If we were to provide a word encapsulating everything about Tesla cars, it would be “Tesla.” The 2025 Model X is just another Tesla, where “just” means class-topping range, 10s-of-miles-ahead-of-the-curve tech, audacious architecture, and global-leading engineering, yet attracting some questions.
It is the larger Model Y cousin, mostly suitable for families looking to travel in an EV space across two to three rows of debatable luxury. This post reviews the 2025 Tesla Model X.
No Grille, But It’s Got the Drill
The standard Model X has an electric motor at the front and rear. With that dual motor AWD configuration, the SUV promises 670 hp and, according to Tesla, a quick acceleration of 0-60mph in 3.8 seconds. However, Teslas are reputable for beating Tesla’s claimed figures. For many automakers, the standard X’s figures are good enough to make a performance trim. But to Tesla, it’s only worthy as an entry trim. The Model X Plaid is the quicker sibling and, generally, the SUV acceleration king. Its tri-motor AWD configuration gives it 1,020 hp on tap, helping it go from 0-60 mph in an SUV-unmatched 2.5 seconds.
The Model X has a perfectly complementing braking culture that balances out all that vision-blurring acceleration. For example, you will likely use the brake pedal less due to its impressive regenerative braking. The Model X and X Plaid have an estimated driving range of 329 miles and 314 miles, respectively. What about the impressive agility from the low center of gravity due to the battery pack positioning? The Model X is an SUV that drives better than most.
A Bumpless Inside Job
The 2025 Model X cabin creates polarizing impressions. It is minimalist to a fault, and while some people will appreciate it, others expect a typical $80k luxury vehicle design shenanigan to show for it. To start with, the X features probably the least number of buttons you will find on any SUV—typical Tesla. While the infotainment screen is big and accessible enough for most features, having to use the screen for every single function is sometimes a pain in the arse. Speaking of the pain, the seats appear a little too flat for our liking. The yoke steering also needs some getting used to, but you could get the regular steering at no extra cost.
While the interior may raise lots of questions, it has many things going for it. For example, the seemingly continuous run of the windshield over the cabin gives both an uninterrupted and fun view. The rear and front trunk also have an impressive 92 cu ft cargo space. The standard X has 5 to 7 seating configuration options, while the X Plaid offers only three rows of 6 seats. There is enough space in the first two rows for any adult to be convenient, but the third row may be more suitable for kids. What’s more? The Model X comes standard with lots of amenities and tech features.
Screens and Things
The Model X’s tech and safety features are another part of the car that keeps it ahead of many others. The cabin has three screens: a 12.3-inch instrument panel, a 17-inch front touchscreen, and an 8-inch rear touchscreen. The large front touchscreen is the infotainment and control hub. It controls even features like air conditioning and headlights, which are accessible via buttons on other cars. The rear touchscreen also lets the rear passengers control some features and get entertained. Unfortunately, the incompatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto might be a big turn-off for many.
Tesla Autopilot, which enables automatic braking, steering, and acceleration, is standard on the X. But Full Self-Driving (FSD), the most talked about Tesla driver-assist feature, is available for an extra $8k. With FSD, the X can drive almost without any intervention from the driver. It also includes the Dumb Summon feature that helps owners remotely invite their car from a parked spot to their location. Thanks to the cameras on all sides of the X, the EV detects and processes visuals of nearby vehicles, even at long ranges, to avoid collisions when self-driving.
Electrifying Rebirth: The 2024 Acura ZDX Resurrects a Buried Nameplate
Pricing and Competition
The standard Model X starts at $79,990k, while the Plaid starts at about $95,000. Standard X is eligible for the estimated U.S. federal tax credit of $7,500. Since standard X meets almost anyone’s performance expectations, and considering the financial incentives, we’d choose it over X Plaid. But if you need that speed and more perks, you may consider forking out the extra $15k.
Considering it’s a large luxury EV, its performance figures, price range, and other factors, the Model X has lots of competition, including the new Lucid Gravity, Rivian R1 S, and the Volvo EX90. We must mention, however, that it is more like other EVs are competing with the Model X and not the other way around.
Zooming Off
Hate it or love it, the Tesla Model X is a defiant, controversial attempt at making an SUV, and a successful one at that. The gullwing doors, for example, may become a problem in low-clearance areas and look too gimmicky for some people. But that feature is what others fancy about the SUV. Also, despite the availability of regular steering at no added cost, many people go ahead with the unfamiliar yoke steering. Model X may split opinions, but never in terms of performance and power. Everybody agrees it is the king of the SUV pace game.
Gabriel Olakunori
Gabriel likes to argue (blindly) that SUVs are a part of nature, but he seems to have a point whenever you walk in the snow, through the bone-dry desert, splendid park-like boulevard, plains, and rocky roads. He has over five years of experience writing across a broad spectrum of topics, with quite a number in the automotive industry. If he is not at the desk w̶r̶i̶t̶i̶n̶g̶ having fun, he is at the wheel d̶r̶i̶v̶i̶n̶g̶ having fun. Both activities take him to the same destination: Utopia. He loves SUVs simply because they are all-inclusive, but he cannot turn down an offer to drive or write about any vehicle.
