I need immediate help. Premium vs GT

[connoisseurr]

Looking at the specs, a couple details that I haven't seen mentioned in this thread - the GT rides a little lower and does not include a cargo area cover.

Lowering springs will fix that for other models; and actually another member confirmed you can put GT springs on other models for a "less bouncy" ride.

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[HuntingPudel]

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We also don't leave anything alone, with regards to aftermarket modifications, and while I loved the wheel choices for GT(PE), we'd go with something aftermarket to get a wider stance, and also a lighter setup to help offset the sacrifice in range when opting for a wider wheel/tire combo.
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It’s a common misconception that a lighter tire/wheel combination will get you better mileage/range. The amount of extra range it will buy you is roughly equal to having a couple of small light bulbs blown. A lighter wheel/tire assembly will get you better handling on rough surfaces because they allow the suspension to react more quickly.

The biggest contributor to loss of range will be the aerodynamics of an aftermarket wheel vs. the stock wheels. Wider wheels and tires in and of themselves with all else equal will have a fairly insignificant effect on range. The stock wheel has a relatively closed, flat “face” to the air that creates only a small amount of turbulence. An aftermarket wheel generally has a much more open face and is not designed to minimize turbulence.

 

[ARK]

I have a VIN for a pending build on a premium AWD ER but might have an opportunity to buy a GT non-PE with glass roof and camera/tech package. What are your thoughts the on the plus/minus of GT vs Premium.

With the glass roof and camera/tech package on the GT, it ends up with basically the same creature comforts as a Premium and a price difference of around $7,500 compared to the AWD ER Premium.

Only you can say if you are enough of a gearhead to enjoy the performance upgrade for that price. If you aren’t really much of a gearhead, appreciate the ability to go fast and pass with ease, but otherwise not generally looking to push your vehicles to their limit, the AWD ER is no slouch and a very good performer in its own right.

 

[JohnnyForensic]

We very much wanted a GT(PE), but went the premium route because in both VA and DE (where we have 2 residences), you can get a $2500 CASH REBATE (not a tax credit) for an plug-in electric vehicle where the purchase price (vehicle price + any extras such as accessories or warranties; excludes taxes, reg fees, and dealer fees) is under $60,000.

I have a Focus RS with similar material for the seats and its held up very well - also very easy to clean (was surprised there). I would have preferred a leather sport bucket, thought.

Also the benefit for the GT(PE) for me was the enhanced exterior styling of the bumper and body color matched fender flares. Going the premium route though, I'll pay out of pocket to have the fender flares to match and maybe get a vinyl decal to copy the look of the GT(PE) grill.

EDIT #1: More Info
I also wanted to add that we're only interested in RWD to maximize efficiency. Was considering the AWD route for better "thrill", but we're also getting a Rivian so I'll let that be our "fun" car.

We also don't leave anything alone, with regards to aftermarket modifications, and while I loved the wheel choices for GT(PE), we'd go with something aftermarket to get a wider stance, and also a lighter setup to help offset the sacrifice in range when opting for a wider wheel/tire combo.

A premium trim gets you essentially all the tech, with pano roof (more headroom) and the best range per drive configuration, with a decent cost savings.

Wait, what is this rebate in Virginia of which you speak?!

 

[JohnnyForensic]

With the glass roof and camera/tech package on the GT, it ends up with basically the same creature comforts as a Premium and a price difference of around $7,500 compared to the AWD ER Premium.

Only you can say if you are enough of a gearhead to enjoy the performance upgrade for that price. If you aren’t really much of a gearhead, appreciate the ability to go fast and pass with ease, but otherwise not generally looking to push your vehicles to their limit, the AWD ER is no slouch and a very good performer in its own right.

Seconded. My Premium 4X performs as fast as not engaging the police driving will allow. Yes, there’s a difference between 4.8 seconds and 3.8 (I think?), but if that’s not “how you drive,” it might not matter to you. I have plenty of passing power when I need it, I can get up to speed no problem on even the shortest of on-ramps, and it makes my 2019 Acura RDX SH-AWD Advance feel like a grandma car. (In fact, I gave it to my mom when I got the MME.)

This is definitely an emotional decision over a spec decision, I think. I’m not a GT-type person and I’m incredibly happy with my Premium 4X, but if you want all the speed all the time, you’ll prob be happier in the GT.

 

[Scooby24]

Looking at the specs, a couple details that I haven't seen mentioned in this thread - the GT rides a little lower and does not include a cargo area cover.

GT comes with a cover. (mine did)

 

[Kevin P]

GT comes with a cover. (mine did)

Mine too.

 

[ab13]

You get the wider tires, which is good.

 

[louibluey]

I have a VIN for a pending build on a premium AWD ER but might have an opportunity to buy a GT non-PE with glass roof and camera/tech package. What are your thoughts the on the plus/minus of GT vs Premium.

I have a FE since Feb, 21, and love it. I am torn as to ordering a GTPE in November (for delivery next year, tax reasons).

