I configured the Model X at the start of the week (P90D, autopilot, midnight over black) and have the following questions I'd like to resolve before the "pending" period elapses (November 30th) even though I imagine production is not imminent, I am especially concerned about rear air conditioning (we have a dog passenger for the third row.) I'm interested in making a fully informed decision on when to order the Model X and what to expect in the initial ownership experience.
Perhaps there's a FAQ or other resources I've not found. I'm sure you (Tesla enthusiasts) or Tesla (designers, engineers, product folks) have thought through all these ideas, so I don't want to give the impression I think I'm bringing eye-opening product feature requests to light.
Well, that list grew! I think that's everything for now.
Given that it will presumably be weeks and months, I'm not sure why I'm being asked to lock in the order spec within a few days, but I assume there's really not much I can do other than make an informed decision on rear air conditioning and the (who ever thought this would become such a complex issue?) seating configurations.
Of course if there are hidden options or upgrades, I want to know.
Perhaps there's a FAQ or other resources I've not found. I'm sure you (Tesla enthusiasts) or Tesla (designers, engineers, product folks) have thought through all these ideas, so I don't want to give the impression I think I'm bringing eye-opening product feature requests to light.
- Seats $2500. It seems that all seats (black, tan, white) add $2500 to the base price. Is there a seat option that doesn't add to the P90D price?
- Rear air-conditioning. I definitely want rear air-conditioning, but I don't need the 3rd row seats. Please advise on how to order this configuration.
- Cabin and seat configurations.
- Do the seats for the six seat configuration ("captain's" chairs) different from the two outboard position seats of the second row in seven-seat configuration? (are there armrests, different bolsters, ventilation or other changes?)
- Captains Chairs. Is it possible to configure the car to have four seats? Most trips, there's only two of us, and the longer space between the seats would be more useful than a "middle" seat for us. I also need to be sure of rear air conditioning being included.
- Removable seats. Is there any configuration in which the second or third row seats (especially the second row middle seat) can be removed and reinstalled (even if done as a service at one of your service facilities)? I think my ideal configuration is the five seat, but with the middle seat normally removed and sitting in the garage for those occasions when needed. The same would be true for the 3rd row -- if that were a user-removable device, it would be great to have the 7-seater option without carrying the dead weight for 99% of the time.
- Removable forward armrest console. The console between the two front seats is useful, but it would also be handy to make it removable or perhaps slide backwards or forwards to clear a path for the driver and front passenger to move to the second row area without leaving the cabin. This would be great for diaper-change stops or getting changed into ski gear while it's snowing or even parking in a narrow garage and existing by a falcon door when the driver door is obstructed.
- Wheels. Do the 20" Silver Helix Wheels ($2500) offer any advantage other than the different design? Perhaps the standard wheels are cast and the expensive wheels are forged?
- While I'm familiar with "Ludicrous" mode and I've read about an ungraded battery power delivery mechanism in the Model S with the ability to accelerate 0-60 faster, does it involve any other upgrades or changes to the car; does it actually reduce the life of the batteries; is there a mode for optimal range bias instead of optimal acceleration?
- Options not in the configurator. I read there's a 72A charging option (http://www.hybridcars.com/model-x-buyer-finds-hidden-72-amp-on-board-charger-option/) so I'm wondering how to make sure I order with this option, and if there are other options I've not seen. Please advise.
- Cameras. Does the X have 360 "surround" camera views for the driver or just the backup camera? it would be great to have some of those Autopilot cameras available as views for the driver (seeing cross traffic is especially handy at a two-way stop intersection or backing out of angle or 90 degree parking spots or out of our driveway across a pedestrian path.)
- Miscellanous Topics.
- Paint protection film. Does the factory offer the option to cover the car in paint protection film? I'd like to cover the nose, wheel arches, mirrors and rear bumper. Something additional to protect the front and rear bumpers from the "parking taps" that occur in SF would be a useful precaution.
- Windshield protection film. There are now DOT approved windshield protection films. Or so it seems. You tell me. I don't know if there's one long enough to cover the whole of the panoramic front of the X, but I wonder if you've already addressed the issue of a stone chip to the new windshield. Is the replacement cost known? Do insurers like Allstate accept it as no more expensive to replace than say the windshield of a Range Rover? (which is insanely expensive in part because of the brand, and in part because of embedded defroster wiring.)
e.g. http://www.neverfrost.com/#consumer http://www.clearplex.com/pages/about-support-faq http://www.dfisolutions.com/surfaces-we-improve/automotive/
https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/title49/section/393.60
- Snow tires. For the Model S it's possible order Nokian snow tires (which I'd prefer, if possible for the Model X.)
- Android Auto. I imagine this is unrelated to your software, but I wonder if there's any integration or plan to use or connect to Android Auto. I'm keeping my schedule and routes in Google Calendar, Maps and Gmail with Contacts, so a gateway or sync to allow those items to be shared through the Model X would be a significant advantage. Even if I could just do something like create a google account on the Model X as if it were a mobile device and sync those items would be great.
- USB-C. I have recently updated to a Nexus 6P. Will there be a phone cradle suitable for USB-C phones?
- Remote control.
- I read that the Model X "sub zero" has an option to pre-heat (or cool?) the cabin. I assume there are other features already familiar to Model S drivers (remotely cooling the cabin?) but I'm not familiar with the available features.
- Will the Model X be updated to do the unoccupied self-parking demonstrated for the Model S? I see that BMW now offers a key fob to allow the 7 Series to move about with the driver at close range outside the car. Perhaps the Model X could be updated to provide this option. I have a narrow garage in San Francisco where it would be great for the X to plugged in to charge, then roll itself backwards 10-15 feet into a space that's not convenient for normal doors.
- Curious about the details. I have a variety of questions about the features and functionality of the Model X, none of which is a "deal breaker," just curiosity. Perhaps you have an online owner's manual or PDF, a FAQ or other repository of details.
- For example, I see the Model X can remember GPS coordinates to anticipate lifting the nose for going over a curb. I wonder if the X includes user controls to raise and lower the suspension (a "loading" position as low as it can drop, and a "rock crawl" position as high as it can raise itself, "garage" mode to not try to raise itself under a low door) and connect those to GPS coordinates.
- Thinking about off road driving, I assume the X either fully automatically figures out it's in freezing conditions and moving over snow, or there's a manual control to tell the stability and traction control systems about surface conditions.
- It would be great to have a "pulling boat out of the water up a slippery boat ramp" mode.
- I'd also like to be able to select a "low range" imaginary transfer case that changes the throttle action as if the car is "geared" in low range (giving more precise throttle response for moving up and down steep terrain.)
- Is there a hill climb or hill descent control mode?
- Probably most frequently used would be a "San Francisco" suspension mode (potholes, trench plates, tall parking curbs.)
- I intend to tow, usually a small solar boat (under 1000lbs) but also a fully enclosed single axle snowmobile trailer by Triton with brakes. It's big, but very light.
http://distributor.tritontrailers.c...atID=27&SubCatID=44&ModelID=389&info=features
In both cases, the weight distribution of the trailer load is adjusted by moving the boat or snowmobiles over the trailer axle. I have trailer tongue scales, but it would be great if the X could report tongue load and cargo load. Presumably these readings could come off the rear suspension self-leveling system.
Well, that list grew! I think that's everything for now.
Given that it will presumably be weeks and months, I'm not sure why I'm being asked to lock in the order spec within a few days, but I assume there's really not much I can do other than make an informed decision on rear air conditioning and the (who ever thought this would become such a complex issue?) seating configurations.
Of course if there are hidden options or upgrades, I want to know.