Used Tesla Model X 2016-present review

Any car maker with an eye on financial success has an electric SUV on its fleet these days, making the Tesla Model X one of many. Everyone from Audi to Lotus has gotten in on the action.

The Model X has now been around for more than seven years, though, so has it fallen behind?

Performance & Range: As far as power goes, there’s a choice of the entry-level 60D, 75D, 100D or super-fast P100D.

The entry-level 60kWh 60D model, with a claimed 200-mile range, was dropped after just a year, leaving the 75D as your Model X starting point. The 75kWh option, in official tests, managed a range of 259 miles, although, as with all electric cars, this is likely to be substantially less in the real world; we’d estimate around 150 miles.

The 100D comes with the 100kWh battery and an official range nearer to 300 miles. The P100D is the full-fat high-performance version, also known as 'Performance Ludicrous', and is able to propel this heavy SUV from a standstill to 62mph in just 2.9sec – faster than the vast majority of supercars. Despite such storming performance, it remains remarkably refined at all speeds. It also combines that with a real-range figure of 233 miles, according to our most recent test.

Later versions post-2020 received a facelift and minor tweaks with Plaid AWD, Long Range AWD, Long Range and Performance power variants, and Long Range, Long Range Plus, Performance and Plaid trims.

Ride & Handling: This being a large and heavy vehicle, you might expect the ride and handling to suffer, but the Model X corners smoothly with little body lean. It’s not much fun, admittedly, but it is safe and stable.

On rough surfaces, the ride can thump – perhaps not surprisingly given the enormous 21in wheels fitted – but it’s never uncomfortable.

Interior & Equipment: Inside, the Model X looks suitably modern and luxurious. There’s a good driving position with plenty of electrical adjustment, as well as a comfortable and supportive seat. The dashboard is dominated by a digital instrument display in front of the driver and a huge 17.0in touchscreen that controls nearly every important function in the car. This looks futuristic but can be fiddly to use, especially on the move, and some of the icons are rather small.

Alas, while the material quality looks good, there are noticeable areas where the interior feels a little too flexible and there are some gaps where neater shut lines might be expected.

On the matter of space, there’s plenty of it. You can opt for seven seats from new, and most buyers do, although the two flip-up rearmost seats are perhaps best suited to children. There’s plenty of room in the middle-row seats and access to them is through the spectacular-looking falcon-wing doors that also leave a large area for entry and egress.

There are plenty of storage spaces and the boot is a good size in five-seat mode. You can also fold the middle-row seats down flat via a button on the touchscreen.

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You can pick up a used Tesla Model X for around £24,000 if you don't mind an early 75D model with mileage in excess of 50,000. If you want less mileage, you'll need closer to £30,000.

For a 2020 example, expect to pay upwards of £40,000.

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Charging: The Model X takes about an hour to charge from almost flat to almost full when connected to one of Tesla’s Supercharger fast-chargers, of which there are now more than 100 locations in the UK.

Insurance: Insurance costs will be on the high side, while servicing is required annually or every 12,500 miles and servicing plans are available. A three-year maintenance plan includes three inspections in total – one every 12 months or 12,500 miles, whichever occurs first – and can be paid for up front or in instalments at a cost of £1575.

A four-year/50,000-mile warranty is standard from new, with the battery covered for eight years, no matter how many miles you do. Tesla’s over-the-air wi-fi software updates fix glitches and add features while you're asleep, rather than requiring you to book your car in to a dealer.

If you can stretch to the asking price of a used 100D model, we’d opt for that, just because of the potential promise of a longer range.

The only 'trim' option is to opt for the P100D version, which adds better interior trim – that's welcome – but, of course, stupendous performance. Alas, it comes at quite a cost, so you might be better off seeking out the regular versions.

Our favourite Tesla Model X: 100D

Among conventionally powered rivals, the Audi Q7 runs the Model X close. It’s a seven-seat SUV that's full of luxury, although if you opt for the e-tron version you’ll only fit five people. The e-tron is a plug-in hybrid, not a fully electric car, but it’s remarkably refined and has lively performance and a comfortable ride. The regular diesel Q7 is capacious and practical, too, and likewise remarkably refined, while the high-performance SQ7 is thrillingly quick. Later versions feature mild-hybrid technology.

The Range Rover PHEV is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle that combines all the traditional virtues of the Range Rover – the presence, the luxury, the off-road ability – with a little environmental awareness. Performance is storming and on-paper fuel economy is impressive. It’s rather expensive, though.

The Jaguar I-Pace is a great-looking fully electric SUV with an official WLTP range of 292 miles and a real range figure of 253 miles. It comes with an incredibly plush interior and a fantastic driving position. The ride is really comfy, too. Not a seven-seater, though, like the Model X.

The Audi E-tron is another large SUV that is fully electric and five seats only, with an official WLTP range of 237 miles and a real range of 196 miles, in our hands. It's incredibly refined at all speeds, beautifully built and very well equipped. still expensive used, but there are savings to be had.

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Interested in buying a used Tesla Model X? Visit our Used Cars For Sale pages to find lots of cars listed at great prices.