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Is the Model X not that different?

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I have an S on order, but in looking at some Model X videos and overall info about it. What is the main appeal of it to the group that has it on order. Is it just that it is a little taller and easily seats 6-7 facing forward. From my thoughts, the people number is the big deal, and that its gong to maybe be 8"+ taller or so, may a little more clearance due to tires/wheels, etc? At the same time though you loose a little bit of the more sport/agile benefits the S may provide?

It does look they will have very similar/identical interiors up front somewhat, probably similar finish behind that, and share a great deal of the platform, battery, motors, fit & finish, etc. It seems like the build quality of the S is just now getting more dependable across the board so hopefully that does carry over from the start on X.
 
I was originally waiting for the AWD. I have had to think this over with the arrival of the D, and I think it is the higher seating and road clearance making me wait for the X now. My father also had difficulty getting into the back seat of the S.
 
For me there are several reasons, want AWD for the snow and would not drive my S in the snow. Want to get down to only 2 vehicles in the garage that do not require gas. Want to be able to tow and load larger objects in the back. I will also get my Model S back from my wife and she will drive the X.
 
For me, its not only that it has higher head-room and possibly sits higher off the ground, it's mostly the extra cargo space and the availability of a proper hitch. The AWD was also very important to me, but it is obviously less of an issue now since pretty much all Tesla vehicles will have AWD now and moving forward. The lack of a hitch was the main reason why I switched from Model-S to Model-X 3 years ago.
 
It's all a matter of what you are comfortable with. We've owned SUV's since 1992. I have a *very* small car that we drive frequently because it gets 4-5 times the MPG. When I have been driving the small car, then drive the SUV, it is immensely more comfortable because I can see all around me. I can carry whatever I want without it encroaching on my sitting space. When traveling, we can take that extra suitcase or a toolbox or gifts for people we are visiting. Sitting in traffic, I can see the car beyond the car in front of me.

I wanted AWD, more cargo capacity, some towing capability, a roof high enough that the average-height person in the back seat doesn't hit their head on the roof, and seating tall enough to be able to see.

It remains to be seen if the MX does all of that. If it doesn't, or if it costs inordinately more than the equivalent MS, then I'll buy an MS and grumble about the delays on releasing the MX because of the lost time I could have been driving a Tesla.
 
1. Higher seating/view
2. Be able to slide in and out, not getting in and out.
3. Space for 5 adults, dog and emty space between the 3 young adults.
4. Towing capability
5. Getting a new 2015 car and not a upgraded one from 2012. :)
10. Getting the fastes SUV/CUV. (From 0-100km/h)
 
I have an S on order, but in looking at some Model X videos and overall info about it. What is the main appeal of it to the group that has it on order. Is it just that it is a little taller and easily seats 6-7 facing forward. From my thoughts, the people number is the big deal, and that its gong to maybe be 8"+ taller or so, may a little more clearance due to tires/wheels, etc? At the same time though you loose a little bit of the more sport/agile benefits the S may provide?

It does look they will have very similar/identical interiors up front somewhat, probably similar finish behind that, and share a great deal of the platform, battery, motors, fit & finish, etc. It seems like the build quality of the S is just now getting more dependable across the board so hopefully that does carry over from the start on X.

This is a fairly common topic on TMC, perhaps used by some as justification to not wait for the Model X, which I think should be viewed a little critically. While I do fear such conclusions can be a bit premature, I understand people sitting on the fence on what to buy and what to wait for must make decisions based on limited and unofficial information. For example, there was this thread: Ground clearance - X and S look similar, now that pics of the mules are out and about There is also a speculative thread on what has changed in Model X since the prototype: How much has Model X changed: mule (2015) vs. prototype (2012) silhouette

Anyway, here's my take on the differences of Model X compared to the Model S that is currently shipping:

1) The dash indeed is identical on the Model X mules we've seen, though it was widely different in the 2012-2013 Model X prototypes. It is possible the mules we've seen on the road don't sport the final interior, though, final interior may still lay hidden inside Tesla's premises. We have, though, seen evidence of missing rear-view mirror and missing A pillar crossbeam in the mule(s), suggesting major differences to current Model S in the roof area, though of course the rear-view mirror replacement (if it comes), may later appear in Model S as well. Photos and further reading on this: Model X mules - Do they have an extra tall dash screen? and Inside the Model X mule - Looking closely... In reverse, while I expect Model X to have panoramic roof views, it probably will not have an opening sunroof like Model S.

