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Tesla Model X Plaid 2023

The Tesla Model X Plaid is what you call a unique electric car, but you can’t tell. In fact, it looks ordinary when compared to a regular Model X. But don’t let its modest design fool you, because under the skin lurks sickening amounts of power. Plaid, by the way, is pronounced “pled.

Superiority of Ludicrous

Plaid constitutes the superlative of Ludicrous. The terms Plaid and Ludicrous do not come out of the blue. The terms pay homage to Spaceballs, a parody of the popular Star Wars. Ludicrous was already incredibly fast. Plaid still goes over that. It’s so fast you can hardly imagine it. You can only experience it. You can do so at a cost of 143,990 euros, because that’s what a Tesla Model X Plaid costs. That’s $20,000 more compared to the Tesla Model X Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive.

The performance of the Model X Plaid

The cheapest Tesla Model X has a range of 576 kilometers (WLTP), sprints from 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 250 km/h. Not bad grades right? Okay, reset everything you just read and let the following sink in. The Tesla Model X Plaid has a range of 543 kilometers (WLTP), accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.6 seconds, and stops at 262 km/h. How is that possible? Thanks to a system output of 1,020 hp. One thousand and twenty horsepower! You read it correctly. That’s more than a Bugatti Veyron 16.4. That one had nineteen fewer.

Tesla Model X Plaid 2023: what a CANON! – AutoRAI TV

Roller coaster ride, but a notch worse

The Tesla Model X Plaid is the fastest accelerating SUV currently in production. It features three carbon-inlaid high-performance electric motors. There is torque distribution over the wheels, which means Tesla gets all that power on the road properly, too. What does all that power feel like? Well, like getting shot on a roller coaster and then getting an extra kick in the back. The sprint from 0 to 100 km/h is impressive, but especially above 100 km/h, a whole mountain of power claps on top, making everything even more intense.

Too much power?

It’s a lot. A lot. But also too much? It depends on what you are comfortable with. At least you never have to go full throttle to achieve decent acceleration. Fifty percent throttle and you are at your desired speed in no time. It can be done thankfully, the car is not hanging on the leash like a nervous dog. But worst of all, 1,020 horsepower also gets used quickly. At least, the more often you experience it, the more normal it becomes. But extremely fast it always remains.

A 17-inch megadisplay

Tesla has also given the Model X – as well as the Model S – an extensive interior upgrade. Among other things, the adjustable and rotatable 17-inch display with a resolution of 2200 x 1300 stands out. Behind this display is also the necessary computing power. Up to 10 teraflops even, making smooth gaming via Tesla Arcade in the car no problem at all. At 10 teraflops, the Model X and Model S have even more computing power than a PlayStation 5. Wireless controller compatibility allows gaming from any seat.

Even more displays

Tesla is also introducing a second 12.3-inch display in front of the driver. This displays relevant information for the driver, such as speed. With a car like the Plaid quite handy to know. A third 9.4-inch display in the rear provides additional entertainment and controls for rear passengers. Also of interest: the Model X now has a 960-watt audio system with 22 speakers. In addition, the new microphones have active road noise cancellation for more on-board silence. So all in all, quite a few upgrades.

Handy

Airflow and temperature are controlled entirely through the displays without physical vents. On hot days, Cabin Overheat Protection ensures that the interior always stays cool, this is also useful if you leave dogs in the car. It is possible in this way, although it is always wise to lower the window a little then for some fresh air. In cold weather, preheating (preconditioning) automatically heats the interior and prepares the battery to maximize range.

Yoke-send a joke?

In the interior of the Tesla Model X Plaid, the Yoke steering wheel naturally stands out. More brands are coming out with such a wheel, including Lexus in the RZ. In the Model X, you can choose between a normal round steering wheel or the Yoke. This handlebar itself sits quite well in the hand and also gives a nice overview on the digital display in front of you.

Traffic circles, ever heard of them?

But Tesla forgot one thing: In Europe – and especially in the Netherlands – you have traffic circles. Then a Yoke is really not fine. Not at all because the turn signal for left and right is housed on the left side of the steering wheel. So if the steering wheel is upside down, you have to find the right button first. This is too distracting and therefore dangerous. It happened more often that we left the traffic circle without indicating direction and that is not allowed. Then a Yoke is not recommended. But even better: just a direction indicator on the steering column. Less beautiful, but super practical and safe. In the video you will find this Model X Plaid review, it is covered in detail.

Six chairs

The Model X Plaid Tri Motor All-Wheel Drive is available only in a six-seat configuration. If you want seven seats, you have to rely on the regular and 20 mille cheaper Model X.

Options for the Model X Plaid

Tesla delivers the Model X Plaid on 20-inch Cyberstream rims as standard. Optionally, Tesla provides 22-inch Turbine rims. These have an additional cost of 5,900 euros. A full-option Model X Plaid – including Red Multi-Coat paint color, black and white interior and Full Self-Driving Capability – will cost you 164,093 euros.

Tow weight

Enhanced Autopilot consists of navigation with Autopilot, Auto Lane Change, automatic parking, traffic light and stop sign recognition and – starting soon – also automatic steering on city streets. A steel tow bar with removable adapter is possible. The towing weight comes out to 2,250 kilograms. Anyone have a 1,020 hp caravan tractor?

Conclusion review Tesla Model X Plaid

Somehow it is quite bizarre that anyone with a car license – even someone 18 years old – can buy a Model X Plaid with 1,020 horsepower. After all, that much power in a family SUV is almost too much. Realize then that this really is an insanely fast car. A car that, by the way, is excellent for quiet driving, but there is a nuclear bomb lurking under your gas pedal. When you step on the gas, it’s really going.

The overall package does add up: Tesla knows how to bring comfort and top performance together into a smart overall package. Only ask yourself carefully beforehand if you want a Yoke. Tesla already offers conversion kits for a reason to restore a normal steering wheel to already delivered Tesla’s with a Yoke. That says it all. But that’s really the only thing: otherwise, the Model X Plaid is top entertainment on wheels. A rollercoaster ride for the whole family, including top-notch infotainment. One of the better EVs, just like the Tesla Model Y Performance.