The Tesla Model X and the Porsche Cayenne are both incredible — but only one of these luxury SUV rivals has the edge

Matthew DeBordMay 24, 2020, 19:51 IST

Business Insider

I've driven both the Tesla Model X and the Porsche Cayenne on numerous occasions.
The Porsche Cayennes have ranged in price from $86,000 to $136,000, in several trim levels and with both V6 and V8 engine options.
The Tesla Model Xs were what's now called the Performance trim, currently priced at $105,000.
These are two of the best luxury SUVs on the market, the respective pinnacles of gas-powered and all-electric propulsion.
I favor the Cayenne for now, but the Model X is something special.

In this corner, we have the champ: the incredible Porsche Cayenne, lord of the gas-burning luxury SUVs.

And in this corner, we have the Tesla Model X, the Cayenne of all-electric utes — our challenger.

It's a fair fight. Well-equipped versions of each SUV can be had for around $100,000. Each offers stunning performance for an upscale hauler of people and stuff. The Model X can even cram in a third row, making it a seven-passenger utility.

The Model X is the newcomer, but only relatively. While the Cayenne has been with us since the early 2000s, the Model X didn't arrive until 2015 — but that means we've had about five years to savor the X, in all its falcon-winged glory.

I recently drove two different versions of the Cayenne: the Turbo and the new Coupé, a fastback take on the SUV form.

I drove the Model X not long after it debuted, and then a few years back when I took it on a 700-mile family road trip. I followed that up yet another couple of days behind the wheel.

Both vehicles are great. But one is better. Read on to see which SUV wins this comparison:

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Up first is the Model X, probably the most flamboyantly high-tech SUV ever made. It debuted in 2015 with dramatic, upswinging "falcon-wing" doors.

Tesla Model X. Tesla

I've driven it several times. The pricing has moved around over the years, but at the moment, you can choose from two trim levels, before adding extras: the $85,000 Long Range Plus and the $105,000 Performance.

Tesla Model X. Matthew DeBord/BI

I've driven it several times. The pricing has moved around over the years, but at the moment, you can choose from two trim levels, before adding extras: the $85,000 Long Range Plus and the $105,000 Performance.

Both current trim levels have a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive system.

Tesla Model X. Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider

About those doors: They've been a one-off for Teslas. The engineering delayed the Model X's market arrival. Although they're quite cool, they're also tricky to build.

Tesla Model X. Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider

But they make getting into and out of the rear seats very easy. Still, Tesla isn't planning any new falcon-winged vehicles.

Tesla Model X. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

The Model X's design is consistent with the company's view that an electric vehicle look sleek, striking, and futuristic — but not too crazy. The Model X's aesthetic has held up nicely for five years, but it's probably Tesla's least attractive platform.

Tesla Model X. Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider

The Model X's design is consistent with the company's view that an electric vehicle look sleek, striking, and futuristic — but not too crazy. The Model X's aesthetic has held up nicely for five years, but it's probably Tesla's least attractive platform.

On the outside, anyway. The interior is simply awesome, especially if you opt for the white simulated leather treatment.

Tesla Model X. Matthew DeBord/BI

After some difficulties with the original rear seats, Tesla decided to make them itself. They might appear to be rather simple, but they're genuinely comfortable and supportive. The white upholstery is also surprisingly durable.

Tesla Model X. Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider

After some difficulties with the original rear seats, Tesla decided to make them itself. They might appear to be rather simple, but they're genuinely comfortable and supportive. The white upholstery is also surprisingly durable.

A third row is available, but because the Model X is essentially a midsize SUV, these seats are extremely cramped.

Tesla Model X. Matthew DeBord/BI

Even my youngest kid complained about having to ride back there on a long road trip.

Matthew DeBord/BI

The Model X's cargo capacity is impressive. Drop the second row and you have 88 cubic feet to play with. But even with the second row in business and half the third row occupied, I managed to cram enough gear in there to cover five people's needs for a weekend.

Tesla Model X. Matthew DeBord/BI

The Model X's cargo capacity is impressive. Drop the second row and you have 88 cubic feet to play with. But even with the second row in business and half the third row occupied, I managed to cram enough gear in there to cover five people's needs for a weekend.

The large front trunk, or "frunk," took care of the overflow.

Tesla Model X. Matthew DeBord/BI

The Long Range Model X gives up some performance to deliver 351 miles of range; but the quick trim still gives you 305 miles.

Tesla Model X. Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider

The Tesla infotainment system, which runs on a massive central touchscreen, can use its GPS navigation to plot a course, "island hopping" from Supercharger to Supercharger — that's Tesla's nationwide fast-charging network — so that you don't have to recharge to full at every stop.

The center touchscreen in the Tesla Model X. Matthew DeBord/BI

The Tesla infotainment system, which runs on a massive central touchscreen, can use its GPS navigation to plot a course, "island hopping" from Supercharger to Supercharger — that's Tesla's nationwide fast-charging network — so that you don't have to recharge to full at every stop.

On one of my trips, I pulled into a Sheetz to fill up on electrons.

Matthew DeBord/BI

Model X ownership requires patience. My recharge sessions lasted anywhere from about 20 minutes to an hour. Level 2 charging at 240 volts is much slower, and trickle charging using the Model X's own cable gets you about a mile per hour.

Matthew DeBord/BI

Model X ownership requires patience. My recharge sessions lasted anywhere from about 20 minutes to an hour. Level 2 charging at 240 volts is much slower, and trickle charging using the Model X's own cable gets you about a mile per hour.

The Model X I was driving at the time had a large, 100-kilowatt-hour battery. Right now, you can get a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds from the Long Range Plus, and 2.6 from the Performance.

Tesla Model X. Matthew DeBord/BI

The Model X I was driving at the time had a large, 100-kilowatt-hour battery. Right now, you can get a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds from the Long Range Plus, and 2.6 from the Performance.

Interior storage for the Model X is fantastic. You have cubbies, reconfigurable cupholders, and thanks to the lack of a gas powertrain, all kinds of legroom.

Tesla Model X. Matthew DeBord/BI

The infotainment system is stunning. Many vehicle functions are managed through it, so you have to ascend a learning curve. But it covers all the bases and them some, including the usual Bluetooth device-pairing and USB connectivity, but also a stellar, Tesla-designed audio system.

Tesla Model X. Matthew DeBord/BI

The infotainment system is stunning. Many vehicle functions are managed through it, so you have to ascend a learning curve. But it covers all the bases and them some, including the usual Bluetooth device-pairing and USB connectivity, but also a stellar, Tesla-designed audio system.

The Tesla mobile app is also superb. It's useful for everything from pre-cooling or -heating the interior to monitoring charging.

A screenshot of the Tesla mobile app. Matthew DeBord/BI

Immediately after its launch, the Model X joined an elite cadre of SUVs — the best of the best. And in many ways, it set a new standard. In fact, I think it has but one real competitor ...

Tesla Model X. Matthew DeBord/BI

Immediately after its launch, the Model X joined an elite cadre of SUVs — the best of the best. And in many ways, it set a new standard. In fact, I think it has but one real competitor ...