These are also being test driven with people that are pushing the vehicle. As someone who has driven EVs for years, itās not hard to confuse the Guess o Meter with some aggressive driving or seriously cold conditions
I'm starting to see why Tesla just displays the rated range instead of trying to guess. It probably won't really go that far, but people probably don't care because the big number on the screen makes them feel good.
Thank you I have a Premium SR AWD IB coming so I specially appreciate your comments since there where not too many test drives with an SR AWD so far.I called my dealership today, and they had an AWD Standard Range (Select Model) on the lot; it was an orphan because the person who ordered it decided to order up to a Premium AWD ER. Even though there are several Premium MMEs on the lot, they're all customer orders so no test drives.
However, the 'orphan' was available for a test drive, so I took the opportunity to get in some back road driving this afternoon on rare sunny winter day in Ann Arbor. My thoughts are as follows:
- It was better than I had expected; even though I was driving the Select SR AWD. I have a Premium ER AWD on order, and I expect that one will be even more fun to drive.
- The seats were perfectly comfortable; these aren't fully-supporting wrap-around-your-ribcage sports seats, but they don't have to be.
- One-pedal driving was perfect. This is only my second time driving a BEV (first time was a Tesla Model Y about six weeks ago), and I adapted to it quickly. I hardly used the brakes at all on my test drive.
- Comparing this to the Model Y (not apples-to-apples because I drove the base version), I would say that the key difference comes down to the structure of the vehicle. The MME feels firmer, tighter, and is quieter (no unwanted frame/panel noises that I got in the Model Y). Also, the interior is just better than the Tesla.
- This is more subjective, but I really like looking out the windshield to a multiple-ridged hood. The view from the windshield gives the car its personality from the driver's perspective, and seeing the big Mustang ridged hood makes me feel more confident behind the wheel; it's just more pleasing to see all that metal in front of you, especially when it's shaped the way it is. Kudos to the MME design team for granting us that simple pleasure!
- Steering was responsive...even under Unbridled mode, I didn't find the steering too stiff. I spent only a few minutes under "Engage", and that was fine too.
- Suspension was firm yet comfortable...I'm used to driving a BMW 3-series, and that car is very stiff, so I have a unique frame of reference here.
- I was on the highway and needed to get around a car to make the exit. I floored it while going 70 mph and quickly found myself at 100 mph before drifting back into the right lane just in time for the exit. I applied the brakes once fully onto the ramp...the braking came off as a bit harsh. Fortunately, once I released the brake pedal, the regenerative braking took over and continued the rapid deceleration necessary to get me from 100 mph back to local street crawl. In other words, the transition from braking to regen was very smooth.
- As I said above, the braking needs a bit of fine-tuning, which is also a common complaint among professional reviewers. Hopefully this can be addressed in an OTA. I'll be relying on 1-pedal, as I think they nailed it.
- Creeping motion (to finalize parking position or nose ahead at an intersection) is really smooth. I was afraid of the sensitivity of the accelerator pedal under Unbridled mode, but when you're stopped or creeping along, you don't have to worry about hitting it too hard or jerking forward too quickly. The car is nice and gentle when it needs to be, and responds as an ICE car would in this situation.
- My 11-year-old son, who came along for the ride, absolutely LOVED it. He was sad that we didn't get to take one of the Rapid Red Premiums out for a ride.
- I started with a 100% charge, showing only 137 miles. However, I think the car was really sandbagging here; after I returned (upon driving about 10 miles), it showed a range of 135 miles.
- I'm 6'-4", and I had absolutely no issue with my knee bumping into the 15.5" display (see photo). The only people who will have that problem are tall people who insist on moving the seat too far forward.
- In summary, I would say my test drive experience was: YUMMY (and I can't wait to get my own MME!)
Interesting, my son mentioned the "touchy" brakes in my 2011 Edge after driving it the other day.....I never really thought about it that way. Another data point.
Exactly, the computer is adjusting the range based upon the history of how the persons before you drove the car: Yea, driven hard because we all want to experience the 0-60 feel. Probably best to clear out or reset the range history on the big screen, then see how much the range increases before your very eyes. One other major factor: How cold is outside honey? Burrrrr..., its February.
My wife has a 2019 Ford Explorer, so I have a frame of reference. The Explorer's brakes weren't quite as aggressive, but of course I was coming onto an exit ramp going about 100 mph, so...
Yep, I didn't take the range estimate seriously and you're correct about the previous drivers setting up the low range expectation. It was cold, but not frigid (low 30s). Given the model in question (EPA range of 211 miles), the real world range should have been closer to 170-180 miles given the colder temps.
I must have missed it. What are your guesses that have been "too good"?
There is a way to reset the range. @eponyinIL posted the steps after her initial few rides. She mentions what it was and what it changed to. https://www.macheforum.com/site/threads/day-2-successes-and-opportunities.3056/post-96606
Iāve included a closeup of the rims. I think these are 18-inch wheels, as opposed to 19-inch wheels on the Premium. I thought they were ok, but definitely not striking (I think the same of the aero rims on the California Route 1).
Aero rims on CA Rt1 are different. At least according to the brochure.Iāve included a closeup of the rims. I think these are 18-inch wheels, as opposed to 19-inch wheels on the Premium. I thought they were ok, but definitely not striking (I think the same of the aero rims on the California Route 1).
