Reviews
Review: Tesla Model X Custom Gold Series Sunshade by HeatShield
Tesla’s Model X boasts an enormous all-glass panoramic windshield that arches from the base of the front windshield to beyond the front seats making for an airy and spacious cabin feel, but with the dramatic effect of an IMAX experience. However, being able to keep the car cool while parked under the sun is quite the challenge, and that couldn’t be more the case here in sunny Southern California
Sure, there’s the Tesla smartphone app which allows you to remotely initiate climate control settings and “pre-cool” the vehicle before entering, but it often takes a good amount of time and energy (literally) to cool the interior temperature down by a few notches.
Enter HeatShield Gold Series Sunshade, custom made specifically for the Tesla Model X and designed to reflect heat and sunlight away from the glass. The manufacturer has created a shade that can be attached by using suction cups to every glass surface of the vehicle. With all of the sunshades installed properly, the Model X interior has a dark blackout effect akin to what you might find inside a home movie theater. The only visible light available is the one that peers through between the outer perimeter of each sunshade and the glass it’s mounted to.
Tesla Model X HeatShield Sunshade
I picked up a complete set of the Model X HeatShield Sunshade from Tesla accessories vendor EVannex. Though the Model X HeatShield sunshade is available as a complete set for $199.75, it can also be purchased separately as follows:
- Windshield HeatShield ($39.95)
- Rear Window HeatShield ($39.95)
- Frontside Windows HeatShield ($39.95)
- Middle row Windows HeatShield ($39.95)
- Sunroof 3-piece HeatShield ($39.95)
Delivery
The sturdy corrugated box used in shipping the HeatShield ensured that parts arrived without damage. Instructions on how to use the Model X Gold Series HeatShield were printed onto stickers that adhered to the sunshade itself. Just like the previous generation Silver Series edition HeatShield which we had a chance to review on a Model S, it takes little know-how to be able to install the Model X Gold Series sunshade. However I was a bit disappointed to learn that this time around there was no cloth storage bag included as part of the Gold Series set. Apparently cloth storage bags for each sunshade were included with the Silver Series HeatShield for Model S so I was expecting them this time as well. I would have used the bags to store HeatShields that were not in use as I couldn’t see myself needing to use every single piece on all occasions.
Installation
Installation was straight forward. Install the HeatShield gold side out. That’s it. All the pieces except for the front windshield use suction cups to secure their position to the glass. The front windshield HeatShield sunshade is held into place by the Model X’s magnetic sun visor.
Total time of install: It took less than 10 minutes to install all 11 individual pieces.
Fit and coverage is fantastic. The HeatShield tucks into all crevices along each window making for a snug fit. I was delighted to find that there was sufficient space for the rear view mirror and the BlackVue dashcam I have mounted directly behind it. I also noticed that the suction cups were strategically positioned on each sunshade to not only be effective in securing it to glass but was balanced in weight.
Putting it to the temperature test
With the help of a digital laser thermometer and the Tesla iOS app, I measured the interior temperatures on three occasions as follows:
Test 1 – Starting point with no HeatShield
The Tesla app showed an initial interior temperature of 84 degrees Fahrenheit (29 C). I parked the Model X in the sun and installed the set of HeatShields to began the test.
Test 2 – 60 minutes with HeatShield installed on Model X
After leaving the car in direct sun for 60 minutes, the interior cabin temperature rose by 8 degrees Fahrenheit to 92 F (33C) according to the Tesla app. However pointing the digital laser thermometer to a hot surface showed the temperature to be fairly on par at 95.9 F.
Now, let’s see what happens when no HeatShield is installed.
Test 3 – 60 minutes with NO HeatShield sunshade
Having cooled the vehicle to the same starting point, I tested the impact on temperature if no HeatShield sunshade was installed. The results were dramatic.
The interior temperature after 60 minutes quickly climbed to a staggering 113 degrees Fahrenheit (45 C) according to the Tesla app and nearly 120 F (49 C) according to the laser thermometer! That’s hot enough to cause first-degree burns.
HeatShield did the job and kept Model X cool from the drought stricken power of the sun. Unlike traditional vehicles, the huge windshield and port windows above the middle row passenger seats gives way to a lot of surface area for the heat and sunlight to penetrate. In this test, there was a 21° differential with and without the HeatShield according to the reading on the Tesla iOS app.
Test 4 – Driving with HeatShield windshield sunshade
I’d like to state that the manufacturer clearly indicates to only use HeatShield in a parked car, however, I decided to test a portion of the HeatShield while embarking on a roadtrip between Los Angeles to San Diego and back. While I love driving with a completely unobstructed view and enjoy the helicopter cockpit-like experience that is unparalleled with any SUV in the market, I used the HeatShield 3-piece sunroof set to get some relief from the sun.
