Mach-E Impressions from a Tesla owner

[snikt]

I really didn't like the frameless doors on the Tesla. They offer less crash protection and are more likely to contribute to road noise. The full frame doors on the Mach-E have 3 different sealing points I think so I prefer that method instead.

The door thing must not really matter in practice, the side collison ratings all passed with flying colors

Also, for the screen thing there's a screen cleaning mode. So even if the car is on and the screen is on you can just put it into screen cleaning mode if you want to wipe things down

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[SnBGC]

The door thing must not really matter in practice, the side collison ratings all passed with flying colors

Yes. Both door styles pass the crash test. The full frame doors are stronger and seal better and even a bit more safe. The only thing that is desirable with frameless doors is when the top is lowered on a convertible. In those cases it looks much better. The Jeep Wrangler has full frame doors and many owners swap them out for half doors. The new Bronco has frameless doors so those owners can remove the top and lower the windows and get the same look without the added expense.

Also, for the screen thing there's a screen cleaning mode. So even if the car is on and the screen is on you can just put it into screen cleaning mode if you want to wipe things down

So, the user is pressing a button anyway.
Two different methods, each with their quirks. The start button doesn't confuse anybody so I think it's reasonable to include it with the car. The lack of of a start button would be very confusing to people who borrow my car and haven't driven an EV before.

 

[MachTee]

Hi everyone. Someone in my family recently purchased a Mach-E Premium and I got to drive it for a few days and get a good feel for the vehicle overall. I wanted to share some opinions I have about it compared to my Tesla and discuss some things that aren’t normally talked in reviews and YouTube videos but may be of interest to somebody cross-shopping each. I’m not going to discuss the charging network, range, Elon Musk, etc etc .. as it’s been talked about over and over.

In my opinion…

Mach-E Pros over Tesla:

• Fit and finish is much better. The Tesla paint job is awful with overspray in multiple areas and the paint itself is very fragile and prone to rock chips and scratches. Panel gaps and trim pieces not fitting properly is still a very real issue. I have a rattle and a squeak in my Tesla that they could not fix even after 2 visits to service. This is not an issue on the Ford.
• Screen on dash is really nice to have
• Style is great and super sleek. Style is subjective but I think most people would agree the Mach-E is a better looking vehicle than the Y.
• BLISS, 360 camera, and cross traffic alert are all welcome safety features
• BlueCruise compatibility in the future for hands-free highway driving
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is great to have and really missed on the Tesla.

Negatives about the Mach-E over the Tesla:

• Why is there a start button? There’s no engine to start. This is an extra unnecessary step.
• The infotainment system on the Mach-E is terrible at worst and annoying at best. It’s slow to respond, laggy, and confusing to navigate through menus to find a simple setting. Tesla’s software is by far and away better in every regard.
• Phone key works about 70% of the time. It’s not perfect on the Tesla either but the Tesla works maybe 95% of the time.
• The acceleration on the Tesla is better, smoother, and doesn’t let up as quick as on the Mach-E. The Mach-E throws you into your seat off the line but it quickly loses the oomph. Floor the Tesla at 60 and you’re thrown back into your seat again, not so much on the Ford.
• 1 pedal driving is smoother and less jerky on the Tesla at low speeds.
• The seats are more comfortable on the Tesla, but the Mach-E’s are very nice too. I just find the Tesla seats exceptionally comfortable.
• Steering wheel controls are overly complicated and not necessary.
• Frunk release is an old-fashioned 2 pull release latch instead of a simple button or phone control
• The Ford Pass app doesn’t have as many controls as it should have
• Sentry mode and dash cam is such a common sense feature I don’t know why the Mach-E doesn’t support it since it has the hardware.
• Ford’s CoPilot 360 or whatever name they call it can’t currently compete with Tesla’s Autopilot, but maybe this will change once BlueCruise is released.

I’m sure I missed some things that didn’t pop into my head as I was writing this, but that’s just some of my initial impressions.

Overall I think most of my qualms with the Mach-E can be resolved with software updates. Both cars are really fantastic and I would be more than happy to drive either one. I hope Ford releases OTA updates rapidly to improve and add features.

