“It's like buying a piece of the future I remain excited to drive places even months and months after purchase. Despite luxury features, however, it is not a luxury car: service is fairly spartan, and the lack of attention to detail will likely upset you if you expect it.”
2016 Tesla Model X: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 13, 2026
The 2016 Tesla Model X was an all-new model and Tesla’s first SUV. Its headline change was the launch of a family-sized electric vehicle with standard dual-motor AWD, Falcon Wing rear doors, and a touchscreen-centered cabin.
About the 2016 Tesla Model X
Original-generation Model X, first full model year (2016 launch year; original 2015–2020 design)
Tesla positioned the Model X as an electric family SUV without the usual trade-off between space and speed. Its low-mounted battery supports stable handling, dual motors provide AWD, and the front trunk adds cargo space. Falcon Wing rear doors and a large central touchscreen create its distinctive identity, while strong original driving range and fast-charging support make it more practical for longer trips than most electric vehicles of its era.
The 2016 lineup ranged from the shorter-range 60D to the range-focused 90D and high-performance P90D and P100D. Every version paired dual-motor AWD with a 17-inch touchscreen and Falcon Wing rear doors, while upper trims added height-adjustable air suspension. The P100D stood out with a 100-kWh battery, a 289-mile original EPA rating, and acceleration to 60 mph in about 2.9 seconds.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The Model X launched with an all-electric, dual-motor AWD system and a single-speed drive. The 2016 range spanned the software-limited 60D through the 100-kWh P100D, with regular and high-performance versions.
Styling
The all-new SUV body introduced a large panoramic windshield and powered, sensor-controlled Falcon Wing rear doors.
Safety
The new design placed the battery beneath the passenger compartment and included collision-warning hardware across the lineup.
Tech
A 17-inch central touchscreen handled navigation and many vehicle controls. Version 8.0 software upgraded navigation and audio functions during the year.
Structural
Tesla created a new SUV structure derived from the Model S architecture, with the battery mounted low beneath the cabin.
2016 Tesla Model X specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | Dual AC Electric Motors | Dual AC Electric Motors | Dual AC Electric Motors | Dual AC ElectricMotors HP | Dual AC ElectricMotors HP | Dual AC Electric Motors, High Performance Rear |
| Transmission | Single-Speed Fixed Gear | Single-Speed Fixed Gear | Single-Speed Fixed Gear | Single-Speed Fixed Gear | Single-Speed Fixed Gear | Single-Speed Fixed Gear |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Electric | Electric | Electric | Electric | Electric | Electric |
| Horsepower | 328 hp | 328 hp | 417 hp | 463 hp | 463 hp | 463 hp |
| Torque | 387 lb-ft | 387 lb-ft | 485 lb-ft | 612 lb-ft | 612 lb-ft | 612 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 5000 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 77 cu-ft | 77 cu-ft | 77 cu-ft | 77 cu-ft | 77 cu-ft | 77 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 32.7 in | 32.7 in | 32.7 in | 32.7 in | 32.7 in | 32.7 in |
| Seats | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Electric Range | 238 | 238 | 257 | 250 | 250 | 250 |
| MPGe Combined | 98 | 92 | 89 | 89 | 89 | |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||||
| Alarm System | ||||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||||
| Active Lane Keep Assistance | ||||||
| Park Assist | ||||||
| 360 Camera | ||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||
| LED Headlights | ||||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||
| Third Row Seat | ||||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2016 Tesla Model X an all-new vehicle?
Yes. The 2016 Model X was Tesla’s all-new electric SUV and the first full model year of the original design. It launched with dual-motor AWD, Falcon Wing rear doors, a panoramic windshield, and a large central touchscreen.
Did every 2016 Tesla Model X have all-wheel drive?
Yes. Every 2016 Model X version used two electric motors to provide AWD through a single-speed drive system.
Which 2016 Model X version had the longest original EPA range?
The P100D had the longest original EPA rating in the 2016 lineup at 289 miles. The 90D was the range-focused non-performance version, with an original EPA rating of 257 miles.
What made the 2016 Model X P100D different?
The 2016 P100D combined a 100-kWh battery with a high-output dual-motor AWD system and standard Ludicrous acceleration. Tesla claimed a 0-to-60-mph time of about 2.9 seconds, making it the quickest Model X of the year.
Did the 2016 Model X receive a software update during the year?
Yes. Version 8.0 software upgraded navigation and audio functions across the Model X fleet during 2016.
2016 Tesla Model X Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 Tesla Model X.
4.7
2016 Tesla Model X
(99 reviews)
“Get it!! It's amazing. It's like driving the future! Be aware of loss of range in cold weather.”
“Tesla is a super fun car to drive and I love not having to put gas in it, ever :)”