2) One thing that we can be fairly certain to be different inside is the second-row interior (and of course the Model X third row faces forward instead of backwards and can seat adults). Elon is quoted to call this a thing of sculptural beauty. It will surely be movable, but it may also swivel. This is likely a massive separator between Model S and Model X, and it is unlikely that Model S would even in future models achieve similar functionality. Of course there is also very little reason anymore to suspect the falcon wings wouldn't make production, so the Model X will have that major - the rear doors - difference too. Photos (old prototype) and further reading on this: Is this a real photo of the Model X 2nd row seats? and Back seats swivel? Musk's hints: 2nd row seats are a piece of sculptural beauty. and Musk's hint to 2nd row seats in Model X

3) Model X will likely offer a more straight-up seating position. The latest mules have been seen growing in height (also in the rear) compared to the 2012-2013 Model X prototypes. Considering that one of the pet-peeves people have with Model S is interior height (alleviated somewhat by the panorama roof), this is an area where it is fair to expect Model X is better. It will also allow sitting up more straight and easier entry. Photos and further reading on this: How much has Model X changed: mule (2015) vs. prototype (2012) silhouette

4) Ride height has been discussed and noted that Model X is not a real SUV, but a cross-over or CUV. Traditionally these kinds of cars do not quite match the ride height of dedicated SUVs, similar examples being Audi's allroad range the BMW's GT's, which feature around two inch to minimal ride height increases. It is very likely, though, that Model X will have superior ride height compared to Model S, but maybe not quite SUV levels. Photos and further reading on this: Ground clearance - X and S look similar, now that pics of the mules are out and about

5) "Auto-pilot 2" of some kind is almost a certainty in my mind, although I also expect it to trickle down to Model S in the near future - but I expect this to be beyond what is currently shipping on Model S. Elon is quoted as saying they will ship something with Model X that is beyond what they currently do on autonomous front. This is also an area where Model S currenly is behind the competition. All this may mean one or more of the following: additional cameras, an upgrade to the EyeQ3 (EyeQ4?) chip, a new chip from nVidia (theoretically DRIVE PX but could also be any Tegra upgrade) and/or addition of more radars such as rear radars. Currently Model S only has two cameras (one front, one back), one front radar and the twelve ultrasonics. The average German high-end competitor has, in addition to the usual twelve ultrasonics, at least four radars (two front and back) or more and at least six cameras or more. "The X will have a step beyond what we’re currently shipping on the autonomous front"

6) Coupled with the previous I expect all-around view for parking as well as potentially replacing rear-view mirror (or eventually side mirrors). Some of the mule(s) have been seen with what look like fog-light area and high-up B pillar cameras for these purposes. Of course the mule(s) have also been witnessed doing what look like active lane keeping. Photos and further reading on this: Model X mule(s) show signs of nVidia Tegra X1 Drive PX platform - no rear mirror! and B pillar mounted side camera on the Model X mule(s)? Model X side mirrors (cameras on prototype, real mirrors on mules) have, of course, also been a hot topic: Model X Side Mirrors Currenly I'm leaning on initial Model X shipping with similar regular mirrors than Model S, but who knows. There was also talk of competitors concepting see-through A pillars and video that looked like Model X might be testing the same, but it turned out to be just a missing panel (Theory: Model X has A pillars (see-through video)?).

7) Towing is of course expected, has been confirmed in talk by Tesla and has been seen on all the latest Model X mules. There are measurements/estimations of the U.S. receiver size on TMC: Hitch receiver size? There is also speculation Model X might use an adaptive spoiler to add range while towing. Photos and discussion on what look like a spoiler: Model X mules show signs of a new spoiler? Talk of spoilers and towing: Model X mules show signs of a new spoiler? - Page 13 Now, it is possible Tesla may add towing into future Model S too, or it may not - those threads also include photos of Model S towing mule(s). A difference in Model S's benefit may be that it may be easier to carry skis and ski boxes than on falcon winged Model X. A thread on the workaround(s) Tesla might offer for Model X is here: Cargo connection points on Model X mule rear/roof?

