Introduction

The Tesla Model X, arguably the greenest family car on the road, is a five-, six-, or seven-passenger all-wheel-drive all-electric crossover. It got off to a rocky start at its launch, when it didn't have rear seats that folded flat, but the 2017 Tesla Model X does. 

The Model X crossover, like the Model S luxury car, comes with a choice of batteries, 75, 90, or 100 kilowatt hours, as well as a more potent model, the P100D; the P stands for performance, as it has a much bigger rear motor. The 75-kwh model can go up to 237 miles on one charge, while the 100D can go 289 miles. 

The standard Tesla X isn't a rocket like the Tesla S, because it weighs nearly 6000 pounds, but it will shoot silently from zero to sixty in six seconds with the smallest battery, or 4.8 seconds with the 90-kwh battery, or the P100D will do it in an astonishing 2.9 seconds, same as the quickest Tesla S. It draws an astounding 762 horsepower from its motors. 

Despite that weight, the Tesla X handles well for a crossover, thanks to its low center of gravity from the battery-pack location under the floor. And maybe because of the weight, the ride is sedate. 

The rear doors raise and lower vertically, using the key fob. They're hinged at top, and pivot and fold, so they don't swing outward in tight parking situations; but it's the driver's door that far more often deals with squeezes. And they're too slow, and like anything electronic the time will come when they stop working, like when the sensors imagine some danger to opening the door. These so-called falcon doors prevent a roof rack or even skis from going on top. 

Safety equipment includes 12 airbags, LED headlamps (although the LED headlamps on the Tesla S were rated Poor by the IIHS), blind-spot and lane-departure warnings. Automatic emergency braking, or AEB, has been redesigned for the latest models, and uses radar to stop the car at speeds of up to 28 mph. Every Tesla X is equipped with the hardware for the infamous Autopilot self-driving system, the cameras and radar, but the software costs $5000. 

The X recharges with household current, or with an adapter can be charged at the slim but growing Tesla network of DC quick-charge sites, where the battery can be charged to 80 percent in about half an hour. 

Lineup

The Tesla Model X comes in 75D ($82,500), 90D ($93,500), 100D ($99,500), and P100D ($145,000) versions. (Prices are MSRP.)

Standard equipment includes all-wheel drive, advanced safety features, LED headlamps, panoramic sunroof, keyless ignition, 20-inch wheels, power adjustable heated front seats, HEPA air filter, wood accents, rearview camera, Bluetooth connectivity, power liftgate, air suspension, and a 17-inch touchscreen with navigation. 

You could spend as much as $22,000 on options, including 22-inch wheels, seating for six or seating for seven, upgraded sound system, a cold weather package with heat for every seat, towing package, and charger upgrade. 

Walkaround

Tall and bulky, the Tesla X doesn't hide its size very well, totally lacking the grace of the S. It looks like a bloated S, more than a crossover. It lacks a crossover's liftgate, for one thing. The X has a hatchback that's more of a sloped rear window, narrowing toward the roof. 

There is no grille, just a flat horizontal piece of black plastic with the Tesla logo on it. 

When the rear doors are raised, it looks like the X is striking a pose at karate class. 

Interior

It's spacious inside with the rear seats lowered, good thing since you can't put your duffel bags on the roof. There's 77 cubic feet of cargo space, more than an Audi Q7. And there's a few more feet of storage in the front trunk. The panoramic windshield stretches over the driver's head, making the cabin feel even more spacious. 

The seats are fairly comfortable, except we wonder if kids will like the scalloped backs. The second row is either a split-folding bench, or two bucket seats. The center seat of the bench lacks headroom because of the falcon doors. The third row is for kids only. 

The cabin is stark, because of the lack of gauges and also because almost everything is controlled by the giant 17-inch touchscreen that dominates the dash. But the materials are luxury: leather, suede, matte silver, micro fiber fabrics, wood insets. Those are available materials, not necessarily standard. We're fine with the imitation leather. Small spaces of convenience are there (better than in the S): center console with armrest, bottle holders, map pockets, four USB ports, and six cupholders. 

Driving Impression

If acceleration from zero to sixty in six seconds isn't quick enough for you, the 90D with a larger battery drops that time to 4.8 seconds, while being capable of hitting a top speed of 155 miles per hour. Just don't expect much range at that speed. In another world, the P100D hits 60 in 2.9 seconds. 

We've found these cars smooth, quiet, fast, with predictable handling. Cornering was superb, for a vehicle of this size, but with its higher seating position than the sedan, we could feel some body roll. 

Long road trips are possible but must be carefully planned to take advantage of Tesla Supercharging stations every 150 miles or so. That means stopping every two hours for 30 minutes while the car gets charged. 

Summary

The Tesla Model X is a little challenging to justify. It may the greenest car on the planet but it comes at a high financial cost and it offers less that what its competitors offer for half the money. 

Sam Moses contributed to this report.