Model 3 owner test drove Mach E

[macchiaz-o]

In Tesla, as soon as you open the charge port, the charge management screen is front and center. You simply slide the battery to a percentage of your choosing.

Very cool! Yeah this would be nice. Although it means getting back into the car after I've just left it and in the confines of my garage it means closing and reopening the driver door.

I'd like to see an improvement where you double tap on the stop/unlock button in the charge port, see it briefly glow all five light segments, and then plug in. In this case you get a 100% charge for that rare time when you need it at home. This would only impact power users, i.e. I don't think it'd cause frustration from doing it accidentally.

Same with charge current, just a simple up/down button to adjust. In the MME, it seems to be way over complicated to simply change the charge percentage. Charge current I understand most people probably won't bother with.

Not only will most people not mess with it, but if not implemented well enough in the user interface, it will confuse and frustrate most non-technical owners. Especially when trying to mix in-vehicle amperage controls with the standards external to the vehicle that already address ampacity, such as the different NEMA receptacles.

So I think Ford could certainly add current controls, but they'd need to do it very carefully to not have "normal" people make the wrong choices.

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[timbop]

Like with EVERY SINGLE UI, there is more than 1 way to do something, and there are always features that distinguish products. What feels "correct" is often based on what one is accustomed to. To me iPhone's are more complicated to navigate, but of course my wife only knows IOS so she thinks my Android is more complicated. There's also always a trade-off involved with allowing tons of customization because it can get overwhelming to learn; Ford clearly followed the KISS approach as much as possible because they are targeting ICE buyers who are transitioning to a BEV.

While it is nice that the Tesla pops up the screen, that also means you have to get back in the car to change the setting. To me that is annoying, but to a Tesla owner that is just standard operating procedure. Naturally, setting up the geofenced charge rate at home is confusing and annoying, but thereafter I never have to think about it. As mentioned, it also means if I go anywhere else the car defaults to 100% charge level without me having to think or do anything.

Also, keep in mind that this is still the first version so there will be tons of changes over the next year or 2

 

[MachTee]

Very cool! Yeah this would be nice. Although it means getting back into the car after I've just left it and in the confines of my garage it means closing and reopening the driver door.

The Tesla's charge port opens and closes automatically. So I gotta give that one to Tesla - no finger print on the port door, although I typically use my knuckle to open it to minimize finger prints.

Just discovered a cute little touch in the MME's cargo lights. In poking around my car, I forgot that I turned off the interior lights from the front overhead console. I was in disbelief that the MME has the SAME quirk that the Model 3 has (below), that it fails to turn on the cargo light at random. Upon further poking around, I got the pony logo to light up in the cargo and the tailgate, but the lights still weren't lit. Then the SMH moment I remembered that I turned off the lights from the console. Very surprised that Ford added a separate circuit (an unthinkable thing to do at Tesla lol) to light up the pony. They only light up for a brief moment and then turns off. Very cute.

In the Model 3, when you open the trunk, the lights don't come on until the car fully wakens. Problem is sometimes it forgets to turn on the lights even after it's fully waken.

 

[MyTH]

After living with the MME for a few months, I agree with the sentiment in this thread that managing the charging is a weak point. I wish it were possible to set a simple target charge level not coupled to a location. I wish it were possible to set a current limit. During charging, I wish it displayed how fast it was charging and when it would be done. In nearly every other EV on the market, when you open the driver's door during charging, the in-car display shows you that stuff, but not in the MME, where you have to pull up the Ford app on your cellphone to see any of it.

My JuiceBox Pro 40 shows me the charge current (and a graph of it over a charge session) and lets me control the current limit. I'm thinking of ordering a ZENCAR charger cord to use instead of the Ford Mobile Charger because it also displays the charge current and allows you to set a current limit. I want to be able to charge at 16A or 24A 240V for the sake of certain older wiring.

The other tidbit I'll pass along has to do with the smoothness of the ride. I favor Unbridled mode, but my wife likes Whisper. Somewhat to my surprise, she says the stiffer suspension in Unbridled mode makes for a much more bumpy experience as a passenger. So, whenever she's along, and especially when she's tired or sore, I usually forgo Unbridled driving.

 

[snikt]

After living with the MME for a few months, I agree with the sentiment in this thread that managing the charging is a weak point. I wish it were possible to set a simple target charge level not coupled to a location. I wish it were possible to set a current limit. During charging, I wish it displayed how fast it was charging and when it would be done. In nearly every other EV on the market, when you open the driver's door during charging, the in-car display shows you that stuff, but not in the MME, where you have to pull up the Ford app on your cellphone to see any of it.

