It’s Thanksgiving week, and like many of you, our family tradition involves a road trip. This time, we’re heading to Las Vegas, but this trip carries a bit of weight. It’s quite possible this is the last long-haul journey our beloved (and, let’s be honest, problematic) Model X Plaid will take with us.
If you’ve been following the saga, you know our buyback was approved. We’re currently waiting on Tesla’s final offer. While our friend Cobra didn’t get a 100% refund on his Cybertruck buyback due to usage fees, we’re hoping for a clean break. But before we say goodbye, we had to put the X through one final test: a family trip to the desert.
The Model X Space Problem: Minivan vs. SUV
One of the biggest lessons from this trip? The Model X six-seater configuration is tight for a family of five. Even with the “frunk” (which minivans don’t have), we found ourselves struggling for space.
- We have to keep one rear seat down just to fit a single giant suitcase.
- Between the cooler, air compressor, and various backpacks, the car was “barely enough” in terms of room.
- If you’re coming from a minivan or a traditional full-sized third-row SUV, be prepared to get very creative with your packing.
The Drive: Wind, Dust, and Efficiency
We left with an 80% state of charge and, as usual, stayed busy running errands right up until the departure. Efficiency is the name of the game for us.
On the way up, we encountered some serious 40 mph crosswinds and dust storms near EddieWorld. For those who follow the tech specs, here is how the Model X Plaid held up:
- Charging at EddieWorld: We maxed out at 150 kW (the rated speed for those specific chargers).
- Vegas Phantom Drain: Parking at the Cosmopolitan was eye-opening. We lost about 7% to 9% of our battery every 24 hours. A big chunk of that goes to Sentry Mode and Cabin Overheat Protection.
- Pro Tip: If you’re heading to Vegas and leaving Sentry Mode on in a busy garage, build in a 10% “buffer” for every day you’re parked.
The Cosmopolitan Experience: First Time Impressions
This was our first stay at the Cosmopolitan since it joined the MGM property group. Being Gold members, we snagged a suite upgrade on the 59th floor.
- The Good: The balcony view is legendary. Watching the Bellagio fountains and the F1 structures from that high up is unbeatable. The Japanese soaking tub was a hit, too.
- The Bad: No dedicated workspace for editing, and the TV system was painfully slow.
- The Verdict: If you don’t have kids, the Cosmo is great. But for a family, the smoke in the casino and limited kid-friendly food options make places like Arya or the non-smoking Park MGM better choices.
Interestingly, the Model X actually proved to be more efficient than my previous road trip in the Model Y. Despite its size and weight, the Plaid powertrain manages energy remarkably well at highway speeds, even when fighting head-winds.
Final Reflections
Driving back from Baker non-stop was a long haul, but the Plaid handled it like a champ. It’s a bittersweet feeling. On one hand, the tech and the speed of the Plaid are unmatched. On the other, the reliability issues that led to the buyback are hard to ignore.
Whether this is the last trip or not, it was a Thanksgiving to remember. From Korean BBQ in Chinatown to the stunning Christmas displays at the Bellagio Conservatory, Vegas never disappoints.
