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I configured the Model X at the start of the week (P90D, autopilot, midnight over black) and have the following questions I'd like to resolve before the "pending" period elapses (November 30th) even though I imagine production is not imminent, I am especially concerned about rear air conditioning (we have a dog passenger for the third row.) I'm interested in making a fully informed decision on when to order the Model X and what to expect in the initial ownership experience.


Perhaps there's a FAQ or other resources I've not found. I'm sure you (Tesla enthusiasts) or Tesla (designers, engineers, product folks) have thought through all these ideas, so I don't want to give the impression I think I'm bringing eye-opening product feature requests to light.

  1. Seats $2500. It seems that all seats (black, tan, white) add $2500 to the base price. Is there a seat option that doesn't add to the P90D price?
  2. Rear air-conditioning. I definitely want rear air-conditioning, but I don't need the 3rd row seats. Please advise on how to order this configuration.
  3. Cabin and seat configurations.
    1. Do the seats for the six seat configuration ("captain's" chairs) different from the two outboard position seats of the second row in seven-seat configuration? (are there armrests, different bolsters, ventilation or other changes?)
    2. Captains Chairs. Is it possible to configure the car to have four seats? Most trips, there's only two of us, and the longer space between the seats would be more useful than a "middle" seat for us. I also need to be sure of rear air conditioning being included.
    3. Removable seats. Is there any configuration in which the second or third row seats (especially the second row middle seat) can be removed and reinstalled (even if done as a service at one of your service facilities)? I think my ideal configuration is the five seat, but with the middle seat normally removed and sitting in the garage for those occasions when needed. The same would be true for the 3rd row -- if that were a user-removable device, it would be great to have the 7-seater option without carrying the dead weight for 99% of the time.
    4. Removable forward armrest console. The console between the two front seats is useful, but it would also be handy to make it removable or perhaps slide backwards or forwards to clear a path for the driver and front passenger to move to the second row area without leaving the cabin. This would be great for diaper-change stops or getting changed into ski gear while it's snowing or even parking in a narrow garage and existing by a falcon door when the driver door is obstructed.
  4. Wheels. Do the 20" Silver Helix Wheels ($2500) offer any advantage other than the different design? Perhaps the standard wheels are cast and the expensive wheels are forged?
  5. While I'm familiar with "Ludicrous" mode and I've read about an ungraded battery power delivery mechanism in the Model S with the ability to accelerate 0-60 faster, does it involve any other upgrades or changes to the car; does it actually reduce the life of the batteries; is there a mode for optimal range bias instead of optimal acceleration?
  6. Options not in the configurator. I read there's a 72A charging option (http://www.hybridcars.com/model-x-buyer-finds-hidden-72-amp-on-board-charger-option/) so I'm wondering how to make sure I order with this option, and if there are other options I've not seen. Please advise.
  7. Cameras. Does the X have 360 "surround" camera views for the driver or just the backup camera? it would be great to have some of those Autopilot cameras available as views for the driver (seeing cross traffic is especially handy at a two-way stop intersection or backing out of angle or 90 degree parking spots or out of our driveway across a pedestrian path.)
  8. Miscellanous Topics.
    1. Paint protection film. Does the factory offer the option to cover the car in paint protection film? I'd like to cover the nose, wheel arches, mirrors and rear bumper. Something additional to protect the front and rear bumpers from the "parking taps" that occur in SF would be a useful precaution.