My JuiceBox Pro 40 shows me the charge current (and a graph of it over a charge session) and lets me control the current limit. I'm thinking of ordering a ZENCAR charger cord to use instead of the Ford Mobile Charger because it also displays the charge current and allows you to set a current limit. I want to be able to charge at 16A or 24A 240V for the sake of certain older wiring.

The other tidbit I'll pass along has to do with the smoothness of the ride. I favor Unbridled mode, but my wife likes Whisper. Somewhat to my surprise, she says the stiffer suspension in Unbridled mode makes for a much more bumpy experience as a passenger. So, whenever she's along, and especially when she's tired or sore, I usually forgo Unbridled driving.

I could be wrong but I don't think the driving modes affect the suspension at all ? The MME doesn't have any adaptive suspension (non GT)

 

[snikt]

Having owned my Model 3 dual motor (long range) for nearly 3 years now, I test drove a Mach E today and came away very impressed. I was mainly interested to see its efficiency numbers. I drove the car for 22.7 miles, about 12 of which was highway going 70-75MPH, rest was local roads 40-50MPH, with the climate control at 70F on auto. Outside temperature was around 85. The average for the drive was 3.7mi/kWh (or 270Wh/mile, what I'm used to seeing in the Tesla) which I thought was decent. I was expecting it to be higher based on some readings about how supposedly inefficient the Mach E is. For comparison, I have nearly 45K miles on my Model 3, the lifetime average currently sits 262Wh/mile which includes 3 full winters of driving. However, the numbers don't usually add up in the Model 3. Earlier this week the car consumed 40% of the charge to drive 95 miles averaging 260Wh/mile. The car is rated for 310 miles based on 245Wh/mile. No, I have never gotten anywhere close to 310 miles out of my Model 3.

Anyway, the Mach E I drove was at 85% SoC with 205 miles showing before I drove off. At the end of my test drive, it was showing 79% with 196 miles. So it seems my short drive already helped this car raise its GOM The funny thing was, the salesman told me it was a standard range car I was driving, and seeing the numbers I saw I was ready to buy the car on the spot When I got back to the dealership, I asked him again if he's sure it's a standard range and he once again said yes. I asked if there was any exterior differentiating feature, and then he pointed out the X on the door. It was an extended range car.

The Mach E is far quieter than my Model 3. Road noise is like completely absent in comparison. Visibility in the Mach E is far better, especially through the rear view mirror. I like the controls in the Mach E far better, such as the ability to see much more information on the main 15.5" screen with the 3 live info tabs along with the main display, never mind the screen behind the steering wheel. Oh how about that dedicated wiper control that I've been missing lol, which if the Mach E has a dedicated rain sensor kind of makes having the dedicated wiper control unnecessary.

Power wise, I punched it a few times and thought the power was more than plenty. Yes the dual motor Model 3 pulls harder and at higher speeds, but I'm way over that, getting old. Admittedly though I thought I was driving the standard range Mach E, so I was expecting more from the extended range. The one pedal driving took me no time to adjust to, but it felt like the friction brakes grabs a bit abruptly right before the car completes to a complete stop. Ride quality is far plusher than the Model 3 which I definitely now prefer, getting old lol. The Model 3 feels very rough and stiff when running over expansion joints and such, whereas the Mach E soaks it up like a pillow.

The knowledge of the salesman though is lacking to say the least. He insisted that the standard range and extended range have the same power. When I asked about the $2500 Ford cash through Ford Option, he said it only applies to cars that I order from Ford directly. Knowing that was BS I didn't press further.

I am seriously considering trading for the Mach E. I do have couple of questions. Being that 10% of the battery is reserved, would it be safe for the battery if I charged it to 90% on a regular basis? Regarding the $2500 Ford cash, does it apply to all Mach E models and is participation up to the individual dealership?

Some interesting thoughts, I actually ended up going the other direction. Didn't own either but I test drove a MME, MY and M3 and I preferred the ride and suspension of the M3 over the other options.

I thought the MME was smooth but felt a bit bouncy and heavy. The MY was the worst, felt really heavy and harsh, more than a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon with off-road tires. I thought the M3 felt firm but nicely dampened and a bit sportier, I guess sort of in the middle of the 3 options.