8) Then of course there is the speculation of a frontal Tesla facelift, either just for Model X compared to prototype (more likely) or both Model X and Model S (wildly speculative). There is the September 2014 leakster (who got some credibility by having Tesla pull his CAD posting from TMC that didn't show the front) saying the nosecone would be gone. There is also the comment from Tesla's head designer that the one thing he'd change on the Model S is the nosecone. The latest Model X mules have also shown fairly significant changes to the "lines" of the car, so an overall "facelift" to the Model X has definitely happened since the 2012-2013 prototypes. Front remains the most camouflaged part, although does show the shape of a nosecone, which may or may not be final. Obviously it is purely speculative that any changes to Model X front might trickle down to Model S, but it would seem fairly logical - Model S is age-wise prime for a mid-like facelift that often in competitors included changes like new bumpers, lights and masks. Photos and futher reading on this: Model X mules - is the nose cone gone?

9) Model X prototypes had a steering wheel with small touchscreens instead of buttons (MotorTrend: Tesla Model X Steering Wheel), it also reportedly had a 19" main screen (17" Screen sticks up) instead of 17" on the Model S. Finally, compared to the competition, Model S currenly is very lacking in any kind of rear-seat entertainment and basically any other rear-seat convenience (beyond seat heating). There is also no HUD on the Model S (nor has one been seen on Model X mules), while many competitors have HUDs. It thus seems likely that there could be some upgrades in front and rear electronics, although some or all of these could also trickle down to a future Model S. Beyond what we've seen on the (partially fantastical) 2012-2013 Model X prototypes, this is quite speculative though, based mostly on the logical next steps (compared to competition) Tesla might take as they develop their product offering further. Then again, in things like rear-seat entertainment and control Tesla might go revolutionary rather than evolutionary, as shown by their mobile app control for the new Model S executive rear-seat heating (instead of physical or electronical controls as on competing cars): Model S Executive Rear Seats With Arm Rest

10) Finally, the drivetrain has generated its fair share of speculation from all-wheel steering like on the new Audi Q7 (Will Model X have all-wheel steering? - Page 4) to larger battery packs, suggested by the 70D upgrade on Model S (New battery option 70D, is 105D next?). There was even speculation, based on mule photos, that Tesla might offer opposite-side charging port, although I doubt any such thing will materialize in the final version: Does it mean anything: Model X mule(s) show signs of opposite-side charge port? If real, some or all of such changes could, of course, trickle down to a future Model S as well.

Thank you for starting an interesting thread.
 
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Thank you, I appreciate the comments. I added a link to my signature, maybe I or someone else (feel free) can copy-paste and update the text if something significant still surfaces pre-reveal.

It may also be a fun check-list to see after reveal what we got right and where we went terribly wrong. :)
 
What is the main appeal of it to the group that has it on order.
Honestly? Falcon wing doors. When I saw those on the Tesla web site and in the Model X reveal video, I knew I had to have it. I've always had a fascination with non-standard doors: DeLorean, Lamborghini Countach, Mercedes 300SL. But none of those was remotely practical. I love that the Model X is both eminently practical and wildly different. And the falcon wing doors were the hook for me.

But I do like the added height/visibility and extra storage capacity of the Model X. Also, we very frequently have 6 people in our current car (Toyota Highlander Hybrid) and while my kids did enjoy the rear-facing seats of the Model S on our test drive, I imagine the novelty would have worn off after the first 800-mile drive. We're a one car family so whatever we get has to be at least as versatile as the Highlander for passengers and cargo. Had I known in 2013 that the Model X would be delayed this much I probably would have bought an S and sold it when the X came out.

The waaaaaitin' is the hardest part.

