Electric vehicles are getting more affordable as automakers launch new variations every year. But there are still a few EVs with hefty price tags. The Tesla Model X and the Tesla Model X Plaid, for example, continues to be one of the most expensive EVs on the market today.
If you want a 2022 Tesla Model X, you can expect to pay more than six figures. Expect to spend even more if you go with the Model X Plaid trim level. With all the bells and whistles, is the 2022 Tesla Model X Plaid really going to be worth over $130,000?
What are the specs for a standard 2022 Tesla Model X?
2022 Tesla Model X | Getty Images
If you buy a base model 2022 Tesla Model X, you can expect to pay more than $106,000. As Edmunds describes, this electric SUV has an impressive range of 333 miles on a charge and instantaneous acceleration with its dual-electric motors. There is nothing entry-level about this base model.
The 2022 Tesla Model X is an all-wheel drive SUV, making it fully capable. The battery weight is mounted low, translating to a more car-like feel than a beefy crossover. And the punchy acceleration is addictive, with those two electric motors capable of harnessing 670 hp.
The Model X is also perfectly capable of towing up to 5,000 pounds, should you have toys to pull. Also, there is an industry-leading cargo space in the front trunk, great for loading up all your stuff.
Every Tesla Model X gets Tesla’s Autopilot suite of driver aids which includes lane-keeping assistance, adaptive cruise, and forward-collision warnings. Over-the-air updates are available, as well. Model X owners enjoy other amenities like navigation, a wireless charging pad, a panoramic roof, a 17-inch touchscreen, a trailer hitch, heated and cooled front seats, a 22-speaker sound system, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats.
Additional specs with the Tesla Model X Plaid
If you build out your Tesla Model X with the Plaid trim, Tesla’s starting price point is $120,490. You might wonder what those few extra thousand dollars get you. Expect a rival-surpassing acceleration, with not two but three electric motors capable of achieving 1,020 hp. That’s 0 to 60 in 2.5 seconds, which is unheard of for an SUV, let alone an electric SUV. It has a range of up to 350 miles on a full charge, making it one of the longest range EVs on the market.
The Model X Plaid features an optional third row as well for a seating capacity of up to six. The Plaid outfits the Model X with the Self-Driving Capability package, which allows for a semi-automated suite of assistance features for parking, and lane changes. Not to mention the 22-inch wheels are spectacular.
How does the Plaid stack up to the competition?
When you compare the 2022 Tesla Model X Plaid with other electric, performance, or luxury SUVs, you’ll likely find it unmatched. The Audi e-Tron is a worthy contender in the electric SUV space. But it’s still chasing the Model X, clocking a 0 to 60 in 2.9 seconds. According to Car and Driver, even its horsepower variations fall short, with the 522 hp e-Tron GT and the 637 hp RS e-Tron GT.
Even comparing the Tesla Model X Plaid to the impressive Jaguar I-Pace, it’s easy to see which is leading the pack. The I-Pace is slightly cheaper, with the one-trim level price of $104,990. It’s capable of going 234 miles on a full charge. While the Jaguar offers more luxurious touchpoints, it’s still no match for the performance, range, and capability of the Tesla Model X Plaid.
Is the 2022 Tesla Model X Plaid worth more than $130,000? It probably is based on the full roster of amenities and how this electric SUV compares to others in the segment. The question really is, do you want to invest in the most expensive electric SUV?
Keyword: Is the 2022 Tesla Model X Plaid Really Worth Over $130K?