This topic has come up several times and nobody has done a full "360 degree" comparison, so I thought I'd give it a bit of a go. Of course merely commenting on how the 2015 mules look compared to 2012-2013 prototypes. I have no insight into how close or not close to production the mules look like (and there are other threads for that discussion).
Anyway, here is my take on the key differences. On the front, I will use the concept drawing and the unofficial data/rumors it is based on to work around the camo on the mules, so of course a part of this is speculative. I have attached a camoed photo of the nose too.
On the front, the shape of the bonnet is much sharper, the shape of the lights is much bigger than on the Model X prototype, fog lights/diffuser are different, the nose points more forwards, front windows continue past the front door. Also the lower lip and nose is much rounder, instead of the flat nose of the prototype. On the mules, the cross-beam between A pillars is gone, exposing a huge front window. Also in this image we can see how much higher and larger the side windows are on the mule.
On the sides, the falcon wings are shorter, but extend further to the back, front doors don't go as far front but front windows extend past them. The mule rear windows extend far back on the C pillar, compared to the prototype. The mules are also expected to have a shorter wheelbase than the Model X prototype, since the latter apparently had an abnormal (longer than Model S) wheelbase, which would explain also the differences in door sizes and positioning.
On the rear, the presence of an adaptive spoiler instead of a rear lip is of course a big differentiator on the mules. Also since the spoiler is glass (or the like), it makes the rear window seem extending much further down. There is also a new diffuser design and a rounder rear bumper, where the lower portion extends to the painter bumper much higher and more shapely than on the old. The spoiler image also give also a glimpse of the camoed newer rear lights on the mules.
Finally, the falcon wings themselves have a much sleeker design on the mules, compared to the 2012-2013 prototype. This image also shows how the creases of the bonnet have sharpened and how the front door window extends much further forward relative to the door, and also much further downwards on the door, basically straightening and extending the "window sill" line that used to curve up and cut short.
See also:
How has Model X nose changed since 2012 - and has it changed in 2015 mules?
How much has Model X changed: mule (2015) vs. prototype (2012) silhouette
Anyway, here is my take on the key differences. On the front, I will use the concept drawing and the unofficial data/rumors it is based on to work around the camo on the mules, so of course a part of this is speculative. I have attached a camoed photo of the nose too.
On the front, the shape of the bonnet is much sharper, the shape of the lights is much bigger than on the Model X prototype, fog lights/diffuser are different, the nose points more forwards, front windows continue past the front door. Also the lower lip and nose is much rounder, instead of the flat nose of the prototype. On the mules, the cross-beam between A pillars is gone, exposing a huge front window. Also in this image we can see how much higher and larger the side windows are on the mule.
On the sides, the falcon wings are shorter, but extend further to the back, front doors don't go as far front but front windows extend past them. The mule rear windows extend far back on the C pillar, compared to the prototype. The mules are also expected to have a shorter wheelbase than the Model X prototype, since the latter apparently had an abnormal (longer than Model S) wheelbase, which would explain also the differences in door sizes and positioning.
On the rear, the presence of an adaptive spoiler instead of a rear lip is of course a big differentiator on the mules. Also since the spoiler is glass (or the like), it makes the rear window seem extending much further down. There is also a new diffuser design and a rounder rear bumper, where the lower portion extends to the painter bumper much higher and more shapely than on the old. The spoiler image also give also a glimpse of the camoed newer rear lights on the mules.
Finally, the falcon wings themselves have a much sleeker design on the mules, compared to the 2012-2013 prototype. This image also shows how the creases of the bonnet have sharpened and how the front door window extends much further forward relative to the door, and also much further downwards on the door, basically straightening and extending the "window sill" line that used to curve up and cut short.
See also:
How has Model X nose changed since 2012 - and has it changed in 2015 mules?
How much has Model X changed: mule (2015) vs. prototype (2012) silhouette
I agree any percentages are subjective unless we have access to blueprints and can agree to some common metric. I was merely entertaining your question.]Since the vehicle as a whole is slightly different might as well say it's 100%AnxietyRanger said:I think the average non Tesla obsessed person would say they are almost identical, and an overlay of the silhouettes would reflect that. Especially after removing what I expect are lens effects, not to mention camo elements. I'm sticking with a few single digit percentage points.
Instead of percentages - and since mules may not relate quite to this thread - I posted photo comparisons in a new thread. People can calculate their own.
