I would think a lot will come down to the range of that electric RAV4. Also I won't be surprised if Tesla targets a very different market segment than the RAV4. There could end up being absolutely no overlap.

Tesla has also said before that the basic Model S chassis would be used for other vehicles. I remember seeing concept pictures of a convertible, SUV and something else in addition to the sedan. I assume they will try to share as many parts as possible across multiple vehicles as the Model S evolves beyond the debut model so they can take advantage of economies of scale and keep costs down where they can.

Tesla had plans to build an SUV on their Model S platform prior to Toyota buying into them. Part of the buy in deal was an agreement to get Tesla to revamp/rebuild Toyota's RAV4-EV. Personally, I think Tesla will have a hard time with the RAV4-EV rebuild simply because the base of it (the RAV4) wasn't designed to be an electric car, and still has a lot of excess weight in it, when compared with a car that was designed from the start to be solely electric, like the Model S

I think the revamped RAV4-EV will be superior to the one designed and built back in the 90's, and the Tesla Model S SUV variant will be even better than the RAV4-EV. The design counts for a LOT with performance is concerned IMHO.

I agree. Using the Mod-S chassis and frame, a (robust) flat bottom and a free hand in locating center of gravity and force vectors etc. could transform the SUV. Almost all of those on the road are light trucks modded for passenger use. I.e., kluges everywhere!

The RAV4s I've seen seem relatively small, basically a 4-passenger with a little rear storage. I suspect the X will seem massively larger inside.

"The new crossover will feature even more innovative packaging solutions than the seven-seat Model S, including third-row seating capable of comfortably accommodating seven full-size adults, and it will be a fully specced luxury vehicle."

Do you guys know when can we see the prototype of Model X?

I remember reading a while back that a prototype of the Model X was going to be released in December of 2011 but I haven't read anything since. I did talk to a sales rep at one of the Telsa showrooms and he told me the Model X will be pretty much the same as the Model S only "taller". I'm sure it will have many similarities to the Model S so I'm not too excited about it other than there will be something about Tesla to read about.

Now where but when, JamesIwan!

For what it is worth, a Model X 'announcement' is scheduled for Feb. 9.

I think we can assume it will be in the Southern California Design Studio in the corner of Space X until we hear otherwise.

Does anyone know what the Model X is going to look like yet? I have seem one picture that makes it look kinda station wagonish.

I expect very large SUV with a bit smoother lines that usual. That blurred picture that everyone here has seen is so distorted that you can't really tell anything based on it.

Yes, the Ford Explorer is about as large as it gets, I guess, and also seats 7. Here are some of its specs:

Drive Type Front Wheel Drive (standard)
Intelligent 4WD System with Terrain Management System (requires V6)
Transmission

6-Speed Automatic (V6 and Ecoboost™)
6-Speed SelectShift Automatic™ (optional on V6)
Wheelbase 112.6"

Maximum Towing Capacity 5,000 lbs.
Wheels Available

17" steel with wheel covers
18" painted aluminum
20" painted aluminum
20" polished aluminum
Warranty Bumper to Bumper: 3 years / 36,000 miles
Powertrain: 5 years / 60,000 miles
Safety Restraint System: 5 years / 60,000 miles
Corrosion (Perforation Only): 5 years / Unlimited miles
Roadside Assistance Program: 5 years / 60,000 miles

Its starting MSRPs range from $28K to $38K.

The Lincoln Navigator L starts at $60K, and here are some of its specs:

Max Seating Capacity 8
Drive Type Rear Wheel Drive (standard)
Four Wheel Drive (optional) [Requires V8 --BH]
Transmissions 6-Speed Automatic Transmission with Overdrive
Wheelbase 4x2/4x4 Navigator - 119"
4x2/4x4 Navigator L - 131"
Maximum Towing Capacity 9,000 lbs. (4x2)
8,700 lbs. (4x4)
Wheels Available
18" bright-machined aluminum
20" polished aluminum

Warranty Bumper to Bumper: 4 years / 50,000 miles
Powertrain: 6 years / 70,000 miles
Safety Restraint System: 5 years / 60,000 miles
Corrosion (Perforation only): 5 years / Unlimited miles
Roadside Assistance Program: 6 years / 70,000 miles
----------

So that's the kind of playground the MX will be in.

Update:
http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1071509_analyst-calls-tesla-model-x-...

"Unfortunately, Barclays’ own analysis of the 2013 Tesla Model X lies behind a member-only firewall, "

Any Barclay's subscribers about?

I wonder if the test drives were in a beta or a pre-production model.

I posted this on the Model X invitation thread before I saw this one, so pardon the duplication. I picked it up at MercuryNews.com.

