Quick thoughts on my new GTPE from a current Model Y owner

[GuliblGuy]

I don’t care how good the tech is on a car that refuses to to Car Play and Android Auto. The fact that Tesla just refuses to support them makes their in car tech inferior IMO.

The phone app on the other hand… well It does absolutely feel like you just had plumbing work done by an electrician.

Yep, pulled up next to a model Y yesterday and owner had his phone mounted above the big screen, ridiculous you would need to do that.

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[BayouEV]

I don’t care how good the tech is on a car that refuses to to Car Play and Android Auto. The fact that Tesla just refuses to support them makes their in car tech inferior IMO.

The phone app on the other hand… well It does absolutely feel like you just had plumbing work done by an electrician.

Car play and a small screen for the driver. Two easy fixes that would greatly improve the driving experience in a Tesla. If Elon calls me, I will let him know.

I will probably borrow your "plumbing work done by an electrician." Describes the situation perfectly.

 

[Ghost Ryder]

I definitely think the MME looks more aggressive from the front. I personally thinks it looks better. I had one of the first Model Y, and at that time, It also got a lot of attention from passerby. I think it comes down to the car being new to the public, same with the MME now. The Y does not get attention now because they are everywhere.

as far as carplay goes, there are cheap aftermarket solution that will mount a small instrumental panel behind the steering wheel. From what I've seen, it looks OEM. Cost about $400. So i wouldn't rule out tesla just cuz it doesn't have carplay or an instrument cluster.

The one thing that Tesla has going for it are the OTA updates. I can't stress how nice it is to have frequent updates that add features and address community requests and complaints.

They're both great cars, but I think the Tesla is more user friendly, while the MME is a better built car and rides better, but worse steering (I think this is due to the large dead zone). The Y when move instantly with movement of the steering wheel, and I think its less than 2 full turn of the wheel from lock to lock. The MME on the other hand has on center vagueness. I could turn the steering wheel about 5 degrees to either side without and movement of the car. Makes for a more steady car, but also more disconnected.

https://www.amazon.com/Carplay-Wire...jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==.

 

[Ghost Ryder]

Car play and a small screen for the driver. Two easy fixes that would greatly improve the driving experience in a Tesla. If Elon calls me, I will let him know.

I will probably borrow your "plumbing work done by an electrician." Describes the situation perfectly.

Probably for Waze. Wish tesla or MME had that as a stand alone app. Would eliminate the need for carplay for me.

 

[BayouEV]

I definitely think the MME looks more aggressive from the front. I personally thinks it looks better. I had one of the first Model Y, and at that time, It also got a lot of attention from passerby. I think it comes down to the car being new to the public, same with the MME now. The Y does not get attention now because they are everywhere.

as far as carplay goes, there are cheap aftermarket solution that will mount a small instrumental panel behind the steering wheel. From what I've seen, it looks OEM. Cost about $400. So i wouldn't rule out tesla just cuz it doesn't have carplay or an instrument cluster.

The one thing that Tesla has going for it are the OTA updates. I can't stress how nice it is to have frequent updates that add features and address community requests and complaints.

They're both great cars, but I think the Tesla is more user friendly, while the MME is a better built car and rides better, but worse steering (I think this is due to the large dead zone). The Y when move instantly with movement of the steering wheel, and I think its less than 2 full turn of the wheel from lock to lock. The MME on the other hand has on center vagueness. I could turn the steering wheel about 5 degrees to either side without and movement of the car. Makes for a more steady car, but also more disconnected.

https://www.amazon.com/Carplay-Wireless-Steering-Resolution-Bluetooth/dp/B09DKXVFR6/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?keywords=tesla+instrument+display&qid=1645855590&sprefix=tesla+inst,aps,151&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUFLSkNVS1gxSUkzMDkmZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTA0MzgwMTQyQjU5MFFNSFhXWThPJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTAyNzM5ODEzSlZDWlNHTlNGSEdOJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==.

