Video: Tesla Model X prototype spotted testing in California

Brett Davis

Tesla has been spotted test driving a prototype version of the upcoming Model X, which will be the company’s first SUV and one of the first fully electric SUVs on the market.

Tesla Model X prototype

The prototype is seen here undergoing various testing manoeuvres on a makeshift proving ground, said to be an old army base. You can see some acceleration moves and then some handling work around a circle to see how well it generates lateral g-force.

In terms of specifics on the SUV, no further details have been revealed at this stage. It will be a seven-seat SUV though and Tesla has confirmed it will come electric powertrains similar to what’s offered with the Model S.

The base model will come with a 60kWh battery with dual motors for all-wheel drive, producing 280kW, while the top-spec ‘Performance’ version will come equipped with an 85kWh system producing 508kW. This latter setup should enable the Model X to get very close to the record-breaking Model S P85D sedan which is capable of 0-100km/h in 3.4 seconds.

On its website, the company says the Model X is designed fresh from the ground up, offering the space and functionality of a large SUV with the performance of an electric car. It’s set to hit the market in 2016. Click play below for a preview.

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