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JT2002TJ

macrumors 68020
Nov 7, 2013
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I don't find that Teslas are bland in the least, imo. They look futuristic. While the interior doesn't have costly, and high-end materials it is clean, functional and to me, zen like. It's a treat getting into a car without scads of buttons.

I disagree about the driving experience as to me the driving experience is excellent. The car is quick, responsive and I do care about the "acceleration party trick". With acceleration boost, a M3 will hit 0 to 60 in 3.5 seconds. That beats most cars on the road in that price point and some supercars. And there are rumors about a M3/MY ludicrous version. I can only surmise Telsa is going to ratchet up the performance from the current performance model 3 and Y. But we'll have to wait and see on that.

When I hear Teslas are bland, and the driving experience lacks, all I think of is the person has never owned or had an extended test drive. As you pointed out, and I have also said, getting in a Tesla and driving it for an hour or two doesn't help someone walk away understanding how you don't need these buttons they are in love with. It takes time, there is a lot that goes into getting the automation to work, but once it is set, it just works.
 

YoitsTmac

macrumors regular
Aug 30, 2014
248
512
It's because they also don't have the charging network... Another big selling point for Tesla...

I couldn't image having to show up at a charger, download an app, sign up, add a payment type just to get started charging...

Tesla has opened up their network to a number of brands over the next two years. While that’s great for the Tesla brand, I feel existing Tesla owners may find themselves losing a really large benefit and I worry about availability.
 
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I7guy

macrumors Nehalem
Nov 30, 2013
35,165
25,354
Gotta be in it to win it
Man. I hate that I’m such a unique consumer. There is nothing appealing about doing a voice command for HVAC to me. I understand that is where the market is going but ugh . The cars just aren’t being built for me anymore. I think that’s why I like the current generation X3: all those gorgeous HVAC buttons and favorite buttons for the headunit. I can click a button in a fraction of the time I could prompt a voice control and tell it what I want. I don’t mean to hate on what you’re saying or your preferences, just sad that mine don’t align with more buyers.
With respect to the HVAC the temperature controls are on the screen in a fixed location. It's easy to move the temperature up and down by pressing the arrows next to the temperature, not much different than turning a dial. But I think we are already in the weeds here.

I totally get where you are coming from. I had this bias against Teslas for the longest time and then my son got one and that spurred me to get mine.
 

YoitsTmac

macrumors regular
Aug 30, 2014
248
512
I don't find that Teslas are bland in the least, imo. They look futuristic. While the interior doesn't have costly, and high-end materials it is clean, functional and to me, zen like. It's a treat getting into a car without scads of buttons.

I disagree about the driving experience as to me the driving experience is excellent. The car is quick, responsive and I do care about the "acceleration party trick". With acceleration boost, a M3 will hit 0 to 60 in 3.5 seconds. That beats most cars on the road in that price point and some supercars. And there are rumors about a M3/MY ludicrous version. I can only surmise Telsa is going to ratchet up the performance from the current performance model 3 and Y. But we'll have to wait and see on that.

To each his or her own. I think the Kia K9, BMW XM and Porsche interiors to all by clean and functional (Porsche just barely). I haven’t driven low entry price cars, but any modern Porsche, Audi and BMW I have driven are responsive and feel quick. And as you said, you care about “the party trick.” The car handles well, no doubt. I’m just looking for a little more emotional and soul from a car personally, in the interior and driving experience. Again, to each his or her own.
 

vipergts2207

Suspended
Apr 7, 2009
4,414
9,884
Columbus, OH
When I hear Teslas are bland, and the driving experience lacks, all I think of is the person has never owned or had an extended test drive. As you pointed out, and I have also said, getting in a Tesla and driving it for an hour or two doesn't help someone walk away understanding how you don't need these buttons they are in love with. It takes time, there is a lot that goes into getting the automation to work, but once it is set, it just works.

Bland is only with regard to the looks. I'm sure the driving experience is quite adequate at a minimum. But I want a car that I can't help but to look back at when I'm walking away from it, and I don't get that feeling at all toward a Tesla, save maybe a Model S.
 
