Tesla Model X Long Range Plus

Overview

The 2021 Tesla Model X Long Range Plus is a show-stopping electric SUV that still turns heads with its iconic Falcon Wing doors and massive panoramic windscreen. This particular trim offered a brilliant blend of stonking real-world range and family-friendly practicality, making it a top contender in the premium EV space. With seating for up to seven and blistering acceleration, it’s a versatile beast. While no longer new, you might snag one on the used market for around €48,700, offering a lot of tech and performance for the money. It's a proper spaceship for the road!

What's New for 2021?

For 2021, the Model X Long Range Plus was the king of range in the X lineup before the big "Palladium" refresh landed later in the year. This specific trim benefited from ongoing efficiency improvements Tesla rolled out, squeezing even more kilometres from its already hefty battery pack. Think subtle refinements rather than a revolutionary overhaul for this version. It solidified its position with that impressive range figure and the then-latest software updates, keeping it sharp against rivals. Essentially, it was the most refined version of the "classic" Model X design.

Design & Exterior

The Model X Long Range Plus boasts that unmistakable Tesla silhouette – smooth, futuristic, and seriously cool, especially with those jaw-dropping Falcon Wing rear doors. Up front, the massive panoramic windscreen stretches overhead, giving an airy, cockpit-like feel. It’s a big machine, measuring 5052 mm long, 1999 mm wide (excluding mirrors), and 1684 mm tall, so it has serious road presence. Standard 20-inch wheels and sleek LED lighting complete the high-tech look, ensuring this SUV still looks like it’s from the next decade, even a few years on.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Step inside, and the Model X Long Range Plus greets you with Tesla’s signature minimalist cabin, dominated by that huge central touchscreen controlling almost everything. It’s properly spacious, offering configurations for 5, 6, or 7 seats, making it a genuinely versatile family hauler. Material quality is decent, if not quite up to some German rivals. Luggage? No problem! You get a 357-litre boot, expanding to a massive 2431 litres with seats down, plus a handy 187-litre frunk up front. The infotainment is slick, packed with features, though no official Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.

Performance & Driving Experience

Don't let its size fool you; the Model X Long Range Plus is seriously quick! It’ll rocket from 0-100 km/h in a blistering 4.6 seconds thanks to its dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup – a PMSM at the front and an IM at the rear – churning out a massive 398 kW and 755 Nm of torque. Despite the punch, it’s a smooth operator, with standard air suspension soaking up bumps for a comfy ride. One-pedal driving is a doddle with its strong regenerative braking, making cruising effortless and efficient.

Range, Battery & Charging

This Long Range Plus really lives up to its name, packing a hefty 98 kWh usable battery. Green Cars Compare calculates a very practical real-world range of 522 km, with an impressive efficiency of 5.33 km/kWh. For AC charging, its Tesla Type 2 (Mennekes) port handles up to 16.5 kW, meaning a full top-up in around 6 hours. On the DC fast charging front, it can gulp down up to 250 kW, primarily via Tesla’s Supercharger network (often using CCS2 in Europe for newer stalls), getting you back on the road swiftly.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Safety is a big deal for Tesla, and the Model X Long Range Plus scored a top-notch 5-star rating from Euro NCAP. It comes loaded with standard Autopilot, which includes excellent adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, making long journeys a breeze. For those wanting even more cutting-edge tech, options like Enhanced Autopilot or the Full Self-Driving Capability package were available, adding features like Navigate on Autopilot and auto lane change, though always requiring driver supervision. It's packed with cameras and sensors for peace of mind.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

For peace of mind, the Model X Long Range Plus typically came with a basic vehicle warranty of 4 years or 80,000 km in Europe. Crucially, the 98 kWh battery and drive unit were covered for a more substantial 8 years or 240,000 km, with a guarantee of at least 70% battery capacity retention. Maintenance is minimal thanks to its electric nature – no oil changes here! While Tesla doesn't offer extensive complimentary maintenance, the ownership costs can be lower over time. Overall reliability is decent for these electric giants.