robby
Member
IMO Tesla should design function first, form second.
The first generation Honda Odyssey minivan came with four standard swing doors. Honda spent weeks at the Disneyland parking lot viewing how people entered and exited their 2nd and 3rd rows of seating of compeditors' vehicles, and determined that the standard swing doors were best. They had a change of heart. The 2nd generation and thereafter all have sliding doors.
If Tesla concludes from their design and research that the falcon wing doors are the best option, given all factors and conditions (opened in driving rain, with 10" of snow on the top, ease of operation, how quickly one can get in and out, access to the 3rd row, etc), then so be it. If after extensive review it is determined that the falcon wing doors form will compromise function overall, then scrap them. Note the lack of conventional roof rack is already a function issue, not possible with the falcon doors.
Current ride: Honda Pilot (four swing doors plus rear lift door, seats 8 standard).
Model X will be my future ride, 2016 model (to purchase in 2020 after four year trade-in lease from Tesla). Can you say "delayed gratification"?
Tesla's head of product said there are no function sacrifices and specifically addressed that they have a workaround for the roof rack. My guess is it will support a roof rack with a single hinge opening requiring more horizontal space but we will have to wait and see what the exact solution is.