What's the difference?
This version of Tesla’s Model Y is the new frontier for enthusiasts. How do you make an electric performance car?
It should be easy, right? Just up the power of the motors - no need to fit a larger, more complex engine, and make sure you’ve got a battery with the appropriate outputs.
There’s far more than meets the eye. The big question is, is it worth the significant additional spend over the base Model Y?
We grabbed one of the earliest examples of the Performance to hit Australian shores to find out.
There’s no denying that when most people think of an electric car, they picture a Tesla.
But brands like BMW aren’t just going to sit back and let Elon Musk corner the market.
Enter the new i4, which comes as one of three new EVs to join BMW’s stable in 2022 alongside the iX and iX3.
But what makes the i4 different from the other models is that it’s trying to replicate BMW’s much-loved sports sedan formula, with an all-electric powertrain.
So, does this stylish sedan do enough to tempt you away from a petrol or diesel engine?
One thing is for sure, it’s definitely a performance car, but not as we know it.
This version of the Tesla Model Y is the ultimate tech gadget on four wheels. It’s incredibly fast, has unbelievable, unnerving handling, and importantly what seems to be the best software in the business. Coming in significantly cheaper than its European performance EV rivals, it doesn’t even seem like bad value.
But. Enthusiasts be warned. There is an element of drama missing here, the Model Y is almost too good at attacking the road, there’s no roaring feedback or imperfections for you to correct, and for this reason alone, even if it’s the future, I don’t think it’s going to be for everyone.
If you’re intimidated by the electric future, don't be, because BMW’s i4 is just as good as any non-M sedan BMW offers right now.
The i4 delivers all the things you love about a 3 Series, engaging driving dynamics, a well-appointed interior and comfortable ride, but its all-electric powertrain means you’ll never have to stop at a servo again.
With a large battery on board, the i4 also serves up a decent driving range that should put anxiety-prone EV drivers at ease.
That is, of course, if you can get onboard with the looks.