What to Buy?

[NewEnglander]

Have a question for more seasoned luxury car buyers. I am Looking to buy a good luxury car upto $150k. Would have preferred an EV but can’t stand Tesla’s gaming console and am somewhat disillusioned with Lucid’s software defects that even basics aren’t working. I want to buy a luxury car that works, not an experiment that may take 2-3 years to iron out stuff. Any recommendations on what makes most sense to buy now? I need a good luxury car that does its job while I do mine.
Thanks in advance.

 

[TCGT]

Have a question for more seasoned luxury car buyers. I am Looking to buy a good luxury car upto $150k. Would have preferred an EV but can’t stand Tesla’s gaming console and am somewhat disillusioned with Lucid’s software defects that even basics aren’t working. I want to buy a luxury car that works, not an experiment that may take 2-3 years to iron out stuff. Any recommendations on what makes most sense to buy now? I need a good luxury car that does its job while I do mine.
Thanks in advance.

Have you driven an Air? If not, I suggest doing that first, and then comparing it to what you've driven that you liked. Most members here with luxury car experience report the Air as having a superior ride / handling combination, with an obvious bias towards the Air for the fact that they're here, and not on a MB, Audi, or BMW forum. Personally, I like the Air for the design tech, ride, handling, style and that it's breaking new ground in the EV space, and I expect it will only grow from here. Some say the bling of the MB or the legacy manufacturing of the (I'm biased, but most will admit) ugly new BMW will sway them in that direction. But, ultimately, it comes down to your personal taste. Just don't expect the choice you end up making to be everything you want, even for $150k. Let us know what you decide, for whatever reason...it's always useful to understand another point of view.

 

[Tesla2.0]

Have a question for more seasoned luxury car buyers. I am Looking to buy a good luxury car upto $150k. Would have preferred an EV but can’t stand Tesla’s gaming console and am somewhat disillusioned with Lucid’s software defects that even basics aren’t working. I want to buy a luxury car that works, not an experiment that may take 2-3 years to iron out stuff. Any recommendations on what makes most sense to buy now? I need a good luxury car that does its job while I do mine.
Thanks in advance.

Anything but Model 3 nor Model Y, I have heard many horrible stories there lately.

Model S is just a beautiful car with gorgeous curves and Model X has the Falcon wing swag, but these 2 can really use more interior luxury refinement. For sure Tesla has THE BEST infortainment console and their FSD is just ahead of everyone else, BUT hardware-wise, Lucid is way superior.

Having being previous owner of VW, Porches and MB (ML, GL, SL), Repair is somewhat ridiculous and unpleasant. My sister is also big fan of BMW for years, to me, they are just ugly imo, especially the latest EV Beamer radiator grill, I don’t know what their designers were thinking going opposite direction of aerodynamic. Interior-wise, I always feel German cars are more solid, refine and luxurious than American or Japanese over the past decades.

As for Lucid Air, there are simply too many features revolutionary new that no other car possess to have software fully implementing them in time. Dolby ATMOS, new NVIDIA chip, 32 sensors of radar, light cameras, sonic sensors, surround cameras and LIDAR, proprietary miniaturize powertrain, highest battery architecture efficiency, aerodynamic design, on and on. Air just make ICE cars on the road seem like dinosaurs. I had doubts when I waited anxiously, but so far rides have been smooth and exhilarating to overlook primitive infortainment that will for sure be improving in time.

 

[LuciPearl]

My current GT status is waiting on VIN assignment. Currently driving an S Class, bought new in 2015. Also had an S Class before that, and a Lexus LS before that. With the Air GT I am out of ICE game for many reasons, one of which I consider the Air GT a luxury car. I would have bought a Tesla Model S years ago but it wasn't luxurious enough.

As the previous responder said, it all comes down to taste. So what follows is my opinion based on both my taste and my experience. If I had to buy a vehicle other than the Air GT the candidates would be the S Class, the Audi A8, the Lexus LS and the Volvo S90. The BMW would not even be considered just based on looks.

I like the S Class a lot. The premier luxury vehicle in the $100k-$150k price range. I have loved the two I have had. Just a few months ago in a parking lot someone asked if my 2015 (with 135,000 miles on it) was new...a testament to the classic styling of the vehicle. I do not think the current exterior design is as classic, but I also think it will grow on people over the years. The interior has become a bit too gimmicky for me. I have also accepted the high maintenance and repair costs because of the outstanding safety characteristics and beauty.