It’s no fun for me nor my passengers when the sun is beating down on you for hours on end while stuck in holiday LA traffic. So I decided to cover just the sunroof and port windows with HeatShield. I figured this could alleviate Model X from working so hard with keeping the interior cabin temperature comfortable and subsequently use less battery to keep the interior cool.
The HeatShield blocked all of the light and UV rays from entering the cabin and it did so without affecting my view of the road or surroundings while driving. Surprisingly, after driving 200 miles, the HeatShield sunroof piece did not budge and was secure to the windshield by the 10 fixed suction cups. For good measure, I also used the magnetic sun visor to keep it locked in place. It didn’t move one bit.
It may look a bit unsightly from the inside but if you look from the outside of the car, you wouldn’t have even noticed anything was there. Rest assure the look of the Model X from the outside is still spectacular.
When not in use, the HeatShield sunshades roll up and have attached velcro straps to keep them in place. They can be stored under the seats or in the lower compartment behind the 3rd row.
Verdict
As much as I tried to find flaws with the HeatShield for Model X in order to “balance out” the review with some good and bad, I honestly couldn’t find anything wrong with the quality of the sunshades or the installation itself. They are made of high quality, sturdy, and reflective materials that apparently have excellent insulating properties. The fitment of the sunshades on the obscure Model X window shapes are a perfect match.
More importantly the HeatShield sunshades kept my Model X interior significantly cooler and without having to use power to do so. It’s a welcome addition to our family’s Model X. We’ve been using the HeatShield on a daily basis and intend to do so throughout this hot summer.
The Tesla Model Y has won U.S. News award for “Best Luxury Electric SUV,” beating out a heavy lineup of worthy battery-powered sport utility vehicles.
The Model Y first was delivered to owners in early 2020 and was the automaker’s answer to the widely-popular crossover SUV sector. A sibling of the first mass-market vehicle the company offered, the Model 3, Tesla’s Model Y has quickly become the company’s best-selling electric car, and that’s saying something considering it is not the most affordable Tesla vehicle and starts at $62,990.
U.S. News recognizes Tesla’s influence in the changing automotive market, identifying that it was likely the catalyst in bringing EVs to mainstream status. Despite the rapid expansion of the EV segment, Tesla has remained at the top of the hill, fending off worthy competitors like Volkswagen, Ford, and General Motors, who have spent decades developing some of the best automotive technology the world has seen. However, Tesla has also managed to stay above tech-focused and savvy automotive startups entering the electric sector, with battery powertrains being their only focus. Rivian and Lucid, two of the most notable names to fit that description, still have not managed to catch up with Tesla.
The Model Y effectively expanded Tesla’s product line to include a new body style. While the Model X has been offered for seven years, the falcon-wing door-equipped SUV is still only produced for sentimental reasons, according to CEO Elon Musk. It also is much more expensive than the Model Y, and starts at $114,990.
Tesla plans to produce Model Ys with both 4680 and 2170 cells at Gigafactory Texas this year
Those who do not quite have the means to spend over $100,000 on an all-electric SUV have plenty of options, but if a consumer is looking for luxury, the Model Y may be the best choice. U.S. News highlights that, while the Model Y does offer less overall cargo and utility room than the Model X, it still boasts many of the same tech features that Tesla has been known to put in its cars. The Model Y has plenty of performance too, and its premier trim level will get you from 0 to 60 MPH in just 3.5 seconds, while still having over 300 miles of range and a 155 MPH top speed.
“Despite the onslaught of new competitors, the Tesla Model Y is one of the most capable and well-rounded luxury electric SUVs that you can buy at the moment,” U.S. News writes. “If you’re in the market, this is an option that’s well-worth a test drive.”
I’d love to hear from you! If you have any comments, concerns, or questions, please email me at joey@teslarati.com. You can also reach me on Twitter @KlenderJoey, or if you have news tips, you can email us at tips@teslarati.com.
The Tesla Model Y has captured Cars.com’s “Best Electric Vehicle of 2022” award, beating out several worthy competitors to be named the best EV of the year.
The Model Y is Tesla’s newest addition to its purchasable fleet of vehicles, and the first all-electric crossover to come out of the Fremont factory in Northern California. Tesla developed the Model Y to be a mass-market vehicle capable of handling a variety of tasks. Not only is the vehicle lightning fast in typical Tesla fashion, but it also packs enough cargo space to give full-sized SUVs something to sweat about. It is truly Tesla’s most well-rounded vehicle, suitable for nearly any lifestyle and at a price point that won’t break the bank.