My FE is just about perfect (minus the minor annoyances of the new model). I like almost everything about it. The off the line acceleration is pretty sweet for normal driving, I have no interest (yet) in the track or racing. I also have the @markboris designed signature summer wheel setup 255 front / 295 rear, so tire size is not an issue for me (going Michelin X-ice 225 OEM wheels for winter). There are less expensive wheel/tire alternatives if you just want wider tires for an AWD ER, lots of examples here on the forum.

(I see you are talking GT non-PE, for me similar question, but for GTPE, regular order, or pick one up off a lot next year) - I am very intrigued by the Magneride suspension with magnetic damping (only GTPE). Also, more power might be fun, assuming tire spin is not an issue (the FE just bites the pavement and takes off). The worst GTPE complaint I've heard is that it might be more difficult to reach around to the rear seats with the performance seat. A few find the performance seats uncomfortable, most report same or more comfortable.

 

[jeffdawgfan]

I chose the Premium AWD ER over the GT. My reasons:
1) Cheaper by a little bit
2) Speed limit is the same regardless of the model....
3) More range
4) For the price difference you can get a really nice set of 8.5 inch wheels that look lots better than GT wheels.
5) Haven't yet encountered a situation where I needed even more acceleration. Very few ICE cars in wide circulation can beat me 0-speed limit. After that who really cares unless you like speeding fines.
6) Love all the features of the Premium.
7) I personally like the front end of the Premium better than the GT.

 

[connoisseurr]

Screw the Price GT!!!!!

It’s a common misconception that a lighter tire/wheel combination will get you better mileage/range. The amount of extra range it will buy you is roughly equal to having a couple of small light bulbs blown. A lighter wheel/tire assembly will get you better handling on rough surfaces because they allow the suspension to react more quickly.

The biggest contributor to loss of range will be the aerodynamics of an aftermarket wheel vs. the stock wheels. Wider wheels and tires in and of themselves with all else equal will have a fairly insignificant effect on range. The stock wheel has a relatively closed, flat “face” to the air that creates only a small amount of turbulence. An aftermarket wheel generally has a much more open face and is not designed to minimize turbulence.

Thanks for this detailed explanation. I know a lighter aftermarket setup won't completely offset the reduced range, it does help marginally counteract the (potentially) decreased aerodynamics of an aftermarket wheel.

My primary purpose for the change is:

1. I personally like the look of 20" wheels on the Mach E
2. I've have the privilege of borrowing my neighbor's Mach E a handful of times this year (also RWD) and have noticed the back end isn't has planted as I'd like it to be - he solved that with an 8.5" wheel and a 245 series tire.
3. I'm 100% biased to appreciate the performance, comfort, and wear rating of a Continental DWS 06/+.

 

[hybrid2bev]

If I could get the GT with the light space grey interior. That would be tempting.

I like the front end of the GT better, but not more than the fact that the GT only has a dark interior.

 

[cvk71]

Looking at the specs, a couple details that I haven't seen mentioned in this thread - the GT rides a little lower and does not include a cargo area cover.

Just got my GT 2 days ago and it has a cargo area cover. I test drove a premium multiple times and the GT is well worth the extra $

 

[buzznwood]

I have a FE since Feb, 21, and love it. I am torn as to ordering a GTPE in November (for delivery next year, tax reasons).

My FE is just about perfect (minus the minor annoyances of the new model). I like almost everything about it. The off the line acceleration is pretty sweet for normal driving, I have no interest (yet) in the track or racing. I also have the @markboris designed signature summer wheel setup 255 front / 295 rear, so tire size is not an issue for me (going Michelin X-ice 225 OEM wheels for winter).

OTOH, I am very intrigued by the Magneride suspension with magnetic damping (only GTPE). Also, more power might be fun, assuming tire spin is not an issue (the FE just bites the pavement and takes off).

The worst GTPE complaint I've heard is that it might be more difficult to reach around to the rear seats with the performance seat. A few find the performance seats uncomfortable, most report same or more comfortable.

As there are no back pockets in the GTPE seats not sure what you will want to be reaching around them for lol. The seats may look sporty but they really are not, one of my friends would always grumble when getting in front Recaro seats in my Focus ST / RS as they are not built for a wider frame, had zero complaints with the GTPE as they really are not that heavily bolstered at all, again this will be based on your body shape by the Recaros in my focus ST hold me in nice and tight, in the GTPE I can move about easily there is no comparison in bolstering, I find the GTPE seats very comfy.

The heavy weight of BEVs means that IMO a form of adaptive suspension is a must if you have to travel over roads that are a very mixed bag when it comes to surface quality as a fixed set up is always going end up being a compromise when dealing with near 5000lbs. So the magneride really helps in this regard and is worthwhile upgrade however at present this upgrade comes in at a significant $$$ cost, so you are really going to want it, as unless Ford can fix the top end power issues you are simply not getting the appropriate level of performance to justify the cost increase of the performance edition .

 

[connoisseurr]

Wait, what is this rebate in Virginia of which you speak?!

So the rebate date was to be (originally) active September 1, 2021, but it looks like the final bill verbiage details this rebate being available starting January 1, 2022. Sorry for getting your hopes up.

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