The OTAs is a balance. Sometimes it is nice to get the updates and other times it is aggravating to have the screen icons moved or hidden. Like when they moved "easy entry" off the opening screen. It's not so "easy" to enter when you have to go through three screens to enter. I will be interested to see where the OTA happy medium ends up. Frequent updates to keep things fresh or less frequent to avoid annoying routine-oriented users.

The steering doesn't bother me either way. They are just different. I do get what you are saying though. The Y does seem more responsive.

As for a separate Waze app, I wouldn't count on it. Tesla and Ford would have to admit their Nav systems are subpar.

 

[a22matic]

I don’t care how good the tech is on a car that refuses to to Car Play and Android Auto. The fact that Tesla just refuses to support them makes their in car tech inferior IMO.

The phone app on the other hand… well It does absolutely feel like you just had plumbing work done by an electrician.

Bingo! The #1 requirement for me with any vehicle. Part of the reason why I didn't consider Tesla. Other was the tax credit. Just my opinion.

 

[MellowJohnny]

Finally brought home a Grabber blue GTPE yesterday. I ordered it in July 2021. It was then converted from a '21 to a 22 in October and entered production in Jan 17,22. Built that week and was scheduled for delivery in late March, but somehow it ended up at the dealership last week. What a pleasant surprise.

Quick shout out to my Dealer in So Cal: Southbay Ford. They have been a pleasure to work with. No Admin fees, takes Xplan. I highly recommend checking them out if you're looking for a great dealership.

A little background.
1) I owned one of the original Model Y AWD LR. It has acceleration boost upgrade which decreases the 0-60 to 4.0sec. Top end performance (above 40) is the same as a performance model Y.
2) I ordered the Mach E GT sight unseen. I saw a Mach E select at a dealer once, never test drove it. Wasn't really impressed with the interior at the time. No glass roof made the interior feel cramp, and the material was not what I expected in a $50k+ car. I did not get a chance to drive it before putting in my order.

First impression:
1) The GT looks a lot better in person than in the pictures. Especially the front end. Really nice and agressive. The Black faux grill really breaks up all the color. I think it's a really big improvement over the non-GT. I've seen a few non GT GB cars on the hwy and was a little hesitant ordering that color because of how overpowering it was, but the black grill really helps.
2) The GTPE seats look better in person than pictures. But the front headrest is too far forward. No way you can wear a helmet and be comfortable. As it, its already touching my head. Seats are otherwise comfortable. Not too found of the fake suede. Wish it was all leather. Feels kinda cheap.
3)The dash is otherwise fine, not Audi or porsche or BMW level, but good enough Not fond of the fabric material on the lower dash and doors. I don't think it will age well, but we will see. I can see it developing fur balls from things rubbing on it when getting in and out of the car.
4)The infotainment system takes a little to get used to but is responsive enough. I will hold further judgment until I get accustomed to it.
5) The interior is a little more cramp than the Model Y. The Y feels airy, the MachE more intimate. Especially in the rear seat. In the Y, I can literally straighten out my legs while sitting. That's how much room there is. in the Mache E, not so much.

Performance:
1) It car is downright fast 0-30/40. Really feel the torque. After that it's quick, but definitely not as fast as my Model Y. I don't feel the G force as much in the Mache E than my Y above 40. It's still fast, but not as fast. Don't feel the blood rushing to the back of your head like the Y.
2) The grey bars do show up in normal driving but are not noticeable in typical daily driving. I wouldn't even notice it if the Forum didn't point it out. Also, the power meter is so tiny that you have to squint just to see the grey bars when there are 1 or 2.
3) Steering alright feels a little disconnected compared to the Y.
4) The ride is firm, but not harsh, much better than the Y. The Y is pretty harsh. There's no bounce as far as I can feel.