“Tesla is an electric car innovator, and the Model Y reflects that leadership with its efficiency, charging capability, range, and options,” Cars.com’s synopsis of the Model Y said. “It checks a lot of boxes for consumers who have been considering making the jump to an EV.”
The Tesla Model Y. (Credit: MotorTrend)
EVs are still a small slice of the overall passenger vehicle market in the United States. While EV adoption is continuing to grow at a fast rate, Cars.com says that about a third of active car shoppers are considering an electric vehicle. Additionally, the site stated that occurrences of searching for an EV on Cars.com have doubled in the past year, while inventory levels of EVs have dropped 30 percent since 2021, showing there is plenty of interest from consumers.
The Model Y may be one of the most appealing options for those who are considering switching to an EV from a gas car. Cars.com notes the Model Y’s incredible efficiency, which is paired with 326 miles of EPA-rated range in the Long Range All-Wheel Drive variant. Not only will the Model Y get you to where you need to go in a minimal number of charging stops, but it also gets better with age. The vehicle, like the rest of Tesla’s fleet, receives Over-the-Air software updates to upgrade vehicle capabilities, fix bugs, or increase performance.
The Model Y is also great for those who have a focus on purchasing cars with a focus on American manufacturing. The vehicle was ranked third on the 2021 American-Made Index, trailing its sibling in the Tesla Model 3 and Ford Mustang.
Cars.com’s list is void of the Lucid Air, Rivian R1T, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and Kia EV6. The publication noted demand and production growth of electric vehicles will allow more models to be considered for the award in the future.
I’d love to hear from you! If you have any comments, concerns, or questions, please email me at joey@teslarati.com. You can also reach me on Twitter @KlenderJoey, or if you have news tips, you can email us at tips@teslarati.com.
The Ford Mustang Mach-E has won Consumer Reports‘ award for the Electric Vehicle Top Pick. The Mustang Mach-E displaces the Tesla Model 3, which has held the award for the past two years.
CR credits the Mach-E’s rich heritage with the Mustang brand and its obvious popularity based on sales figures to determine the vehicle was in the running for the top pick. After Ford’s introductory EV, the Mustang Mach-E, solidified its prowess in the electric sector by earning the best Overall Score, which factors road-test score, predicted reliability, owner satisfaction, and safety, Consumer Reports had enough evidence to choose it over Tesla’s mass-market EV.
“Make no mistake, the Model 3 is still a great choice, and Consumer Reports recommends it. It shines with the latest technology, a long range, an impressive charging network, and a driving experience closer to a high-performance sports car than a sedan,” CR said. “But the Mustang Mach-E is also very sporty, plus it’s more practical and easier to live with. The Ford is also quieter and rides better. Both cars have large infotainment center screens, but the Mach-E’s is far easier to operate and doesn’t require multiple steps to activate routine features, such as using the defroster or adjusting the mirrors, as with the Tesla. Also, the Mach-E has an edge when it comes to reliability, according to first-year results in our Annual Auto Surveys of CR members.”
The report notes that the Mach-E is more similar to the Model Y than the Model 3, which is a fact. The two vehicles were the one-two punch in the electric crossover SUV sales figures for the U.S. last year, with the Model Y beating the Mach-E.
Consumer Reports also said the Mustang Mach-E gained two additional points to the vehicle’s Overall Score due to the fact it has an active driving assistance system with an adequate driver monitoring system. Any vehicle that has these features gains two additional points. However, CR did not award Tesla Autopilot the two points because the system “can still be used if the driver is looking away or using a phone, as long as there is at least one hand resting on the steering wheel.”
Tesla activated its cabin-facing driver monitoring system in September as part of software update 2021.32.5. Drivers noted that the system worked adequately, alerting drivers following a brief look away from the road to glance at a cell phone or the floor of the vehicle. However, in CR’s in-house study, the publication stated that GM’s SuperCruise did a better job of monitoring drivers during vehicle operation.
Ford has a lot to be proud of as the Mustang Mach-E was its first crack at an EV, and it went pretty well. Mustang Mach-E sales totaled 27,140 vehicles in 2021, according to Ford. While it was not the best-selling EV crossover last year, it was one of the best, and it made a real splash on the passenger market.
I’d love to hear from you! If you have any comments, concerns, or questions, please email me at joey@teslarati.com. You can also reach me on Twitter @KlenderJoey, or if you have news tips, you can email us at tips@teslarati.com.
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