'Theo O'Neill, a cleantech analyst at Wunderlich Securities, has seen photographs of the Model X but has yet to ride in it. As a parent who struggles to buckle his young son into a car seat, he's excited about the Model X's doors, which pivot from the top of the vehicle.

"The doors of the Model X lift up and fold -- like the wing of a bird," said O'Neill. "You can walk right up to the edge of the seat. It's the ideal solution for disabled children, or any parent who has to lean over to buckle a car seat." '

I was mentioned that Toyota is going to modify the "bellies" of RAV4s slated to be EVs.

Should have been.....It was mentioned......

I suspect the RAV4-EV is just a CARB play, and Toyota isn't really taking EVs seriously. Tesla's Model X will be far superior, albeit higher end (more expensive).

With Prius I think Toyota is one of the big car manufacturers that do take EV:s seriously. I think they are just plain waiting for a bit better and cheaper batteries to arrive and charging infrastructure to mature. That is just wise for them, why rush if others make it happen for you. RAV4-EV will be just small business for them, but I think when time is right they have ready full BEV Prius (or similar) already designed.

RAV4-EV is probably a lab test for them is the time right or not. If it sales really well, then it is time to start producing other BEV:s. For player of their size changing one production line for BEV in no time flat is no problem. With Prius and now RAV4-EV they do not need greenwashing their imago with concept BEV:s that never make to production.

No live streaming? Technical difficulties? Major bummer.

But at least the Model X pics are now out all over the web.

I think logons took down the entire TM site for 45+ minutes. Eventually the video with rinky-tink sound track kicked in, then ended 20 minuts later at 9:05. Not for the first time, TM's IT resources were inadequate.

Correction: 30 minutes later at 9:15. More or less.

Model X has some nice features such as the falcon doors, ease to access third row seating and optional dual motors. But I thought I remember Elon Musk indicating a while back that the 3rd vehicle produced by Telsa, model X, was going to be at a price point ($30-35K range) that would reach the mass market buyer, thereby radically increasing the number of electric cars on the road worldwide. This would be consistent with his visionary philosophy of sharing his innovative technology with other companies in effort to migrate from fossil fuels to the electric engine, which I think highly of him for doing. But it appears that price will likely be similar to model S and mileage may be even less. In additon, it may not be enough of a progressive improvement from all the model S innovations to keep the excitement going for Joe Q public, not to mention investors. I hope I am wrong since I fully and enthusiastically support Telsa. I like model S the best and can't wait to get mine.

So 3 models later, it is somewhat discouraging that these wonderfully efficient well designed Telsa vehicles, in particular the X model, will still be financially out of reach of most buyers. I was hoping Telsa would announce a 400+ mile vehicle to deal with road range concerns or a $30K Telsa vehicle comparable to #1 selling Camry or perhaps similar to the Accord.

Perhaps Telsa's market research analysis concluded SUVs would sell better. Who knows with future technological improvements and mass production, may enable Telsa to produce a smaller 4th mass market model with a $30K price point with an incredible 400 mile range! Just a thought.

No, their plan was for a third "platform", which some dub the BlueStar, to be more of a mass-market car. The Model X is a second body on the Model S "sled".

And I expect to see a third body on the Model S skateboard, probably a convertible. The "Gen 3" platform vehicle, which is the $30-40k range, is probably 18 months out before its inaugural "reveal".

And there is NO truth to the rumour [should this post start it] that it will be made of paper-maché and have a 10kwh battery. And do 0-60 in under a minute.

;)
;p

Thanks for the update. Model S & X innovations are leading up to the mass market Telsa vehicle. As fuel supplies decline causing prices to climb, Telsa will be there to offer an affordable alternative which can then potentially out sell similar model fossil fuel vehicles. That tipping point / price point has not yet been reached as cost feasible for the mass market. But early adopters are paving the way.

If the Iranian situation goes south, gasoline prices could move up quickly, and by a lot. Gas could easily top $5; credible scenarios move it to $8. Tesla cannot start deliveries too soon for my taste!

Model X has some nice features such as the falcon doors, ease to access third row seating and optional dual motors. But I thought I remember Elon Musk indicating a while back that the 3rd vehicle produced by Telsa, model X, was going to be at a price point ($30-35K range) that would reach the mass market buyer [...] (GeorgeA)

That plan is still in effect, alive and kickin'. It's called The Secret Tesla Master Plan and has just recently been reinforced, delaying the next-gen Roadster in favor of a smaller, mass market compatible Gen III platform:
http://green.autoblog.com/2012/02/11/next-tesla-roadster-delayed-until-a...