I drove my dual motor TM3 for 44k miles when I traded it for the MME. I absolutely positively prefer to have the on/off button. Call me a control freak, but it bugged me on the TM3 that whenever I open the door to grab something from the car it wakes up, and you have to wait for the car to wake up before you can open the glove box which was another thing that bugged me. When I turn off my car, I want it to stay off. The Tesla randomly wakes itself even when I don't touch it.

Largely agree with all your pros and cons. Sentry I wouldn't mind having, but I always install my own dashcams in my car, which I ripped out of my TM3 and just put back on my MME. I like the MME steering wheel control better. TM3 roller volume knob gets bumped often when parking, and pressing left/right on it to skip track is a bit awkward.

BTW my 2018 TM3 did not have any panel gap or loose trim piece issues. It did have some paint imperfection that I chose to ignore. I also didn't have any rattles, but did have the infamous clicky door when it's hot out, which I never bothered to have them correct. Some areas do feel very cheap, such as the liners around the trunk are some super cheap and flimsy feeling material. I also don't like the frameless door design. It just does not sound solid at all when closing the door with the window opened or partially opened. My car also developed the front suspension clicking sound, usually requires upper control arm replacement to resolve.

Also, the TM3's audio system sounds far superior to the B&O in the MME. I actually looked in the truck in my MME to see if the "subwoofer" is actually making any sounds.

 

[theo1000]

This isn't just a Tesla thing, no start button on a VW ID.4 either. I'm sure if the largest car company in the world gets it through their million safety checks and red tape then it's probably fine

The ID4 does have a start/stop button. I used it to turn off the car when I test drove it. You can ignore it for start but if you press start climate control comes on immediately without stepping on brake for instance if you are in the passenger seat. I'm very certain its there for very good reasons.

This no button fetish is just an Elon thing to be honest. All my EV's have had a start/stop button and I like them. Not a problem that needs fixing.

 

[Garbone]

Before the launch, there was lots of concern with Rapid Red. It frankly looked pretty bad in a lot of photos on the Mach-E, especially from the auto shows where it came off as sort of washed out.

But those comments disappeared when deliveries started - Rapid Red looks incredible on the Mach-E, a true red, a bright red. They need at least one other color like that on the Mach-E, for example, the First Edition Bronco’s Lightning Blue.

If Ford would have had a Calypso Green Bronco I would not have switched to the Mustang. That said a green wrap may be fun..

 

[timbop]

Ford already has a similar blue on the F150 and some other models

yes, on THE MUSTANG COUPE!!!!!

Obviously a very personal choice though as I bet probably 80% of the Model 3s I see out there are white

Because that's the color you don't have to pay for

Rapid Red looks incredible on the Mach-E, a true red, a bright red.

truth

 

[Orangefirefish]

I agree but if you think about it the Tesla has two switches, just like those two buttons on the machines mentioned. One is the gear stalk, the second is the throttle. MME happens to need three steps to move. Is it excessive? Debatable. Is it inconvenient, not at all. I am totally fine with it.

No offense but I find this comment (from many Tesla owners) quite silly and uneducated.
Have you ever wondered why there are TWO buttons on powered circular saws, pole saws and chain saws and even lawn mowers? Why isn't one button enough?

That's for safety. A motor vehicle can cause plenty of damage if it starts or stops by accident. I have only read so many stories of parked Teslas going and hitting other parked cars because someone accidentally turned on the cars with the cellphone in the pocket.

If someone doesn't have the patience or energy to take a second to push a button (like when one is fully intoxicated or an infant), should such person be behind the wheel of a motor vehicle?

 

[jlauro]

No, the red is $2000 and all other colors except white are $1000

Tesla switches the price of the paint every so often, as does the exact base price and options and and are generally lower end of quarter.

I too prefer a start button, although I think break plus shift for d/r should be enough and the start button should only be needed to turn on accessories, etc... and should have less annoying noises when you turn it on.

