Tesla’s Model X electric crossover isn’t even on the market yet and it’s already an instant hit. Following the Model X’s official unveiling last week, Tesla says it has already taken $40 million in advanced sales of the plug-in CUV.

“The compelling nature of the product created massive media attention and resulted in the Model X being the third most searched term on Google,” Tesla said in a statement. “On Thursday evening, the night of the reveal, traffic to teslamotors.com increased 2 800 percent. Two-thirds of all visitors were new to the website.”

Based on an extended version of the Model S’ platform, Tesla says the Model X has about the same footprint as an Audi Q7 but offers 40 percent more interior volume. The Model X’s third-row seat is also easier to access than the one in the Q7, thanks to “falcon wing” doors that open up and out.

The Tesla Model X will offer a dual motor all wheel drive and the option of a 60 or 85 kWh battery. The Model X Performance version will accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds and a range of up to 480 km is expected for the top-level Tesla Model X.

Tesla Motors said that production of the Model X will begin at the end of 2013 with sales to start in early 2014. Sales are targeted at 10 000 to 15 000 units on annual basis.

The added Model X interest also drove sales of Tesla’s Model S sedan. The Palo Alto, California-based automaker says reservations for the Model S increased 30 percent following the Model X’s debut.