The Tesla Model X has certainly made waves in the luxury electric car market. However, since the brand came onto the scene a decade ago, other car makers are hot on their heels with impressive alternatives.
On top of that, while the premium car market has flourished, setbacks within the industry have caused delays. That includes things like the chip shortage and slower production due to the pandemic.
These supply issues mean you might not be able to get hold of the car you want. Or maybe you’re just on the lookout for a car with similar capabilities at a lower price point.
So, what are the alternatives?
Audi e-tron
Audi has a prominent presence in the premium car market. Its introduction to the electric car arena is no exception.
Looks-wise, you get everything you’d expect from the brand name with classic luxury details and aerodynamic design. Inside the car, the Audi e-tron is spacious with generous legroom for everyone. On the dash, Audi has three screens for the high-spec infotainment system, which differs from the Tesla Model X that gives you a slightly different experience with a minimal style and focus on the huge single touchscreen, which makes this car feel a little more uncluttered than the Audi.
Performance comparison
The Audi e-tron has two electric motors that provide around 408hp. The motors sit on the front and rear axle, offering impressive acceleration and four-wheel drive handling. However, 0-62mph is reached in 5.7 seconds, so it’s not the fastest in the luxury car market. Top speed is 124mph.
In comparison, the Model X Plaid pips it to 60mph in an impressive 2.7 seconds and reaches a top speed of 163mph. So, if performance is important to you, this may not be the best option.
Economy comparison
What the e-tron has in style and performance, it unfortunately lacks in range compared to the Tesla Model X. If you drive economically, then its stated range of 252 miles is achievable. However, its counterpart claims a range of over 300 miles (depending on the model).
Charging times are in a similar ballpark (between 30 and 40 minutes) if you’re using fast-charging stations. However, if you’re charging at home, the e-tron takes around nine hours to recharge fully, which is ideal for overnight periods. The Tesla Model X takes about 14 hours.
Price comparison
If you want luxury and comfort alongside high-spec technology and driver assistance features, the Audi e-tron is a cheaper option. For example, leasing deals for the e-tron (standard model) start from £566.99 per month. In contrast, Tesla Model X prices start from £1155.99 per month.
BMW iX
BMW’s recent addition to the electric market is said to rival some of the most popular luxury SUVs available, including the Model X. Styling-wise, it’s very similar to the X1, but the blue accents set it apart to complement the brand’s renowned road presence.
Against Tesla’s more simplistic interior, the BMW iX does have a similar vibe but with more luxury detailing. Again, the dashboard is a big focus of each car, but BMW has incorporated a new Curved Display, which features two large instrument and infotainment screens.
Overall, the cabin is comfortable and spacious, but you don’t have as much storage room compared to the Model X. With the seats down, the iX gives you around 1,750 litres, and the Model X has a roomy 2,487 litres.
Performance comparison
BMW has a couple of battery options, with the standard 70kWh battery claiming 326hp and 0-60mph in around six seconds. Opting for the larger 100kWh battery option gives you an impressive boost to 523hp and 0-60mph in under five seconds. However, both options come out slightly slower than Tesla.
Economy comparison
BMW have incorporated the brand’s fifth generation eDrive technology and all-wheel-drive system to provide further economy. The iX xDrive50 has an impressive claimed range of up to 380 miles. However, iX xDrive40 is around 257 miles, so depending on the model you choose, you could enjoy more miles on one charge than the Tesla can achieve.
Price comparison
Both models of the BMW iX are on an even standing pricewise compared to the Tesla Model X. The range-topper Sport Edition is at the higher end of the monthly price range but has plenty of extras for the money.
Jaguar I-Pace
For a distinct comparison of exterior styling, the Jaguar i-Pace is one of the most similar-looking cars to the Tesla Model X in shape. However, even though this Jaguar is roomy and plenty big enough for four adults with luggage – the Tesla is still on the larger side and boasts more practicality.
Another thing that stands out about the i-Pace is its luxury interior. This is on a different level from the Model X’s simplistic design, as the accents of leather and aluminium bring a sophisticated vibe to the cabin. Tech-wise, the i-Pace has one large portrait touchscreen and three smaller ones in comparison to the Model X’s one large touchscreen.
Performance comparison
One of the Jaguar i-Pace’s notable features is the way it drives like a sports car rather than a family SUV. This model has two electric motors providing 400hp and gives you an impressive 0-60mph in 4.5 seconds. Of course, it’s not as quick off the mark as a Tesla Plaid, but compared to the standard spec Model X, it’s a similar contender.
Economy comparison
While the i-Pace doesn’t have as much range as the Model X, its claimed 298 miles is certainly close enough and ample for everyday driving. However, if you’re charging up at home, it’s on par with the Tesla Model X at around 13-14 hours.
Price comparison
You might be surprised that for its luxury and brand appeal, the Jaguar i-Pace offers a cheaper alternative to the Tesla Model X. Leasing deals start from £825.99 per month, with the range-topper from £944.99 per month.
View Jaguar I-Pace Lease Deals
Mercedes Benz EQC
Another SUV often compared to the Tesla Model X is the Mercedes Benz EQC. While it doesn’t look too much different from the other car maker’s SUVs, it still provides a sleek and roomy option for the driver and passengers.
Storage space is a little smaller than other options such as the Model X and e-tron, but in reality, there’s still plenty of room for luggage, and you can put the seats down if needed.
In the cabin, the EQC has a central display touchscreen and buttons on the steering wheel to scroll through options easily and safely, removing the need to move your hands away from the wheel. Similar to other upmarket SUVs, the interior is stylish and comfortable, which showcases Mercedes’s signature luxury features.
Performance comparison
The Mercedes Benz EQC comes out in a similar field to other SUVs in performance. The model packs an impressive 0-62mph in 4.9 seconds, although this is shy of Tesla’s acceleration. The top speed is 112mph.
Economy comparison
Range-wise, the EQC doesn’t quite hit the mark compared to the Tesla. You get around 255 miles between charges, and using a fast charger still means waiting over an hour for an 80% charge. At home, it’s a similar story to other electric SUVs, with charge times around 13 hours.
Price comparison
For its luxury features and ample performance, the Mercedes Benz sits slightly lower in cost than the Tesla. Leasing deals start at £843.99 per month, with the top-of-the-range models from £914.99 per month.
At a glance
|
Model |
Performance |
Economy |
Price (monthly cost through Leasing Options) |
|
Tesla Model X |
0-60mph – 2.5 secs (Plaid) Top speed: 163mph |
348 miles (est) |
From £1155.99 – 1467.99 |
|
Audi e-Tron |
0.62mph – 5.7 seconds Top speed: 124mph |
252 miles |
From £566.99 - £1269.99 |
|
BMW iX |
0-62mph – 4.6 seconds (iX xDrive50) Top speed: 124mph |
380 miles (iX xDrive50) |
From £959.99 - £1506.99 |
|
Jaguar i-Pace |
0-60mph – 4.5 seconds Top speed: 124mph |
298 miles |
From: £825.99 - £944.99 |
|
Mercedes Benz EQC |
0-62mph – 4.9 seconds Top speed: 112mph |
255 miles |
From £843.99 - £914.99 |
*Prices subject to change
*Performance and economy figures shown are averages and are subject to several factors, including vehicle model, driving conditions, speed and optimum charge rates.
Looking for an alternative to the Tesla Model X? Above, we’ve highlighted some models that offer a similar driving experience and compare closely to performance and range. Not to mention the lower or comparable monthly cost.
Want to find out more? Contact our team on 0161 516 2430 to explore our luxury electric SUV leasing deals.
