Tesla Model X: an electric, futuristic and almost autonomous SUV

Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla Motors, formalized the Model X a few days ago, his new electric car with many elements straight from the future. Like the Model S, the new model incorporates Autopilot functionality to allow the car to be partially autonomous.

We already knew the Model S, the first car (if we put aside the Roadster) entirely developed by Tesla Motors, one of the many innovative companies of Elon Musk, the man who wants to set foot on Mars in a not so distant future. The Model X is the second vehicle of the brand, which takes up the DNA of the firm, namely a futuristic and innovative vision of the car. Thus, the Model X is an all-electric SUV – with a range of more than 400 km – with performance worthy of a sports car – 0 to 100 between 3.2 and 4.8 seconds – and maximum safety, which can be passive thanks to the construction of the car: the batteries lower the center of gravity, the trunk in the front absorbs shocks and the battery holders integrated into the doors reinforce their resistance. Active safety has not been left out, with automatic braking ensured by numerous sensors that surround the car. Model X is also able to avoid an obstacle automatically.

The Model X uses the same technical basis as the Model S and we therefore find the Autopilot functionality which should, in the long term, allow the car to be as autonomous as possible. Tesla regularly updates the firmware of its cars and the latest allows beta testers to test autopilot features on certain roads, using radars, sensors and cameras. The car is thus able to read road signs to adapt its speed. It is also capable of accelerating, slowing down, braking and cornering without driver intervention. A kind of Google Car slightly less evolved in terms of autonomy, but which should be able to overshadow it in the long term.

The Tesla Model X is currently on pre-order with deliveries expected within 8 to 12 months depending on the model. Pricing will be $5,000 higher than the Model S in equivalent trim and horsepower, which works out to between $132,000 and $142,000.

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