 

[e-pony]

Hi everyone. Someone in my family recently purchased a Mach-E Premium and I got to drive it for a few days and get a good feel for the vehicle overall. I wanted to share some opinions I have about it compared to my Tesla and discuss some things that aren’t normally talked in reviews and YouTube videos but may be of interest to somebody cross-shopping each. I’m not going to discuss the charging network, range, Elon Musk, etc etc .. as it’s been talked about over and over.

In my opinion…

Mach-E Pros over Tesla:

• Fit and finish is much better. The Tesla paint job is awful with overspray in multiple areas and the paint itself is very fragile and prone to rock chips and scratches. Panel gaps and trim pieces not fitting properly is still a very real issue. I have a rattle and a squeak in my Tesla that they could not fix even after 2 visits to service. This is not an issue on the Ford.
• Screen on dash is really nice to have
• Style is great and super sleek. Style is subjective but I think most people would agree the Mach-E is a better looking vehicle than the Y.
• BLISS, 360 camera, and cross traffic alert are all welcome safety features
• BlueCruise compatibility in the future for hands-free highway driving
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is great to have and really missed on the Tesla.

Negatives about the Mach-E over the Tesla:

• Why is there a start button? There’s no engine to start. This is an extra unnecessary step.
• The infotainment system on the Mach-E is terrible at worst and annoying at best. It’s slow to respond, laggy, and confusing to navigate through menus to find a simple setting. Tesla’s software is by far and away better in every regard.
• Phone key works about 70% of the time. It’s not perfect on the Tesla either but the Tesla works maybe 95% of the time.
• The acceleration on the Tesla is better, smoother, and doesn’t let up as quick as on the Mach-E. The Mach-E throws you into your seat off the line but it quickly loses the oomph. Floor the Tesla at 60 and you’re thrown back into your seat again, not so much on the Ford.
• 1 pedal driving is smoother and less jerky on the Tesla at low speeds.
• The seats are more comfortable on the Tesla, but the Mach-E’s are very nice too. I just find the Tesla seats exceptionally comfortable.
• Steering wheel controls are overly complicated and not necessary.
• Frunk release is an old-fashioned 2 pull release latch instead of a simple button or phone control
• The Ford Pass app doesn’t have as many controls as it should have
• Sentry mode and dash cam is such a common sense feature I don’t know why the Mach-E doesn’t support it since it has the hardware.
• Ford’s CoPilot 360 or whatever name they call it can’t currently compete with Tesla’s Autopilot, but maybe this will change once BlueCruise is released.

I’m sure I missed some things that didn’t pop into my head as I was writing this, but that’s just some of my initial impressions.

Overall I think most of my qualms with the Mach-E can be resolved with software updates. Both cars are really fantastic and I would be more than happy to drive either one. I hope Ford releases OTA updates rapidly to improve and add features.

THE only problematic difference: “Floor the Tesla at 60 and you’re thrown back into your seat again, not so much on the Ford.” ??????

 

[RedStallion]

You’ll definitely love it, it’s really a fantastic car. All the points I made were nitpicking, so don’t read too much about the negatives as they’re minor and most will probably be resolved with software updates.

The points you made are mostly subjective, many people would disagree.

 

[Forensic]

The points you made are mostly subjective, many people would disagree.

Yes most were merely my opinion and people can definitely disagree and debate. I don’t think the infotainment system is up for debate though, it’s simply much slower to use than the Tesla. If you remove all the buttons and knobs and go full touchscreen, you have to knock it out of the park on the UI and Ford fell short. But this only holds true today, Ford can release a software update tomorrow that fixes it entirely.

 

[RedStallion]

Yes most were merely my opinion and people can definitely disagree and debate. I don’t think the infotainment system is up for debate though, it’s simply much slower to use than the Tesla.

I don't know if it's slower. but is it slow? Not at all, it works very well, no complaints.

If you remove all the buttons and knobs and go full touchscreen, you have to knock it out of the park on the UI and Ford fell short. But this only holds true today, Ford can release a software update tomorrow that fixes it entirely.