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JT2002TJ

macrumors 68020
Nov 7, 2013
2,086
1,413
Tesla has opened up their network to a number of brands over the next two years. While that’s great for the Tesla brand, I feel existing Tesla owners may find themselves losing a really large benefit and I worry about availability.

I think it will help the charging network continue to grow. Like for example BP buying $100M worth of Tesla chargers. We will be able to go to off brand Tesla chargers and have the same great experience.
 

YoitsTmac

macrumors regular
Aug 30, 2014
248
512
Bland is only with regard to the looks. I'm sure the driving experience is quite adequate at a minimum. But I want a car that I can't help but to look back at when I'm walking away from it, and I don't get that feeling at all toward a Tesla, save maybe a Model S.

I think this is the key bit I’ve been struggling to share. Yes, almost everyone owns a white Tesla model 3 with a black interior or MAYBE a white interior (at least in the Bay Area). I just washed my car for the first time in two months (because I’m a ****** owner) and now I smile every time I look back at my car.

I’m in my own car thread with some fellow BMW owners about this 18k mile E46 M3 on cars and bids and everyone is going on about “for $40k you could get____.” And I think what you’re saying is it: what’s going to make you smile when you drive it and when you look back? Tesla doesn’t do that for me. But a Lucid definitely would.
 

JT2002TJ

macrumors 68020
Nov 7, 2013
2,086
1,413
Bland is only with regard to the looks. I'm sure the driving experience is quite adequate at a minimum. But I want a car that I can't help but to look back at when I'm walking away from it, and I don't get that feeling at all toward a Tesla, save maybe a Model S.

Yeah, I agree that you want that urge to look back at your ride. I do get that with both my TM3 and TMY, but I get that not everyone else does.
 

I7guy

macrumors Nehalem
Nov 30, 2013
35,165
25,354
Gotta be in it to win it
To each his or her own. I think the Kia K9, BMW XM and Porsche interiors to all by clean and functional (Porsche just barely). I haven’t driven low entry price cars, but any modern Porsche, Audi and BMW I have driven are responsive and feel quick. And as you said, you care about “the party trick.” The car handles well, no doubt. I’m just looking for a little more emotional and soul from a car personally, in the interior and driving experience. Again, to each his or her own.
Your discussing a BMW XM, a car that is 3 times the price of the Performance M3/Y and is not all electric. I certainly hope the experience is 3 times of a Model Y. But that doesn't mean it drives any better than a Model Y as it's two thousand pounds heavier.
 

Apple fanboy

macrumors Ivy Bridge
Feb 21, 2012
57,067
56,119
Behind the Lens, UK
Man. I hate that I’m such a unique consumer. There is nothing appealing about doing a voice command for HVAC to me. I understand that is where the market is going but ugh . The cars just aren’t being built for me anymore. I think that’s why I like the current generation X3: all those gorgeous HVAC buttons and favorite buttons for the headunit. I can click a button in a fraction of the time I could prompt a voice control and tell it what I want. I don’t mean to hate on what you’re saying or your preferences, just sad that mine don’t align with more buyers.
Not just you. I never use voice commands on anything if I have a choice.
 
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I7guy

macrumors Nehalem
Nov 30, 2013
35,165
25,354
Gotta be in it to win it
Yeah, I agree that you want that urge to look back at your ride. I do get that with both my TM3 and TMY, but I get that not everyone else does.
The M3/MY are good looking enought. Not the best looking car on the road or the worst looking. But the entirety of the ownership experience more than makes up for the middle of the road looks, which is not really anything I care about. What I do care about is what happens when I get into the car.
 

Apple fanboy

macrumors Ivy Bridge
Feb 21, 2012
57,067
56,119
Behind the Lens, UK
There might be a few others:
- Can bring up dashcam view while driving
- Save dashcams on horn honk
- Built-in supercharger navigation
- Pin on drive
- Infotainment entertainment options - Netflix, youtube, games, browser
- Silly things like farts, megaphone, light show
- Bluetooth controllers for games
- Amazing sound system
- Amazing headlight coverage

Also some rumors:
- Telsa app store
- Waze like functionality where cameras detect unusual road occurrences and broadcast to nearby Tesla vehicles
I’d never buy a car that can make fart noises. I’m just not interested in childish features like that.
 

