Tow Test: Tesla Model X

Doing the Big Lap of Australia with an electric SUV is now a reality

Imagine touring the country, big caravan behind, never having to stop at a smelly fuel bowser to fill the tank… Or having to worry about finding a fuel stop in a remote Outback region, full stop!

Instead, the panels on your ‘van or tow vehicle's roof harvest the sun's energy as you cruise along, topping up the vehicle's on board battery that powers the electric motors propelling the wheels along almost effortlessly, quietly, and with zero emissions...

Or, if there's not enough sun, plug into a fast charger at a roadside stop or caravan park that will get you charged up and back on the road in minutes...

Sound farfetched? Maybe, but this scenario may not be too far into the future, with the first piece in the puzzle – a long range, all-electric SUV that can tow more than two tonnes – recently arriving in Australia.

In order to conduct what is most likely the first tow test of a Tesla Model X in Australia, we travelled to Adelaide’s Camperagent caravan dealership where director John Munro has just taken the keys of not only one of the first Model X Teslas in the country but also one of the first with the optional $1150 towing package.

A self-confessed electric car fan, Munro already had a Tesla S sedan in the garage before taking delivery of his seven-seat Tesla X last month. It's an entry-level 75D which has a 75kWh battery powering dual motors, one for each axle, to deliver all-wheel drive traction.

Although there's really nothing ‘entry level’ about this hi-tech vehicle, with a starting cost around $165,000 and various option boxes including premium stereo, soft leather, metallic paint, and third row seats, lifting the on-road price of Munro's vehicle to $194,000.

Not so fully connected

As a veritable ‘computer on wheels’, early teething issues are inevitable with cars like the Model X, and the first hiccup appears to be its inability to ‘recognise’ and operate the LED lights and brakes on a modern caravan, when connected via the factory-fitted, round plug trailer connector.

A common issue in the past with some European vehicles, it’s often traced to the trailer LED lights drawing insufficient current, and Munro has approached Tesla Australia for a ‘fix’ such as a ‘resistor box’ or LED adaptor kit. In the meantime, our tow test is confined to a nearby semi-private facility, well away from other traffic.

However, despite a 1900kg caravan in tow, having no trailer brakes is not a problem on our mainly bitumen course with the Tesla’s regenerative braking (which can be switched off) washing off speed quickly once I take my foot off the accelerator. As for acceleration, it’s a real rush and unlike anything I’ve experienced in a tow vehicle, including a Toyota 200 Series LandCruiser and RAM 2500.

With an estimated 386kW and around 600Nm available from the get-go, the Model X 75D gets up to speed very smoothly and swiftly, not to mention quietly with just a whir from the electric motors and some tyre noise to disturb the ambience. I call it quits around 90km/h despite it feelng like it could easily double that, surging effortlessly on only light throttle.

It’s an addictive rush that most fossil fuel powered tow tugs can only dream of delivering.

Driving solo, the 75D is good for a 0-100km/h time of 6.2secs and 210km/h top speed, so I can only imagine what it would be like towing with the top-spec 100kWh battery-powered version that delivers around 447kW and 1074Nm.

The Model X also feels very stable when towing, helped by a low centre of gravity, slick aerodynamics and hefty two and a half tonne kerb weight. Munro’s Model X is fitted with the standard 20in wheels, that allow towing up to the maximum 2280kg, while the optional 22in wheels lowers that to 1588kg.

The height-adjustable air suspension provides some initial firmness but rides comfortably over some dirt sections, with just some very minor wobble as the suspension makes constant minor adjustments cruising at highway speeds. Other highlights are a tight turning circle and nice, lighting steering (in Comfort mode), while Trailer Sway Control (when operating) is a handy back-up feature.

All charged up

Back at the Adelaide dealership, I notice the battery range has dropped from 378km to 328km after our brief tow test, which involved plenty of stop-starts and fast runs. Fitted with the 75kWh battery Tesla says the Model X will last up to 417km on a full charge, and the common consensus is that this reduces by around 30 per cent, or down to 300km when towing a two tonne trailer.

The $230K-plus P100D offers a range up to 565km (or perhaps 400km when towing) so would be a better proposition for the Big Lap.

At the moment there are only 11 Tesla ‘supercharger’ stations located between Melbourne and Brisbane along Australia’s east coast, that will deliver 270km into the battery in 20 minutes. The Tesla wall unit that comes with the car tops it up at a more leisurely 40km per hour, or you can plug a charging cable straight into a regular power point at home for just 10-15km per hour.

While high pricing and ‘range’ anxiety are a deterrent at the moment, the Model X’s comforts and practicality as a family SUV aren’t, with the optional third row seats perfect for young kids and neatly folding flat when not in use. There’s good storage throughout the cabin, while the lack of a conventional engine frees up space in both the front and rear boots for a combined storage of 2180 litres.

If you’re into gadgets, this clever mobile toy will keep you entertained for hours, particularly the iPad-like, user-friendly command control touchscreen that provides multiple camera angles, including a particularly clear view of the towing hitch set-up from behind. Also jaw dropping is the sweeping aerial views through the super-sized panoramic windscreen, and the fact that just about everything is ‘motorised’.

The only other hiccup was a disconcerting clunk from the motorised, double hinged, Falcon wing rear doors when opening.

Importantly, the clean-lined Model X has enough familiar features to make it not too intimidating for those coming from less automated, fossil fuel vehicles. As an early adopter Munro is philosophical about ‘Version 1.0” of the game-changing tow tug, realising there’s even better to come.

“By the time this thing rolls out more and the technology comes to provide a better range and people start using them as tow vehicles, they will sort out (things like the LED lights) so it’s a minor glitch, and won’t be an issue,” he said.

2017 Tesla Model X 75D

Price: $166,488 (plus on-road costs)

Twin motors: Three-phase/four-pole AC induction

Output: 386kW/600Nm (combined, estimated)

Transmission: Reduction gear

Electric Range: 417km (solo)

Towing capacity: 2250kg, 227kg (tow ball)

Safety Rating: N/A

Warranty: Four years/80,000km

Tow Test: Tesla Model X

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