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The electric carmaker named after one of the most original and greatest inventors and thinkers of all time introduced a brand new CUV called the Model X, which is based on the running gear and chassis of the Model S sedan. Tesla says its latest creation fuses the utility of MPVs with the style of SUVs offering an available all-wheel drive option and seating for seven in three rows of seats.
The 195.9-inch (4,976mm) long Model X comes complete with a pair of rear side doors that rise up and hang like bird wings – hence the name "Falcon Wings".
"Falcon Wings open up and out of the way, in even the narrowest of parking spots. You easily step, not climb, into Model X," says Tesla.
There are three rows of seats for seven passengers inside while the Model features two trunks, one at the back and one at the front. The front passengers get a humongous 17-inch touchscreen on the center console that controls most of the interior's functions.
The base Model X is offered with a 60 or 85 kWh battery mounted under the chassis. Whereas the Model S is offered only with rear-wheel drive, the Model X is optionally available with a Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive. The second motor increases torque by 50 percent and in combination with the larger battery pack it accelerates the CUV from 0 to 60 mph (96km/h) in less than 5 seconds.
Seen here in prototype form, the Model X is expected to enter production in late 2013, with first deliveries in early 2014.
According to Tesla, the Model X will be priced comparable to a similarly equipped Model S, which carries an MSRP of $67,400 for the 60 kWh version and $77,400 for the 85 kWh variant, not including a $7,500 federal tax credit.