Never owned an Audi A8, but just based on what I read and see I would strongly consider it. I like both the interior and exterior of the vehicle, have no idea on reliability and costs but a close friend is happy with his Q7.

I would like to love the Lexus LS because of the reliability and relatively lower maintenance/repair costs, but the interior styling stops me from getting in the car. I could live with the exterior styling.

The Volvo seems like a bargain compared to the others, and I would consider it only as a bridge to the Air while Lucid works out the issues you mentioned.

So which would I choose? The same one I choose about 4 months ago when I was making this decision. I want to go EV, ICE vehicles are of yesteryear. I look forward to no more gas stations, just fill it up in the garage when I get home. I also want luxury, and the Air GT and MB EQS are the only luxury EVs. Additional thinking led to decide on the Air....the exterior styling compared to the EQS....the simpler interior styling compared to the EQS...the Model X like windshield...and the bi-directional charging capability of the Air which is not on the EQS (except in Japan). While my wait should only be about 8-10 weeks, if I had to wait 8 months I'd do that. The MB E Class footprint with an MB S Class interior when it comes to space. The storage. Within a month I decided on the Air GT.

Do I have the same concerns you have about Lucid...of course...but give me the far superior vehicle along with the stuff to be ironed out. Good luck in your search New Englander!

 

[Tesla2.0]

My current GT status is waiting on VIN assignment. Currently driving an S Class, bought new in 2015. Also had an S Class before that, and a Lexus LS before that. With the Air GT I am out of ICE game for many reasons, one of which I consider the Air GT a luxury car. I would have bought a Tesla Model S years ago but it wasn't luxurious enough.

As the previous responder said, it all comes down to taste. So what follows is my opinion based on both my taste and my experience. If I had to buy a vehicle other than the Air GT the candidates would be the S Class, the Audi A8, the Lexus LS and the Volvo S90. The BMW would not even be considered just based on looks.

I like the S Class a lot. The premier luxury vehicle in the $100k-$150k price range. I have loved the two I have had. Just a few months ago in a parking lot someone asked if my 2015 (with 135,000 miles on it) was new...a testament to the classic styling of the vehicle. I do not think the current exterior design is as classic, but I also think it will grow on people over the years. The interior has become a bit too gimmicky for me. I have also accepted the high maintenance and repair costs because of the outstanding safety characteristics and beauty.

Never owned an Audi A8, but just based on what I read and see I would strongly consider it. I like both the interior and exterior of the vehicle, have no idea on reliability and costs but a close friend is happy with his Q7.

I would like to love the Lexus LS because of the reliability and relatively lower maintenance/repair costs, but the interior styling stops me from getting in the car. I could live with the exterior styling.

The Volvo seems like a bargain compared to the others, and I would consider it only as a bridge to the Air while Lucid works out the issues you mentioned.

So which would I choose? The same one I choose about 4 months ago when I was making this decision. I want to go EV, ICE vehicles are of yesteryear. I look forward to no more gas stations, just fill it up in the garage when I get home. I also want luxury, and the Air GT and MB EQS are the only luxury EVs. Additional thinking led to decide on the Air....the exterior styling compared to the EQS....the simpler interior styling compared to the EQS...the Model X like windshield...and the bi-directional charging capability of the Air which is not on the EQS (except in Japan). While my wait should only be about 8-10 weeks, if I had to wait 8 months I'd do that. The MB E Class footprint with an MB S Class interior when it comes to space. The storage. Within a month I decided on the Air GT.

Do I have the same concerns you have about Lucid...of course...but give me the far superior vehicle along with the stuff to be ironed out. Good luck in your search New Englander!

I wholeheartedly agree with previous responder.
When I saw MB EQS side by side with me while charging at EA station, we both hop in each other’s car to check out first time. She has never seen or hear Lucid Air, I have only seen EQS online. I like EQS has tremendous screen panel for one end to the other. I do feel a bit gimmicky there bc it’s actually framing 3 screens to make it look one giant elongated screen. EQS’ trunk has tons of space to make up for lack of frunk. I don’t like the design how charging port is still inside the old fashion gas door on the passenger rear side. Overall, I feel MB EQS will be top EV luxury contender. MB is just legacy classic overall. What capitated me in Air GT is that enormous model-X windshield style. It feels like an airplane cockpit, no need gimmick of yoke steering. The front trademark light grill reminds me of Car KITT in Knight Rider.

