Last night, Tesla CEO Elon Musk unveiled the long-awaited Model X SUV crossover.
Although the vehicle was originally slated to debut in 2013, the release was pushed back as sales for the Model S continued to increase.
Musk revealed the Model X in a thorough yet grandiose manner indicative of the billionaire CEO’s style. He detailed the many capabilities of the $132,000 electric crossover, including the SUV’s two electric motors and 90-kWh battery pack, the standout falcon-wing doors, panoramic windshield, monopost seats, automatic doors and how the Model X can go 250 miles on a single charge.
Also, when equipped with the “Ludicrous Mode” feature, the Model X P90D can hit 60 mph in only 3.2 seconds and reach a top speed of 155 mph.
But the biggest surprise of the night came when Musk debuted the Model X’s “Bioweapon Defense Mode” button.
Musk says that this button will come in handy “if there’s ever an apocalyptic scenario of some kind.” Essentially if you push this button, the Model X’s air filter (which happens to be 10 times larger than your run-of-the-mill air filter) will supposedly keep you safe.
According to The Verge, Tesla says that their air filter is “300 times better at filtering bacteria, 500 times better at filtering allergens, 700 times better at filtering smog and 800 times better at filtering viruses” compared to standard filters.
“We’re trying to be a leader in apocalyptic defense scenarios,” Musk said.
Musk also said that there are already between 20,000 and 25,000 pre-orders for the Model X, meaning that if you want one for yourself you probably wouldn’t have the key in your hand for about eight to 12 months.
Tesla hopes that the revenue from the Model X will help pay for a much cheaper, all-electric car that Musk tweeted about earlier this month.
What do you think about the Model X? Does the product match the years of hype leading up to last night’s unveiling? Comment below or tweet me @MNetAbbey.
For more information and specifications about the Model X, click here.
