2016 Tesla Model X is Fast, Expensive and Arrives Sept. 29

If you ever wanted to leave an Audi R8 in the dust while your kids in the third row slurp juice boxes, the 2016 Tesla Model X is your improbable answer. Granted, it's not so improbable if you already knew about the outrageous Model S P85D, which the all-wheel-drive Model X essentially puts in SUV shoes. With its Ludicrous Speed upgrade, Tesla's people-hauler will outrun many exotics, let alone any SUVs.

Related: 2015 Tesla Model S P85D: First Drive

The wait is nearly over. Tesla's electric SUV, complete with seating for up to seven and gull-wing doors to the second row, will roll off the automaker's Fremont, Calif., assembly plant to its first customers on Sept. 29. That's according to a tweet Wednesday from Tesla CEO Elon Musk.

Naturally, those customers pre-ordered their Model X long ago. Put in a reservation today and Tesla estimates you won't get yours until early 2016.

On Tuesday, InsideEVs.com tracked down a private microsite that Tesla opened for early reservations on the Model X. A lot of details emerged:

• The initial layout, at least for now, is a 90-kilowatt-hour battery pack that gives the Model X 240 miles of EPA-estimated range, a top speed of 155 mph and a zero-to-60-mph time of just 3.8 seconds.
• Standard equipment on the Model X includes the upward-opening Falcon Wing rear doors, an automatic rear spoiler, a navigation system in the dashboard's massive touch-screen, blind spot warning system, automatic emergency braking and a keyless access system.
• The uplevel Signature Series adds Tesla's Autopilot self-parking and semi-autonomous highway steering system, an air suspension, a premium stereo, a power tailgate, climate-controlled leather seats and a two-position third row. It starts at $133,200, including destination and doc fees.
• Tack on a $1,000 Subzero Weather Package, which includes a heated steering wheel and seat heaters in all three rows, plus a $750 Tow Package (5,000 pounds maximum) and the $10,000 Ludicrous Speed upgrade, and the Model X Signature Series tops out at $144,950.
• The "Spaceballs"-themed Ludicrous Speed upgrade enables the Model X to hit 60 mph in 3.2 seconds en route to just 11.7 seconds through the quarter mile. That's a few ticks slower than the Model S P85D's Ludicrous Speed, but it's head and shoulders above other pricey SUVs. The Porsche Cayenne Turbo S (3.8 seconds to 60 mph), Mercedes-AMG GLE63 S (4.2 seconds), BMW X5 M (4.0 seconds) are no match, according to their manufacturer-estimated times.

Tesla spokeswoman Khobi Brooklyn told Cars.com today that Inside EVs' report "looks correct" and the automaker is, indeed, allowing Model X reservation holders to build their cars. Brooklyn also confirmed that the Model X will be a 2016 model.

Tesla Model X concept; Manufacturer image

It's unclear how much lesser Model X trim levels will cost, but Musk tweeted Wednesday that the SUV is $5,000 more than a similarly equipped Model S "due to greater size [and] body complexity," and the Signature Series "is fully loaded, hence [the] high price."

The least expensive Model S with all-wheel drive and the 90-kwh battery starts at $89,200 including destination and doc fees. If Musk's tweet pans out, that means a 90-kwh Model X could start in the mid-$90,000s before any tax incentives. A smaller battery pack could drive the price lower, but time will tell.

Speaking of time, it will be about two years before we see the more affordable Model 3. That's according to another Musk tweet on Wednesday.