    1. Windshield protection film. There are now DOT approved windshield protection films. Or so it seems. You tell me. I don't know if there's one long enough to cover the whole of the panoramic front of the X, but I wonder if you've already addressed the issue of a stone chip to the new windshield. Is the replacement cost known? Do insurers like Allstate accept it as no more expensive to replace than say the windshield of a Range Rover? (which is insanely expensive in part because of the brand, and in part because of embedded defroster wiring.)
      e.g. http://www.neverfrost.com/#consumer http://www.clearplex.com/pages/about-support-faq http://www.dfisolutions.com/surfaces-we-improve/automotive/
      https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/title49/section/393.60
    2. Snow tires. For the Model S it's possible order Nokian snow tires (which I'd prefer, if possible for the Model X.)
    3. Android Auto. I imagine this is unrelated to your software, but I wonder if there's any integration or plan to use or connect to Android Auto. I'm keeping my schedule and routes in Google Calendar, Maps and Gmail with Contacts, so a gateway or sync to allow those items to be shared through the Model X would be a significant advantage. Even if I could just do something like create a google account on the Model X as if it were a mobile device and sync those items would be great.
    4. USB-C. I have recently updated to a Nexus 6P. Will there be a phone cradle suitable for USB-C phones?
  9. Remote control.
    1. I read that the Model X "sub zero" has an option to pre-heat (or cool?) the cabin. I assume there are other features already familiar to Model S drivers (remotely cooling the cabin?) but I'm not familiar with the available features.
    2. Will the Model X be updated to do the unoccupied self-parking demonstrated for the Model S? I see that BMW now offers a key fob to allow the 7 Series to move about with the driver at close range outside the car. Perhaps the Model X could be updated to provide this option. I have a narrow garage in San Francisco where it would be great for the X to plugged in to charge, then roll itself backwards 10-15 feet into a space that's not convenient for normal doors.
  10. Curious about the details. I have a variety of questions about the features and functionality of the Model X, none of which is a "deal breaker," just curiosity. Perhaps you have an online owner's manual or PDF, a FAQ or other repository of details.
    1. For example, I see the Model X can remember GPS coordinates to anticipate lifting the nose for going over a curb. I wonder if the X includes user controls to raise and lower the suspension (a "loading" position as low as it can drop, and a "rock crawl" position as high as it can raise itself, "garage" mode to not try to raise itself under a low door) and connect those to GPS coordinates.
    2. Thinking about off road driving, I assume the X either fully automatically figures out it's in freezing conditions and moving over snow, or there's a manual control to tell the stability and traction control systems about surface conditions.
    3. It would be great to have a "pulling boat out of the water up a slippery boat ramp" mode.
    4. I'd also like to be able to select a "low range" imaginary transfer case that changes the throttle action as if the car is "geared" in low range (giving more precise throttle response for moving up and down steep terrain.)
    5. Is there a hill climb or hill descent control mode?
    6. Probably most frequently used would be a "San Francisco" suspension mode (potholes, trench plates, tall parking curbs.)
    7. I intend to tow, usually a small solar boat (under 1000lbs) but also a fully enclosed single axle snowmobile trailer by Triton with brakes. It's big, but very light.
      http://distributor.tritontrailers.c...atID=27&SubCatID=44&ModelID=389&info=features
      80874.jpg

