Payne: Back to the future in the 2017 Tesla Model X P100D

Posted by Talbot Payne on October 22, 2026

The 2017 Tesla Model X P100D can't fly like the Tesla Roadster - but it has wings.

The 2017 Tesla Model X P100D can’t fly like the Tesla Roadster – but it has wings.

Henry Payne, The Detroit News

Richmond, Virginia — Before Tesla made the flying Roadster or autonomous Robotaxi or sci-fi Cybertruck, there was the three-row Model X.

With Falcon (gull-wing) doors, self-driving software, Model Xmas dance feature, and Ludicrous Mode acceleration, Tesla’s first SUV was a fun, innovative sensation.

And then it was gone.

As Tesla retools to build Optimus robots in its Fremont, California, factory, the OG Model X and sister Model S sedan have handed in their brand halos to the rad Roadster and gold Robotaxi. But X is still X-traordinary.

And cheap. Really cheap. At $145K new in 2017, my top-trim P100D Turo tester has 92,000 miles and can be found on used car sites for just $25K-35K. With a red key fob in my pocket, I walked up to the red Tesla at Richmond International Airport, and the driver’s door swung open to greet me.

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