-CB
 
This is a fairly common topic on TMC, perhaps used by some as justification to not wait for the Model X, which I think should be viewed a little critically. While I do fear such conclusions can be a bit premature, I understand people sitting on the fence on what to buy and what to wait for must make decisions based on limited and unofficial information. For example, there was this thread: Ground clearance - X and S look similar, now that pics of the mules are out and about There is also a speculative thread on what has changed in Model X since the prototype: How much has Model X changed: mule (2015) vs. prototype (2012) silhouette

Anyway, here's my take on the differences of Model X compared to the Model S that is currently shipping:

1) The dash indeed is identical on the Model X mules we've seen, though it was widely different in the 2012-2013 Model X prototypes. It is possible the mules we've seen on the road don't sport the final interior, though, final interior may still lay hidden inside Tesla's premises. We have, though, seen evidence of missing rear-view mirror and missing A pillar crossbeam in the mule(s), suggesting major differences to current Model S in the roof area, though of course the rear-view mirror replacement (if it comes), may later appear in Model S as well. Photos and further reading on this: Model X mules - Do they have an extra tall dash screen? and Inside the Model X mule - Looking closely... In reverse, while I expect Model X to have panoramic roof views, it probably will not have an opening sunroof like Model S.

2) One thing that we can be fairly certain to be different inside is the second-row interior (and of course the Model X third row faces forward instead of backwards and can seat adults). Elon is quoted to call this a thing of sculptural beauty. It will surely be movable, but it may also swivel. This is likely a massive separator between Model S and Model X, and it is unlikely that Model S would even in future models achieve similar functionality. Of course there is also very little reason anymore to suspect the falcon wings wouldn't make production, so the Model X will have that major - the rear doors - difference too. Photos (old prototype) and further reading on this: Is this a real photo of the Model X 2nd row seats? and Back seats swivel? Musk's hints: 2nd row seats are a piece of sculptural beauty. and Musk's hint to 2nd row seats in Model X

3) Model X will likely offer a more straight-up seating position. The latest mules have been seen growing in height (also in the rear) compared to the 2012-2013 Model X prototypes. Considering that one of the pet-peeves people have with Model S is interior height (alleviated somewhat by the panorama roof), this is an area where it is fair to expect Model X is better. It will also allow sitting up more straight and easier entry. Photos and further reading on this: How much has Model X changed: mule (2015) vs. prototype (2012) silhouette

4) Ride height has been discussed and noted that Model X is not a real SUV, but a cross-over or CUV. Traditionally these kinds of cars do not quite match the ride height of dedicated SUVs, similar examples being Audi's allroad range the BMW's GT's, which feature around two inch to minimal ride height increases. It is very likely, though, that Model X will have superior ride height compared to Model S, but maybe not quite SUV levels. Photos and further reading on this: Ground clearance - X and S look similar, now that pics of the mules are out and about

5) "Auto-pilot 2" of some kind is almost a certainty in my mind, although I also expect it to trickle down to Model S in the near future - but I expect this to be beyond what is currently shipping on Model S. Elon is quoted as saying they will ship something with Model X that is beyond what they currently do on autonomous front. This is also an area where Model S currenly is behind the competition. All this may mean one or more of the following: additional cameras, an upgrade to the EyeQ3 (EyeQ4?) chip, a new chip from nVidia (theoretically DRIVE PX but could also be any Tegra upgrade) and/or addition of more radars such as rear radars. Currently Model S only has two cameras (one front, one back), one front radar and the twelve ultrasonics. The average German high-end competitor has, in addition to the usual twelve ultrasonics, at least four radars (two front and back) or more and at least six cameras or more. "The X will have a step beyond what we’re currently shipping on the autonomous front"

6) Coupled with the previous I expect all-around view for parking as well as potentially replacing rear-view mirror (or eventually side mirrors). Some of the mule(s) have been seen with what look like fog-light area and high-up B pillar cameras for these purposes. Of course the mule(s) have also been witnessed doing what look like active lane keeping. Photos and further reading on this: Model X mule(s) show signs of nVidia Tegra X1 Drive PX platform - no rear mirror! and B pillar mounted side camera on the Model X mule(s)? Model X side mirrors (cameras on prototype, real mirrors on mules) have, of course, also been a hot topic: Model X Side Mirrors Currenly I'm leaning on initial Model X shipping with similar regular mirrors than Model S, but who knows. There was also talk of competitors concepting see-through A pillars and video that looked like Model X might be testing the same, but it turned out to be just a missing panel (Theory: Model X has A pillars (see-through video)?).

