Tesla Motors Announces
the Model X

Electric Vehicle manufacturer Tesla has announced their second production vehicle, dubbed the Model X. The all-electric vehicle is best classified as a crossover, combining features of an SUV and a minivan. Sporting a 60 or 85 kWh battery, the 7-passenger EV can sprint from 0 to 60 in an impressive 4.4 seconds. Range is expected to be between 200 and 270 miles, depending on the battery and options.

While the vehicle’s styling is shared with the Model S sedan, the perhaps the most distinctive features are the rear doors. Still photos may suggest a gullwing-style door, but there’s actually two hinge points, hence the term “falcon” doors. The doors open but stay close the car body while lifting. Once opened, the doors swing high enough to stand upright under them.

Construction is similar to the Model S- most of the drive technology is packaged in the lower framework of the car. Tesla calls this pancake-style construction the Tesla Vehicle Platform. An advantage to this construction is a lower center of gravity than most SUVs. This has the potential to give the Model X some excellent performance in handling and safety.

The interior is conventional, save for the gigantic 17-inch touchscreen interface in the center of the dash. There are no other dash controls to speak of- everything is behind that shiny, non-tactile piece of glass.

Tesla’s announcement shows their aggressive stance for the near future. Their first vehicle, the Model S, is not even in production yet- its release is promised for late 2012. The Model X should follow within a year of its sibling.

Watch the unveiling below:

Prices have not been set for the Model X, but with the mainstream customer in their sites, it is expected to be between $50,000 and $100,000. Visit the Tesla website for more information.