Tesla recently unveiled new high-performance 'Plaid' variants of its Model S sedan and Model X crossover. For both, the new variants replace the Performance variants that were previously available for each and bring significant improvements to acceleration and top speed. Whereas the Model S has a third variant in the Plaid+, though, the Model X only has its Long Range and Plaid variants between which to choose.
The Model X was launched in 2015 as Tesla's entry into the SUV market, with ample space and potential seating configurations for families or those with active lifestyles. It's a luxury vehicle that starts at a cool $89,990 before Tesla takes any potential environmental incentive savings, which is partly why Tesla later introduced a more compact, stripped-down SUV in the Model Y, which starts at $41,990. The Plaid version of the Model X, meanwhile, goes in very much the opposite direction.
To begin with, buyers can add $30,000 to the price of the 'Long Range' version of the Model X. However, the pre-savings base price of £119,990 for the Plaid variant is before any optional extras have been added, such as 22-inch Turbine Wheels ($5,500), a black and white or cream interior ($2,000), or Full Self-Driving Capability (an additional $10,000 alone). For those who can afford it, though, the decision between the Long Range and Plaid variants of the Model X comes down to much finer margins than it does for the same variants of the Model S.
Model X Long Range Vs. Plaid Specs
Although, like with the Model X, the range of the Model S drops by about 20 miles when you upgrade to the more high-performance Plaid version, the 0-60 mph acceleration and top-speed improvements are very significant, shaving a second off and adding 45 mph, respectively. The Model X Plaid with Tri Motor All-Wheel Drive does have significantly quicker 0-60 mph acceleration than the Long Range version with Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive — 2.5 seconds compared to 3.8 seconds — but it tops out at 163 mph, which is by no means slow but is only 8 mph faster than the Long Range version. Both also boast Tesla's swish new updated interior too.
It begs the question of whether the need to pull away from traffic lights more quickly is worth $30,000 and 20 miles less range. All of a sudden, it makes £10,000 for Full Self-Driving Capability seem much better value for money. That all being said, for many of those for whom these considerations matter, that sort of money won't be an issue.
Source: Tesla