      In both cases, the weight distribution of the trailer load is adjusted by moving the boat or snowmobiles over the trailer axle. I have trailer tongue scales, but it would be great if the X could report tongue load and cargo load. Presumably these readings could come off the rear suspension self-leveling system.



Well, that list grew! I think that's everything for now.

Given that it will presumably be weeks and months, I'm not sure why I'm being asked to lock in the order spec within a few days, but I assume there's really not much I can do other than make an informed decision on rear air conditioning and the (who ever thought this would become such a complex issue?) seating configurations.

Of course if there are hidden options or upgrades, I want to know.


 
Sorry, but I'm confused: you have an X reservation and you plan to finalize your configuration by the 30th? Is there no one at Tesla who can answer all those questions for you?
Based on screenshots that have been posted on TMC of the X configuration web pages, I think those screenshots will answer at least some of your questions, particularly about the seating options.
I can say that you cannot get paint protection film as a factory option, you have to go with aftermarket.
The X windshield replacement cost is unknown.
Tesla does not support Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. Whether there are future plans to do so is unknown.
I do not know what you mean by "Model X sub zero" unless you mean the Cold weather option package.
The X phone app certainly supports pre cooling or pre heating the cabin.
Model X Autopilot features will certainly be the same as Model S Autopilot. Currently Autpilot does not include the car doing unoccupied autonomous driving on private property. When it will, no one outside Tesla knows.
The Air Suspension option allows for raising and lowering the car slightly, just like the S. But basically almost all of your items 1 through 7 don't exist.
If you have to lock in your X configuration very soon, you are going to have to base your decisions using the info on the configuration pages and then on what you read here on TMC.
Just keep in mind that with the X there is a lot of speculation and a limited amount of verified factual information.
 
Sorry, but I'm confused: you have an X reservation and you plan to finalize your configuration by the 30th? Is there no one at Tesla who can answer all those questions for you?
Based on screenshots that have been posted on TMC of the X configuration web pages, I think those screenshots will answer at least some of your questions, particularly about the seating options.
I can say that you cannot get paint protection film as a factory option, you have to go with aftermarket.
The X windshield replacement cost is unknown.
Tesla does not support Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. Whether there are future plans to do so is unknown.
I do not know what you mean by "Model X sub zero" unless you mean the Cold weather option package.
The X phone app certainly supports pre cooling or pre heating the cabin.
Model X Autopilot features will certainly be the same as Model S Autopilot. Currently Autpilot does not include the car doing unoccupied autonomous driving on private property. When it will, no one outside Tesla knows.
The Air Suspension option allows for raising and lowering the car slightly, just like the S. But basically almost all of your items 1 through 7 don't exist.
If you have to lock in your X configuration very soon, you are going to have to base your decisions using the info on the configuration pages and then on what you read here on TMC.
Just keep in mind that with the X there is a lot of speculation and a limited amount of verified factual information.

I agree there's a lot of guesswork filling the void of authoritative sources.
"Great unwashed" Tesla waiters started getting invites to build this week.
But, it's an odd week (with Thanksgiving taking out at least one working day) and I've not had an answer on the Model X answered (including attending the launch ... there were more omissions of facts than verification of facts.)
It wasn't till I saw the order screen commit to including Autopilot that was interested in ordering.
Given the configurator is a limited tool, I started to notice my list of questions was growing and each question, I think, should be in a FAQ or online user manual to explain what to expect.
I full well expect to get to Monday and have answers or call them and postpone the order till they can address at least the important questions (rear a/c, ludicrous, wheels, 72A.) Just as I didn't know, but had read a post with a photograph of an early X with a 72A, I thought "that's what I could use ... but strangely it's not there ... and the wheels ... $2500 for "other design" wheels with no mention of actual benefit? ... $2500 for all seat "options" ... it's not an option if there's no lesser cost alternative ... and simple things like ordering with snow tires would be nice, but surely can be resolved in the weeks or months before the order reaches a freeze for production ... only I don't want to be told "oh yeah, too late, but you can always cancel and wait a few more months, or take a $130K car that missing a $1000 feature ...
 
The 72 amp charger is a hidden option. (see below) Click and type Charger anywhere on the con-figurer and 72 amp charger pops up. Get the standard 20 inch wheels for better ride and towing, Zero $$ and buy bigger wheels and tires later if you really need them. I may paint mine black or grey.


You're not going to believe this!!! (Well, it's Tesla with Spinal Tap to 11 volume so you will...)

I just called the production configuration hotline. There is an Easter Egg hidden in the production configurator!!

"We are still recommending the 48 amps a/c charger so we hid the High Amperage Charger Upgrade option.

Just type "charger" (no quotes) and it automagically appears:"
 
You're really going to want to ask these questions of someone at Tesla. I would tend to agree that the level of information available on the minute details of this car are sparse and it's pretty frustrating. An FAQ would be wonderful, perhaps a specifications sheet like they have had up for Model S for years.