YoitsTmac

macrumors regular
Aug 30, 2014
248
512
Your discussing a BMW XM, a car that is 3 times the price of the Performance M3/Y and is not all electric. I certainly hope the experience is 3 times of a Model Y. But that doesn't mean it drives any better than a Model Y as it's two thousand pounds heavier.

I was just trying to point out clean and functional interiors that can also feel special.

I think the XM serves a unique market that likes spec sheets. I personally did not enjoy driving the XM
 
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cyb3rdud3

macrumors 601
Jun 22, 2014
4,124
2,805
UK
Telsa's Adaptive Cruise control is better than any other vehicle I tested, or have been in yet (not even talking about FSD). It is their base line "Autopilot". The way it stays within the lane, slows and accelerates out of curves is still way ahead of others.
Let's be real, this is commodity technology nowadays. It has been around on ICE vehicles for nearly 15 years now, Range Rover introduced it on their L322 model back in 2009. Numerous cheaper cars do this really well.

I am in the FSD Beta in my TM3 and one revision behind in my TMY. 90% of my driving is on FSD which my commute 26 miles each way which consists of NYC Metroplex high speed down to hours of bumper to bumper are on FSD, even on city streets. There are some things I know I need to take over for, but most of the driving, it handles.
I look forward to the day this will be allowed in other parts of the world. It is funny though how that is allowed in the USA, but they still do difficult and want different standards for active headlights 🤷‍♂️🤣

When it comes to buttons, some people like them, some people would prefer the car function in a manner that you don't actually need the button. The only buttons I need when driving are on my steering wheel and the stalks (I'm not a huge fan of these being removed on the new TM3s). The car does everything for me, I can focus on driving, or focus while it is driving for me...
 

Apple fanboy

macrumors Ivy Bridge
Feb 21, 2012
57,067
56,119
Behind the Lens, UK
I have never used the fart noise in my TMY. It's there, but I've never used it. I wouldn't avoid buying a car because it has the ability to do something that I don't use.
We are all different. But my reasons for never buying a Tesla are well documented on here.
I’m planning on keeping my BMW i3 for a long time yet.
By the time I’m thinking of changing it, I’m sure there will be many new and exciting offerings.
One thing I guarantee it won’t have is an internal combustion engine.
 

cyb3rdud3

macrumors 601
Jun 22, 2014
4,124
2,805
UK
It's because they also don't have the charging network... Another big selling point for Tesla...

I couldn't image having to show up at a charger, download an app, sign up, add a payment type just to get started charging...
No it isn't, it is a geographic thing. I don't know of a single non Tesla EV that can't navigate to a charger. I really like how google maps does it, and includes one's home when set as a charging point as well. We see live availability across all the different charging networks, and includes optimized charging in accordance with the battery curve. This hasn't been Tesla territotry for as long as we've had our EVs.
 

cyb3rdud3

macrumors 601
Jun 22, 2014
4,124
2,805
UK
It's because they also don't have the charging network... Another big selling point for Tesla...

I couldn't image having to show up at a charger, download an app, sign up, add a payment type just to get started charging...
Nope again, others can also just show up and plug it in. It is a standard. I like the ability to just tap to pay though, been doing that internationally across 9 different countries. No need for different cars, apps etc. There are published standards for this kind of stuff, and even Tesla is joining in with them.
 

JT2002TJ

macrumors 68020
Nov 7, 2013
2,086
1,413
No it isn't, it is a geographic thing. I don't know of a single non Tesla EV that can't navigate to a charger. I really like how google maps does it, and includes one's home when set as a charging point as well. We see live availability across all the different charging networks, and includes optimized charging in accordance with the battery curve. This hasn't been Tesla territotry for as long as we've had our EVs.

