of practicality and power. The Launch Edition of the R1S starts at 91,800 and delivers up to 550 horsepower and 829 pound-feet of torque for a 0-60 mph time of 3.1 seconds. In terms of luxury, the Model X also falls short of the BMW iX. Not only does the German EV provide a higher level of comfort and better handling, for a lower MSRP of $85 095, but it also beats the Tesla at its very own game. BMW’s Driving Assistance Professional recently beat the Autopilot on the Consumer Reports’ rankings, as it was deemed to have a superior driver monitoring system.
The Model X Might Very Well Be Past Its Prime
Now, is there anything the Model X can do to survive the competitive onslaught while simultaneously enduring a wave of diminishing sales? Highly unlikely! The expensive SUV has already stained its reputation as an overpriced, and unreliable car, which in turn helped other models shine in comparison. At this point, it might be preferable to put the Model X out of its misery than to give it a second breath, as it seems to be too late for it to catch up.
However, if there’s one company that can prove us wrong, it is Tesla. The Texas-based manufacturer could very well turn things around, and give its high-end EV the facelift it truly deserves, and which we all need. The task, however, would require next-level ingenuity in a fast-paced market where standards are constantly rising. The Model X needs more than a few touch-ups, it requires a solid boost in aesthetics and features that can finally warrant the six figures it’s asking for!