2020 Tesla Model X Performance

Another one of Tesla's success stories, the Model X combines the popularity of an SUV body style with the market's increasing affection for all-electric power into one powerful, compelling package. Thousands of buyers have found the combination difficult to resist, and why wouldn't one be intrigued by the idea of a seven-seater crossover that can cover 0-60 mph in 2.7 seconds in the case of the Model X Performance? Along with an excellent cruising range and access to Tesla's extensive Supercharger network, the Model X still appeals even years after its launch. The Falcon-wing rear doors and enormous central touchscreen are other party tricks that set apart the Model X from more conventional midsize luxury SUVs like the Porsche Cayenne and Mercedes-Benz GLE. While these competitors may lack the Model X's futuristic feel, they are better built and have superior road manners. But for its mix of performance and zero emissions, the Model X Performance is virtually unmatched.

At $104,990, the Model X Performance doesn't come cheaply. The price excludes tax, licensing, registration, a $100 order fee, and the manufacturer's $1,200 destination charge. Unfortunately, the federal tax credit for new Teslas (worth $1,875) expired at the end of 2019 so no longer applies to 2020 models. As of December 3rd, 2019, the Model X no longer qualifies for the California Clean Air Rebate as the crossover carries an MSRP of over $60,000.

While Tesla has crushed all competitors with regards to acceleration off the line, it hasn't been able to move the goalposts as far dynamically. This doesn't mean that the Model X Performance is bad to drive, it's just that Porsche, Alfa Romeo, and BMW all have SUVs that are less expensive but sharper to drive.

In Normal and Comfort modes, the Model X handles competently without ever being overly generous with feedback through the steering. The all-wheel-drive setup grips well and, most of the time, the Model X conceals its heft quite well. In Sport mode, the steering gains a heaviness to it that doesn't actually contribute to a much sportier driving experience.

The adaptive suspension does a good job of isolating the driver and passengers from surface ruts and imperfections. Combined with the low noise levels (helped by the silent electric motors, of course), the driving experience is a particularly relaxing one. The optional 22-inch wheels look brilliant, but they do degrade the ride quality somewhat, so perhaps a test drive in a model equipped with this option is advised beforehand. A regenerative braking system will provide mild stopping power when you only need to slow down slightly and, once you acclimatize to them, they also contribute to easy, relaxed progress.

Despite only minor changes being made to the 2020 Tesla Model X Performance, it's still an exceptional SUV that will leave newer, non-electric crossovers for dead in a drag race. A seven-seater SUV simply shouldn't be able to accelerate to 60 mph in under three seconds, but the Model X Performance successfully blurs the lines between a family chariot and supercar-like pace. Perhaps the greatest threat to the Model X is the arrival of the smaller Model Y, which has a more wallet-friendly price and, although slower, is still capable of superb performance. While sales of the Model X dipped slightly last year, it still managed to find almost 20,000 homes in North America, so many buyers haven't been put off by the average build quality and the high price. We also have reservations about the three-row versions' tight space, but for families with smaller kids, it could be exactly what they need. Throw in the Model X's range of over 300 miles, and it's still a formidable all-electric SUV.

The five-seater model provides the most useful cargo capacity, so we'd stick with this configuration unless you absolutely must have the extra seats. We'd refrain from the 22-inch wheel upgrade as they reduce that all-important range between charges. Although $7,000 is a lot of money, we would tick the box for the Full Self-Driving Capability upgrade as it grants access to Tesla's most advanced driver aids, some of which seem sent from the future. Our favorite interior color scheme is the Cream and Oak Wood decor, which, although not as practical as black, adds a touch of class to the somewhat stark cabin. Together with the ordering fee and the destination charge, the total works out to $114,790.

For exactly $20,000 less, the Tesla Model X Long Range Plus provides improved range but less performance. The 0-60 mph time drops to 4.4 seconds (1.7 seconds down on the Model X Performance) but the cruising range between charges increases by over 40 miles relative to the Performance variant, based on Tesla's latest claims. Other than this, the two models are similarly equipped, although the Performance does have access to a wider selection of interior color schemes. Considering that the Long Range Plus is still properly potent, we think it's the better buy here as, in the real world, its performance deficit is hardly likely to be noticed. But, if you must have the ultimate Model X, there is no replacement for the mind-blowing acceleration of the Model X Performance when hooked up to Ludicrous Mode.

The sexy I-Pace is Jaguar's first all-electric vehicle and the automaker made sure that it got things right from the start. With strong acceleration, superb handling, and a luxurious cabin, it's got all the ingredients needed to succeed. It also helps that the I-Pace starts at well over $30,000 less than the Model X Performance. Of course, the Jag isn't quite as fast, but few would describe a 0-60 mph time of 4.5 seconds as slow. The I-Pace's smaller 90 kWh battery limits its range to below 240 miles, some way off the Model X Performance's 305 miles, but it's still quite good for an EV. With less mass to haul around, the I-Pace is more fun to drive and it has a classier, better-built cabin than the Model X. Total cargo capacity is better in the Model X and those rear Falcon-wing doors look cool, but the I-Pace is also a practical SUV with a well-sized trunk. The Model X is still the performance SUV king, but considering the price difference, we'd go for the newer I-Pace.