I did like the dash screen on the MME but I re-test drove a M3 and the speed and such being on the center screen didn't bother me like I thought it might. A glance down and right wasn't much difference than a glance down

They both seem like good vehicles. The lead time on the MME did probably factor in as well, by the time I was ready to order it was already going to be November or December 2021 before I got an MME, while my M3 is supposed to come in within the next 2 weeks or so

 

[FlashDawg]

Having owned my Model 3 dual motor (long range) for nearly 3 years now, I test drove a Mach E today and came away very impressed. I was mainly interested to see its efficiency numbers. I drove the car for 22.7 miles, about 12 of which was highway going 70-75MPH, rest was local roads 40-50MPH, with the climate control at 70F on auto. Outside temperature was around 85. The average for the drive was 3.7mi/kWh (or 270Wh/mile, what I'm used to seeing in the Tesla) which I thought was decent. I was expecting it to be higher based on some readings about how supposedly inefficient the Mach E is. For comparison, I have nearly 45K miles on my Model 3, the lifetime average currently sits 262Wh/mile which includes 3 full winters of driving. However, the numbers don't usually add up in the Model 3. Earlier this week the car consumed 40% of the charge to drive 95 miles averaging 260Wh/mile. The car is rated for 310 miles based on 245Wh/mile. No, I have never gotten anywhere close to 310 miles out of my Model 3.

Anyway, the Mach E I drove was at 85% SoC with 205 miles showing before I drove off. At the end of my test drive, it was showing 79% with 196 miles. So it seems my short drive already helped this car raise its GOM The funny thing was, the salesman told me it was a standard range car I was driving, and seeing the numbers I saw I was ready to buy the car on the spot When I got back to the dealership, I asked him again if he's sure it's a standard range and he once again said yes. I asked if there was any exterior differentiating feature, and then he pointed out the X on the door. It was an extended range car.

The Mach E is far quieter than my Model 3. Road noise is like completely absent in comparison. Visibility in the Mach E is far better, especially through the rear view mirror. I like the controls in the Mach E far better, such as the ability to see much more information on the main 15.5" screen with the 3 live info tabs along with the main display, never mind the screen behind the steering wheel. Oh how about that dedicated wiper control that I've been missing lol, which if the Mach E has a dedicated rain sensor kind of makes having the dedicated wiper control unnecessary.

Power wise, I punched it a few times and thought the power was more than plenty. Yes the dual motor Model 3 pulls harder and at higher speeds, but I'm way over that, getting old. Admittedly though I thought I was driving the standard range Mach E, so I was expecting more from the extended range. The one pedal driving took me no time to adjust to, but it felt like the friction brakes grabs a bit abruptly right before the car completes to a complete stop. Ride quality is far plusher than the Model 3 which I definitely now prefer, getting old lol. The Model 3 feels very rough and stiff when running over expansion joints and such, whereas the Mach E soaks it up like a pillow.

The knowledge of the salesman though is lacking to say the least. He insisted that the standard range and extended range have the same power. When I asked about the $2500 Ford cash through Ford Option, he said it only applies to cars that I order from Ford directly. Knowing that was BS I didn't press further.

I am seriously considering trading for the Mach E. I do have couple of questions. Being that 10% of the battery is reserved, would it be safe for the battery if I charged it to 90% on a regular basis? Regarding the $2500 Ford cash, does it apply to all Mach E models and is participation up to the individual dealership?

 

[MachTee]

Some interesting thoughts, I actually ended up going the other direction. Didn't own either but I test drove a MME, MY and M3 and I preferred the ride and suspension of the M3 over the other options.

I thought the MME was smooth but felt a bit bouncy and heavy. The MY was the worst, felt really heavy and harsh, more than a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon with off-road tires. I thought the M3 felt firm but nicely dampened and a bit sportier, I guess sort of in the middle of the 3 options.

I did like the dash screen on the MME but I re-test drove a M3 and the speed and such being on the center screen didn't bother me like I thought it might. A glance down and right wasn't much difference than a glance down

They both seem like good vehicles. The lead time on the MME did probably factor in as well, by the time I was ready to order it was already going to be November or December 2021 before I got an MME, while my M3 is supposed to come in within the next 2 weeks or so

Oh no nicely dampened the TM3 certainly isn't, and with seemingly no sound dampening materials compared to the MME. I have some very rough roads around the area. Driving the TM3 over them, the harshness and road noise get transmitted directly into my guts and brain lol. The MME glides through them, the MME being nicely dampened was exactly what I was thinking to myself during my test drive. The MME is a bit bouncy though over uneven pavement, yes. Not sure how Ford is allocating cars, but by me it seems every dealer has a few cars in stock, in nearly every variety except extended battery premium trim cars. I am good with the standard range battery - took a 102 mile round trip yesterday and the car consumed 42% of the charge, averaged 3.7mile/kWh. Remember, the SR AWD is rated for 211 miles.

