The "fast" label could have been more than enough, but when Consumer Reports labeled Tesla Motors' latest vehicle, Model X, it came with a rather direct dig at the leading electric car manufacturer. According to the authority magazine, the super-hyped sports utility vehicle is "fast" and at the same time "flawed."
The report, which was published several days ago, also said that this year's Model X, with an all-wheel drive convenience, disappoints, naming several design flaws that include the rear doors that seem to be prone to pausing and the seats at the back that don't have a folding option. Also, the magazine did not hold back in saying that the cargo capacity is compromised due to the seats' inability to fold.
But the same report did say that the SUV has some good points, including a very fancy canopy windshield design that looks more like a windshield of a fighter plane. The automatic parking function was also mentioned, including the obvious benefits of having power front doors.
While there is little influence that authority reviews like that of Consumer Reports have over buyer preference and decision-making, it does give a huge blow to the advertising and marketing aspect, especially since the U.S. market has become a hotbed for SUVs and luxury cars that are venturing into all-electric models.
But if one has to doubt the magazine's impartiality, it is worthy of mention that the same publication actually made a review of Tesla's Model S sedan last year, in which it gave the all-electric vehicle a score of 103 out of 100, obviously suggesting that the car is way above expectations.
For the moment, there's no telling how this review will affect buyer decisions, but one thing is for sure: this same car will get more favorable reviews on the way.
