It’s a little late, but it’s almost finally here.
When Tesla unveiled a prototype Model X SUV in 2012, it was supposed to hit the market by 2014. Things got delayed some — partly due to the success of the Model S sedan.
On Tuesday, the first Model X SUVs will be delivered to customers.
Tesla will also host an event at its factory in Fremont, California, to show off the final production version.
Probably the biggest engineering challenge is the Model X’s “falcon wing” doors, a feature that some of observers doubted would even make into the production car.
Tesla wanted to create large rear door openings but with doors that could still open in an ordinary parking space. An obvious solution would have been sliding doors, like on a minivan, but Tesla did not want its SUV confused with anything as dull as a minivan.
The Model X’s “falcon wing” doors are hinged at the top like the more familiar “gullwing” doors on those iconic Mercedes-Benz sports cars.
But Tesla’s doors will also be hinged in the middle of the door itself, creating an elbow that allows the door to fold in a bit as it’s raised.
If you want you decide now that you want a Model X, you’re not too late — but you’ll have to wait a while. Cars ordered now will be delivered in about a year or so.