In other note, I discovered couple of bugs. First is the "this trip" meter, the mileage randomly doesn't get reset. Second, was sitting in stop and go traffic and used the cruise for auto stop and go. A silver Nissan Maxima cut in front of me, and the MME seemingly was going to crawl straight into the Nissan and I had to step on the brake pedal. This happened twice and then I turned off the cruise control. I mentioned the silver Maxima because the minivan that I was following before, the cruise was working fine.

 

[snikt]

Oh no nicely dampened the TM3 certainly isn't, and with seemingly no sound dampening materials compared to the MME. I have some very rough roads around the area. Driving the TM3 over them, the harshness and road noise get transmitted directly into my guts and brain lol. The MME glides through them, the MME being nicely dampened was exactly what I was thinking to myself during my test drive. The MME is a bit bouncy though over uneven pavement, yes. Not sure how Ford is allocating cars, but by me it seems every dealer has a few cars in stock, in nearly every variety except extended battery premium trim cars. I am good with the standard range battery - took a 102 mile round trip yesterday and the car consumed 42% of the charge, averaged 3.7mile/kWh. Remember, the SR AWD is rated for 211 miles.

In other note, I discovered couple of bugs. First is the "this trip" meter, the mileage randomly doesn't get reset. Second, was sitting in stop and go traffic and used the cruise for auto stop and go. A silver Nissan Maxima cut in front of me, and the MME seemingly was going to crawl straight into the Nissan and I had to step on the brake pedal. This happened twice and then I turned off the cruise control. I mentioned the silver Maxima because the minivan that I was following before, the cruise was working fine.

I wonder if it could be the SR vs ER? Which did you drive? I test drove the ER AWD which would be the one I would purchase.

The ER is something like 400-500 LBs heavier I think

 

[HOFMACHFE]

I live in Ontario Canada, so I will share my range efficiency numbers from this past weekend.

I used 78% of my extended battery on my MME FE and drove 400km. This provided a total range of 510km on a full battery or a 317-mile total range. This was a round trip from a rural region in Ontario Canada to Toronto. The temperature was between 28' Celcius most of the trip and we used AC at 22.5'C. I drove 10 to 15km above the speed limit and kept at a similar speed to traffic on highways. About 90% of the distance was highway and the rest was city streets. The wind speed was very low. Sunny weather. Three passengers and about 100 lbs of luggage. I used Embriddled mode with 1 pedal driving, which is all I use.

I have driven the same trip with my 2017 Chevy Bolt and under the same temperature and driving conditions, I would calculate the Bolt as about 10% more efficient. However, the Bolt has a 60kwh battery compared to an 88kwh useable battery in the MME FE. The best range I can get in the Bolt is about 390-420km and for the MME I should be able to get 470 to 520km in summer driving about 10% above the speed limit which prevents being ticketed and keeps up with normal traffic.

I am very pleased that Ford is being conservative with the range. It has truly impressed me!

The care is also very quiet. The Bolt is quiet, but the MME is much better at highway speeds.

Not a fan of the All Season Michelin tires but once they wear out, I will get better quality Summer tires that might be quieter and better performing.

 

[MachTee]

I wonder if it could be the SR vs ER? Which did you drive? I test drove the ER AWD which would be the one I would purchase.

The ER is something like 400-500 LBs heavier I think

My initial test drive was an ER AWD in which I felt the same, that it soaks up rough roads far better than the TM3. I'm not sure it's a fair to compare ride quality between the TM3 and MME though. It depends on what you're after - a plusher ride or a more sporty ride. I have not driven a Model Y myself, but I was surprised you thought it was harsher than the Model 3. Did you test drive the performance version of the Y, and a non-performance version of the 3? That might explain it. My TM3 was a dual motor non-performance model.

I live in Ontario Canada, so I will share my range efficiency numbers from this past weekend.

I used 78% of my extended battery on my MME FE and drove 400km. This provided a total range of 510km on a full battery or a 317-mile total range. This was a round trip from a rural region in Ontario Canada to Toronto. The temperature was between 28' Celcius most of the trip and we used AC at 22.5'C. I drove 10 to 15km above the speed limit and kept at a similar speed to traffic on highways. About 90% of the distance was highway and the rest was city streets. The wind speed was very low. Sunny weather. Three passengers and about 100 lbs of luggage. I used Embriddled mode with 1 pedal driving, which is all I use.

I have driven the same trip with my 2017 Chevy Bolt and under the same temperature and driving conditions, I would calculate the Bolt as about 10% more efficient. However, the Bolt has a 60kwh battery compared to an 88kwh useable battery in the MME FE. The best range I can get in the Bolt is about 390-420km and for the MME I should be able to get 470 to 520km in summer driving about 10% above the speed limit which prevents being ticketed and keeps up with normal traffic.

