X

Tesla Model X Plaid has 1,020 hp and that weird new steering wheel

The new top-dog Model X costs $119,990.

Tesla Model X Plaid

The visual updates are subtle.

Tesla

In addition to the updated Model S sedan, Tesla launched the Model X Plaid on Wednesday, packing seriously big power and a totally revamped interior.

Thanks to its tri-motor setup, the Model X Plaid produces a whopping 1,020 horsepower. It comes standard with "carbon-sleeved" brake rotors, all-wheel drive and torque-vectoring tech for better handling. Tesla says the Model X Plaid can accelerate to 60 mph in 2.5 seconds and top out at 163 mph. Those are nice improvements over the Model X Long Range, which takes 3.8 seconds to hit 60 mph and has a 155-mph top speed. However, the Long Range still has the, uh, longest range, with an estimated 360 miles. The Plaid, meanwhile, cuts that down to a still-impressive 340 miles.

Tesla Model X Plaid
Tesla

The Model X Plaid gets the same major interior overhaul as the Model S, headlined by a steering wheel that isn't actually a wheel anymore. The new, 17-inch central touchscreen makes its way into the Model X, too, with 10 teraflops of processing power and endless opportunities for distraction.

Outside, the Model X gets a few subtle styling tweaks, including a smoother front fascia and a restyled rear diffuser. New 20- and 22-inch wheels are offered, as well.

According to Tesla's configurator, the first Model X Plaid deliveries are estimated to take place in April. The Plaid costs $119,990 before any tax incentives, which is a $30,000 increase over the Long Range.

Tesla Model X Plaid gets a big interior overhaul

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Steven Ewing Former managing editor
Steven Ewing spent his childhood reading car magazines, making his career as an automotive journalist an absolute dream job. After getting his foot in the door at Automobile while he was still a teenager, Ewing found homes on the mastheads at Winding Road magazine, Autoblog and Motor1.com before joining the CNET team in 2018. He has also served on the World Car Awards jury. Ewing grew up ingrained in the car culture of Detroit -- the Motor City -- before eventually moving to Los Angeles. In his free time, Ewing loves to cook, binge trash TV and play the drums.
Steven Ewing
Steven Ewing spent his childhood reading car magazines, making his career as an automotive journalist an absolute dream job. After getting his foot in the door at Automobile while he was still a teenager, Ewing found homes on the mastheads at Winding Road magazine, Autoblog and Motor1.com before joining the CNET team in 2018. He has also served on the World Car Awards jury. Ewing grew up ingrained in the car culture of Detroit -- the Motor City -- before eventually moving to Los Angeles. In his free time, Ewing loves to cook, binge trash TV and play the drums.

Article updated on January 27, 2021 at 3:04 PM PST

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Steven Ewing
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Steven Ewing Former managing editor
Steven Ewing spent his childhood reading car magazines, making his career as an automotive journalist an absolute dream job. After getting his foot in the door at Automobile while he was still a teenager, Ewing found homes on the mastheads at Winding Road magazine, Autoblog and Motor1.com before joining the CNET team in 2018. He has also served on the World Car Awards jury. Ewing grew up ingrained in the car culture of Detroit -- the Motor City -- before eventually moving to Los Angeles. In his free time, Ewing loves to cook, binge trash TV and play the drums.
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