Tesla Model X set to arrive in Australia 2016, as orders open

The long-awaited SUV offering from US prestige electric car maker Tesla is expected to arrive on Australian shores in the second half of 2016, with orders now open for Australian drivers keen to invest in the seven seat, all-electric Model X.

The Tesla Model X – which is due to appear on US roads in September or October, with a reported 20,000 orders already on the books – is being marketed as having the space and functionality of sports utility vehicle, “with the uncompromised performance of a Tesla.”

To reserve a car, prospective Australian Model X drivers can place a fully refundable $6000 deposit. A price for the SUV is yet to be set, but in Australia it is expected to be in line with the BMW X5, which starts at $A84,200.

Speaking at Tesla’s annual meeting in June, Musk said the wait for the Model X was due to ongoing work on some of its finer details – including its fold-up “Falcon Wing” rear doors – and hinted a few surprises are on the way.

“We want to make sure, obviously, that some of the key features of the Model X, particularly the falcon-wing door, and the way that the second row seats are done, and a few other things that people aren’t aware of, are done just right,” Musk said.

“Getting those final nuances right for the Model X is what we’re focused on right now.”

What we do know about the features of the Model X, according to the Tesla website, is that it comes with all-wheel drive standard, powered by two independent, digitally controlled electric motors. The Falcon Wing rear doors fold up and out of the way to allow easy access to third row seats.

Tesla Australia spokesman Heath Walker told CarAdvice that the company hoped the Model X would help bridge the gender gap that had been created around the Tesla Model S.

“We’ve been heavily skewed towards the male demographic and I think that’s mainly due to probably [the media] more than anything,” Walker said.