1. No idea, ask Tesla
2. From the configuration screen shots I've seen the option combination you want is not available unless Tesla is willing to do something special for you. You'll have to ask.
3.1. There aren't interior armrests on the 6 seat variation. Every indication is that they are identical to the 7 seat second row but with the middle seat removed. They are heated if you select the cold weather package. No ventilation available for the second or third row in any configuration.
3.2. There's no indication that this is a configuration they offer. Ask.
3.3. All indications are that the seats are non-removable (at least that they are not intended to be removed by the user).
3.4. No idea but I'm doubtful that the center console is removable.
Wheels. I doubt there is any functional difference between the two 20" wheel options. They simply look different. Cannot confirm this.
Ludicrous: this includes an special fuse made out of some fancy Space-X metal that allows for sustained, high-current draw from the battery. Uses the charge quickly when in max. powers mode but unlikely to damage the battery. Same principal goes for acceleration. Going fast will use juice faster but not harm the battery. If you want to maximize range, turn on Range Mode (on the touch screen) and drive slow without hard acceleration.
72amp Charger: as others have said, type "charger" while looking at the configuration page on a computer (not an iPad or similar) and you'll see a new option appear for the upgrade. Select as you would any other option.
Cameras: no indication of 360 degree camera. I only expect there to be a backup camera. That said, it's the best backup camera I've ever seen. Cannot confirm.

Misc:
1. Paint protection film is no longer a factory option. You should ask to be sure but there's likely someone near you who can instal something like xpel as soon as you get your vehicle.
1.2. See answer for paint protection. No idea for window replacement cost, probably not cheap, get good insurance.
2. No approved tire packages available yet and my delivery specialist still hasn't been able to track down official specs on what the tire sizes are. Tirerack.com has some guesses if you want to go look. They're almost certainly correct but I'd like to hear it from Telsa before I order winter tires.
3. Not supported currently, maybe in the future. Tell them you want it.
4. No idea, you'll need to ask them.
5. 1. You will be able to preheat the car from the phone app regardless of packages selected. Obviously, if you don't have the heated seats you won't be able to preheat the seats remotely.
5.2. My understanding is that this, and other autonomy features, are coming in a later update but you should verify with Tesla.

Details:
1. Smart air suspension will remember the place you raised the car and raise it back when you go back, unless you tell it not to. My understanding is that there are settings for low, regular, high and really high. I'm not sure about a rock crawling mode but I don't think this vehicle is intended for rock crawling.
2. The traction control systems on these cars are so advanced they simply don't need to be put in snow mode or anything. Because everything is electronic the system can react far quicker than a traditional, mechanical system.
3. You won't need this, the car will simply pull the boat up with no drama.
4. This car has a single reducing gear, there is no low or high, or numerical gears for that matter. Given that the Model X will have several hundred pound feet of torque available at 0 RPM this is unnecessary.
5. Hill climb isn't necessary because this car has gobs of power and, if more is needed, it simply increases the current. Best car ever for driving over hills. No descent control but regenerative braking should help. Again, this car is not intended as an off-roader.
6. You'll probably end up in High mode much of the time, in Model S it won't auto lower to regular until 30 or 35mph (I just can't recal at the moment).
7. No idea if the car will tell you hitch weight, that would be a cool feature. Ask Tesla.

That's all I know. The big take-home is that you need to have a long phone conversation with someone at Tesla with this list in front of you. Good luck and report back if you get any answers.
 
The 72 amp charger is a hidden option. (see below) Click and type Charger anywhere on the con-figurer and 72 amp charger pops up. Get the standard 20 inch wheels for better ride and towing, Zero $$ and buy bigger wheels and tires later if you really need them. I may paint mine black or grey.


You're not going to believe this!!! (Well, it's Tesla with Spinal Tap to 11 volume so you will...)

I just called the production configuration hotline. There is an Easter Egg hidden in the production configurator!!

"We are still recommending the 48 amps a/c charger so we hid the High Amperage Charger Upgrade option.

