While strolling through the mall, the salesperson was incredibly enthusiastic, telling me it’s okay if I don’t buy anything and encouraging me to give it a try, so I decided to take it for a spin.

First, looking at the exterior, the Model X Plaid looks almost identical to the older Model X, except for the removal of the “model x” badge and the addition of a plaid pattern in the lower right corner. I can assure you that out of ten Model X owners, nine wouldn’t notice that this is the new version when driving on the street.

However, what’s unique is its massive front windshield that extends all the way to the roof, providing an incredibly open view for the driver. This spacious feeling is something the Model 3/Y can’t compare to.

In terms of driving experience, I must say this car is truly amazing. Acceleration feels like riding a rocket, going from 0 to 100 in the blink of an eye. When I tried it, I could only use the Comfort mode, but I’ve heard the Sport and Ludicrous modes are even more intense. The car’s handling is also great; a slight turn of the steering wheel results in immediate response, making it feel like an extension of your body. I believe this car is designed for those who enjoy driving and can easily get addicted to it.

However, there are some aspects of the car that didn’t sit well with me. The first is the brakes; while they can stop the car quickly, you don’t feel much feedback when you press the pedal, it’s like stepping on cotton. I think Tesla should make the braking more responsive to instill confidence in the driver.

The Model X Plaid comes with a lot of cutting-edge technology, but some features were not activated in the test drive vehicle.

For example, the automatic gear shifting function, which can autonomously determine whether to go forward or backward and switch between Drive and Reverse. This cool feature will be activated through over-the-air updates in the future. Currently, you can only shift gears on the screen by swiping up for forward and down for reverse, which seems contradictory to the traditional gear lever logic.

Regarding the yoke steering wheel, it looks cool but is cumbersome to use. Firstly, it’s too large and uncomfortable to grip. Secondly, it lacks upper and lower ends, forcing you to use the ten and two o’clock hand positions when turning, which restricts your hand movements. Additionally, it integrates the turn signals and high-beam buttons, making them easy to accidentally trigger or hard to find. I think Tesla should offer users the option of a traditional steering wheel or at least make the yoke steering wheel more compact.

Lastly, regarding the interior materials and design, while the Model X Plaid’s interior style is sleek with its beige seats complemented by carbon fiber trim on the center console and armrest, it could use higher-quality materials for a luxury vehicle priced over a million. This includes the plastic on the center console, leather and stitching on the seats, and switches and armrests on the door panels. I believe Tesla should invest more thought and cost into interior materials, perhaps offering optional upgrades to better align with the high-end positioning and quality.

Apart from these shortcomings, there are some commendable aspects of the car. For instance, in terms of space, the car is very spacious and comfortable, with seating configurations available for 2+3, 2+2+2, or 2+3+2, accommodating up to seven people. The second-row seats are electrically adjustable in terms of angle and position, and they come with heating functions. Even with five seats in use, the trunk is spacious enough to hold a lot of luggage or other items.

In the front seats, there are multifunction seats that offer excellent comfort and support. These seats are suitable not only for long-distance travel but also for city driving and high-performance driving.

Speaking of the range, the test drive car had 22-inch wheels and displayed a range of 501 kilometers. The salesperson mentioned that opting for 20-inch wheels would significantly improve the range.

Lastly, in terms of infotainment, the car’s infotainment system is highly intelligent and powerful. It features a 17-inch touchscreen that provides various functions, including navigation, music, video, games, and more. It also comes with Tesla’s latest autonomous driving system, capable of self-driving and obstacle avoidance, among other functions. The vehicle can receive software updates via the internet to keep it up to date.

In conclusion, the Tesla Model X Plaid excels in terms of power performance, smart technology, and eco-friendly energy efficiency. However, it does have some shortcomings, such as the braking system, yoke steering wheel, and interior materials. I believe this car is more suitable for those who enjoy trying new things and seek an extreme driving experience, rather than those who prioritize comfort and practicality. Personally, I wouldn’t choose to buy this car because it doesn’t align with my driving habits and aesthetic preferences.