Tesla Model X SUV - Practicality & boot space

The Tesla Model X is a little more compact than more conventional SUVs and its form isn’t dictated by having to accommodate a bulky petrol or diesel engine. Although its outline has a conventional bonnet, you’ll find nothing under it other than a few mechanical service points and a storage area. In fact, the latter contributes to the Model X being an extremely practical family hauler with one of the best boots of any EV.

Tesla Model X interior space & storage

You can choose the Model X with anything between five and seven seats, and the seats in the first two rows are very comfortable and spacious. Up front, visibility is excellent (although the steep rake of the windscreen does mean that distracting reflections are frustratingly frequent) and there’s plenty of adjustment for the seat and steering wheel.

Getting in and out is easy in both the front and back, with the clever ‘Falcon Wing’ rear doors providing a wide aperture for access to the two back rows, but some may find the 15 seconds they take to open and close a little wearisome. We were impressed by how little space they take up when opened, though, and a proximity sensor is fitted to prevent the doors from striking obstacles.

There’s plenty of leg and headroom for those in the second row, but the third row is better suited to children.

Boot space

At the front of the car a 187-litre 'frunk' storage space under the bonnet can take soft luggage. If you want to lug as much gear as possible, combining this and the boot with all the rear seats folded flat adds up to 2,367 litres of load volume – the same as the far bulkier Mercedes GLS manages. Loading is made easy thanks to a rear boot floor that can be raised for a reduced lip height; there’s also a removable panel for accessing a deep compartment where you can store the car’s charging cables.

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Towing

Software is included that monitors trailer sway and applies the brakes to keep car and trailer on an even keel. The braked trailer towing limit is 2,280kg which reduces to 1,588 if you choose the optional 22-inch wheels. That's an impressive figure for an electric model, although range will be affected when towing a large trailer or caravan.