Summary
The Tesla Model X was a large electric SUV/crossover with seating for up to seven people. It was launched in Europe in 2016 and discontinued in early 2026.
The Model X received consistently positive reviews from the UK motoring media, although it didn’t have any directly comparable rivals as points of reference for most of its time on sale.
It received particular praise for its performance, minimalist styling and innovative ‘Falcon’ wing rear door design, but it was criticised for not matching the build quality of other cars in its price range.
From 2023, the Model X was only available in top-spec trim and in left-hand drive, which limited its appeal to UK buyers. Along with the Model S, the Model X was discontinued in early 2026.
As of March 2026, the Tesla Model X has a Used Car Expert Rating of E, with a score of 52%. It scores top marks for its zero tailpipe emissions, and also gets good grades for its safety rating and media review scores. However, running costs and reliability scores let it down.
Model X highlights
- Thrilling performance
- Commendable safety features
- Spacious seven-seater with serious pace
- Intuitive infotainment system
- Unique exterior styling and ‘falcon’ doors
Model X lowlights
- Questionable build quality
- Very expensive
- Slightly rigid ride comfort
- There are concerns about long-term reliability
Key specifications
Body style: Large SUV/crossover
Powertrain: electric motor and batteries
Price: From £100,290 on-road
Launched: Summer 2016
Last updated: Summer 2019
Discontinued: Spring 2026
Image gallery
Media reviews
Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
The Car Expert
Model reviewed: 90D
“The Tesla Model X is targeted at wealthy people with a big family who want to make a statement about the planet’s future – or who just want to be seen that way.”
Read review
Auto Express
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“If you want a ludicrously quick crossover with all-electric drive and funny doors, the Tesla Model X is it.”
Read review
Car
Model reviewed: 90kW Performance
Score: 8 / 10
“The Tesla Model X is no longer the clear-cut disruptor it once was, but it remains a singular presence on the road. Nothing else quite combines falcon doors, cinema-style seating layouts, massive screens and hypercar acceleration. In 2025, though, UK buyers need to see it more as a used-car proposition. New orders in RHD are off the table, and inventory is scarce.”
Author: Curtis Moldrich, Keith Adams
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Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7.4 / 10
“With cutting-edge looks and the technology to back them up, the Tesla Model X is one of the most impressive and family-friendly electric cars you can buy.” (Andy Goodwin)
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Company Car Today
Model reviewed: 100D
Score: 8.5 / 10
“Not subtle in any way, and certainly not cheap, but a useable range, massive practicality and immense performance make for a very appealing car.”
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Daily Mail
Model reviewed: 90D
“The Tesla Model X is a phenomenal family car. It’s comfortable, it’s quick, it’s packed full of gadgets and it’s a calming place to be – and that sense of calm more than anything else is what you need when driving around with the family.”
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Green Car Guide
Model reviewed: 100D
Score: 10 / 10
“It’s amazing to drive, and our week with the car shows that it can fit into your life perfectly, even if a very muddy hill is involved. And it’s from a company that didn’t even exist 15 years ago. At £100,000, it’s not cheap – but it’s the future.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 10 / 10
“The Tesla Model X genuinely pushes forward the boundaries of what can be done with cars to make them more sustainable as well as highly impressive to drive and to live with.”
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Honest John
Model reviewed: Range overview
“Tesla’s seven-seat MPV with unusual bi-folding rear doors is expensive”
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Parkers
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Capable, roomy and fast, with street theatre rear doors”
Read review
The Telegraph
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The Tesla Model X is a desirable car and offers useful additional space over the Model S for big families. However, while its electric range and performance impress, it is also expensive compared with rivals.”
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Top Gear
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Not cheap, and not a conventional SUV, but a thoroughly capable family wagon.”
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Which EV?
Model reviewed:
Score: 9.1 / 10
“The Tesla Model X is a stunning premium SUV. It drives like a much smaller, lighter car and is incredibly fast, whichever version you go for. The interiors are minimal but comfortable for long journeys, and the level of technology included is unparalleled. There are lots of flexible seating options for different occupant needs, the luggage space is potentially huge, and it can tow over two tons as well. This is a very expensive car, but the most accomplished electric SUV currently on the market.” (James Morris)
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Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: December 2019
Date expired: January 2026
Read the full Euro NCAP review
Adult protection: 98%
Child protection: 81%
Vulnerable road users: 72%
Safety assist: 94%
Notes on safety rating
The Tesla Model X was tested by Euro NCAP back in 2019 and awarded a five-star rating. However, this rating expired in January 2026 and is no longer valid as the car no longer meets the standards required for such a rating. This is normal practice, as Euro NCAP reviews its ratings on most cars annually with most ratings expiring after about six or seven years.
Although the rating has now expired, the score is still useful if you are comparing a used Model X to vehicles of similar age – whose ratings will have probably also expired.
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
The Tesla Model X was not assessed by Green NCAP during its production life.
The Green NCAP programme measures exhaust pollution (which is zero for an electric car) and energy efficiency. Electric cars are much more energy-efficient than combustion cars, so the Model X is likely to score very highly in Green NCAP testing whenever it ever takes place. Check back again soon.
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
Total claims: 52
Average repair cost: £926.99
Last updated: April 2025
Reliability score
All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims
The Tesla Model X has a very poor reliability rating of just 10% as of April 2025 (our most recent data point). The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively to us using workshop and extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy, sourced from both official dealerships and independent workshops.
As well as having a poor reliability score, the average repair cost on a Model X is quite expensive at more than £900. The most common faults reported to date relate to its suspension.
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Tesla Model X, you might also be interested in these alternatives
Audi e-tron | Audi Q7 | Audi Q8 | BMW X5 | Jaguar I-Pace | Mercedes-Benz EQC | Mercedes-Benz GLE | Porsche Cayenne | Range Rover Sport | Volvo XC90
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