Potential EV owner Jan 19? Help.

TCP/IP

Hi All,

We are looking to buy a new car for my wife for Jan 19 delivery.
Currently she is in a BMW 5 series msport diesel that’s fully loaded.

We both like the idea of an EV as recently she is thinking more about the advantages to the environment.

So the issue we are having is that all bar a fully loaded Tesla Model S at over 150k, there seems to be nothing on the market expect cars that are focused at the lower end of the market.

These cars like the leaf, ioniq, volt, niro, Zoe are really terrible compared to a new 520 sport. Am I missing something? The build quality and look of the mentioned are really cheap looking is this the market manufacturers are looking towards?

We did look at a new i3 but that is also unsightly ugly on the outside.
Advice greatly welcomed.

Many thanks,
TCP/IP

cros13

The direct competitor to the 3 & 5 series is the Tesla Model 3 but that's not an option for 191, especially without an existing reservation down 2.5 years ago.

Jaguar I-Pace, but at €91k base that's probably out of budget for a 520 buyer.

Certified used Tesla Model S from the UK is an option (comes with a factory warranty honored here and VRT on import is minimal):
https://www.tesla.com/en_GB/inventory/used/ms?redirect=no

It's worth considering going used model S for a year, popping down a model 3 deposit and if the Model S doesn't suit trading in against the 3 for 2020 (Model S depreciation is the lowest in it's class, so this would be an attractive option). Also doing that will put you front of the model 3 queue as an "existing owner".

And as a max specced i3 owner with over 160,000km on the clock, who initially wasn't crazy about the looks... believe me it grows on you over time...

KCross

What kind of daily mileage is she doing?

Maybe a PHEV would be a good interim solution and would still allow alot of EV only daily driving if she is doing alot of relatively short runs.
It would also allow you stay in your premium sector... BMW 530e, Volvo XC90 T8 etc

TCP/IP

KCross wrote: »

What kind of daily mileage is she doing?

Maybe a PHEV would be a good interim solution and would still allow alot of EV only daily driving if she is doing alot of relatively short runs.
It would also allow you stay in your premium sector... BMW 530e, Volvo XC90 T8 etc

She would do on average 60km a day but sometimes could be up to 250km

unkel

Both your wife and yourself should go test drive a Tesla Model S in Sandyford. It's free, the guys are very helpful and there is no hard sale at all. It might make your mind up for you

TCP/IP

unkel wrote: »

Both your wife and yourself should go test drive a Tesla Model S in Sandyford. It's free, the guys are very helpful and there is no hard sale at all. It might make your mind up for you

Agree with you but I think I will want to order one after that. First world problems.

ted1

TCP/IP wrote: »

She would do on average 60km a day but sometimes could be up to 250km

Mercedes do nice plug in hybrids

Sabre Man

You don't need to pay 150k for a Model S. A well specced 75D can be had for about 110k.

Please PM me if you need a referral code for six months of free Supercharging.

Bigus

What about a new BMW 530 E plug in as a halfway house , or if the kids are reared an i8

Orebro

cros13 wrote: »

T

Certified used Tesla Model S from the UK is an option (comes with a factory warranty honored here and VRT on import is minimal):
https://www.tesla.com/en_GB/inventory/used/ms?redirect=no

Has it been established the Tesla CPO warranty is honoured in Ireland? There seemed to be confusion on other threads whether it is or not.

Bionicleg

530e or a Tesla, you won’t be happy leaving a bmw for anything else, except maybe the Volvo.

cros13

Orebro wrote: »

Has it been established the Tesla CPO warranty is honoured in Ireland? There seemed to be confusion on other threads whether it is or not.

Yes, the CPO warranty is europe wide, at least when I last read the Terms and Conditions document (late-2017). Here's the document: https://www.tesla.com/sites/default/files/Tesla_Pre-Owned_Warranty-EU.pdf

the Tesla European Warranty Region is defined as including the Member States of the European Economic Area, Monaco, San Marino, and Switzerland

This 2016 75D is beaut at €60k (with an extra few thousand for VRT):
https://www.tesla.com/en_GB/used/5YJSB7E29GF138654

Patser

TCP/IP wrote: »

We did look at a new i3 but that is also unsightly ugly on the outside.
Advice greatly welcomed.

Many thanks,
TCP/IP

Speaking as an i3 owner, I agree the outside is a bit ugly but inside its surprisingly spacious with a great driving position and with the wooden dash option feels quite classy. Bigger issue is if you ever carry more than 3 passengers.

But the one of the biggest selling points for any EV (except for cheaper running costs) is the smooth and lovely drive train. The instant power, continuous smooth acceleration, and 1 foot drive make it so much nicer the a diesel 520.the new Leaf has all this and better looks than previous model, the i3 has it with unorthodox looks but will leave a 520 for dead at lights, the Tesla is cream of the crop.

So if its entirely down to looks, go and actually drive a few and you'll find the looks issue disappears compared to comfort and fun - and then you start factoring in running cost savings.