Tesla Model X Long Range 2019 UK first drive

Past the powertrain, the Model X's credibility as a luxury SUV begins to unravel. Even with those changes to the suspension, the manner in which it rides is still unbecoming of a car costing £83,050. 

There’s a wooden, almost uncultured character to the way in which it deals with lumpen stretches of road that results in pronounced headtoss and a near-permanent sense of restlessness on anything other than glass-like surfaces. An ability to glide nonchalantly over any imperfections isn't too much to expect. The Model X’s key rivals - the Mercedes-Benz EQC, Jaguar I-Pace and Audi E-tron - are all far far more accomplished in this regard.

The same applies to its motorway cruising manners. While the ride is certainly less agitated on these smoother surfaces, Tesla still has a long way to go as far as interior isolation is concerned. Wind noise isn’t too pronounced, but the amount of roar the tyres generate at speed is disappointing. A serene, hushed cruise isn't too much to ask from any high-end SUV, let alone one without a noisy combustion engine.

The Model X doesn’t handle particularly tenaciously, either, but then it is a 2439kg SUV, so it’d be unfair to expect any dynamic miracles. Its lower centre of gravity and firm suspension mean it does a reasonably commendable job of keeping its mass in check, but the steering is totally dead and the artificial heaviness that has been engineered into the rack isn’t an ideal substitute for genuine feel. 

The consequence is that you’re never totally confident in the car's ability to handle a corner at pace. Its weight means it’s capable of building fairly significant momentum, too - momentum that, if you’re travelling a bit too quickly, can continue in its original direction of travel after you’ve turned the wheel. Admittedly, this understeer is never particularly alarming and can be easily reigned in, but it quickly dissuades you from repeating your mistake. 

Still, at least the absence of engine noise means you’ll hear the tyres squealing loud and clear as they approach and then surpass the limit of their adhesiveness - so in that sense, you could say it’s somewhat communicative. But you soon learn the best way of navigating a windy road quickly is to slow right down on corner entry, get the nose turned in and wait until you’re very nearly out the other side before hitting the throttle and getting back up to speed. It doesn’t really flow, this car.

In many ways, this proprietary charging infrastructure is more impressive than the car itself. Not only is ease of use outstanding (once you’ve set up an account, all you have to do upon arrival is plug the car in), but so is the rate at which it tops the Model X’s 100kWh battery. We saw a sustained 300 miles of range being added per hour of charge at one station. 

Then there's the sat-nav system, which will direct you to a Supercharger if you don’t have enough range to complete your journey. It’ll also tell you how long you’ll need to charge for, how much range you’ll roughly have left when you arrive and whether or not you could complete a return trip without needing to top up the battery. Oh, and the Model X now comes with a CCS adapter that enables you to plug in to any other third-party charging network as well.

Provided the infrastructure is in place in your area (and these days it probably will be), you’ll easily be able to travel long distances in the Model X. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

Tesla Model X Long Range

Where Cotswolds, UK Price £83,050 (after £3500 government grant) On sale Now Engine Permanent magnet electric motor (front), induction motor (rear) Power 415bhp Torque 487lb ft Gearbox Single-speed reduction gearing Kerb weight 2439kg 0-60mph 4.4sec Top speed 155mph Range 315 miles (WLTP) CO2 0g/km Rivals Jaguar I-Pace, Audi E-tron, Mercedes-Benz EQC