Misc
1) I can say that first impression, the Mache is a better car, but the Y has better tech.
2) The infotainment system in the Y is more intuitive, and it has nice touches. One small example is in the Y, the car display show your car color and wheels. In the MachE, the Mache E icon shows a generic white Non GT machE. Couldn't ford just load up a picture of a GTPE mache in the correct color? Woundn't be that difficult. Little attention to details like that makes a difference in user satifaction.
3) BlueCruise is about as effective as Autopilot on the hwy. Maybe slightly less, the tesla did not have any trouble staying in the middle of the lane, Blue cruise, is pretty good 95% of the time, but it hunts a little especially during curves.
4) I think I like tesla's App better currently. I can do thinks like turn on the Air.heat any time without having to set a departure time like I do in the Mach E.
5) Mach E display less range, but is more accurate than the TESLA. The Model Y gives you inflated range. I always have to subtract about 25% off the estimated range on the Y.

Overall, I'm quite happy with the Mach E after 1 Day.

Well, that's all my rambling for now.

Did you get X-Plan on the ‘22? Last I heard Ford had not decided if they would be taking X-Plan for MY ‘22. Possibly this was just for Canada tho…

 

[Ghost Ryder]

Did you get X-Plan on the ‘22? Last I heard Ford had not decided if they would be taking X-Plan for MY ‘22. Possibly this was just for Canada tho…

I originally ordered a '21 that was converted to a '22. So they honored the Xplan as it pertained to the '21 price.

 

[macchiaz-o]

Did you get X-Plan on the ‘22? Last I heard Ford had not decided if they would be taking X-Plan for MY ‘22. Possibly this was just for Canada tho…

It's still a thing in the U.S.

https://www.fordpartner.com/partnerweb/vehicles/pricing.do

 

[voxel]

Probably for Waze. Wish tesla or MME had that as a stand alone app. Would eliminate the need for carplay for me.

Same. CarPlay is pretty useless for me except Google Maps + Waze. And only Waze because of speed-traps and accident reporting.

I don't get the obsession with CarPlay... it's like pining for a Blackberry keyboard. People at the time thought you HAD to have a keyboard on a smartphone.

CarPlay apps can't control the car - i.e Google Maps will never be able to pre-condition your battery.
CarPlay + voice integration is spotty at best. Only a Tesla it works really well. On my Mach-E, I gave up after a dozen fails commands.
CarPlay is often flaky (random disconnects) and fights over audio + display. You are essentially running two parallel systems in your car.

CarPlay is a godsend for cars like the RAV4 Prime which don't have built in nav nor streaming music apps. It's absolutely required. Or an Uber/Doordash driver that needs to use a specific app - it makes sense.

 

[Alan]

After test driving both the Y and the ME, I chose the ME primarily for two problems on the Y. First, the rear view is terrible. A small car could completely hide from view behind one at a stop, unless the rear camera was on. I like easy awareness of what is around me, including behind me as I drive. Second, the turning circle on the Y is horrible. Worse than a Sienna minivan (and that is front drive with a longer wheelbase). The ME circle is not small, but significantly better. On the other hand, had I expected to do much long distance trips, the Tesla Supercharger network would likely have put me in a Y instead of an ME.

 

[bosbruce]

Thanks for the thoughtful comparison. I echo many of your thoughts, though differ in some.

For reference, I had a 2018 Model 3 Performance, sold as AWD but I had chipped it with ingenext to get 0-60 in 3.6 seconds all day long. I kept that for first 3 months of my Mach E premium RWD ownership then sold it as (1) range seemed to be going down with time, (2) it had no heated steering wheel, (3) trunk never closed right despite complaints to Tesla service 2x that it required fairly hard slamming, and (4) I got more than I paid for it 3 years earlier (after $10k rebates) with used car value surge.

I test drove Model Y AWD but was thoroughly unimpressed as it just felt much less torquey and direct than my model 3, has a terrible view out the rear view mirror, and the test drive experience just reminded me of the horrible delivery of my 2018 Model 3 where rear bumper wasn't even fully clipped in at delivery. My Mach E Premium in red arrived March 2021 and looked nicer (inarguably more unique at the time) to me than either Tesla; I had ordered RWD as I wanted longer range/lighter weight than adding AWD+ / AWD+bigger battery, and I wanted to get MA rebate so had to keep it under $50k. Here are some of my comparison points :

Favoring TSLA 3 / Y :

