Best Car Reviews - 2019 Tesla Model X 100D

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Introduction

The 2019 Tesla Model X 100D is a large electric luxury SUV aimed at families and drivers who want long-distance EV capability, all-wheel-drive confidence and unusually quick performance. Its dual-motor electric powertrain, spacious seating options and distinctive Falcon Wing rear doors make it one of the most recognisable premium SUVs of its era. The 100D was an earlier-2019 version of the Model X lineup, before Tesla simplified later 2019 naming around Long Range and Performance models.

Design and Exterior Features

The Model X has a sleek, cab-forward SUV profile rather than the upright shape of a conventional seven-seat utility vehicle. Its smooth nose, flush door handles and low roofline support aerodynamic efficiency, while the large windscreen flows into an expansive panoramic glass roof. The signature Falcon Wing rear doors open upward and make access to the second and third rows more dramatic and, in some parking situations, more convenient. The 2019 model retained the familiar Model X silhouette while benefiting from Tesla’s continual production and software updates.

Distinctive Falcon Wing rear doors with powered operation.
Dual-motor all-wheel drive and a low-mounted battery pack.
Large panoramic windscreen and glass roof area.
Flush exterior door handles and a clean, grille-free front design.
Available wheel and appearance choices that can affect ride comfort and range.

Interior and Comfort

The cabin follows Tesla’s minimalist approach, with a large central touchscreen replacing many conventional buttons. Seating was available in five-, six- and seven-seat layouts, although the chosen configuration has a major effect on practicality. The front seats offer a commanding view, the flat floor helps create an open feeling, and the front trunk adds useful extra storage. Material quality and fit can feel less consistently luxurious than in some German rivals, but the airy glasshouse, quiet electric operation and flexible cargo space remain strong attractions.

Available five-, six- or seven-seat configurations.
Large portrait-oriented centre touchscreen.
Front trunk plus rear cargo space for added versatility.
Quiet drivetrain at urban speeds and smooth automatic operation.
Optional six-seat layout offers easy access between the second-row seats but less seating flexibility.

Performance and Handling

The Model X 100D uses two electric motors and all-wheel drive, with a single-speed automatic-style transmission. Published specifications list 417 horsepower and a 0–60 mph time of about 4.7 seconds, giving this large SUV strong, immediate acceleration. The low battery placement lowers the centre of gravity, helping it feel more planted than its height suggests, although its weight is noticeable on rough roads and during rapid direction changes. EPA information for the 2019 Model X 100D lists an estimated 295-mile electric range, or about 475 km, and 87 MPGe combined. Real-world range varies significantly with speed, temperature, wheel choice, passenger load and heating or air-conditioning use.

Dual electric motors with all-wheel drive.
Approximately 417 horsepower in published specifications.
Verified 0–60 mph figure of about 4.7 seconds.
EPA-estimated range of 295 miles, approximately 475 km.
Single-speed electric drive provides smooth, instant response without gear changes.

Technology and Connectivity

Technology is central to the Model X experience. The large touchscreen controls navigation, media, climate settings, vehicle configuration and many convenience functions. Tesla’s over-the-air software updates can add functions or refine existing ones after purchase, an advantage over many 2019 competitors. Standard and optional driver-assistance equipment depended on the vehicle’s original configuration and later software eligibility, so used-car buyers should verify the exact Autopilot package and hardware fitted to an individual vehicle.

Large touchscreen with navigation, media and vehicle controls.
Over-the-air software updates.
Mobile-app functions for monitoring, climate preconditioning and charging management.
Autopilot driver-assistance features, subject to the vehicle’s equipment and software configuration.
Integrated route planning designed around charging stops.

Safety Features

The Model X combines a rigid battery-floor structure, a low centre of gravity and a front crumple zone made possible by the absence of an internal-combustion engine. Euro NCAP tested the 2019 Model X and awarded it a five-star safety rating, including strong adult-occupant and safety-assist results. Equipment can vary by market and original order specification, but the vehicle was available with active safety and driver-assistance technologies such as automatic emergency braking, lane support and adaptive cruise-control functions.

Five-star 2019 Euro NCAP safety rating.
Automatic emergency braking and forward-collision warning functionality.
Lane-departure and lane-keeping support features.
Adaptive cruise-control and traffic-aware driving assistance where equipped.
Multiple airbags, stability control and a low centre of gravity.

Pricing and Variants

Kelley Blue Book lists the 2019 Model X 100D with an original starting MSRP of $98,200 in the United States, before options, destination charges and local taxes. The broader 2019 range included the 75D, 100D and P100D early in the model year, followed by Standard Range, Long Range and Performance versions after Tesla revised the lineup. Compared with luxury electric SUV rivals, the Model X offered exceptional range, charging infrastructure and acceleration for its time, but it was expensive and less conventionally polished than many premium petrol or hybrid SUVs.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Very strong acceleration for a large three-row SUV.
Long official electric range for its model year.
All-wheel drive and stable low-centre-of-gravity handling.
Distinctive Falcon Wing doors and panoramic cabin design.
Useful software updates and an established fast-charging ecosystem.

Cons

Falcon Wing doors are complex and can be awkward in low-clearance spaces.
Build-quality consistency, panel alignment and cabin noises can vary between vehicles.
Heavy weight affects tyre wear, ride comfort and handling on poor surfaces.
Touchscreen-focused controls can be distracting for simple tasks.
Used examples require careful inspection of battery condition, door operation and fitted driver-assistance equipment.

Maintenance and Common Issues

An exact annual maintenance cost is difficult to state reliably because repair costs depend heavily on age, mileage, warranty status, tyres and local Tesla service availability. Routine servicing can be lower than for a combustion SUV because there are no oil changes, spark plugs or exhaust components, but repairs to complex doors, suspension, screens or battery-related systems can be costly. Common owner-reported concerns for this Model X generation include Falcon Wing door sensor or alignment faults, door-handle problems, suspension wear or noise, touchscreen or infotainment issues, and inconsistent paint, panel-gap or weather-seal quality. A pre-purchase inspection and a check of service history, recalls and remaining battery and drive-unit coverage are particularly important.

Rating

Overall rating: 8.3/10. Design: 8.8/10. Comfort: 8.0/10. Performance: 9.2/10. Technology: 9.0/10. Safety: 8.7/10. The 2019 Model X 100D remains highly appealing for its electric performance, range and originality, though its complexity and variable finish reduce its score against more conventional luxury SUVs.

User Reviews and Feedback

Owner feedback commonly praises the Model X for its speed, quietness, road-trip charging convenience and family-friendly space. Feedback is more mixed on manufacturing consistency, the practicality of the rear doors and the quality of service experiences, which can vary by location.

Owners often enjoy the immediate acceleration and secure all-wheel-drive traction.
The high seating position, glass roof and front trunk are frequently appreciated.
Long trips are seen as practical when charging stops are planned well.
Some owners report concerns about door alignment, seals, trim or panel fit.
Ride quality and tyre costs can be less appealing with larger wheel options.

Best Cars in This Category

2019 Jaguar I-PACE
2019 Audi e-tron
2019 Mercedes-Benz EQC
2019 BMW X5 xDrive45e
2019 Volvo XC90 T8

Summary

The 2019 Tesla Model X 100D is best suited to buyers who want a spacious, fast and distinctive electric SUV with all-wheel drive and strong official range. It delivers a combination of family practicality, performance and software-led ownership that few rivals matched when new. As a used purchase, it can represent compelling value, but buyers should prioritise condition, service history, battery health, door function and the exact equipment fitted over simply choosing the lowest-priced example.