Tesla Model X 60D

Overview

The 2017 Tesla Model X 60D was the entry-level ticket to Tesla's all-electric SUV experience, complete with those show-stopping Falcon Wing doors and standard all-wheel drive. While discontinued, it offered a taste of Tesla's cutting-edge tech and performance without the top-tier price tag. For US buyers, this dual-motor beast, assembled in the USA, could be snagged for around $18,999 on the used market. Its unique blend of practicality, distinctive style, and EV innovation made it a compelling, if shorter-ranged, option in the premium SUV segment during its brief production run ending in 2017.

What's New for 2017?

Introduced in mid-2016 for the 2017 model year, the 60D was a fresh, more accessible version of the Model X. The big news was its 60 kWh battery, cleverly software-limited from a 75 kWh pack; owners could later pay for an over-the-air upgrade to unlock the extra range, effectively turning it into a 75D. This model year also benefited from Tesla's advanced Autopilot hardware (HW2.0 in later 2016 builds), laying the groundwork for sophisticated driver-assistance features. It maintained the standard dual-motor AWD setup, making it a capable, tech-forward family hauler from the get-go.

Design & Exterior

The Model X 60D turns heads with its sleek, futuristic SUV silhouette, dominated by the incredible Falcon Wing rear doors that make entry and exit an event. It boasts a massive panoramic windshield for an airy cabin feel. Standard LED lighting front and rear keeps things looking sharp. This electric rig measures a substantial 198.9 inches in length, 78.7 inches in width (mirrors excluded), and stands 66.3 inches tall. While sharing the core Model X drama, the 60D trim was typically distinguished by its badging and standard 20-inch alloy wheels.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Inside, the 60D sports Tesla's signature minimalist cool, centered around a colossal 17-inch touchscreen controlling almost everything – navigation, climate, and media. Material quality is generally premium, often with vegan leather upholstery. Passenger space is flexible, offering configurations for 5, 6, or 7 occupants. Cargo is king here: you get 12.6 cubic feet in the trunk, a whopping 85.8 cubic feet with rear seats folded, plus a handy 6.6 cubic feet in the frunk. Standard tech included keyless entry, a power liftgate, and that stunning panoramic glass roof.

Performance & Driving Experience

Don't let "entry-level" fool you; the Model X 60D still packs a punch! With its dual-motor all-wheel-drive system, featuring a PMSM motor at the front and an IM at the rear, it zips from 0 to 60 mph in a brisk 6.0 seconds. Total output is 245 kW and a hefty 387 lb-ft of instant torque, making acceleration feel effortless. The standard air suspension provides a generally smooth ride, and with the battery low in the chassis, handling is surprisingly nimble for an SUV of its size, topping out at 130 mph.

Range, Battery & Charging

The Model X 60D features a 62 kWh usable battery pack, delivering a Green Cars Compare calculated real-world range of around 178 miles – decent for daily duties. Efficiency is rated at 2.87 mi/kWh. For home charging, the standard 11.5 kW on-board AC charger can top it up in roughly 6-7 hours. Out and about, it uses the Tesla (NACS) port and can gulp down DC fast charging at up to 120 kW, adding significant range in minutes. This makes road trips feasible, though shorter-legged than its bigger-battery siblings.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Tesla has always prioritized safety, and the Model X 60D is no exception, earning a top 5-star overall rating from NHTSA. Standard active safety features typically included automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Many 60Ds were equipped with Tesla's Autopilot hardware, enabling features like Traffic-Aware Cruise Control and Autosteer through the optional Enhanced Autopilot package. This system brought a significant level of driver support, making highway cruising a breeze and enhancing overall occupant protection with its robust suite of sensors.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

Originally, the 2017 Model X 60D came with a 4-year/50,000-mile basic limited warranty. Critically for an EV, the battery and drive unit were covered for 8 years or 120,000 miles, whichever came first, including a guarantee against excessive degradation (typically 70% capacity retention). Tesla doesn't follow traditional maintenance schedules; upkeep is generally minimal, focusing on tire rotation and brake fluid checks. As a used buy, checking the remaining warranty, especially on the battery, is key. Reliability for early Model X units had some quirks, mainly with the Falcon Wing doors.