Tesla Model X Electric SUV Unveiled – Photo & Video Preview

Wednesday night Tesla Motors CEO Elon Musk debuted the much anticipated prototype of their Model X SUV. As with all Telsa’s events, they rolled out the new seven passenger fully electric vehicle in style at a red carpet event.

The specs on the car are what one would expect from Tesla, with performance in the forefront. The new Model X is all-wheel-drive and will go from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 4.4 seconds, fast than the Porsche 911. The range is the same as their Model S sedan, offering the 60 kWh battery with 230 mile range or the 85 kWh battery with a 300 mile range.

Unlike the Model S however, there is a new feature, folding “falcon-wing” doors. At first glance it seems all too gimmicky, but Tesla claims the new doors offer ease of movement in and out of the vehicle even in the narrowest of parking spots.

There is loads of headroom and a large rear space. Windows have been cut out in the ceiling and the back seats fold completely flat to allow for storage of large items. No problem fitting your surfboards, ski gear, large pets or a killer sound system if you were so inclined.

Musk explained to the crowd during his 10-minute presentation that their goal was to achieve more usable space than the average Minivan or SUV saying, “minivans and SUVs have been trying for years to overcome these problems.”

Tesla is hoping that with their event Thursday night, which showcased a high-end buffet, open bar and a few b-list celebrities, that they will be able to generate some more orders and start turning a profit, which they have yet to do.

Tesla starts taking reservations on Friday at noon but the Model X won’t hit the showrooms until 2014, with production scheduled to begin in late 2013.

With the Model S sedan expected in the showrooms by this July one can only hope Musk’s statement of, “we want to show that electric cars are in fact better than gasoline cars,” rings true. We don’t want another EV-1 situation.

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