The Model X, Tesla’s crossover SUV offering, has been quite a polarizing car. On one hand, with its gorgeous and streamlined design, rear gullwing doors, and trademark Tesla styling, many consider it to be the pinnacle of Tesla’s design so far.
On the other hand, certain models of the vehicle can run up to $149,000 with premium options. For the majority of drivers interested in purchasing an electric vehicle, this is prohibitively expensive. However, today Tesla has unveiled a new version of the Model X, the 60D, and it is significantly cheaper than than other versions of the SUV.
A cheaper Model X
Questions about fulfilling demands for Tesla’s range of all-electric vehicles continue to be asked by auto critics and drivers alike, and this new announcement from the Elon Musk-helmed company certainly won’t help quiet things down.
Tesla’s press release reads as follows:
Model X is the safest, quickest and most capable sport utility vehicle in history, and existing Model X owners are loving their cars. Following on the success of Model S 60 and 60D and in order to bring the benefits of Tesla ownership to even more people, today we’re introducing Model X 60D at a starting price of $74,000 – giving customers the flexibility to choose the Tesla model, price point and range that best fits their lifestyle. Our versatile product platform and efficient manufacturing processes make it possible to seamlessly extend these types of compelling offerings to customers.
The new Model X 60D delivers up to 200 miles of range (EPA est.), a top speed of 130 mph, zero-to-60 acceleration in 6.0 seconds, and all-wheel drive performance, starting at $74,000. Customers can check out Model X at select tour stops across the US this summer.
The California-based automaker has revealed that it is introducing a brand-new, shorter-range Model X. Dubbed the 60D, the crossover SUV has an EPA estimated range of 200 miles and will start at $74,000. That’s 37 miles and $9,000 less that the next model up on the X line, the 75D. Equipped with a 60kWh battery, the 60D has less torque and a shorter range than the 75D, which comes equipped with a 75kWh batter and an EPA estimated range of 237 miles.
Different, and yet the same
In other ways, the new Model X 60D will be just like the 75D, both models having a 130 mile-per-hour top speed and a 0-60 time of 6.0 second. Just like any other Model X trim level, order it now and expect delivery on the vehicle in late September.
Only three months ago, Tesla decided to get rid of the Model X trim level with the smallest battery pack – the 70D – and replace it with the 75D. Concerning the Model X, Tesla has been changing its battery sizes for years. Considering the company’s tendency to offer vehicles with “smaller” battery sizes with some of the battery capacity limited by the vehicle’s software, whether the new Model X 60D is really a 75D in disguise has yet to be seen.
This most likely means that buyers of the 60D will be able to pay an additional fee in the future if they prefer to unlock that potential battery capacity. The whole idea of optional upgradeability is a notion that Tesla has emphasized with all of its vehicles. Options exist to add features such as Autopilot to vehicles that initially did not come equipped with them.
Tesla plans to continue selling the Model 75D, which starts around $80,000 as well as the more powerful Model X 90D and P90D, which can run upwards of $149,000 with premium options.
