Elon Musk Unveils Tesla Motors’ Model X

Tesla Motors, the electric car darling that’s more Silicon Valley than Detroit, has unveiled their newest offering, a crossover utility vehicle named Model X.

The Model X, based on their much anticipated Model S sports sedan, is another step towards proving that Musk and his team, while the new kids on the automobile block, are ready to revolutionize the auto industry.

“We’ve created a car that has more functionality than a minivan, more style than an SUV and more performance than a Porsche 911 Carrers,” said Musk, never one to shy away from grandiose comparisons.

The Model X uses the same chassis and shares roughly 60 percent of its components with the Model S. The chassis however has been lengthened four inches to accommodate a third row, a feature that is becoming more and more popular in American SUVs.

“The reason for bringing the Model X out now, “Musk said, “is to show that we really can do more than one car, that we can leverage the investment in the Model S into another vehicle.”

Having driven the Tesla Roadster in the past, I can attest to the incredible experience Tesla’s engineers had managed create. The electric technology in Tesla’s offerings is industry leading, and the Model X is sure to be even more technically impressive.

One look at the car, and the gorgeous gullwing doors which harken back memories of the Delorean and Mercedes-Benz 300SL, will make one quickly understand that Tesla isn’t looking to copy any of the current crossovers on the market. Aside from the beautiful look, the doors are actually practical, allowing more access to the second and third rows.

From the doors, to the 17-inch touchscreen, to the smooth drive and guilt free experience, Musk and Tesla have made another bold statement that really pushes forward the idea that their cars are the choice of the future.

Tesla has now started taking pre-orders for the Model X which is expected to start production in late 2013.