New Tesla Model X refresh deliveries begin in the U.S. [Update]

  • Tesla Model X gets new hardware for its safety and driver assistance functions
  • Round steering wheel back in production
  • Base configuration priced at USD 109,990
  • Deliveries expected to begin in the coming weeks

Update: ‘2023 update’ section added and ‘Specifications,’ ‘Price,’ and ‘Deliveries’ sections updated.

The Tesla Model X refresh that went on sale in 2021 has received another update. The further-updated Model X should go on sale soon. Here’s what all is new for 2023 in the flagship Tesla:

2023 update

Twitter user The Kilowatts has posted pictures indicating Tesla has started manufacturing the Model X with Hardware 4. According to a report that not a tesla app published on February 22, 2023, the Hardware 4 update includes an HD radar and updated cameras in the same locations as the previous hardware (v3).

Hardware 4 reportedly has provisions for three additional cameras. So, technically, the Model X can have up to 12 cameras, although the fact is it has only nine cameras, as per a report not a tesla app report dated February 15, 2023.

In addition to installing Hardware 4, Tesla has brought back the round steering wheel to the Model X. The company had to re-introduce it after many customers didn’t like the steering yoke. Twitter user The Kilowatts has shared pictures suggesting production of the new Model X units ordered with the re-introduced round steering wheel has begun. In another Twitter post, The Kilowatts has revealed that the company has swapped the brand logo on the electric SUV’s liftgate with a “TESLA’ inscription on a gloss black garnish strip above the license plate area.

Facelift

Design

Tesla launched the Model X in September 2015. The company doesn’t follow a traditional lifecycle like legacy automakers, so it continued the same basic design with periodic changes. It kept the exterior mostly the same and introduced subtle cosmetic alterations like new bumpers and alloy wheels, in the previous update, which began reaching customers in late-2021. Tesla said that the redesigned model has new performance tires that provide better handling and ride quality with lower rolling resistance.

Interior

The interior changes were rather significant, making the cabin more appealing and functional. The redesigned dashboard makes the interior seem more sophisticated and luxurious. Analog controls are still minimal; Tesla’s not taking a U-turn on that aspect.

New Tesla Model X 2021 interior dashboard
The 2021 Tesla Model X has noticeable changes on the inside, including a sleek new dashboard. Image: Tesla

Nothing says future louder than a steering yoke, and the new Model X has it. Besides the love-it-or-hate-it-steering-yoke, there’s an entertainment-friendly new touchscreen infotainment system. The 17-inch horizontal display with 2200×1300 resolution with up to 10 teraflops of processing power allows console-level gaming.

Swivel function

Tesla silently updated the central display of the Model X (and also the Model S) to add a swiveling function. The driver can now tilt the screen towards them for improved visibility. Plus, it’s possible to tilt the display towards the front passenger. Twitter user TeslaFrunk has shown how the swiveling function works in his Model S in a short video.

Multi-device Bluetooth connectivity, wireless and USB-C charging ports for every passenger, and a 22-speaker, 960-watt audio system with active noise canceling were also the interior highlights of the 2022 Tesla Model X.

Specifications

The Tesla Model X is available in the regular Dual-motor AWD variant and the Plaid Tri-Motor AWD variant. The former, with 670 horsepower, can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 3.8 seconds and achieve a top speed of 155 mph. Its EPA-est. range is 348 miles.

The Model X Plaid has 1,020 horsepower on tap, enough to speed up from 0-60 mph in just 2.5 seconds (with rollout subtracted) and attain a higher top speed of 163 mph. Its EPA-est. range is 333 miles, but upgrading from the standard 20-inch wheels to 22-inch wheels lowers that figure to 311 miles.

Price

The new Tesla Model X is priced at USD 109,990 in the Long Range variant and USD 119,990 in the Plaid variant.

Deliveries

Tesla manufactured just 71,177 units of the Model S and Model X combined in 2022 and delivered 66,705 units of the premium EVs. Compared to 2021, these figures marked a year-over-year growth of 192% and 167%, respectively.

Tesla launched the Semi in 2022 and plans to bring the Cybertruck to the market in 2023, followed by the next-gen Roadster.

TopElectricSUV says

In addition to a seating capacity of up to seven, plenty of luggage space, and high-tech entertainment and convenience features, the Tesla Model X offers superb performance and an impressive range. The large electric SUV is among the best electric SUVs for big families.

New Tesla Model X FAQs

What is the new Tesla Model X release date?

The updated Tesla Model X should go on sale in the coming weeks.

What is the new Tesla Model X price?

The new Tesla Model X’s prices start at USD 109,990.

Which EVs are new Tesla Model X rivals?

The new Tesla Model X competes with the Mercedes EQS SUV.

Featured Image Source: Twitter/Tesla