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Tesla Model X: Will it get ‘Ludicrous’ mode?

Stephen Edelstein
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Tesla Model X
Image used with permission by copyright holder
During a conference call last week, Tesla Motors CEO Elon Musk revealed a new “Ludicrous mode” for the company’s Model S electric car, which makes possible a zero-to-60 mph time of 2.8 seconds and a quarter-mile time of 10.9 seconds.

Tesla is expected to launch its Model X crossover before the end of the year, using at least a few components from the Model S. Does that mean this family hauler will get the Ludicrous mode as well?

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Perhaps yes. Musk reportedly confirmed Ludicrous mode for the Model X, claiming it would allow the crossover to reach 60 mph in 3.3 seconds, according to Autocar. That’s faster than a Porsche 911 Carrera GTS, and only 0.1 second slower than a 911 Turbo.

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The Model X should be pretty quick, considering that it has wings. Tesla has been adamant that the roof-hinged “Falcon doors” from the original Model X concept will remain for production, even though they may be the source of some of the myriad delays that have plagued the car.

Doors that open up rather than out will come in handy in tight parking spaces, Tesla claims, although their cool factor will probably be as much of a factor in most Model X purchasing decisions as anything practical.

The Model X is expected to use the same platform as the Model S, with a similar dual-motor, all-wheel drive system and battery pack sizes. Preproduction prototypes also feature a similar interior design to the Tesla sedan, with a massive central touchscreen taking the place of nearly all analog controls.

Tesla pushed the Model X’s launch back to late 2015 last year, and has been sticking to that timeline ever since. At the time, Musk said the company needed more time for final validation and testing. Tesla still hasn’t shown a final production version of its first utility vehicle.

The Model X was first shown in January 2012, and Tesla originally planned to begin deliveries in December 2013. That obviously didn’t happen, giving Tesla a perfect record of missing its own deadlines for new-model launches. If Ludicrous mode is part of the package, though, the Model X will probably be worth the wait.

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Stephen Edelstein
Stephen Edelstein
Contributing Editor
Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…
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