Model X is designed with safety as the first priority. The floor-mounted battery lowers the centre of gravity so that the risk of rollover is about half that of any vehicle in its class.
The battery structure strengthens Model X against side impact intrusions and, without a petrol engine, the large front bonnet acts as a giant impact-absorbing crumple zone. Although the Euro NCAP has not yet conducted crash testing on Model X, Tesla’s own internally conducted crash testing indicates that Model X should be the first SUV to receive the highest safety rating in every category.
‘Falcon Wing’ doors allow easy access to second and third row seats from even a tight parking space, whereas traditional SUV doors or Minivan sliding doors would not grant any access.
With only a foot of clearance on either side, Falcon Wing doors articulate smoothly up and out of the way, allowing passengers to enter from both front and rear directions. The side and overhead opening is so large that parents can buckle children in without ducking or straining and without bumping their child’s head on the roof.
Model X is able to achieve 257 miles of range in part because it is the most aerodynamic SUV in production. At 0.24, Model X’s drag coefficient is 20% lower than the next best SUV. In addition, an active spoiler deploys from the rear liftgate to optimise highway efficiency and stability.
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