Tesla Model X gets interior updates and a new ‘Plaid’ trim for 2021

KUALA LUMPUR: The seven-seater Tesla Model X is one of the most popular electric vehicles around the world, which is on sale since 2015. Well after six years of its existence, the crossover SUV has recently received its long-awaited facelift. Just like the all-new Model S, the 2021 Model X also gets revised interiors, a new infotainment system, and a radical new ‘Plaid’ battery and motor setup with an increased cruise range and world-beating acceleration.

In detail, the Model X cabin now has a completely new dashboard design and gets new enhancements, which include: 

• Airplane-styled rectangular steering wheel with trackball-type steering-mounted controls
• Wide 17-inch touchscreen infotainment display in a portrait layout
• Fully digital instrument cluster
• Twin wireless charging pads
• Additional 8-inch display for the rear passengers with inbuilt games and applications
• 22-speaker 960W audio system

However, the exterior cosmetic tweaks are just restricted to a new pair of alloy wheels and slightly revised bumpers.

Moving to the powertrain configuration that one can find under the new Plaid variant, it houses three electric motors two at the rear axle and one at the front, churning out a maximum power of 1,020 PS. The new trim replaced the Performance variant that offered about 870 PS.

In terms of performance, the new Tesla Model X Plaid can accelerate from 0-100 kmph in just 2.5 seconds and can attain a top speed of up to 262 kmph. The new Tesla battery cells help the electric vehicle in achieving a range of 547 km on a full charge.

The next significant change introduced with the 2021 Tesla Model X is the inclusion of semi-autonomous Autopilot technology, which offers a range of features comprising parking assist, car summon, navigation on autopilot, auto lane change, a 360-degree camera, and autonomous braking.

Tesla will start the deliveries of the updated Model X in April this year, with the hot Plaid version available at a starting price of $119,990 (RM 485,089).

Also read: Waymo CEO takes a dig at Tesla’s Autopilot full autonomy capability