The 2023 Tesla Roadster is expected to carry a price tag that exceeds $200,000, a far cry from the $44,990 starting price for the 2022 Tesla Model 3 EV. Yet, for now, the most expensive Tesla electric vehicle model on the market is the 2022 Tesla Model X, which has a hefty sticker price of $109,690. Meanwhile, the Plaid trim level of the Model X, with enhanced quality and performance perks, starts at a jaw-dropping $133,690.

Some electric car fans and potential EV customers are starting to wonder if the high cost of the 2022 Model X is worth it. They can’t help but think they may be better off going for a cheaper Tesla or maybe even a different EV brand altogether. So, let’s take a look and see if the 2022 Tesla Model X edition is really worth $100K.

How much does the 2022 Tesla Model X cost?

Despite the astronomical starting price, Car and Driver gave the Tesla Model X an overall score of 6.5 out of 10. Ranking it at the bottom of the luxury EV class, they said, “Although its driving range and its acceleration performance are both mighty impressive, the Model X’s interior lacks the panache we expect of a six-figure luxury SUV.”

The Model X comes standard with two electric motors that generate 670 horsepower. The Plaid trim utilizes three motors that give it the ability to hit 0 to 60 mph in 2.5 seconds with a blistering 1,020 horsepower performance capability. The tri-motor all-wheel drivetrain allows for a top speed of 163 mph.

There is ample seating for five passengers in the standard model, with an option for a three-row model with captain’s chairs that can fit six or seven adult occupants comfortably. Cargo space is also generous, with 91 cubic feet, making it one of the largest in the electric SUV class, with the third-row rear bench capable of folding down for added room. The front trunk and rear under-floor storage also provide unique cargo-carrying capacity options.

Interior features include a 17-inch responsive touch screen with a second-row display for passengers. Drivers will enjoy the 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, keyless entry, automatic climate control, and Tesla’s Autopilot system.

Active safety features include forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, lane keep assist, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree surround-view camera system.

The 2022 Tesla Model X Plaid version goes for more than $120K

The 2022 Tesla Model X Plaid version has an estimated range of 310 to 335 miles, which varies with wheel and seating selection. It takes about 15 minutes to add approximately 175 miles to the electric vehicle’s range utilizing Tesla’s Supercharger network. A 110V Mobile Connector Bundle is standard for quick charging but can be upgraded to a 220V Tesla Wall Connector for home charging.

A Sentry Mode camera system protects the vehicle from the risk of theft, and the Falcon Wing Doors automatically open for the driver as he approaches. The front trunk and rear liftgate are controlled by either the Tesla mobile app or the center console display inside the vehicle.

InsideEVs reported that the Model X Plaid is worth the exorbitant price, saying that Throttle House called it the “least expensive way to get the ultimate SUV.”

A look at the electric SUV competition

Rivals of the 2022 Tesla Model X all-electric luxury compact SUV include the Audi e-tron, Jaguar I-Pace, and Volvo XC90 Recharge. The Car Connection ranks the Jaguar I-Pace highest, saying that with “prestige, performance, and a practical body – it hits the current EV target, head on.”

The award-winning Audi e-tron has a starting price of $65,900 and receives better ratings, making it a wiser choice for the average consumer. The BMW iX, while more in line with the cost of the Tesla Model X, has an MSRP of $106,095 but ranks higher in consumer satisfaction and performance ratings.

While the 2022 Model X is a fantastic electric luxury SUV overall, the price may scare away most buyers with a lot more affordable options to choose from in a growing class.