 

[Tesla2.0]

Does this feel like fighter jet cockpit?

 

[Bunnylebowski]

As far as Lucid software defects, most things I need or want work just fine enough for me, I’m just irritated at Bluetooth audio not being a reliable alternative to the car audio apps since there’s no CarPlay yet. But it’s coming. I love that 360 degree camera though. As a fellow New Englander you’ll appreciate how easy it is to mess up your rims or have too narrow two lane roads with cars parked on either side jeopardizing your vehicle, and the 360 camera has made all that a lot more stress free. Honestly the software, while not perfect, is adequate for me. The drive is what is outstanding. This car means business on the road, it’s more of an aggressive luxury drive than a chauffeured luxury drive. You feel more empowered than over-pampered, which is why I picked the Lucid over the competition.

 

[Tesla2.0]

Yes, CarPlay please!!!!!!!!!!!

They got me tried TIDAL with that 3 months trial, NOT BAD! Now I use that new Tidal account to CarPlay on my other cars, of course, can’t beat the sound system of AGT.

Yes, the Bluetooth connection annoyed me too. I ended up use cable and not sure fully reliable either. There is still minor kinks need to iron out.

I’ll be very happy camper if they can have any video streaming app installed. I would love to sit in chair getting massage, immerse in Dolby ATMOS and watch movie while waiting for spouse outside of supermarket.

 

[NewEnglander]

Thanks to all of you for sharing your thoughts and experiences. I am still on the fence with Air. I have a Touring reservation which I want to convert to AGT but hesitating because I am not mentally ready for dealing with some of the basics like Bluetooth/CarPlay. I appreciate the posts from everyone stating how Lucid jumps in and takes care of things when something is wrong with the car but this model isn’t sustainable beyond 1-2 quarters. They will be quickly overwhelmed. What is a real surprise and serious concern for me is that Lucid is struggling with things that have been in every car for years. Reinventing car does not mean you reinvent everything including every aspect of Infotainment.
The key decision for me will be over next 2-3 weeks before May 31 to either change the reservation to AGT and Hope by the time it arrives, the basics in infotainment, door handles etc are beginning to work reliably. Or May be Elon change his mind and brings the regular steering wheel back in Plaid which is the single biggest reason I can’t place order for Model S even though S interiors will be a serious compromise.
Last but not the least, it does confirm my notion that right now, no reliable car yet exists that has the interiors/comfort of Benz s class, Tech/Speed of Tesla, and handling of Taycan. Haggerty was doing a promo video after all.

 

[Bunnylebowski]

Thanks to all of you for sharing your thoughts and experiences. I am still on the fence with Air. I have a Touring reservation which I want to convert to AGT but hesitating because I am not mentally ready for dealing with some of the basics like Bluetooth/CarPlay. I appreciate the posts from everyone stating how Lucid jumps in and takes care of things when something is wrong with the car but this model isn’t sustainable beyond 1-2 quarters. They will be quickly overwhelmed. What is a real surprise and serious concern for me is that Lucid is struggling with things that have been in every car for years. Reinventing car does not mean you reinvent everything including every aspect of Infotainment.
The key decision for me will be over next 2-3 weeks before May 31 to either change the reservation to AGT and Hope by the time it arrives, the basics in infotainment, door handles etc are beginning to work reliably. Or May be Elon change his mind and brings the regular steering wheel back in Plaid which is the single biggest reason I can’t place order for Model S even though S interiors will be a serious compromise.
Last but not the least, it does confirm my notion that right now, no reliable car yet exists that has the interiors/comfort of Benz s class, Tech/Speed of Tesla, and handling of Taycan. Haggerty was doing a promo video after all.

Yeah you gotta make the right choice for you. The door handle thing isn’t a problem anymore at least isn’t for me. CarPlay is supposedly coming in 3 months. The speed is awesome, a few tenths between the air and Tesla is undetectable. I haven’t a driven a Taycan but I doubt the Air handles like one. A few members here have both cars and can probably comment. The Taycan supposedly has a lot of tech issues too.

