Model X P90D Ludicrous Test Drive Review

[EAGLE5]

I went to the Tesla dealer to test drive a Model X P90DL. They're on a bit of a sale right now (like 20k off a loaded model), as the P100s have just come out. I haven't made a decision about getting one. The FR-S is my corner car. The Model X would be my straight line car. A 911 could do both, but it couldn't take the kids in comfort, nor pull a trailer, nor have instantaneous torque, nor charge of the solar cells at home, nor carry seven, nor prevent me from looking like a complete douche bag. So here are my notes:

Not the most attractive vehicle. Not at all. Too bean-shaped. At least it's slippery.
I don't like the gull-wing doors on a practical level. They're not the best design decision. They're also totally awesome and make access easy for rear passengers. The doors open and close themselves, which is convenient. Walk up and the door opens. Get in and put your foot on the brake for the door to close. Don't even need to touch the key. It's the future, bitch.
All seven seats in the back do make rear visibility mediocre. Out of the front, visibility is great, but the rear is pretty bad. Lots of blindspots. The large number of cameras all around, however, make this more than bearable.
Those seats move forwards, making access to the third row pretty easy. Not much shoulder room if the second row sits two across. Modern-looking seats, though. Thin and well-padded. The front seats are fantastically comfy. I don't think they'll hold me like BMW sport seats, but they'll hold well enough.
The massive windshield is both interesting and useless. If you're always looking around, I'm sure it's pretty cool. I'm usually looking ahead, so it's unnecessary. I also don't like how the sun shines in. I feel a bit of the warmth, which I usually don't want. Worse, I'd need to wear sunglasses all the time. I'd buy the optional sunshade.
The ride is fine, even on 22" rims and in sport mode. It's not perfectly smooth, but much better than my 550i E60, which felt every single bump. Smoother than the twins by far.
Autopilot is cool, but far from autonomous. If you get over to the left and turn it on, it'll make your commute easy peasy. It parks the car itself, which is cool, but the interface is a bit awkward and slow.
The steering is tight and works well. Not too communicative, but fine.
The vehicle moves like it's much lighter. It's about 5600lbs, but it feels more like 4300. Center of gravity + sticky tires + ultrastiff frame + great suspension.
Didn't try the stereo.
It's hellishly expensive. Terrible, horrible, no good, very bad expensive!
Anything else you wanted to know?

[EAGLE5]

Just took the car for a long drive on an overnight test drive. Pretty damn amazing vehicle. This one's a P90D, not ludicrous, just insane, and it's great but not quite the same. If I get one of these, I think it's going to have to be a P100DL. Gotta feel those sinuses compress.

[Captain Snooze]

Originally Posted by jsimon7777

The vehicle moves like it's much lighter. It's about 5600lbs, but it feels more like 4300.

Originally Posted by jsimon7777

It's about 5600lbs, but it feels more like 4300.

Originally Posted by jsimon7777

It's about 5600lbs,

Originally Posted by jsimon7777

5600lbs

[Captain Snooze]

I suppose a lightweight battery is out of the question.

[Cole]

Originally Posted by Captain Snooze

I suppose a lightweight battery is out of the question.

I chuckled

[EAGLE5]

I've driven trucks. I've driven minivans. It feels nothing like them. It feels like a sports sedan. All the weight is down low. The stance is wide. The acceleration in the P versions is just ridonk. Ludicrous is an accurate term for the mode. It's not as well put together as a Mercedes. It's not as pretty as a Porsche, and it doesn't turn as well. However, I've already got a car that's fun in the turns. This thing is a rocket ship. Wanna pass that slow car? Or that fast car? This is the vehicle to do it.