Today we find ourselves in the stunning landscape of Val d’Orcia for the review of the Tesla Model X Plaid among breathtaking views, winding roads, and the scent of cypress trees — to test a car that challenges the laws of physics.
A true spaceship on wheels, offering supercar performance while remaining a six- (or even seven-) seat family SUV. It’s a fascinating contrast, perfectly suited to one of Italy’s most scenic backdrops. The Tesla Model X Plaid presents itself with a bold yet sleek design.
Despite its generous size, the lines remain sharp and clean, with a record-breaking drag coefficient for its class (0.24). The Falcon Wing doors are still one of the most iconic and functional features, allowing access even in tight spaces. The 22-inch wheels on our test car confidently fill the arches and highlight the vehicle’s sporty stance. Up front, the design is minimalist, with thin LED headlights and a lighting signature that’s instantly recognizable. At the rear, the styling is clean, with a fixed spoiler that enhances both aerodynamic efficiency and stability.
Step inside, and you’re immediately struck by the clean and ultra-modern interior. Taking center stage is the “yoke” steering wheel, lacking the traditional upper rim — dramatic to look at, though not always practical in everyday use. Luckily, a conventional round wheel is still available as an option. The panoramic windshield stretches up into the roofline, offering an unparalleled sense of space.
Materials are top-notch, and the cabin feels more like a high-tech lounge than a traditional car interior. The massive 17-inch horizontal central touchscreen handles nearly all vehicle functions, accompanied by a secondary driver display and another one for rear passengers. Rounding out the package: studio-quality sound system, heated and ventilated seats on all rows, and plenty of interior configuration options.
But it’s when you hit the accelerator that the Model X Plaid reveals its true nature. With three electric motors — one in front, two at the rear — total output exceeds 1,020 horsepower. 0 to 100 km/h happens in just 2.6 seconds, a time that shames many revered supercars, all with the silent, seamless thrust typical of electric power. The all-wheel drive setup ensures grip in every condition, and while you can’t completely ignore the 2,500 kg curb weight, the driving dynamics are surprisingly agile. The adaptive air suspension adjusts in real time to your driving style, making the Model X Plaid as comfortable as it is precise in quick direction changes.
Tesla’s software remains among the most advanced in the industry, and it truly shines here. The infotainment system is responsive, fluid, and constantly improving thanks to over-the-air updates. Despite the lack of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the real strength is the deep integration between car, app, and cloud services. As is tradition with Tesla, when parked, you can access streaming platforms like Netflix, YouTube, and Twitch — or unwind with an unexpectedly rich selection of video games (Steam included!). Autopilot now relies entirely on Tesla Vision, the camera-based perception platform that has fully replaced traditional sensors.
Performance is impressive: smooth, accurate, and constantly improving via software. Early tests in Europe have shown very promising results, especially in urban settings. Tesla recently introduced a refreshed Model X in the US, with updates that include a new front camera for enhanced road monitoring and future autonomous capabilities, plus customizable ambient LED lighting, as seen on the new Model 3 Highland and updated Model Y.
The Model X Plaid is equipped with a 100 kWh battery, delivering about 450 km of mixed-use range on a single charge. On the highway at constant speed, you can expect between 350 and 380 km — impressive figures considering the vehicle’s size and performance. When it comes to charging, Tesla’s Supercharger V3 and V4 stations offer a peak DC charging rate of 250 kW, taking you from 20% to 80% in roughly 25 minutes.
For AC charging, the maximum is 11 kW — ideal for overnight home charging or slower public stations. Thanks to the integrated trip planner, long-distance travel is worry-free. The system accurately calculates the required stops, optimizing both charging times and Supercharger selection. One of the latest software updates even allows you to set a desired charge percentage at your destination — a handy feature for more efficient trip planning.
The Tesla Model X Plaid is anything but ordinary. Hypercar performance, minivan space, and spaceship-grade technology — all rolled into one astonishing package. Yes, the price tag is steep (around €125,000), but the driving experience it delivers is nearly impossible to compare. Cruising through the undulating roads of Val d’Orcia with over 1,000 horsepower under your right foot was nothing short of surreal. But that’s exactly the magic of the Model X Plaid: it finds a way to surprise you — every day, even in the most unexpected settings.
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