Tesla Model X arrives with 397kW/967Nm

Watch out BMW X5 M and Benz GLE 63 because the Tesla Model X P90D is arriving with seven seats and a 3.4-second 0-100km/h claim priced from $201,072 plus on-road costs.

The sticker of the all-electric Californian-built SUV comes in just above the $185,510 X5 M and $189,900 GLE 63, both of which claim a 4.2sec sprint. However, it lists significantly below the $287,500 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S and $423,600 Bentley Bentayga that each only wipe another tenth off that time.

Tesla’s Model X P90D comfortably becomes the fastest SUV on the market whether equipped with ‘Ludicrous’ mode or not – an option that ups electric outputs from 346kW/830Nm to a ballistic 397kW/967Nm, lowering the 0-100km/h claim by six-tenths.

Think of it as an ‘overboost’ function.

With Falcon doors, a choice of six or seven seats and all-wheel-drive, the P90D with its 90kWh battery can also run up to 467km on a single powerpoint charge. Tesla further claims the aerodynamic coefficiency of the Model X is 20 per cent better than its best rival.

Equipment levels and options pricing have not yet been detailed, but the Model X is available to order now through Tesla showrooms ahead of the first vehicles arriving between October and December this year.

The P90D becomes the most expensive car Tesla will offer in this country, adding $27,272 to the price of the readily available Tesla Model S P90D sedan that claims a 3.0sec 0-100km/h.

In an SUV-loving Australian market, Tesla isn’t hiding its intention to significantly boost local sales beyond that of the existing sedan-only range. The Model S and Model X will be joined by the BMW 3 Series-sized Model 3 either next year or in early 2018, with a corresponding ‘Ludicrous’ version expected to rival M3 and C63 S with, er, electrifying performance.