Just type "charger" (no quotes) and it automagically appears:"
That's the level of information I included in the question. I haven't figured out how to add it to my order spec, but I can see it in the page source.
 
It's possible that the Design Studio does not offer the fabric seats if you select P90D even without the premium package. Definitely try this first, but if you still don't see it then they are only available with non-Performance models.
That would suck and isn't logical. I can't speak for anyone but myself, but I don't like the feel of leather seats, and they're not practical.
 
It's possible that the Design Studio does not offer the fabric seats if you select P90D even without the premium package. Definitely try this first, but if you still don't see it then they are only available with non-Performance models.
That's the gist of it. I should have made it more clear -- options are linked (and omitted) depending upon the selected model.
Some of it is just awkward, some of it is seemingly deliberately misleading. e.g. if the P90D is more expensive, fine, but if the +$2500 seats are a "mandatory option" of the P90D then that should be in its price, not as a compulsory line item cost.

- - - Updated - - -

When you type "charger" it pops up as a $1000 option
Thanks ... 99th time's the charm. I don't know how many different times I tried this, but it worked this morning.
Still not sure that I'll necessarily ever really need it, but the first time we're all packed and ready to leave for a road trip after work and we're looking at the charging display at 88% and it could have been at 100% and we're debating just sitting there to get more volts into the batteries ...
 
Another thread indicated that if the Premium Interior package is chosen, the fabric seat are no longer an option. They can be selected without the Premium Interior upgrade. Not sure is there is a limit for the P90D.
 
I am pretty sure ventilation is available in all three rows in the 6 and 7 seat options. I am not sure on the 5 seat option. I am trying to remember where I learned this... Maybe during the first deliveries event? Can someone verify this?

Well the ordering site indicates that the Premium Equipment package includes "ventilated front seats." Granted, that's not the same thing as "ventilated front seats only" but I assume they would have left of the front or indicated all rows if all the seats really were ventilated. Click.
 
Well the ordering site indicates that the Premium Equipment package includes "ventilated front seats." Granted, that's not the same thing as "ventilated front seats only" but I assume they would have left of the front or indicated all rows if all the seats really were ventilated. Click.

The confusion lies with the difference between general air vents and vented seats. The premium package, as your link indicates, is about vents in the actual seats. I was referring to the more common air vents that at least in the past were not available in the rear facing seats of the Model S, but are included in at least the 6 or 7 seat version of the Model X (not sure about the 5). I am not sure which vents P90D was referring to.
 
The confusion lies with the difference between general air vents and vented seats. The premium package, as your link indicates, is about vents in the actual seats. I was referring to the more common air vents that at least in the past were not available in the rear facing seats of the Model S. I am not sure which vents P90D was referring to.

Ah, I see. In that case I'm pretty sure we're both right. Only the front seats will blow air up your butt but there are climate control vents in all three rows.
 
I am pretty sure ventilation is available in all three rows in the 6 and 7 seat options. I am not sure on the 5 seat option. I am trying to remember where I learned this... Maybe during the first deliveries event? Can someone verify this?

Ah, I see. In that case I'm pretty sure we're both right. Only the front seats will blow air up your butt but there are climate control vents in all three rows.

In the design studio, at the bottom of both the 6 and 7 seat option boxes it has these words, "Rear air conditioning and heating system included". It does not include this sentence in the 5 seat option box.
 
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In the design studio, at the bottom of both the 6 and 7 seat option boxes it has these words, "Rear air conditioning and heating system included". It does not include this sentence in the 5 seat option box.

Good catch ..likely an oversight and needs to be clarified by TM. This note was probably intended for the 3rd row only originally as the 3rd row seats are heated and there are likely side air vents for 3rd row passengers. I can't imagine why they would remove physical air vents when eliminating the 3rd row seats. I guess it is possible however if you consider cost reduction. Perhaps this plays into delays of the 5-seat variant as well.