So, test drive done. And I have to admit I felt slightly underwhelmed by the Model X.
Yes it is impressive in its acceleration given its size and weight and, thanks to the optional 22 inch wheels it was sitting on, handling verged on 'okay' yet I just couldn't shake the feeling I was piloting a Luton van - can only put that down to the height of the panoramic windscreen/glass roof soaring over my head.
As there is so much glass upfront and above, wind noise around the A pillar was very noticeable above 70mph and I think intrudes significantly on conversations. The sales adviser tried to imply that the wind noise was far more apparent due to a) the lack of an internal combustion engine rumbling away upfront and b) a strong cross wind on the M5 motorway. Lets just say I had to ask him to repeat what he had said as I couldn't hear him at that point in time ...
A little disconcerting to detect on max "foot to the floor" that the front end lifts and the steering becomes very light. Only time I have ever encountered that sensation was in my youth driving a Citroen AX GTi and taking it into triple figure speeds. Didn't expect this on the Model X as it is such a heavy car weighing in at 2,467 kg. By the way, I should add here that Tesla have now electronically restricted all of their demo models to 85mph on test drives ...
Taking your foot fully off the accelerator creates a substantial braking effect and thankfully lights up the rear brake lights to warn following motorists. Easing right off the accelerator like you would say in your Zed in order to decelerate smoothly isn't an option and you quickly learn to recalibrate your right foot in order to maintain control over the deceleration.
Other observations: yep its definitely not a looker, bit of a frumpy plain Jane in my book ... and when you consider the price tag it definitely failed to attract any admiring gazes from other road-users. Parked up, the Falcon wing doors are fun, but that novelty didnt last long as I noticed the motors were already noticeably whining and ending with a slight graunch when lifting the rear doors up and out, not good.
Window and mirror switches plus the indicator stalk and column mounted gearshift have been lifted straight out of a 12 plate Mercedes E Class.
Third row seats are really only designed for short hops down to the pub and are certainly better suited to skinny types who are less than 5' 8" in height.
The large touch screen in the dashboard can be used for a variety of car functions and I liked it can surf the Internet but Tesla have opted not to allow flash media to play on it ... so no Youtube or iPlayer permitted and disappointingly no provision of in-car wifi either. Instead Tesla have elected to provide buyers with a free subscription to Spotify so music can be streamed directly through the media player.
Other issues: there are currently no Tesla Supercharging stations in Surrey or South London which is an issue for me as the majority of my work is spent there. And as of January any new Model X ordered will no longer benefit from free charging for life, instead Tesla plan to only provide the first 1000 miles free of charge. Oh and the vehicle warranty only covers the first 50,000 miles
Would I buy one? Given the fact that I was only permitted a 45 minute drive (the first 15 minutes the sales adviser drives the 'SUV' to a Supercharger bay at M5 Portbury Services) that personally for me doesnt feel sufficient time to make a decision on whether to shell out £7k deposit and then £1300+VAT per month for 48 months. The current dangled incentive of free supercharging at Tesla charging stations sadly runs out 31st December and the fact that the purchase price is set to increase by 5% in January doesn't help either and being told this by the sales chap felt a little like pressure-selling to me.
I guess if you have the ability to put the car through the business, its definitely worth considering running past the company accountant, as with the fuel and benefit in kind savings, as well as the 100% first year allowances, going electric can make good business sense however does that really make me want to go out and buy one: :thumbsdown:
... and I think 0-60 traffic light sprints shall be the order of the day 
