Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

Tesla Model X review: interior, dashboard & comfort

The Tesla Model X's interior can only be described as a tech-feast; interior quality is lacking, though

Overall rating

4.0 out of 5

Interior & comfort rating

4.0 out of 5

Price
£99,070 - £131,670
Fuel Type:
Electric

The Model X is a predictably serene car to travel in, with barely a whirr as you pull away and only the faintest hint of wind noise intruding through the front when you’re up to speed. The chunky tyres do kick up quite a bit of noise, though noise cancellation technology works like a pair of posh headphones to keep this and other ambient noise to a minimum.

Advertisement - Article continues below

It’s disappointing that, given how impressively minimalist and futuristic the dashboard looks, and how light and airy it feels thanks to the panoramic windscreen and sunroof, the general perceived build quality is a bit poor.

Tesla Model X dashboard

You’d be forgiven for being temporarily stunned by the sheer size of the 17-inch central touchscreen that dominates the Model X’s interior, and from which just about all the car’s functions are controlled. There’s another smaller screen just like this in the rear, too, so passengers can consume content and adjust the climate controls without having to politely ask the driver.

As you’d expect there’s also a third screen just for the driver, and it's located behind the steering wheel. This shows all of the necessary information, and it’s configurable, so you can prioritise things like speed, remaining range, battery charge level, sat-nav directions and your current media playback.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Speaking of steering wheels, this is a big point of contention for the Model X and its saloon sibling, the Tesla Model S – as both are offered with the choice of a traditional circular wheel or a jet-fighter-style yoke for no extra cost. In practice, the yoke looks cool but is ultimately best-suited for motorway and country driving; its oblong shape makes it difficult to turn lock-to-lock in tight urban manoeuvres. Added to this, since May 2023, the Model X is no longer available in right-hand drive.

Otherwise, the dashboard architecture is relatively minimalist – some may say boring – but it does the job. Of more concern is the fact that some of the materials don’t feel up to scratch for a car of this cost, and perceived build quality is also a bit questionable in some areas. The few buttons that are present are taken from old Mercedes models and feel rather cheap, while squeaks and rattles from certain pieces of trim, as well as large panel gaps, are all unacceptable for a car of the Model X’s price tag and flagship status.

Equipment, options & accessories

The Tesla Model X is lavishly equipped, whether you choose the standard or high-performance Plaid version. All have air-suspension, those eye-catching ‘falcon wing’ rear doors, a vast panoramic windscreen and sunroof, a 22-speaker audio system, keyless entry and drive and sat nav for the enormous standard screen.

Advertisement - Article continues below
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

You can choose to have five, six or seven seats. Opting for five means you get a conventional layout, with a three-person bench and a massive boot, which is the default, no-cost setup. The six-seat layout is the ‘executive' option, with a 2+2+2 arrangement that prioritises space for those in the middle. The seven-seat option gives you an MPV-like layout suited to carrying several children.

The Premium Upgrades Package is now included as standard on all cars, bringing heated seats all round, ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel and a wiper defroster. It even includes a ‘self-presenting’ front door, which opens as you walk up to the car with the key in your pocket.

'Basic Autopilot' is also standard, offering adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring and lane-keeping assistance. Buyers can upgrade to ‘Enhanced Autopilot’ which adds the ability to change lanes autonomously, plus a self-parking feature which can summon the car to your location in a car park. Finally, there’s the option of 'Full Self-Driving Capability' which, according to Tesla, will drive you to your destination with little to no driver input. However, while the system is apparently “ready to go”, it’s not yet approved for use on UK public roads and isn’t likely to be in the near future.

Infotainment, apps & sat nav

The vast, portrait-mounted touchscreen in the Tesla Model X is a real showstopper. It looks great and responds almost as quickly as the latest smartphones. Just like your phone, it’s utterly loaded with apps and features; Apple CarPlay and Android Auto aren’t offered, but you can download and play video games, stream your favourite movie via services such as Netflix and even browse the web. 

The old touchscreen weaknesses still apply, though; while it looks more impressive than an array of buttons, it can be more difficult to access certain functions when on the move. It’s also a magnet for fingerprints which, while is also the case for all touchscreens, is a bit more apparent when the screen is as large as this.

Owners can install the Tesla app on their smartphone to remotely control a range of functions, including the remote-opening doors, climate control and even the headlights. It’ll also show you how much range your car has left and keep you updated on the charging progress.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Hello there, I’m Tom Jervis and I have the pleasure of being the Content Editor here at DrivingElectric. Before joining the team in 2023, I spent my time reviewing cars and offering car buying tips and advice on DrivingElectric’s sister site, Carbuyer. I also continue to occasionally contribute to the AutoExpress magazine – another of DrivingElectric’s partner brands. In a past life, I worked for the BBC as a journalist and broadcast assistant for regional services in the east of England – constantly trying to find stories that related to cars!

Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Where can I buy hydrogen and where is my nearest hydrogen filling station?
hydrogen filling station
Your questions answered

Where can I buy hydrogen and where is my nearest hydrogen filling station?

A guide to where you can find hydrogen fuel stations in the UK
30 Sep 2024
Top 10 best plug-in hybrid SUVs 2024
Best Plug-in Hybrid SUV
Best cars

Top 10 best plug-in hybrid SUVs 2024

Not ready to go electric but want low running costs? These plug-in hybrid SUVs offer the best of both worlds
26 Sep 2024
Best seven-seater electric and hybrid cars 2024
Best seven-seater electric and hybrid cars
Best cars

Best seven-seater electric and hybrid cars 2024

If the regular electrified SUVs don’t provide enough practicality for you, then take a look at the best electric and hybrid seven-seaters on the marke…
11 Oct 2024