FREMONT, Calif. — Tesla unveiled its long-awaited electric crossover Tuesday night, a gull-winged beauty that will shake up the luxury vehicle market.
The Model X was rolled out by CEO Elon Musk before hundreds of enthusiasts and media near the Tesla factory here, south of San Francisco. Six of the SUVs were being delivered to owners.
Model X uses the same electric drivetrain as its hit Model S sedan, allowing similar breakneck acceleration times and about 250 miles of range per charge.
It will be billed as the world's quickest SUV — 0 to 60 mph in as little as 3.2 seconds. But it also has the extra space of a crossover, and some key innovations like a windshield that lets you see the sky above you and one of the most sophisticated passenger air filters seen in a car. Top speed is 155 mph.
Model X "sets a new bar for automotive engineering," Musk told reporters before the vehicle was formally unveiled.
The new vehicle tests whether Tesla can compete against the likes of Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Lexus in a new space — crossovers. It's one of the hottest segments of the automotive market as consumer seek roomier, yet plush, vehicles.