7) Towing is of course expected, has been confirmed in talk by Tesla and has been seen on all the latest Model X mules. There are measurements/estimations of the U.S. receiver size on TMC: Hitch receiver size? There is also speculation Model X might use an adaptive spoiler to add range while towing. Photos and discussion on what look like a spoiler: Model X mules show signs of a new spoiler? Talk of spoilers and towing: Model X mules show signs of a new spoiler? - Page 13 Now, it is possible Tesla may add towing into future Model S too, or it may not - those threads also include photos of Model S towing mule(s). A difference in Model S's benefit may be that it may be easier to carry skis and ski boxes than on falcon winged Model X. A thread on the workaround(s) Tesla might offer for Model X is here: Cargo connection points on Model X mule rear/roof?

8) Then of course there is the speculation of a frontal Tesla facelift, either just for Model X compared to prototype (more likely) or both Model X and Model S (wildly speculative). There is the September 2014 leakster (who got some credibility by having Tesla pull his CAD posting from TMC that didn't show the front) saying the nosecone would be gone. There is also the comment from Tesla's head designer that the one thing he'd change on the Model S is the nosecone. The latest Model X mules have also shown fairly significant changes to the "lines" of the car, so an overall "facelift" to the Model X has definitely happened since the 2012-2013 prototypes. Front remains the most camouflaged part, although does show the shape of a nosecone, which may or may not be final. Obviously it is purely speculative that any changes to Model X front might trickle down to Model S, but it would seem fairly logical - Model S is age-wise prime for a mid-like facelift that often in competitors included changes like new bumpers, lights and masks. Photos and futher reading on this: Model X mules - is the nose cone gone?

9) Model X prototypes had a steering wheel with small touchscreens instead of buttons (MotorTrend: Tesla Model X Steering Wheel), it also reportedly had a 19" main screen (17" Screen sticks up) instead of 17" on the Model S. Finally, compared to the competition, Model S currenly is very lacking in any kind of rear-seat entertainment and basically any other rear-seat convenience (beyond seat heating). There is also no HUD on the Model S (nor has one been seen on Model X mules), while many competitors have HUDs. It thus seems likely that there could be some upgrades in front and rear electronics, although some or all of these could also trickle down to a future Model S. Beyond what we've seen on the (partially fantastical) 2012-2013 Model X prototypes, this is quite speculative though, based mostly on the logical next steps (compared to competition) Tesla might take as they develop their product offering further. Then again, in things like rear-seat entertainment and control Tesla might go revolutionary rather than evolutionary, as shown by their mobile app control for the new Model S executive rear-seat heating (instead of physical or electronical controls as on competing cars): Model S Executive Rear Seats With Arm Rest

10) Finally, the drivetrain has generated its fair share of speculation from all-wheel steering like on the new Audi Q7 (Will Model X have all-wheel steering? - Page 4) to larger battery packs, suggested by the 70D upgrade on Model S (New battery option 70D, is 105D next?). There was even speculation, based on mule photos, that Tesla might offer opposite-side charging port, although I doubt any such thing will materialize in the final version: Does it mean anything: Model X mule(s) show signs of opposite-side charge port? If real, some or all of such changes could, of course, trickle down to a future Model S as well.

Thank you for starting an interesting thread.

did you just summarize all the speculation and analysis threads in a 3' read? Good job sir! I see this as a wiki speculation index page to keep us all fed until... July? Seems so close now!
 
A minor point is that Tesla must intend the model X to function as a town car, especially in China. The rear buckets added to the S are more important in the X. I expect one of the reason the stuck with the gullwing rear doors are Chinese businessmen with drivers. So maybe there will be some rear seat entertainment electronics too?

I felt at the stockholders meeting that Musk stopped himself from revealing some X features. Next gen dash is probably the big one.

I hope they have not been working on four wheel steering. Little cabin storage, yet four wheel steering, would mean the geeks are in complete control at Tesla.