2021 Tesla Model X: Comparison between Long Range and Plaid

The internet has been taken over by a storm with Tesla's flagship sedan, the Model S, getting a major update. The hype is primarily centered around the top-of-the-line "Plaid" trim on the Model S. All of this hype has pushed its more practical counterpart, the Model X, away from the limelight. The Model X also received many of the changes that the Model S received. Including the addition of its own "Plaid" trim. So now the Tesla Model X features two trims, a base level Long Range trim and a higher spec Plaid trim.

So what’s new with the 2021 Tesla Model X

Just like the Model S, the Tesla Model X has also received a sort of mid-cycle refresh. To an untrained eye, the exterior might look the same as the outgoing Model X. But it has actually been refined with cleaner lines and blacked-out accents giving the SUV a more chic look. The interior cabin is where the changes are noticeable. The large vertical infotainment touch screen that Teslas are known for, is now replaced with a large 17-inch horizontal touch screen. The interior also gets a cleaner and a minimal design like the Model 3. And yes, just like the Model S, the new Model X also gets the F-1 style squared-off steering wheel. And lastly, the lineup now consists of the base level Long Range model followed by the performance-oriented Plaid models. Pricing for the new Model X Long Range starts at $91,190 and the Model X Plaid starts at $121,190.

So what even is “Plaid” and which one should I get?

So what even is a "plaid" trim. If you guessed that it is another one of the many pop culture references, then you are absolutely right. The word "Plaid" comes from Spaceballs. Tesla already used to offer Ludicrous Mode which was also a speed setting in Spaceballs. So, Plaid is the only speed setting faster than Ludicrous mode. Hence, the newer and more powerful trims are called Plaid. Matter of fact, Tesla has replaced the Performance trims with the Plaid trim.

The differences start with the electric motors, The Long Range Model Xs come as standard with two electric motors, one powering the front axle and the other powering the rear, thus enabling all-wheel-drive capability. This setup produced 670 hp with a claimed zero to 60 mph time of 3.8 seconds. This variant will top out at 155 mph. The Plaid is on a whole new level. It boasts 3 electric motors that combined have an output of 1020 hp. For context, that's 19 more than the original Bugatti Veyron, that too in a family SUV. Tesla claims that the Model X Plaid will have a zero to 60 mph time of 2.5 seconds. Compared to Long Range's 155, the Plaid will top out at 163 mph.

The Plaid with its three electric motors will surely give your passengers a whiplash, but it is also mighty expensive. And it only has a 340 mile estimated driving range. The Long Range Model X fares better with a 360 mile estimated driving range. Both the Plaid and Long Range Trims get the same 100 kWh battery and All-Wheel Drive as standard.

We recommend the Long Range model any day over the Plaid. The Plaid is 30 grand more expensive and has a range that is 20 miles less. Sure, you can pull away from the traffic lights more quickly, but is it really worth 30 grand. All of a sudden, it makes the 10 grand for the Fully Self Driving Capability seem much better value for money. The Tesla Model X Long Range makes much more sense and you can even have the Full Self Driving Capability and still save about 20 grand. Let the Plaid be reserved for ultimate Tesla enthusiasts and people with a ton of money to spare.