2016 Tesla Model X Priced From $81,200; All Versions Can Be Ordered Now

Order books are now open for all versions of the Tesla Model X electric crossover, which will start at $81,200.

That includes a $1,200 destination charge, but does not include any Federal, state, or local incentives that might be applied to a purchase.

Tesla delivered a handful of Model X vehicles at the end of September in a highly-publicized event at its factory in Fremont, California.

But these were all special, fully-loaded P90D Signature Series models--with all available options, and the largest battery pack--priced from $135,000.

Now, Tesla says it is beginning "general production," meaning it will fill out the lineup with lower-level 70D and 90D variants.

The rule of thumb is that Model X variants will be priced $5,000 above comparable Model S sedans.

Tesla Model X online configurator

Since Tesla's dual-motor all-wheel drive system is standard on the Model X, in this case "comparable" refers to all-wheel drive versions of the Model S.

Hence the $80,000 base price for the Model X 70D. It's $5,000 more than the $75,000 base price of the Model S 70D (the rear-wheel drive Model S 70 starts at $70,000).

Note that higher-level Model X variants come standard with the 90-kilowatt-hour battery pack that is a $3,000 option on the Model S, which still comes standard with an 85-kWh pack.

Of course, the bigger, heavier crossover sacrifices some performance to the sedan.

2016 Tesla Model X

Range is estimated at 220 miles for the Model X 70D, 257 miles for the 90D, and 250 miles for the P90D.

That's compared to 240 miles, 270 miles, and 253 miles for the Model S 70D, 90D, and P90D, respectively.

The Model X 70D will go 0 to 60 mph in 6.0 seconds, while the 90D and P90D take 4.8 seconds and 3.8 seconds, respectively.

Model S 70D takes just 5.2 seconds to hit 60 mph; the 90D takes 4.2 seconds, and the P90D takes 3.1 seconds.

2016 Tesla Model X

The optional "Ludicrous mode" performance option for the P90D shaves the 0 to 60 mph time down to 3.2 seconds for the Model X, and 2.8 seconds for the Model S.

Top speeds don't differ between body styles, though. Vehicles with the 70-kWh battery pack can reach 140 mph, while vehicles with the 90-kWh pack can reach 155 mph.

Seating for five is standard on the Model X. A six-seat option costs $3,000, and seating for seven adds $4,000.

Tesla's Autopilot autonomous system is also available, as a $2,500 option.

P90D models will be delivered first, beginning in early 2016. Other variants will be delivered later in the year.