2) There won't be a 60. I suppose if they could get the software right on dual motor, they might be able to keep the range at 200, given the EPA test's generous low highway speeds, but I think then that people would be incredibly disappointed when they hit the highway and their range took a very fast nosedive with speed. So, I'm expecting either they'll start at 85 (plus a possibly larger capacity option) or they'll have a slightly larger base capacity.
To clarify, is there some comment or piece of info from Tesla that suggests a 60 kWh Model X won't be offered? Other than that there is no Model S 60D (which could be missing for completely different reasons)? They still very clearly list 60 kWh on the Model X website, in several places in text as well as in graphics. I admit I haven't paid too much attention to the 60 kWh Model X story. I understand what happened to the 40 kWh Model S, of course.
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Best case: let's say the Model X starts at $86k, the same as an S85D. Now tack on tech package, subzero, third row, towing, liftgate rack and ski attachments (or whatever the "solution" they have in mind is). Can you imagine a scenario where that comes in under six figures?
If I understand the American pricing correctly, Model S 85D with tech, subzero and third row is $93,570. If Model X 85 gets priced similarly, "third row, towing, liftgate rack and ski attachments" would probably get awfully close to $100,000, but possibly not over? Also, could the hypothetical Model X 60 kWh be an option for you, if it comes and is AWD?
The other part of the X equation that I fear I misjudged is the options, which seem more requisite for functionality than they do on the S. An S with tech but no air suspension, sound system, premium interior, dual chargers, etc. is still an S. But an X without any third row, towing or racks isn't functionally an X. So all these things I've been looking forward to -- the car Tesla is talking about -- would balloon the X in price even further. This is probably going to make me sound dumb, but when Elon initially talked about those things, I didn't even realize they'd all be add-ons.
We're all different, I guess I don't quite share that view. To me any car which is BEV + AWD and has Falcon Wings + Tesla logo is a Model X.
That's what it is all about for me, but we all have out views of course. Functionality depends on one's needs and I think nothing wrong with speccing a car to one's needs, no matter what the potential. Even though Model X can be a space-age minivan, not all are going to need or want that. Do you need the third row? Do you need to tow stuff? If you do, then I get the point, but for example in my case those would not be use-scenarios I need the Model X for. I need the Model X for two things 1) to EV around in any weather 2) to excessively open/close Falcon Wings in public and private places without reason or being reasonable. Second being the most important reason, because in reality my P85 already does 1) pretty well and a P85D would do it just a perfectly for me. Well, Model X's ground clearance plays a small role too.
Two points that matter to me regarding a possible third-row option is, does it affect the second row convenience features and how much does it eat into luggage space? If some suitably "special" second row is only available with a third row, I might consider the third row just because. Convenience features for the rear passengers are an area where I think Model X may be special and those I would welcome, because they would actually be useful for me, second-row-wise. I would never use the third, but the special second row would be used. But if a third row doesn't majorly affect the second row functionality, and especially if being without a third row frees really useful extra luggage space (like it does on the Model S), I would gladly be without a third row. I would simply consider it a "sportier spec" for the Model X and leave the "soccer mom" spec with third row and towing for others. Sportier spec is better spec, for me.
You, of course, know what you want and need best, so buy accordingly. But if it helps at all, I wouldn't think any less of your Model X if it comes without a third-row and towing, I would simply assume you have no need for such features - I mean, they aren't really very glamorous features. Personally I would miss air suspension and premium interior far more than I would miss a third row and a hitch, because in reality I would use the latter two twice during the ownership and the former ones every day. I want to sit on air and premium leather, not in a trailer or third row.
Someone with a large family and a cabin in the woods to constantly haul stuff to, for example, would obviously feel differently than I do, and rightly so, we are all individuals and that's a good thing.
Thanks for the food for thought, it is fun to ponder this stuff.