 

[Maverick]

I think it's human nature for people's focus to be drawn more towards negative comments than positive comments. There are hundreds of posts from people talking about how much they love the car. Some of those same people also have items they wish were improved. When it comes to improvements, there tends to be, I think, many more replies on disappointments that this thing or that thing is not working or available. The one thing I haven't seen is anyone who posts regularly on the site and has received their cars rushing to get rid of their cars. A few may be more on the fence about it, but I don't think I'm exaggerating when I say that all of us enjoy driving it enough that while issues may annoy us, the ride overcomes it.

Additionally, it's important to look at when some of the posts were made as some of us have not experienced anything remotely close to what those who got their cars last year have experienced. As @bunnylebowski said, it's about choice, but make that choice with the knowledge that most of us who already have our cars are very satisfied with our purchase.

 

[NewEnglander]

I think it's human nature for people's focus to be drawn more towards negative comments than positive comments. There are hundreds of posts from people talking about how much they love the car. Some of those same people also have items they wish were improved. When it comes to improvements, there tends to be, I think, many more replies on disappointments that this thing or that thing is not working or available. The one thing I haven't seen is anyone who posts regularly on the site and has received their cars rushing to get rid of their cars. A few may be more on the fence about it, but I don't think I'm exaggerating when I say that all of us enjoy driving it enough that while issues may annoy us, the ride overcomes it.

Additionally, it's important to look at when some of the posts were made as some of us have not experienced anything remotely close to what those who got their cars last year have experienced. As @bunnylebowski said, it's about choice, but make that choice with the knowledge that most of us who already have our cars are very satisfied with our purchase.

Thanks for your comments and insights. I appreciate how you feel and it does give many of us on the fence confidence to stick with lucid. However, it's a bet on whether Lucid can or cannot resolve these issues in a timely manner and more importantly, after spending $150K, do we want to be an early adopter or give lucid more time to resolve some of the initial issues. Lucid's struggles are atypical of many others who innovate and success and failure is not determined by whether the product was flawless or not but instead by how quickly issues were resolved. What is concerning for me is that things like Bluetooth/Wired connection were/are a struggle. Those are not new innovations; they have existed for years now. A big problem with many innovators is that they want to control every part of the experience and that results in boiling the ocean and make things harder in the initial years. Tesla had the same issues for 2-3 years before there was more stability. Personally, I can deal with these issues may be a few months but after that, i would end up regretting making the purchase or deal with multiple service calls that are a hassle.

My question on other options wasn't a slam on Lucid or accentuate the negative opinions. It was to get a thoughtful opinion from others who have tried many cars on whether other options even exist. Personally for me, I would have taken the Plaid if the normal steering wheel existed. I may decide to just get a slightly Used Model S 2020 in the interim and bide a year or two while Lucid fixes some of the teething issues.

 

[hydbob]

I think it's human nature for people's focus to be drawn more towards negative comments than positive comments. There are hundreds of posts from people talking about how much they love the car. Some of those same people also have items they wish were improved. When it comes to improvements, there tends to be, I think, many more replies on disappointments that this thing or that thing is not working or available. The one thing I haven't seen is anyone who posts regularly on the site and has received their cars rushing to get rid of their cars. A few may be more on the fence about it, but I don't think I'm exaggerating when I say that all of us enjoy driving it enough that while issues may annoy us, the ride overcomes it.

Additionally, it's important to look at when some of the posts were made as some of us have not experienced anything remotely close to what those who got their cars last year have experienced. As @bunnylebowski said, it's about choice, but make that choice with the knowledge that most of us who already have our cars are very satisfied with our purchase.

I second what @Maverick said. It'd probably be much better to focus on feedback in the last month or some compared to when a few of us first got our cars. There has been a MASSIVE improvement, heck, we didn't even have cruise control for months in the beginning! Still, if you are comparing the 3 (EQS, PLAID,Taycan) the Air is THE best compromise between the 3 as many reviewers and owners have said. @MoniputerLM has an EQS AMG to directly compare to, @Paladin732 has a Taycan directly to compare to, and @hmp10 has a Plaid directly to compare to, maybe they can chime in here!

 

[hmp10]

Personally for me, I would have taken the Plaid if the normal steering wheel existed. I may decide to just get a slightly Used Model S 2020 in the interim and bide a year or two while Lucid fixes some of the teething issues.

Our Plaid is our second Tesla (replaced a 2015 S P90D), I bought my brother a Model 3, and I have a bucket of Tesla stock -- so I have no interest in trashing Tesla. There are some things I like about the Plaid over the Air, but more things I like about the Air over the Plaid.

