What Does Elon Musk Drive? A Look Inside the Tesla CEO’s Garage
Elon Musk primarily drives various Tesla models, including the Model S, Model X, and the Cybertruck, according to his own statements on X (formerly Twitter) and public sightings. While the billionaire once owned a diverse collection of internal combustion engine vehicles, his current rotation is dominated by the electric vehicles manufactured by the company he has led since 2008. His preference for specific models often reflects Tesla’s development cycles, as Musk frequently uses his personal vehicles to test experimental software and hardware builds before they reach the consumer market.
The Tesla Models in Musk’s Personal Rotation
Musk has historically maintained a rotation of Tesla vehicles to serve different needs. As of his 2019 updates on social media, he relied on the Model S Performance for daily commuting and the Model X when traveling with his children. The Model S has long served as his primary testbed for new technology. In a 2015 shareholder meeting, Musk confirmed he was testing multiple iterations of Autopilot software on his personal vehicle every week. More recently, Musk has been frequently spotted in the Tesla Cybertruck, an electric pickup that represents the latest addition to the company’s production lineup. His most iconic vehicle remains the original Tesla Roadster, which was launched into space by SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy rocket in 2018.
How Musk’s Personal Frustrations Shaped Tesla Design
The design of the Tesla Model X was directly influenced by Musk’s dissatisfaction with his previous luxury vehicles. In a 2012 interview with Autoblog, Musk noted that the Audi Q7 he owned at the time suffered from poor third-row accessibility. He famously described the experience of entering the rear seats as requiring the agility of a “dwarf mountain climber.” This critique led to the inclusion of the Falcon Wing doors on the Model X, which were engineered to provide easier access to the rear rows in tight parking spaces. While the engineering of these doors proved complex, they remain a defining feature of the model Musk chooses for family transport.
A Shift from Gasoline to Electric
Musk’s automotive history reflects a transition from high-performance internal combustion cars to a fully electric fleet. Previously, his collection included notable vehicles such as a 1967 Jaguar E-Type, a 1976 Lotus Esprit “Wet Nellie” from the James Bond film The Spy Who Loved Me, and a McLaren F1. During an appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience in 2018, Musk clarified that he had divested from most of his gasoline-powered collection. The 1974 BMW 320i, which served as his first car, and a modified 2005 BMW M5 were eventually replaced by his focus on Tesla’s proprietary technology. His interest in electric conversion, specifically his failed attempt to have AC Propulsion convert a Porsche 911 Turbo, was a catalyst that ultimately led to his involvement with Tesla co-founder Martin Eberhard.
Quick Reference: Musk’s Notable Vehicle History
| Vehicle | Status/Role |
|---|---|
| Tesla Model S | Primary daily driver and software test platform. |
| Tesla Model X | Used for family transport; designed to solve rear-seat access issues. |
| Tesla Cybertruck | Frequent recent daily driver in Austin, Texas. |
| McLaren F1 | Formerly owned; sold in 2007 following a crash and rebuild. |
| 1976 Lotus Esprit | Purchased at auction; famous for its role in The Spy Who Loved Me. |
Why It Matters
Musk’s habit of driving experimental builds highlights the “dogfooding” culture at Tesla, where leadership uses the product to identify bugs and performance issues before a wider release. By acting as the primary test pilot for new FSD (Full Self-Driving) computer versions and suspension updates, Musk maintains a direct feedback loop with his engineering teams. This practice distinguishes his management style from traditional automotive CEOs, who rarely integrate their personal daily driving with the active testing of unreleased, proprietary software features.
