The Tesla Model X has gotten cheaper for 2021 as it faces greater competition than ever before.

    Like the 2021 Model 3 and Model S, Tesla’s largest model has seen its prices shaved for 2021.

    The Long Range Plus is just over $18,000 cheaper than last year’s Long Range, while the Performance’s price has fallen by over $23,000.

    While the Model X was the first luxury electric SUV, it’s recently gotten some competition in the form of the Audi E-Tron and Mercedes-Benz EQC.

    Mercedes-Benz is also planning EQE and EQS electric SUVs, while BMW will introduce its first electric SUV – the iX3 – to Australia next year. It’ll subsequently be followed by a larger SUV being referred to as the iNext.

    Pricing

    • 2021 Tesla Model X Long Range Plus: $138,990 (-$18,884)
    • 2021 Tesla Model X Performance: $153,990 (-$23,384)

    All prices exclude on-road costs.

    Engines

    The 2021 Tesla Model X is available with two dual-motor electric powertrains, both of which come with a 100kWh lithium-ion battery and all-wheel drive.

    The Long Range Plus has a combined 350kW of power and 750Nm of torque, while the Performance produces 451kW of power and 930Nm of torque.

    It has a claimed electric range of 633km in the Long Range Plus and 619km in the Performance, both following the more generous NEDC standard.

    Tesla claims a 0-100km/h time of 4.6 seconds in the Long Range Plus and 2.8 seconds in the Performance.

    Dimensions

    The 2021 Tesla Model X measures 5036mm long, 2072mm wide and 1684mm tall. It has 544L of luggage space with all three rows up, expanding to a maximum of 2486L.

    Safety

    The Tesla Model X has a five-star rating from ANCAP, based on testing conducted in 2019. It received a score of 98 per cent in adult occupant protection, 86 per cent in child occupant protection, 72 per cent in vulnerable road user protection and 94 per cent in safety assist.

    All 2021 Tesla Model X models come standard with front airbags, plus side and curtain airbags for the first two rows. Other standard safety equipment includes autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist.

    Standard Equipment

    All 2021 Tesla Model X models come standard with:

    • 17.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with satellite navigation
    • Adaptive air suspension
    • 20-inch alloy wheels (22-inch wheels optional)
    • Heated seats for every occupant
    • Heated steering wheel
    • Wireless phone charging
    • 16-speaker sound system
    • LED headlights
    • Active cornering lights
    • Surround-view camera
    • Leatherette upholstery
    • Leather-wrapped steering wheel
    • Adaptive cruise control
    • Adaptive high-beam
    • Ambient lighting
    • Dual-zone climate control
    • Proximity entry with push-button start
    • Power-folding, heated exterior mirrors
    • Automatic headlights
    • Rain-sensing wipers

    Servicing

    As it has very few moving parts, there isn’t much maintenance required on the Model X. Tesla recommends having the air-conditioning filters changed every two years, and checking the tyre tread, balance, and rotation every 20,000km.

    Thanks to regenerative braking, the brake pads and discs require work less frequently than in internal-combustion vehicles but you’ll still need to have the brake fluid checked every two years.

    If you live in a colder climate, you’ll need to have the pads and discs lubricated every 12 months.

    Tesla offers a four-year, 80,000km warranty for the car and an eight-year, 240,000km warranty for the battery and drive unit.

    William Stopford

    William Stopford is an automotive journalist based in Brisbane, Australia. William is a Business/Journalism graduate from the Queensland University of Technology who loves to travel, briefly lived in the US, and has a particular interest in the American car industry.

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