(1) TSLA 3 way faster and more direct. TSLA Y somewhat faster but didn't like the handling or looks. Mach E RWD is slower (0-60 ~5.8) but feels more fun to drive as it lets me slide the tail out when I want to...
(2) TSLA party tricks much better, from video games to fart mode, to "FSD" feature availability.
(3) Charging infrastructure is typically smoother for long trips. TSLA let me charge much faster on cold days, though I (and others) often experienced scary loud clanks (like someone slamming the bottom of the car with a sledge hammer) as TSLA let it charge too fast when cold. Have to update my Mach E to deal better with cold weather charging as it can start below 50kw rate and takes 10 minutes or so to start getting close to 100kw rate on cold days..
(4) Smoother and more responsive touch screen user interface integrating everything from nav to climate control.
(5) TSLA is a bit smoother using autopilot in slow traffic, and seems to "handle" (albeit sometimes not safely) sharper corners than Mach E.
(6) Braking is usually smoother.
(7) Tesla Cam and Sentry mode provide added feeling of security when parking in questionable areas, though also drained my battery to 20% requiring slow charging once when on vacation having left it on by mistake.
(8) Less dorky looking tires from rear view IMO (Mach E rear tires look almost as dorky narrow as BMW i3)...
(9) Far better Phone As A Key / App integration.

Favoring Mach E :

(1) $10k rebates from IRS and Massachusetts, $2500 rebates from Ford (had to take loan out, then paid off loan 2 months later), Ford giving me $2000 more for my trade than TSLA offered all told made Mach E effectively about $18k less (about $34k) than TSLA Y ($52k at the time IIRC) . If I added AWD+extended battery it would have been a fairer comparison but still $8k less than AWD Y.
(2) Though not nearly as quick, the RWD Mach E is more tail happy fun. Turning off traction control, I can easily do donuts in RWD Mach E in snow covered lot... I think this might be possible in track mode on perf 3/Y but certainly not on my 3 without engaging ingenext hacks... Also, I really enjoy having the fake engine sound in Mach E and also like that I can turn it off when my wife gets tired of hearing it.
(3) An actual dashboard in front of me... Though I got used to TSLA 3 side dash, I was very annoyed when they moved speedo and gear selection and know of those very annoyed with latest "upgrade" that requires additional screen clicks. Regardless, there is no doubt having a dash in front is safer than looking sideways (likewise a steering wheel than a yoke!) and I am happy to have one again.
(4) Actual buttons for things like side view mirror adjustment, an actual glovebox handle (too bad no physical trunk button or traction control button though I think the latter has been added to 2022 Mach E) are very refreshing.
(5) Android Auto / Apple Car Play are so nice to have back so I don't have to pay for spotify premium and be stuck with an Elon-approved service I don't like as much as Pandora or several other services I can now choose from. Also, though TSLA nav was smooth, I often found Google Maps did a much better job dealing with traffic so prefer that; I may once in a while use Ford's navigation if/when they integrate battery conditioning.
(6) No need for TSLA hack "Joe Mode" as Mach E intelligent cruise + lane hold (aka autopilot) smoothly disengages when I put on turn signals (also vastly superior turn signal ergonomics to M3/MY) and re-engages once in new lane rather than force me to turn off important notifications or annoy my wife family when using TSLA autopilot and having to change lanes on the highway frequently (this would be resolved with FSD if you are okay with TSLA changing lanes for you and wanted to pony up lots of extra $$ for future feature).
(7) Decisions made by Ford seem very much to focus on safety every step of the way, while TSLA decisions seem more driven by Elon wanting to push limits to create buzz. Things like, without FSD, Model 3 autopilot will happily follow a car in front of me through a stop sign or red light after stopping, while Mach E (and a Kia Sonata I rented, and probably everyone apart from TSLA) tells me I need to click on resume or press the accelerator to start moving again if it knows I'm not on a highway. Similarly, TSLA lets me use autopilot on twisty side roads it doesn't actually have the capability to handle, often aiming me dangerously off course and requiring forceful last minute corrections, Mach E requires lane markings on both sides of the road to engage and more smoothly requests me to take over in those cases where it is not 100% confident it can steer safely. And don't get me started on the S/X yoke I *hope* never makes it to 3/Y/Cybertruck!
(8) All Mach E (base, premium, GT) wheels IMO look much better than 1970s hubcaps on default model 3 / Y. Of course could spend $$ for very nice (but butt and range punishing) performance wheels on TSLA...
(9) Mach E Premium glass roof (and windshield, which does block EZ pass unless you move it in the blackened area by sideview mirror) seem to keep the car cooler in the summer than Model 3 and likely Model Y unless TSLA has changed coating. Also, since this is minor, with Mach E I could get a nicely contrasting light grey interior for no cost vs paying $1k for impossible to keep clean white in TSLA.
(10) Though my early Mach E does require me to drop the frunk from a bit high to close (and I put a washer on one side of the latch to make it perfectly aligned on both sides as I'm quite picky), panel gaps and paint quality are infinitely better than my Model 3 which had rear door gaps more than twice as wide as front, one rear door requiring extra hard close, trunk requiring slamming, and the cheapest trunk struts I've ever had on any of the 26 cars I've owned.
(11) Mach E premium has several things not available in TSLA, like hands-free (kick) opening of rear hatch, interior color mood lighting, 360 surround view camera (though I have to admit TSLA 3/Y camera view is as effective most of the time and sometimes more effective), wake-on-approach with puddle lighting,... Safety features like blindspot monitoring with mirror lights are also far better than what TSLA offers IMO.
(12) In my experience the DTE / guess-o-meter on Mach E is far more conservative and somewhat more accurate than range listed on TSLA 3.

