Skip to main content

Tesla expands the Model X lineup with more affordable (and less capable) models

For many, the Tesla Model X Signature Edition‘s $132,000 sticker price is as astounding as its falcon doors. Buyers who don’t like the idea of spending Porsche 911 GT3 money on a crossover are in luck, because California-based Tesla has just announced plans to launch two more affordable versions of the Model X called 90D and 70D, respectively.

The 90D is powered by an all-electric drivetrain that consists of a 259-horsepower electric motor mounted over each axle and a 90kWh battery pack. It takes 4.8 seconds to reach 60 mph from a stop and it’s capable of driving for up to 257 miles on a single charge. To put those figures into perspective, the range-topping P90D completes the 0-to-60 sprint in 3.2 seconds with Ludicrous Mode turned on, and its maximum driving range checks in at 250 miles.

Recommended Videos

The entry-level model is the Model X 70D, which gets by with a smaller 70kWh battery pack. It looks nearly identical to its more expensive siblings and it uses the same falcon doors, but it takes six seconds to reach 60 mph from a stop and the smaller pack limits its range to 220 miles.

Industry trade journal Automotive News reports the Tesla Model X 70D carries a base price of $80,000 before a mandatory $1,200 delivery charge is factored in, a sum that represents a $5,000 premium over a comparably equipped Model S. Buyers who want six seats need to shell out $3,000, seven seats can be ordered in exchange for $4,000, and the new Autopilot feature is priced as $2,500. Pricing information for the 90D model hasn’t been made public yet, though Tesla is inviting interested parties to reserve the model of their choice by sending a $5,000 deposit.

It takes patience to own a Tesla. According to Automotive News, deliveries of the P90D flagship are scheduled to start in a couple of months, 90D deliveries will begin next summer, and the 70D isn’t scheduled to arrive until later next year.

Ronan Glon
Ronan Glon is an American automotive and tech journalist based in southern France. As a long-time contributor to Digital…
The Tesla Model Y is at its lowest price yet — but should you buy one?
Tesla Model Y

Despite increased competition in the space, the Tesla Model Y is still one of the best EVs out there. It has access to the best charging network, plus it offers among the best software experiences, as well as a solid range, especially in the longer-range models. And the Model Y is now down to its lowest price yet, meaning that if you were considering getting one, now is probably the time to buy.

The base price of the Tesla Model Y is down to $42,990 at the time of this writing, which represents a pretty huge price cut. That's before any tax incentives too -- and considering the car is eligible for the full $7,500 tax credit, that means you could get it for as low as $35,490.

Read more
Tesla to begin production on new, more affordable models
Tesla Model 3

With competition increasing from Chinese and other automakers, Tesla boss Elon Musk revealed on Tuesday that his company is planning to begin production of new, more affordable models in “early 2025, if not late this year.” Notably, that's earlier than the previously stated date of late 2025, though whether Musk actually succeeds in meeting the earlier production time frame is another question entirely.

The news came as Tesla released its latest quarterly figures. Revenue for the electric vehicle maker came in at $21.3 billion, down from the $23.3 billion it reported for the same three-month period a year earlier and also down from the $25.2 billion reported in the previous quarter. Profit reached $1.1 billion, marking a 55% fall compared to the same period a year ago.

Read more
New Model 3 ‘takes out the baby fat,’ Tesla designer says in new video
Tesla's Model 3 refresh, codenamed Highland, features a sleeker front.

Tesla’s upgraded Model 3 sedan has been available in the U.S. since last month, and on Wednesday, designers and engineers at the automaker appeared in a video (below) showing off the refreshed design.

Upgraded Model 3 | Design & Engineering Walkthrough

Read more