Tesla Quietly Introduces Entry-Level Model X 60D With 200-Mile Range And $74K Price Tag
Amidst all the negativity that has been swirling around Tesla Motors in the past month, the company has skipped a lot of the usual fanfare to introduce a cheaper variant of the Model X crossover. But even though the new Model X 60D is $9,000 less expensive than the previous entry-level model, the Model X 75D, it’s still a vehicle reserved for well-healed Americans with a starting price tag of $74,000.
Given its 60D nomenclature, we can easily determine that this vehicle has all-wheel-drive (AWD) and a 60 kWh battery. However, the battery is 60 kWh in name only — Tesla has likely installed a 75 kWh battery that has been “crippled” via software. In the case of the Model S 60D, it actually comes with a 75 kWh battery and can be upgraded to full-capacity with what amounts to an in-app purchase. We’d be surprised if Tesla didn’t extend this capability to the Model X and charge customers a few thousand dollars to unlock the full 75 kWh capacity (it’s a $3,250 option on the Model S).
Other options that can be added after purchase include the Bioweapon Defense Mode and the infamous Autopilot system. However, you pay more for these after-sale add-ons than you would had you simply opted for them at purchase time.
Compared to the Model X 75D, the 60D still hits 60 mph in 6 seconds and has a top speed of 130 mph. However, the lower capacity battery means that the estimated EPA driving range falls from 237 miles to an even 200 miles. For comparison, the range topping Model X P90D goes from 0 to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds (3.2 seconds in Ludicrous Mode), has a top speed of 155 mph and has an estimated EPA driving range of 250 miles. That model, however, starts at $115,000 and can top out at around $150,000 with options.
