Tesla has revealed its all-electric Model X 4×4, which should take on rivals including the BMW X5 and Porsche Cayenne.
The American car maker claimed the seven-seat vehicle has been “designed to be the safest car in the world”, with the firm’s crash tests indicating it will receive five-star test ratings from test agencies, including Euro NCAP, following the lead of its five-star sibling, the Model S.
Two versions will available – P90D and 90D.
The performance-orientated P90D is powered by a 259hp motor at the front and a 503hp motor at the rear, meaning it is capable of hitting 60mph in 3.8 seconds, or 3.2 seconds with the optional “Ludicrous mode”.
Meanwhile, the 90D is powered by two 259hp motors and is capable of hitting 60mph in 4.8 seconds.
So far, Tesla has not confirmed how much the Model X will cost in the UK, or its range, but in America, the Environment Protection Agency has given the 90D a 257-mile figure, while the P90D has been awarded a figure of 250 miles.
Elon Musk, Tesla’s founder, said in a tweet that the cost of the Model X is $5000 (£3295) more than the Model S, while he also confirmed that lower cost versions would come later.
In terms of safety equipment, the Model X is fitted with automatic emergency braking and side collision avoidance technology as standard, while the 4×4 is also equipped with a forward-facing camera, radar, and 360-degree sonar sensors.
The Model X also features unusual ‘Falcon-wing’ gullwing-like doors, which swing upwards to offer easy access into the vehicle. They require 30cm of space on the side of the vehicle to fully open.
Tesla is set to reveal its third model – the BMW 3-series rivaling Model III – next March.