I love physical controls, I think Ford should have more of that. I can't understand how anybody would like Tesla touchscreen for everything, it's an awful design decision. But since it's a subjective point, it shouldn't have been brought in the first place.

 

[ab13]

I understand where you’re coming from but I don’t think it makes a difference.

There’s literally nothing to start since there’s no engine. The car is always “on” but not in gear. Ford just has 1 extra step of pressing the start button too.

To drive the Tesla you still have to press the brake pedal and select a gear, same way as on any other car.

Tesla also has obstacle aware acceleration that won’t let you accelerate through your garage door from the standstill, in theory anyway. It will also automatically put the car in park if you get off the seat.

So personally, I think it’s just an unnecessary extra step and feels dated in an EV, but everyone’s entitled to their own opinion. End of the day it’s not a make or break feature anyway, I just thought it was a weird thing to have in an EV.

Tesla's control design is for a video gamers mindset, but that's not appropriate for a vehicle. If you crash in a game you just restart, in real life, not so much.

Putting the car in gear faster is likely to apply to people who want to get the car moving faster, but are they checking carefully before moving the car? The sensors cannot be relied upon exclusively, it says so in the instructions, and any small object between sensors are generally hidden from them.

Based on statistics, over the period 1990-2014, about 3400 children 14 years old and younger are killed in non-traffic incidents, mainly parking lots and driveways.

https://www.kidsandcars.org/2017/09...ic-injuries-and-fatalities-in-young-children/

65% of the deaths are due to moving vehicle reasons, that didn't include injuries or anything outside the US.

https://www.kidsandcars.org/how-kids-get-hurt/vehicles-set-in-motion/

 

[EVS]

I understand where you’re coming from but I don’t think it makes a difference.

There’s literally nothing to start since there’s no engine. The car is always “on” but not in gear. Ford just has 1 extra step of pressing the start button too.

To drive the Tesla you still have to press the brake pedal and select a gear, same way as on any other car.

Tesla also has obstacle aware acceleration that won’t let you accelerate through your garage door from the standstill, in theory anyway. It will also automatically put the car in park if you get off the seat.

So personally, I think it’s just an unnecessary extra step and feels dated in an EV, but everyone’s entitled to their own opinion. End of the day it’s not a make or break feature anyway, I just thought it was a weird thing to have in an EV.

I was recalling these stories. I hope other automakers don't follow this silliness. Driving a car should not be a child's play.

https://www.motor1.com/news/53747/f...-a-baby-with-a-tesla-model-s-in-chinese-mall/
"A five-year-old kid has started a Tesla Model S in a Chinese mall and has hit a baby near the car
A five-year-old kid has started a Tesla Model S in a Chinese mall and has hit a baby near the car.
The Californian EV brand exhibited two examples of the Model S in a mall in the Tongzhou District of Beijing and they were both switched on so the dashboard can be activated. The engines were off, but a five-year-old boy managed to start one of the cars and even run forward for about six meters. It then hit a stroller with a baby inside. Luckily, no one got hurt during the accident and the baby was okay.
Shortly after, a reporter from a local newspaper reportedly visited the place only to discover one of the vehicles is still unlocked and still switched on. This time the white Model S, which hit the baby, was locked for visitors."

I remember another story where owner claimed his parked Model S automatically srated (I assume, due to his smart phone in his pocket turning on something by accident) and hit a parked truck in-front, and he never got any reimbursement from Tesla. But I can't locate that story.

 

[ARK]

Yes most were merely my opinion and people can definitely disagree and debate. I don’t think the infotainment system is up for debate though, it’s simply much slower to use than the Tesla. If you remove all the buttons and knobs and go full touchscreen, you have to knock it out of the park on the UI and Ford fell short. But this only holds true today, Ford can release a software update tomorrow that fixes it entirely.

I gotta agree with this. If the screen was only about the radio and navigation like cars from several years ago, then fine, faster is faster, but not critical. But since so many controls have now been integrated into the infotainment system, it is more important for it to be as responsive as possible.

It’s not bad as it is, but definitely there is room for improvement.

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