Tesla Motors launches Model X as world's first luxury electric SUV [PHOTOS]

American luxury electric car maker Tesla Motors has launched Model X, considered the 'world's first luxury electric SUV', at an event held outside its Fremont, California factory on Tuesday.

The Silicon Valley-based automaker also handed six customers the keys.

The prototype was initially unveiled at Tesla's design studios in Los Angeles on 9 February , 2012 and the SUV has been developed from the full-size sedan platform of the Tesla Model S.

The Tesla Model X has a rounded design which is cohesive from every angle. The stand out feature in the exterior is the falcon doors. This is the same door we are familiar with the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG's gull wing doors which need a lot of space to open. However, Tesla has addressed the issue by double-hinging the doors, and fitting each with an ultrasonic sensor on the roof. The sensors scan the available area around the vehicle, adjust the stretching of doors and open accordingly.

Another feature of the SUV is the large windshield that reaches up to the roof of the vehicle. The solar tinted with UV protection windshield ensures better visibility for passengers inside.

The Model X is available in six and seven seater versions in three-row seat layout. The seats have under storage area and third row can be folded flat when not in use freeing up more space. The seats are available in white, tan and black leather seat options.

The Model X comes in two variants P90D and 90D, both in all wheel drive format. Both the variants come with 413km range with top speed of 250kmph. The 90D variant is powered by electric motor developing 259hp of power transmitted to front and rear wheels that can run from 0 to 96.5kmph in 4.8 seconds.

The P90D version uses 503hp motor to the rear wheels and the same 259 hp motor to the front wheels and can run to 96.5kmph in 3.8 seconds. With the Ludicrous Speed Upgrade added, the P90D variant runs to 96.5kmph in just 3.2 seconds. To put it in perspective, the recently launched Bentley Bentayga, which is touted as the fastest SUV in the world, needs 4.1 seconds to reach 100kmph with its mighty 6.0-litre W12 engine developing 600bhp. The Tesla Model X gains this high speed with the instant torque available with the electric-powered vehicles.

The Model X comes with safety features such as floor-mounted battery that lowers the centre of gravity so that the risk of rollover is minimal. In the absence of the forced induction engine, the front trunk acts as an impact-absorbing crumple zone. Additionally, it comes with automatic emergency braking, parking sensors and an eight year, infinite mile battery and drive unit warranty.