Model X Plaid

Make
Tesla
Segment
SUV

Tesla wants to move as many Model S and Model Y units as possible. And thanks to new updates on the former, getting them to sell shouldn't be too difficult. The new version of the Model S now includes a Plaid variant with a 520-mile range, but the Model X hasn't been forgotten about either, receiving many of the same updates as the S. For those who like traditional steering wheels, the addition of a futuristic "yoke" steering wheel is no cause for celebration, but maybe you'll warm to it once you see what else the new version of the Model X gets.

Also called the Plaid, the new variant of the Model X sees output jump from 778 horsepower to a frankly ridiculous 1,020 hp. As a result, 0-60 mph no longer takes a pedestrian 2.7 seconds but will now do it in 2.5 seconds. The quarter-mile takes just 9.9 seconds while towing capacity remains capped at 5,000 pounds. Top speed improves from 155 mph to 163 mph, and to help it slow down from such high velocity, it gets "carbon-sleeved" brake rotors. You also get torque vectoring for improved handling, but the Long Range still has better range. While the Plaid can do 340 miles, the LR model still tops the efficiency leaderboard for the Model X range with a new estimate of 360 miles.

Inside, you get the aforementioned oddity of a steering wheel - if you can still call it a wheel - along with a new, 17-inch, horizontally-mounted touchscreen display in the center of the dash. There are some mild changes to the exterior styling as well, with a smoother front fascia and a new rear diffuser. You also get new 20- and 22-inch wheel options. But there's a price to pay for these updates. While the Long Range model costs $89,990, the new Plaid version costs 30 grand more. But if the Tesla configurator is to be believed, there won't be a Plaid+ version as there is with the Model S, so at least you know you're getting the range-topper.