Sorry, I'm not sure I understand what you are saying here. How many non-Teslas can tell you how many chargers are free, their rate, and charging rates all while priming the battery to take a fast charge?
 

cyb3rdud3

macrumors 601
Jun 22, 2014
4,124
2,805
UK
Sorry, I'm not sure I understand what you are saying here. How many non-Teslas can tell you how many chargers are free, their rate, and charging rates all while priming the battery to take a fast charge?
Yes exactly; just shows on the maps across the variety of networks. It is the beauty of standards. I've travelled with an EV through 9 different countries, no problems like that as well. And yes, battery when set as a destination (although that is in my experience overrated as when driving it gets to the operating temperature anyway). But in addition to that on a longer journey when requiring multiple stops Google Maps simply optimizes the charging curve and I get to the super rapid 20-80% bracket every time. Quite clever stuff as it may theoretically plan more stops, but by keeping it in the most efficient energy charging curve it is actually faster...
 

I7guy

macrumors Nehalem
Nov 30, 2013
35,165
25,354
Gotta be in it to win it
Nope again, others can also just show up and plug it in. It is a standard. I like the ability to just tap to pay though, been doing that internationally across 9 different countries. No need for different cars, apps etc. There are published standards for this kind of stuff, and even Tesla is joining in with them.
Who are the others? Maybe we are in the weeds, but when it comes to navigating to superchargers and getting your car ready, as I understand the reviews, there are varying levels of getting it right.
 

The-Real-Deal82

macrumors P6
Jan 17, 2013
17,322
25,481
Wales, United Kingdom
The M3/MY are good looking enought. Not the best looking car on the road or the worst looking. But the entirety of the ownership experience more than makes up for the middle of the road looks, which is not really anything I care about. What I do care about is what happens when I get into the car.

The designs are safe and functional, just not exciting for everybody. Some like the aggressive and sporty styling of other types of EV’s and for me it’s the Germans and the British that make the nicest looking cars aesthetically, even if the latter aren’t always the most reliable historically. If the cabin experience is your thing, who is anybody else to tell you different? You’ve got the satisfaction you were looking for.
 
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cyb3rdud3

macrumors 601
Jun 22, 2014
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2,805
UK
Who are the others? Maybe we are in the weeds, but when it comes to navigating to superchargers and getting your car ready, as I understand the reviews, there are varying levels of getting it right.
Which can’t do it? 🤷‍♂️
 

I7guy

macrumors Nehalem
Nov 30, 2013
35,165
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Gotta be in it to win it
Which can’t do it? 🤷‍♂️
Not sure which can according to the Tesla feature list, which is the benchmark. I'll skip the part of the experience that is about downloading an app or swiping a credit card. This assumes built in navigation to the vehicle and not using an ancillary phone app.

- Plan your complete itinerary taking elevation, temp, wind into account
- Recommend supercharger stops and estimated battery upon arrival
- Allow selection of level 1,2 or 3 superchargers
- Display supercharger site amenities including how many free/non-operational, wait time, and facilities
- Get 99% reliable supercharging (feature of the site and not the software)

Now I guess a basic functionality should be point 2. Which vehicle goes above and beyond? VW/Audi/Porsche, Rivian, Polestart, Lucid etc?
 

cyb3rdud3

macrumors 601
Jun 22, 2014
4,124
2,805
UK
Not sure which can according to the Tesla feature list, which is the benchmark. I'll skip the part of the experience that is about downloading an app or swiping a credit card. This assumes built in navigation to the vehicle and not using an ancillary phone app.

- Plan your complete itinerary taking elevation, temp, wind into account
- Recommend supercharger stops and estimated battery upon arrival
- Allow selection of level 1,2 or 3 superchargers
- Display supercharger site amenities including how many free/non-operational, wait time, and facilities
- Get 99% reliable supercharging (feature of the site and not the software)

Now I guess a basic functionality should be point 2. Which vehicle goes above and beyond? VW/Audi/Porsche, Rivian, Polestart, Lucid etc?
That is all basic stuff. I’m not sure what point you are trying to make. All Volvo, Polestar, Lotus, VAG, BMW, Mercedes, Porsche do that. Don’t know where you are in the world but that is nothing special, no need for a Tesla for that.
 
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