Tesla's software at this point is considerably more evolved than Lucid's in most respects. There are some things Lucid's can do that Tesla's cannot, such as simulate a bird's-eye view (due not to software limitations but camera placements on the Plaid). But Lucid's software is improving at a fairly good clip. I am also a skeptic about Musk's claims that he will get to Level 3 or 4 ADAS with optical cameras alone, and I appreciate that Lucid has a more comprehensive sensor hardware suite to go down any path that future software developments bring.

I also love the Google satellite maps that display on the Plaid's huge screen and sorely miss it in the Air. (I do a lot of exploring with our cars and love being able to see what's behind tree lines, over hills, and around corners that I might want to explore further.)

It sounds like a nit, but I visit the front center console pretty often while driving, and the Plaid's is considerably better thought out and executed than the Air's. And I remain mystified that the Air only provides one wireless phone charger (in which some phones do not even fit) where the Plaid provides four which require nothing more than just laying the phone down instead of trying to squeeze it into a slot.

Finally, there's the acceleration. The Air Dream Performance is blazingly, blazingly quick. But the Plaid seems actually to have repealed the physical laws of inertia. It's a complete freak show if you're into that kind of thing. (The price you pay, however, is a front end that becomes dangerously more unplanted than the Air's during hard acceleration.)

Now, what's better about the Air . . . ?

Passenger space and comfort. The Plaid cannot accommodate four adults in good comfort for any real distance. The rear seat, though much improved with the 2021 updates, is just too cramped. Rear seat passengers in the Air actually gush about the roominess for a car that size, and we have ceased to drive the Plaid with more than two people in the car. And after sitting in the Air's front seats with the adjustable thigh supports, the Plaid's front seats seem suddenly primitive and undersized.

The Air is quieter, the ride more compliant, the body structure more solid, and the handling a marvel for a car of that weight on relatively narrow tires (even with the 21" wheels). The Plaid's handling is hampered somewhat by that ridiculous yoke (and its even more ridiculous haptic buttons), but the issue is more fundamental than that. Lucid just plain trumps Tesla in suspension engineering and in the structural rigidity that enables the coupling of great ride compliance with extreme handling precision. (No surprise, since Peter Rawlinson was Chief Engineer at two of the most-storied suspension houses in the industry: Jaguar and Lotus.)

Lucid is also much more clear-eyed about user ergonomics with things such as A/C controls and vent positioning, audio volume control, and wiper and exterior light adjustments.

Finally -- and this still baffles me -- after ten years of building huge numbers of cars, Tesla delivered a Plaid to us with more initial quality problems than did Lucid with our production car #154. We've had some issues with the Air that required multiple (but relatively painless) service interventions, but the Plaid has had more problems, and its sketchy service experience has left us living with a few of them rather than bothering with trying to get Tesla to correct them.

The next automotive question in our household is what EV can replace our trusty Honda Odyssey? Will it be the Launch Edition Rivian R1S we have had on order for three years or the Lucid Gravity SUV? One thing it will not be is a Tesla Model X which, even with the new updates as a people hauler, still has no storage pockets, no center armrest, and no cupholders in the second row. Say what???

 

[DeaneG]

...The next automotive question in our household is what EV can replace our trusty Honda Odyssey? Will it be the Launch Edition Rivian R1S we have had on order for three years or the Lucid Gravity SUV? One thing it will not be is a Tesla Model X which, even with the new updates as a people hauler, still has no storage pockets, no center armrest, and no cupholders in the second row. Say what???

I'm eager to see what the Polestar 3 snd 4 turn out to be, as well as Volvo's XC90 EV replacement (Embla?) and XC60-sized EV. We love our XC40 EV, a wonderful drive, even for long trips.

 

[Steveinarizona]

I think it's human nature for people's focus to be drawn more towards negative comments than positive comments. There are hundreds of posts from people talking about how much they love the car. Some of those same people also have items they wish were improved. When it comes to improvements, there tends to be, I think, many more replies on disappointments that this thing or that thing is not working or available. The one thing I haven't seen is anyone who posts regularly on the site and has received their cars rushing to get rid of their cars. A few may be more on the fence about it, but I don't think I'm exaggerating when I say that all of us enjoy driving it enough that while issues may annoy us, the ride overcomes it.

