The electrification of cars is growing rapidly, and Tesla has been in a class of its own in the world of all-electric cars for years.

The test-driven Model X Performance’s sub-three-second acceleration from zero to 60 seconds earns the Model X the title of the world’s fastest SUV.

Two versions of the Model X are available. Both models have two electric motors, one for the front and one for the rear axle, providing uncompromising all-wheel drive in all weathers. In the event of failure of the electric motor on one axle, the journey can be continued with the electric motor running in the forward direction.

The more affordable Long Range model has a starting price of around €97,000, a WLTP-measured range of 507 kilometres and an acceleration of 4.6 seconds from 0-100 km/h.

The starting price for the Performance model is just under €114,000, giving a staggering 2.9 seconds of acceleration for a range of 487 km.

The Performance model delivers impressive power figures. For the front axle, the maximum rated power is 275 horsepower and 420 Nm of torque. For the rear axle, the figures are 503 hp and 720 Nm of torque.

Both models are available in five-, six- and seven-seat configurations.

Electricity consumption varies according to driving style and speed

During the test drive, electricity consumption varied between 22kWh and 35kWh per 100 km depending on driving style. The car’s 100 kWh battery has 95 kWh available, giving a driving range of around 430-270 km.

When driving in the city centre, the average electricity consumption is around 35 kWh/100 km, and can occasionally reach 40 kWh. At 100 km/h, the test drive showed an electricity consumption of around 25 kWh/100 km, and at 120 km/h it was around 28 kWh/100 km.

In practice, effortless electric driving in Finland still requires charging at home or at work. The network of more efficient charging points is still limited in Finland.

It is possible to charge a Tesla from an ordinary household socket, although this is by no means a sustainable solution in most cases. For every one hour of charging, you get an extra 13-18 kilometres of range.

Tesla offers a wall socket with a maximum power of 22 kW, which can be purchased separately. In the most common Finnish households, the maximum charging power is 11 kW. According to Tesla, this increases the range to 46-65 kilometres per charging hour.

For those who drive less, public charging points, such as those found in shopping centres, may be sufficient. For those who drive more kilometres, public charging points are not a very flexible solution due to the length of charging times.

It is also worth noting that the battery restrictions in the car’s manual state that the car should not be left below -30°C for more than 24 hours at a time.

Points for ease of driving

Tesla has also done a great job with the Model X in terms of driveability. The car is comfortable and safe to drive. There is an incredible amount of power behind the accelerator pedal, but the mass and good sound insulation bring a soft and calm feeling to the cabin. It’s only in smaller and tighter spaces that cornering is sometimes a challenge.

The large exterior dimensions create space and roominess in the cabin. There is plenty of space on each seat and large windows let in light.

Overall, the Model X, like Tesla’s other models, remains an excellent pioneer in the electric car world. The automation and clever solutions make driving a Tesla relaxing and, above all, great fun.

Tesla Model X Performance

Four-wheel drive, two independent electric motors
Acceleration: 2.9 seconds (0-100 km/h)
Operating range: 487 km. WLTP
Battery capacity: 100 kWh (95 kWh available)
Dead weight: 2575 kg.
Cargo space: 357 litres (space behind the third row of seats)
Starting price (Performance model): €113 600