2022 Tesla Model X Plaid Review: Family-Sized, X-Rated Performance

When the Tesla Model S Plaid sedan came out, it rewrote the performance rulebook - not just for sedans, but for everything else too. Such was that car's record-breaking acceleration that the Tesla Model X Plaid which arrived later, itself with a 1,020-horsepower tri-motor electric powertrain, has almost flown under the radar. And we really mean it when we say it has flown. Here is a six-seater SUV with the ability to decimate the 0-60 run in just 2.5 seconds. Up to that speed, not even an Aston Martin DBX707 will keep up from its combustion rivals, while on the electric front, the forthcoming Mercedes-AMG EQS SUV will be almost pedestrian. Perhaps the Lotus Eletre will provide a sterner test when it arrives. Despite the Model X Plaid's immense power and performance for a heavy SUV, it still has a range of over 300 miles and a spacious, versatile cabin. It costs almost $140,000 and doesn't feel as luxurious as it should for that price, but as a high-performance electric SUV, it's untouchable.

What's the Price of the 2022 Tesla Model X Plaid?

At the time of writing, the Tesla Model X Plaid carried a price tag of $138,990. But since Tesla keeps hiking its prices, it seems inevitable that the Plaid will soon surpass the $140k mark. This price excludes a destination charge of $1,200.

Although it is the most expensive you can buy, it could be considered a performance bargain since conventionally-powered SUVs from Aston Martin and Lamborghini are both slower in a straight line and cost over $200,000.

2022 Model X Plaid Exterior

Dimensions

2022 Model X Plaid Performance

Handling and Driving Impressions

Like a normal Model X, the Plaid is a refined and pleasing SUV to drive on normal roads. It will cruise on the highway all day long with no fuss, soaking up enough bumps and abrasions so that it doesn't tire you out on long trips. But Teslas have generally not struggled to impress in a straight line, and not all roads are straight, so how does the heavy Plaid perform in the corners? Surprisingly, it's not bad at all. The SUV stays flat and manages its considerable weight better than expected. The low center of gravity enabled by the placement of the batteries helps, and the steering doesn't feel entirely disconnected from the front wheels - which is a good thing.

On the downside, the steering yoke - which looks quite cool, we'll admit - still takes getting used to. For some drivers, it may never become natural. Yes, it's no problem when taking on longer, less acute curves, but three-point turns in tight spaces will leave you hunting for the top half of the steering wheel when it simply isn't there.

Although the brakes are good enough in normal use, they start to take strain if you are constantly using the full extent of the SUV's performance. Because the vehicle gathers pace so quickly, you'll need those brakes more often than in many other SUVs.

2022 Model X Plaid Interior

2022 Model X Plaid Trunk and Cargo Space

Warranty

Verdict: Is the 2022 Tesla Model X Plaid A Good SUV?

Even if the rest of this SUV was terrible, the Model X Plaid would still be an engineering feat because of its extremely powerful tri-motor powertrain and miraculous acceleration. In that aspect, it blows every other SUV out of the water, and the fact that Tesla has been able to retain a range of over 300 miles makes it even better. The Model X Plaid also has a spacious cabin, some unusual features that create a unique ownership experience, and has proven to be exceedingly safe in a crash.

At almost $140,000, we have a few concerns. The build quality should be nothing less than peerless at this level, but it isn't. The over-reliance on the touchscreen, the awkward yoke steering wheel, and a spate of recent recalls are also worrying. When everything is working, the Model X Plaid makes most SUVs from Europe feel decidedly outdated. If Tesla could nail some of the basics more convincingly, this could've been the best SUV in the world. As it stands, it's a typical superhero - they can do things nobody else can, but they all have one or two glaring weaknesses.

What Tesla Model X Plaid Model Should I Buy?

As there is only one trim available, the choice of which Model X Plaid to buy becomes quite simple. While we still think that the normal Model X is a better buy due to its lower price, longer range, and still-phenomenal performance, the Plaid provides a standard of performance that is untouchable for an SUV. We think that performance like this deserves to be flaunted, at least a little, so we'd have ours with Red Multi-Coat paint and the 22-inch Turbine wheels. The black and white interior isn't as practical but looks so much better than the standard black one, and ticking the box for Full Self-Driving gives you access to some truly advanced driver-assist features. We only wish these features worked well more consistently.

In this spec, the Model X Plaid costs $162,190 including destination. That is a lot of money, but the Model X Plaid is an SUV like no other.

2022 Tesla Model X Plaid Comparisons

2022 Tesla Model X Plaid vs Tesla Model X

For $24,000 less, you can get behind the wheel of the regular Model X which loses one motor but retains all-wheel drive. The base Model X is 1.3 seconds slower to 60, but still completes the benchmark sprint in under four seconds. More importantly, it has a range of up to 348 miles, 15 miles more than the Plaid. The regular Model X can be configured to seat seven occupants, but other than this, it has access to the same options, most notably the Full Self-Driving Capability suite. The Plaid is special, but if it didn't exist, we'd still marvel at the performance of the base Model X. The dual-motor SUV is fast enough and has a lower price, so it's the one we'd take.

2022 Tesla Model X Plaid vs Tesla Model S Plaid

Do you want your record-breaking performance delivered as a more conventional sedan or a taller SUV with quirky Falcon Wing doors? That's the main question you need to answer here, as the two Plaid twins are priced within $3,000 of each other (the Model X Plaid is more expensive). While the SUV has an extra seat and more overall cargo volume, the Model S Plaid is faster (0-60 mph in a frankly absurd 1.99 seconds), cheaper, and has a significantly longer range (up to 396 miles with smaller 19-inch wheels). The sedan is sleeker to our eyes and its lower driving position feels more appropriate in something this quick. Unless you need the extra space, we'd suggest going for the Model S Plaid, the fastest production car on the planet.