I drove a Tesla Model X

The first impression was that I was being part of science fiction.

1. My friend came to pick me up. The front door opened automatically for me and most importantly, it closed too. The driver can completely operate, not just lock/unlock, all the doors. Nice.
2. Later I got to drive the car. The digital instrument cluster has integrated navigation also showing speed limits. It also shows the car sensing the road and other vehicles around (Computer vision) giving the impression that it’s completely self-drive capable. Very nice.
3. The panoramic windshield - nice touch.
4. The huge touch screen showing a map on the first half and a music player on the second half can control almost everything in the car. Interesting.
5. That insane pickup - oh my stomach was constantly having that sinking feeling you get when on a roller coaster.
6. Auto Pilot was freakishly awesome. The car stays in the lane and speeds up or slows down based on what’s in front of it. Just put on the turn indicators and the car will wait for an opening and switch lanes. The steering wheel turns automatically! It’s really awesome.
   Btw Auto Pilot works well only on highways. We did try it on the curvy Pacific Coast highway. But it once skipped taking a turn and drove straight into a truck coming from the other side. We didn't take more risks. It should be used more like a smart cruise control on straight roads.
7. I wouldn't call the interiors plush, as one would expect from an expensive car. Didn't like it.

Falcon Wing doors have problems

The USP of falcon wing doors is that it provides wide openings for parents to comfortably buckle children in, without straining or bumping their child’s head on the roof. This is true, but my friend’s kid, after he was buckled in, pressed the button to the close the door. The door came down and hit the mother’s head. Yes they should have switched on child lock but I think it’s a flaw. The door should have sensed that there is someone standing below and should not have closed.

The same issue can happen when someone is getting out from the front door and the falcon wing opening at the same time. I also banged on the falcon wing as I was walking past the car and my over-enthusiastic friend opened it for me from inside. Later I told him to not operate the doors from inside and that I’ll manage myself. I also made a pact with my other friend who was sitting in the front that I would open the falcon wing only after he gets out and reaches a safe spot away from the car.

I also found opening the doors from outside a bit confusing. The push button door handles are too minimalistic that they don’t have proper affordance to intuitively know where exactly to press. I was always getting it wrong.

Later when the car pulled up at a crowded parking lot the falcon wing wouldn't open as it was a bit close to another car. The regular front door opened without a problem. The falcon wings also attract unwanted attention when you park and get out.

Overall, it was a great experience but getting in and out of a Model X is a bit of a song and dance.