In the world of electric cars, it is hard not to think of Tesla as the king of the hill. Other more established carmakers like the new Mercedes EQS SUV or upcoming Audi Q8 e-tron are trying to make up ground as fast as possible both literally and figuratively. But, when it comes to name recognition, Tesla has put down their flag in the hearts and minds of the public, and the latest 2023 Tesla Model X shows no signs of relinquishing its title any time soon.

2023 Tesla Model X Powertrain

Having been around since 2016, the Tesla Model X has set the standard for electric SUVs, and has continued to improve little by little over the years. There are two versions of the Model X to choose from for 2023. The 'base' model is the Model X Long Range, which is a dual-motor setup powered by a 100-kWh battery pack mounted beneath the floorboards. Despite being the lesser of the two available options, the Long Range Model X creates a staggering 670-horsepower and 713 pound-feet of torque.

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Upgrading the Model X Plaid gives you access to one of the fastest cars or trucks ever put into production. Simply put, the Plaid is ridiculous and provides far more power than 99.9% of owners will ever need or know what to do with. How much is too much? Well, the Model X Plaid tacks on a third motor and makes a combined 1,020-horsepower and 1,050 pound-feet of torque.

2023 Tesla Model X Drivetrain

As with all Tesla models, all the Model X's power gets funneled through a 1-speed automatic and then on to all four corners to help put as much of that massive power to the pavement as possible. The Plaid does come with a torque-vectoring system, which transfers power to the wheel or wheels with the most traction in order to help keep things from getting too hairy.

2023 Tesla Model X Performance And Handling Ability

The Urus is still able to claim being one of the three fastest SUVs on the planet with a top speed of 190 mph, and Lamborghini's tells us that its super-SUV can accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 3.3 seconds. Those numbers are fast enough to beat out the Model X... Long Range.

In base form, the Model X can rocket from 0-60 mph in a scant 3.8 seconds, and gets limited to a top speed of "just" 155 mph despite having a very slippery drag coefficient of 0.24 Cd. The Plaid however, is a game changer. That thousand horsepower allows the Model X Plaid to blast off from 0-60 mph in a scalding 2.5 seconds. It can run a sub-10 second quarter-mile, but thankfully (for driver's own safety) limited to a 163 mph top speed, despite several outlets and stories showing how easily the Model X can break through the 200 mph barrier. Driving range is between 333-348 miles.

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Because it is still an SUV, the Model X should expect to do some work outside embarrassing SRT owners. It's towing capacity is somewhat limited considering the amount of torque either trim makes, but 5,000 pounds is sufficient to accomplish most jobs normal owners will need to get done. Payload max comes in at a relatively light 1,600 pounds, which is probably in part due to the Model X weighing in at a hefty either 5,158 pounds or 5,390 pounds for the Long Range and Plaid respectively.

2023 Tesla Model X Interior Space, Quality, And Technology

Despite having performance as its biggest calling cards, the Model X also comes with a wealth of gadgets and tech designed to get people's attention. Most noticeably are the Model X's automatically opening and closing front doors as well as its Falcon Wing rear doors. The rear doors, while occasionally troublesome in tight garage or parking decks, do allow unparalleled access to the rear cargo area, which totals 92 cubic feet at its best.

The semi-autonomous driving mode also is a huge draw (and also a huge price jump of $15,000), using a plethora of sensors, radars, and sensors to allow the Model X to pilot itself in very specific circumstances. The Summon feature is another nifty trick, which lets owners have their car pull itself out from a parking spot if need be, or just to show off.

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The Long Range can hold up to seven passengers, while the Plaid makes due with a six-person max. In either case, the panoramic glass roof allows passengers an almost unrestricted view of both what is ahead and what is above. If that view isn't entertaining enough, the giant tilting 17-inch front infotainment screen, which has an incredible 2,200-1,700 resolution dominates the rather Spartan interior, while the rear passengers benefit from a new, upgraded rear screen as well.

The controversial yoke steering "wheel" looks inspired by K.I.T.T. from Knight Rider, while multi-device Bluetooth with wireless and USB-C charging are things no one will complain about. The 22-speaker 960-watt sound system comes with Active Road Noise Reduction. Unfortunately, Elon Musk isn't giving his competitors any business, so the Model X is not compatible with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

2023 Tesla Model X Pricing

With the sheer number of Teslas out on the road, it is sometimes hard to remember that they are still in fact, luxury vehicles. The base price for a Tesla Model X Long Range is $120,990, while the Plaid jumps up to a base price of $138,990. On their pricing website, Tesla does advocate pricing that includes rebates and gas savings of $8,400 that they factor into their costs to help incentivize potential buyers a little further. Though, despite a niche that becoming more and more filled with competitors, Tesla continues to assert its dominance with a combination of novelty, luxury, and sheer performance that no one has been able to match, or beat yet.