Both are great cars, but my basic summary is TSLA 3/Y are better tech showboats (and still excellent cars), while the Mach E is a better car for those that don't want to abandon all the tried/tested standards in the automotive industry, and who prefer security over pushing the limits in many ways.

 

[Tngo23]

The OTAs is a balance. Sometimes it is nice to get the updates and other times it is aggravating to have the screen icons moved or hidden. Like when they moved "easy entry" off the opening screen. It's not so "easy" to enter when you have to go through three screens to enter. I will be interested to see where the OTA happy medium ends up. Frequent updates to keep things fresh or less frequent to avoid annoying routine-oriented users.

The steering doesn't bother me either way. They are just different. I do get what you are saying though. The Y does seem more responsive.

As for a separate Waze app, I wouldn't count on it. Tesla and Ford would have to admit their Nav systems are subpar.

There is a post somewhere to add an Android box to use with the MME like Netflix or other Apps like Waze.....I forget which post though and I even started one to ask the same question....LOL

 

[voxel]

After test driving both the Y and the ME, I chose the ME primarily for two problems on the Y. First, the rear view is terrible. A small car could completely hide from view behind one at a stop, unless the rear camera was on. I like easy awareness of what is around me, including behind me as I drive. Second, the turning circle on the Y is horrible. Worse than a Sienna minivan (and that is front drive with a longer wheelbase). The ME circle is not small, but significantly better. On the other hand, had I expected to do much long distance trips, the Tesla Supercharger network would likely have put me in a Y instead of an ME.

Yeah the Y (and the Ioniq 5) turn like a boat. The lack of 360 camera, no cross traffic alerts, minuscule rear view window, and no blind spot monitor makes the Model Y a pain to drive in busy parking lots and narrow parking garages. The Mach-E can do it all but not without its flaws. Ford just needs to push out the faster charging update to all cars (not just Job 1).

 

[Bmr4MachE]

Thanks for the review. I am still disappointed with the GT PE acceleration.

GT PE = 480 HP 634 LB.-FT. 5,011 lbs
12.7 @ 101 mph in the 1/4 mile

vs

Y Perf = 450 HP 471 LB.-FT. 4,555 lbs
12.1 flat @ 113 mph in the 1/4 mile

vs

Y LR = 351 HP 389 LB.-FT. 4,555 lbs
12.4 flat @ 115 mph in the 1/4 mile

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