Tesla Model X 2020 Review: The future of smart SUVs

Looking at the Tesla Model X, the first thing that comes to everyone’s minds is that the future has arrived. Apart from the polarizing autopilot feature, it also features a futuristic design, making you feel like that this is no ordinary SUV.

Although Elon Musk’s vision has brought new and advanced technologies to the mass market, a 2020 Tesla Model X (or any tesla for that matter) is still prohibitively expensive in the Philippines.

This Tesla Model X 2020 Review from Philkotse.com will serve as your sneak peek on what to expect on the Model X. Is it a sign of electric SUVs to come?

2020 Tesla Model X - Everything You Wanted to Know

If you're not a Tesla fan, you might be hard-pressed to recognize the 2020 Tesla Model X 2020 exterior since it resembles the rest of the brand's model lineup.

Many SUVs try to one-up each other in terms of an imposing fascia, particularly the grille; not with Tesla. The Model X sports a small grille up front, distinguishing it from traditional SUVs since there's no combustion engine under the hood that would need cooling. 

Big grilles are too mainstream anyway

At first glance, the Model X's silhouette makes it hard to tell if it's an SUV or a hatchback. The curved roofline is a nice touch though, which seamlessly blends into the windshield.

For shoes, the Model X comes with either 20- or 22-inch alloys. An upgrade to Onyx Black wheels will set you back USD5500 (PhP277,642). A princely sum to give the SUV a touch of sportiness, but worth it. 

The Model X comes with motorized doors, and watching the pair of falcon wing doors deploying somehow gives you the satisfying feeling that you've arrived. They're quite intelligent too, readily opening when you walk towards it (as long as you have the key with you, that is). 

The Tesla Model X spreading its majestic falcon wing doors

>>> Related Tesla news: 5 reasons why the Tesla Cybertruck is a NO-GO for us!

If your road trip calls for generous space to stow your gear, the Model X has you covered - twice, with front and rear cargo compartments. Whether you go for the five-, six-, or seven-seater option, occupants will be treated to upholstery made from synthetic leather.

There's generally no problem with head and legroom, except for the third row which is probably best left to small children; grownups are advised to ride shotgun or perch on the second row. Would the Model X be ideal for big families? It depends. 

The 17-inch screen on the center stack stands out in the minimalist 2020 Tesla Model X interior.

Don't be misled by the innocuous-sounding "infotainment" designation, as this screen actually lets you control almost everything on your Tesla, including the doors, suspension, lights, and autopilot.

The all-digital instrument cluster, which displays the car's operational status, is a visual treat for any tech fan.

Are we already in 2030?? 

The generous windshield on the Model X provides an impressive field of view, although one caveat is that it lets more of the sunlight in, which can potentially dazzle you on your drives. 

Whereas a push start button looks impressive on new cars these days, the Model X doesn't have one. Instead, Tesla simplified the process even further; just step on the foot brake with the keys on board, put the car into gear, and off you go.

>>> Read more: 

• [Opinion] Pare, san na ang electric car ko?
• Why and how: The more electric vehicles, the more driver benefits?

Tesla models have always been battery-powered machines. For the Model X, you can choose between two variants: Long Range or Performance.

The Model X Long Range has a range of 564 kilometers on a full charge, the equivalent of traveling from Manila to Baguio and back. Meanwhile, the Performance launches from 0 to 100 in an astonishing 2.7 seconds, just a tenth of a second slower than the Audi R8 V10 Plus. 

The Model X has two independent motors to propel its front and rear wheels. Drivers can select which motor to use during the course of the drive, resulting in improved handling and traction control.

In terms of safety, the car has plenty to offer. With concerns over the autopilot capability, Tesla complemented the feature with its proprietary Autopilot Hardware System, Automatic Emergency Braking, Front Collision Warning, Side Collision Warning, Obstacle Aware Acceleration, Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane Departure Avoidance, and Emergency Lane Departure Avoidance.

I know it's a bit leery to completely entrust driving to a machine, even an autonomous one at that. But Tesla ensures periodic updates to enhance the car's safety 

Tesla's Model X was the first SUV to achieve a perfect score in crash tests

Q: How much is a Tesla Model X in Philippine peso?

The Tesla Model X has a starting price of USD89,500 (P4,568,080) and going up to USD124,000 (P6,328,960) for the full option.

Q: How far can the Tesla X go on one charge?

The Model X Long Range has a range of 564 kilometers on a full charge, the equivalent of traveling from Manila to Baguio and back. Meanwhile, the Performance launches from 0 to 100 in an astonishing 2.7 seconds, just a tenth of a second slower than the Audi R8 V10 Plus. 

Q: How safe is the Tesla X?

In terms of safety, the car has plenty to offer. With concerns over the autopilot capability, Tesla complemented the feature with its proprietary Autopilot Hardware System, Automatic Emergency Braking, Front Collision Warning, Side Collision Warning, Obstacle Aware Acceleration, Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane Departure Avoidance, and Emergency Lane Departure Avoidance.

>>> Related: Full list of Tesla for sale in Philippines

As the cliche goes, beauty is indeed subjective; some find the exterior of the Model X simple and luxurious, while others balk at the egg-shaped silhouette. For the Philippine market, the autopilot feature probably has a long way to go before it becomes mainstream.

Overall, I'd say that the future has arrived with Model X. With a starting price of USD84,990 (PHP4,294,587) and going up to USD123,990 (PHP6,264,656) for the full option, this isn't a car for those hobbled by a budget. There are many mainstream SUV options that offer more space for half the Tesla's asking price, but a Tesla isn't so much about practicality as it is about sophistication.  

Seeing the Model X drive around our Philippine highways would be a great sight to see

So, will Filipinos be able to experience the transport revolution that Tesla promises? We hope that it comes sooner than later.