I looked at a Tesla Model X new priced at 92,000 and a new BMW X5 4.0 at 70,000 on the same day. The differences in build quality was astounding. Tesla does however still have the edge in electric drive train performance. I really want a electric vehicle but starting to rethink it. The range and ability to tow on the BMW plus probably about 25,000 less when figuring in discounts makes it a hard choice.

 

I had an early connection that allowed me to drive and evaluate a model S very early in its introduction. Two of the execs and engineering leads I spoke with just could not get it when I said that it didn’t compare favorably with BMW 5 series at half the price. They were outright incensed when I told them the feel of their build quality was closer to a Camry or Accord in terms of market segment. The exterior gap tolerances, the cheaper upholstery, mid-grade interior plastics and trim, and the horrible geometry of the backseat. I’m not a large mammal, but I felt like I was in danger of falling/sliding forward off the backseat (it lacks sufficient depth and any recline). On the positive side, it had dramatically reduced parts counts for interior controls by replacing it with soft controls through the touchscreen, it had great weight distribution and the acceleration and driving dynamics were promising. On the downside of the power train, the batteries on the model S have real deficiencies when it comes to heat management with repeated heavy acceleration cycles (hello limp home mode), and are prone to burning the car down if physically compromised.

When you think about the volume of energy transfer and storage that takes place when you pump gas or diesel into a car and compare it to transferring and storing an equivalent amount of electric charge, petroleum based fuel transfer and storage really is an elegant engineering solution that batteries and electricity have yet to match.

 

I looked at the model X. IIRC it could tow 5000 pounds, but the towing range was a non-starter. It takes 150-200% of the energy when towing even a small trailer, so unless your lake or campsite is within 100 miles of home, it would require a lot of time at superchargers. #threaddrift

 

This is said a lot however I looked at every single car across the range at multipile different dealers (showrooms or whatever they're called) both new and used and didn't see a single issue that would give me pause in purchasing. And IMO BMW's are a joke. Extremely overpriced and under designed and you'd have to be crazy to own one out of warranty.

Tesla will do just fine. The occasional, radically hyped up "panel gap" or paint imperfection is minor especially when all things considered they make vastly superior cars to anything that could remotely be considered their "competition".

 

The BMW Loaded to the gills is at least 25,000 cheaper than the Tesla and closer to 32,000 if you want the Tesla self drive autopilot. Actual purchase price would be a even greater difference. Looking at both on the same day the BMW was so much better in every regard it becomes a question of how much is it worth to not use gas. Tesla started out with a great rep for service but that has evaporated. I have never noted so many people on forums seeking to lemon law a 100,000 dollar car. I currently own a electric car soon coming off lease. Really wanted to stay electric. The other options don’t look like they will be street ready for several years. The Rivian certainly looks interesting but keeps getting pushed back. The Mustang might already be a orphan as Ford plans another platform going forward. I really like the Audi Etron but it’s range limited and smaller than we want. The huge price drop on the Model X Tesla had me thinking it was the answer but I am just not feeling it. The dealer experience was about a 1 on a scale of 10 with BMW being a 9. Tesla has also stopped giving loaner cars and instead gives Uber credits if they need to keep it overnight for service. Even my Ford dealer gives me a loaner!

 

I was interested in the Rivian as well, but it seems to be the 797/MoMJet of cars. I'll believe it when I see it first of all. Secondly, its range for its battery size clearly shows how far behind Tesla they are. And if you get one, the risk of owning an orphaned car is much higher than Tesla. I wish them well though. ETron is an overpriced underperforming joke. Not even on the radar. The E-Stang like you said competes with its own obsolescence right out of the gate.

All that said, IMO only the model S currently has the range needed to justify itself in my garage, and its the least desirable model they make for me. I think its still on gen 2 bats while the 3 and Y are gen 3? Anyway Tesla is so far ahead of the entire field its embarassing. Will they catch up? Probably. I assume. Porsche gets you close, at a higher price, but with a posher interior I guess.

The Cybertruck and its 500 mile range (and 15m a day solar) could be a game changer. Possibly amplified by whatever "battery day" stuff that comes out but we'll see. The 15 miles a day is functionally irrelevant WRT actual range, but means a lot if it can eliminate daily drain, particularly with reasonable levels of climate and camera monitoring always on.

As for a new BMW, I'd only consider one if it was a killer deal on a lease. They really do nothing for me. If I really needed the stitched leather vibe and exhaust note, which Tesla clearly doesn't offer, and I was looking at something I wouldn't own out of warranty for 5 minutes anyway, Maserati kicks BMW's butt any day.

 

Porsche Taycan? I’d aspire to one of those but for economic malaise.

 

I know we are all rich airline pilots but price is a issue! In my case I am also looking for a SUV.

 

Porsche’s will never be reasonably priced.

 

In the spirit of running a leaner airline, maybe they will downgrade from those schwifty Cayennes our high value VIPs get. I'm in if they offer a good deal a la Surface 3.