That's fantastic. I probably would've bought the extended range if it was available on the lot, but after just four days of owning my stand range I feel it will suit me just fine. In my 500 miles with the car (currently at 3.7mi/kWh), it has consistently extrapolated to around 240 miles from 100%. The TM3, the last time I paid attention to it, it used 40% to travel 95 miles at 3.8mi/kWh (converted from 260Wh/mile which is how Tesla displays its consumption). This is a 310 miles car, supposedly..

I am very pleased that Ford is being conservative with the range. It has truly impressed me!

I too prefer the under-promise and over-deliver model. It certainly is not how Tesla operates..

 

[timbop]

I too prefer the under-promise and over-deliver model. It certainly is not how Tesla operates..

Truth

 

[pt19713]

My initial test drive was an ER AWD in which I felt the same, that it soaks up rough roads far better than the TM3. I'm not sure it's a fair to compare ride quality between the TM3 and MME though. It depends on what you're after - a plusher ride or a more sporty ride. I have not driven a Model Y myself, but I was surprised you thought it was harsher than the Model 3. Did you test drive the performance version of the Y, and a non-performance version of the 3? That might explain it. My TM3 was a dual motor non-performance model.

One note, the 2021 Model 3 and Y have some suspension improvements to soften the ride slightly.

I test drove a 2019 3 Performance and the ride wasn't terrible, but definitely not a Lexus. Test drove a 2021 3 Performance and the ride (and noise) was considerably smoother. I'd estimate 15-20% quieter and softer. Ended up buying a 2021 3 Performance for the wife instead of a used 3. I also have a 2020 Model Y Long Range. The ride is pretty harsh, something you'd expect out of an X5 M. I haven't driven a 2021 Y but supposedly those who have state there's a noticeable difference.

Between the 2021 3 Performance and 2020 Y Long Range, the 3P rides better despite the upgraded factory suspension and low profile 235/35/20 tires (versus the 255/45/19 on the Y). I've since upgraded the Y's suspension to the Mountain Pass Performance adjustable coilovers and it has made a large improvement. The issue with 3 and Y is how under dampened the rear rebound setting on the stock shocks are. Just not valved high enough for a car of this size.

 

[MachTee]

One note, the 2021 Model 3 and Y have some suspension improvements to soften the ride slightly.

I test drove a 2019 3 Performance and the ride wasn't terrible, but definitely not a Lexus. Test drove a 2021 3 Performance and the ride (and noise) was considerably smoother. I'd estimate 15-20% quieter and softer. Ended up buying a 2021 3 Performance for the wife instead of a used 3. I also have a 2020 Model Y Long Range. The ride is pretty harsh, something you'd expect out of an X5 M. I haven't driven a 2021 Y but supposedly those who have state there's a noticeable difference.

Funny you mentioned Lexus. We also have one of those (19 RX hybrid). While driving my MME over rough roads, I kept thinking to myself how close the ride quality the two cars have. The RX though does not have the bit of bounciness that the MME has. However, the MME will leave the RX far far behind taking a corner in the back roads. In the Lexus, taking a 35MPH turn at 40 the tires will start to yell lol.

Between the 2021 3 Performance and 2020 Y Long Range, the 3P rides better despite the upgraded factory suspension and low profile 235/35/20 tires (versus the 255/45/19 on the Y). I've since upgraded the Y's suspension to the Mountain Pass Performance adjustable coilovers and it has made a large improvement. The issue with 3 and Y is how under dampened the rear rebound setting on the stock shocks are. Just not valved high enough for a car of this size.

I am honestly very surprised to hear that. I fully expected the Y to be more plush.

 

[snikt]

My initial test drive was an ER AWD in which I felt the same, that it soaks up rough roads far better than the TM3. I'm not sure it's a fair to compare ride quality between the TM3 and MME though. It depends on what you're after - a plusher ride or a more sporty ride. I have not driven a Model Y myself, but I was surprised you thought it was harsher than the Model 3. Did you test drive the performance version of the Y, and a non-performance version of the 3? That might explain it. My TM3 was a dual motor non-performance model.

I too prefer the under-promise and over-deliver model. It certainly is not how Tesla operates..

None were the performance models, I test drove a 2020 MY AWD, 2020 M3 AWD and most recently a 2021 M3 RWD version, then the 2021 MME ER AWD test car that was at my local Ford dealer. The M3s all had the 18 inch aero wheels\tires which probably are a smoother ride vs the 19 sport wheels

With the MY it was almost immediate on normalish roads on how harsh it was, and I was coming from a Grand Cherokee Trailhawk with AT tires, and previously a Wrangler Rubicon.

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