Tesla Motors (NASDAQ: TSLA) unveiled the highly anticipated Model X last Thursday evening at its Design Studio in Southern California. One day after the reveal, without any advertising, advance sales of the Model X exceeded $40 million.
The compelling nature of the product created massive media attention and resulted in the Model X being the third most searched term on Google. On Thursday evening, the night of the reveal, traffic to teslamotors.com increased 2800 percent. Two-thirds of all visitors were new to the website.
Proof that Model S and Model X are complementary products, new Model S reservations following the Model X unveiling were up 30 percent.
Model X is equipped with unique Falcon Wing doors that open up and out of the way, allowing one to stand up in the second row and step directly to the third row. Built on the same platform as Model S, but with a longer wheelbase, Model X has approximately the same external dimensions of an Audi Q7. On the inside, however, Model X has 40% more room than a Q7 and is capable of carrying both seven large adults and considerable luggage.
It will offer dual motor all wheel drive for superior all-weather driving and the option of a 60 or 85 kWh battery. The Model X Performance version will accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 4.4 seconds. This would make Model X faster than many sports cars, including the Porsche 911 Carrera. Matched with superior handling resulting from its low center of gravity, Model X will offer a remarkable combination of functionality, style and performance.
Tesla’s touchscreen, the 17” in-dash display that includes driver controls, vehicle apps, web connectivity and onboard charging are included in Model X.
Model X will be priced competitively with other premium SUVs. It will be built at the Tesla Factory in Fremont, CA. Production begins at the end of 2013, deliveries begin early 2014, with volumes targeted at 10,000 - 15,000 units per year.