Additionally, it's important to look at when some of the posts were made as some of us have not experienced anything remotely close to what those who got their cars last year have experienced. As @bunnylebowski said, it's about choice, but make that choice with the knowledge that most of us who already have our cars are very satisfied with our purchase.

I agree. My current DD is a 2018 BMW 530e (PHEV). I am active on BMW forums and I have posted many comments...some positive and some negative. I have yet to see a car, or car manufacturer, that does not have some drawbacks. For example, I don't like the new BMW designs, especially the grilles, and I think the artificial leather is better than the base leather (which is why I upgraded to Nappa). Other irritants were solved with coding such as changing the follow distance on ACC to closest from farthest. But, back in late 2017 when I ordered my car, it was the best choice out there for me. So don't just read my negative comments and draw conclusions solely from them.

Such comments, in both directions, are useful (at least to me) as they give me information which I can then filter against my personal needs and decide what best meets those needs and which imperfect car and car maker comes closest for me.

I am somewhat concerned about the software issues but I have reserved a Pure and I continue to expect that they will be sufficiently resolved by the time they get to me. If not, there will be many choices out there.

 

[NewEnglander]

Our Plaid is our second Tesla (replaced a 2015 S P90D), I bought my brother a Model 3, and I have a bucket of Tesla stock -- so I have no interest in trashing Tesla. There are some things I like about the Plaid over the Air, but more things I like about the Air over the Plaid.

Tesla's software at this point is considerably more evolved than Lucid's in most respects. There are some things Lucid's can do that Tesla's cannot, such as simulate a bird's-eye view (due not to software limitations but camera placements on the Plaid). But Lucid's software is improving at a fairly good clip. I am also a skeptic about Musk's claims that he will get to Level 3 or 4 ADAS with optical cameras alone, and I appreciate that Lucid has a more comprehensive sensor hardware suite to go down any path that future software developments bring.

I also love the Google satellite maps that display on the Plaid's huge screen and sorely miss it in the Air. (I do a lot of exploring with our cars and love being able to see what's behind tree lines, over hills, and around corners that I might want to explore further.)

It sounds like a nit, but I visit the front center console pretty often while driving, and the Plaid's is considerably better thought out and executed than the Air's. And I remain mystified that the Air only provides one wireless phone charger (in which some phones do not even fit) where the Plaid provides four which require nothing more than just laying the phone down instead of trying to squeeze it into a slot.

Finally, there's the acceleration. The Air Dream Performance is blazingly, blazingly quick. But the Plaid seems actually to have repealed the physical laws of inertia. It's a complete freak show if you're into that kind of thing. (The price you pay, however, is a front end that becomes dangerously more unplanted than the Air's during hard acceleration.)

Now, what's better about the Air . . . ?

Passenger space and comfort. The Plaid cannot accommodate four adults in good comfort for any real distance. The rear seat, though much improved with the 2021 updates, is just too cramped. Rear seat passengers in the Air actually gush about the roominess for a car that size, and we have ceased to drive the Plaid with more than two people in the car. And after sitting in the Air's front seats with the adjustable thigh supports, the Plaid's front seats seem suddenly primitive and undersized.

The Air is quieter, the ride more compliant, the body structure more solid, and the handling a marvel for a car of that weight on relatively narrow tires (even with the 21" wheels). The Plaid's handling is hampered somewhat by that ridiculous yoke (and its even more ridiculous haptic buttons), but the issue is more fundamental than that. Lucid just plain trumps Tesla in suspension engineering and in the structural rigidity that enables the coupling of great ride compliance with extreme handling precision. (No surprise, since Peter Rawlinson was Chief Engineer at two of the most-storied suspension houses in the industry: Jaguar and Lotus.)

Lucid is also much more clear-eyed about user ergonomics with things such as A/C controls and vent positioning, audio volume control, and wiper and exterior light adjustments.

Finally -- and this still baffles me -- after ten years of building huge numbers of cars, Tesla delivered a Plaid to us with more initial quality problems than did Lucid with our production car #154. We've had some issues with the Air that required multiple (but relatively painless) service interventions, but the Plaid has had more problems, and its sketchy service experience has left us living with a few of them rather than bothering with trying to get Tesla to correct them.

The next automotive question in our household is what EV can replace our trusty Honda Odyssey? Will it be the Launch Edition Rivian R1S we have had on order for three years or the Lucid Gravity SUV? One thing it will not be is a Tesla Model X which, even with the new updates as a people hauler, still has no storage pockets, no center armrest, and no cupholders in the second row. Say what???

