Elon Musk: The Model X is so advanced we probably shouldn't have built it (TSLA)

AP

Tesla launched its long-awaited Model X SUV this week to great fanfare in the San Francisco Bay Area.

The launch was a big success, well attended by Tesla owners, fans, and the media.

But along the way, Tesla CEO Elon Musk admitted that the Model X's advanced technology caused major delays.

Musk had already claimed that the Model X was "the most difficult car in the world to build."

But at the launch, he went further.

"I'm not sure anyone should have made this car," he said at a press conference just hours before the first Model Xs were delivered to VIP customers.

"We probably should have just [modified the Model S]," he added. "There are so many more features and difficult to build parts on [the Model X] than it is necessary for us to sell the cars."

Generally, Musk spoke proudly of the technological advancements his company's has made in the design and construction of the car.

The Silicon Valley tycoon boasted of the crossover's intuitive automatic doors, futuristic "falcon wing" back doors, panoramic windshield, an air filtration system with a "bioweapon defense mode," and incredible performance.

I had the opportunity to test drive a production Model X P90D and found the blend of performance, luxury, and futuristic tech to be a compelling package. But even without all of the futuristic bells and whistles, the Tesla's powertrain — capable of a claimed 3.2-second 0-60 time in "Ludicrous Mode" with 250 miles of range — and versatile crossover design would be impressive enough to sell the car.

Instead, Tesla created an insanely complex car. Built-in ultrasonic sensors just keep the falcon wing doors from dinging nearby cars. A triple-layer-carbon air filter can virtually eliminate all bacteria from the cabin. Then there's the panoramic windshield that features what the company claims to be the largest single piece of glass ever installed on a car.

APAnd now they have to build the cars. A lot of them. In a hurry.

According to Musk, it'll take the company at least 8-12 months just to clear that the 25,000 order Model X backlog.

This is a significant problem for Tesla to solve, especially because the Model X was delayed several years and has arrived with a steep price tag (Musk has said that subsequent trim levels will be cheaper than the top-level P90D's $132,000).