Thank you!

 

[hmp10]

I'm eager to see what the Polestar 3 snd 4 turn out to be, as well as Volvo's XC90 EV replacement (Embla?) and XC60-sized EV. We love our XC40 EV, a wonderful drive, even for long trips.

We need three rows for adults. Will any of these fit the bill? I like the Rivian, but there's a lot of chassis overkill (such as four motors and off-road shielding) for our purposes that brings the weight to insane levels.

 

[Tesla2.0]

The next automotive question in our household is what EV can replace our trusty Honda Odyssey? Will it be the Launch Edition Rivian R1S we have had on order for three years or the Lucid Gravity SUV? One thing it will not be is a Tesla Model X which, even with the new updates as a people hauler, still has no storage pockets, no center armrest, and no cupholders in the second row. Say what???

We had Odyssey from having our first baby to watching her going to high school. It was so functional and reliable and brought up happy memory of campings and road trips.

Too bad it got sandwiched in domino collision on highway, we were safe. Then we switched to MB GL. MB is great, but it got heavily rear-ended again. we then switched to the fun Jeep Wrangler after that.

Lucid AGT made a believer out of me. I rented Model S, X and Y Turo app on separate occasions few times to try out for road trip, I wanted to feel it before I buy it. The tedious part of constantly get off road to supercharging station just annoyed us even for 4.5 hr drive to Dallas from Houston. We decided to stick to ICE bc waiting in charging station or waiting in line to get 45 min charge is just no fun. But I now seeing Lucid AGT can tell me how far my range can cover in navigation. From Houston Texas to Oklahoma City or Gulf Port, Mississippi. This is just insane range. And for the ride, it is way quieter and smoother than Model S, Model X and Model Y I have rented. Yes, I do wish I can have Netflix, Disney+, but how long it took Tesla to cover those video apps? Years. I have confidence that Apple CarPlay will be updated maybe 1 to 2 quarters later this year. I have no buyer’s remorse of getting this car. I have faith it will get better in its software. The main emphasis to me is drive handling and distance range, that is my luxury demand, although ventilated seat and massage chairs are pretty awesome too.

 

[joec]

I've had my Model 3 for almost three years now, and I can't honestly recommend a Tesla to anyone anymore. Which is a shame, because I initially loved it.

Yes, the software is better than most out there, but it's actively getting worse. They are going out of their way now to hide things behind multiple taps that used to be front and center. Almost half of the screen is taken up by a drawing of what the car sees, which is not at all useful to me when I am driving. My backup camera stuttered for a few months until an update finally fixed it. FSD is still a joke, no matter what people tell you, and yet it's getting 100% of Tesla's software engineering attention.. Can't even take a 5-minute trip around town without having to take over three or four times because it wants to kill me. Phantom highway breaking from 75 to 45 mph for no reason whatsoever basically means I can't even use cruise control on long road trips.

Maybe it's because the software is so close to good that I get annoyed with it. So many little nitpicks that could be fixed so easily if anyone over there cared.

The Model S (I don't count the new Roadster, which will probably not ship for another two years) is their only good-looking car. The 3 is okay, but the front end never grew on me as much as I thought it would. The Y looks like a 3 that got stretched vertically, which is not an improvement. The X is far too egg-shaped. And even the S has been made significantly worse with the yoke steering wheel, and the other interior changes are minor at best after several years.

I actually don't mind the minimalist aesthetic. But they do take it too far. And it's definitely not luxurious.

At this point, Tesla is a FSD company. They don't really care about anything else. Which is fine, except FSD isn't going to happen for another 5-10 years at this rate, and I don't particularly want to fund that out of my pocket.

Which is how I ended up looking for alternatives—and finding Lucid. I know Lucid is young, and the software is buggy, but it's visually appealing and well designed. So I have hope it will get there. More importantly, I get the sense that providing an actually good driving / customer experience is important to Lucid, unlike Tesla.

The old-school automakers are all playing catch-up with EVs. And none of them seems to have nailed it yet. I love Audi, but the E-tron cars look like poorly adapted versions of their ICE cars. And just about everyone is making SUVs, which, okay, I get it. America loves their damn trucks. But I have zero interest in an SUV.

So I honestly don't know what else I would buy at this point. Sorta pinning all my hopes on Lucid. At least in the short term.