Model X Ludicrous vs Model Y Long Range

[V 02]

Okay, so I know this won’t be a popular one on here with all the anti-Tesla dislike and how unpopular Elon is at the minute (rightly)

However I do not consider politics when it comes to choosing cars, so I am not put off (before anyone attacks me for this, everyone is entitled to their opinion)

I like to change my cars regularly, and also like trying different marques.

I have a Volvo V90, Fiat 500E, and a Honda Civic Type R currently, it’s just too many cars. The Fiat has had the electric power steering starting to let go at just 12,000 miles, the Volvo has now had the dreaded rocker cover and shock leaks and a swirl flap go, and the Honda is currently going thorough fettling.

I’ve also relocated back into London, and having a diesel makes no sense anymore.

I’ve put down 2 deposits: one on a 2020 Tesla Model X Performance (Ludicrous+) with 50k miles and another, a 2022 Tesla Model Y Long Range.

I can’t decide between either - because I change cars frequently (I always man maths the depreciation because cars are my hobby but I try to minimise this)

From what I understand:

Model X

Pros

Insane power (took it for an extended test drive and I could feel my organs being rearranged)
Looks far better than the Y, imho
A rare sight
Much more premium feeling interior*
Driver’s display
Air suspension - extremely comfortable
FALCON DOORS! A serious head turner
Still a good range in 2025 (340mi claimed, 260+ real world)

Cons:
Fit and finish is a bit iffy, the example I saw was a bit creaky
Performance novelty might wear off
Old style portrait screen
Electronic gizmos seem scary when out of warranty


Model Y:

Pros:
A much better perceived fit and finish
More modern feeling
Range and display
Still plenty quick enough

Cons:
They’re everywhere
Slightly sterile, if competent


Model X is £10k more than the Y, insurance is also a decent bit more (but surprisingly good for someone my age) - definitely the fastest EV available for the price this side of a Taycan.

I could consider a Taycan but prefer the higher driving position for a daily and the problems with being stereotyped for my age and profession

Edited by V 02 on Wednesday 7th May 23:50

[V 02]

Or… the Model Y Performance?

[Jamescrs]

I think the novelty of the Model X ludicrous mode will wear off fast, especially driving in London and you will end up wishing you bought the more modern car with the better interior because that’s more important day to day

[NDNDNDND]

[omniflow]

Slightly off topic here, but you've put down 2 deposits.

What are your expectations for those deposits? What are they achieving for you? What is the seller giving you in return for those deposits? Do you expect one of them to be returned?

[Magnum 475]

Just curious. If you buy a Model X, how do you get the rear seat passengers out in a tight parking space?? Or a car park with low ceilings? Looks funky, but appears hugely impractical.

[Narcisus]

omniflow said:

Slightly off topic here, but you've put down 2 deposits.

What are your expectations for those deposits? What are they achieving for you? What is the seller giving you in return for those deposits? Do you expect one of them to be returned?

What’s it to you ! ?

[gmaz]

The X is a big car for UK roads, parking spaces, multi-stories, width restrictions etc

[Martyn76]

Magnum 475 said:

Just curious. If you buy a Model X, how do you get the rear seat passengers out in a tight parking space?? Or a car park with low ceilings? Looks funky, but appears hugely impractical.

The door have sensors and the door mechanism is powered so it can alter how it opens, plenty vids on the internet.

[Frankychops]

V 02 said:

Or… the Model Y Performance?

Neither, there's loads of other cars that would suit without the baggage.

[Skodillac]

Given London, then the Y for reasons of practicality. The X rear doors might "turn heads", but they'll drive you insane when you realise you can't open them in car parks. Also, on principle, I'd prefer the newer car for less money.

But in your shoes I'd be going Hyundai Ioniq 5/6 or KIA EV6.

[LivLL]

Wouldn’t touch a used Model X personally. Despite what you may read they have potential for huge bills and epic unreliability if you get a bad one.

Model Y, it’s like the middle aged persons version of the Nissa. note. Capable but bland, school run mum paff.

What do you intend to use it for and how many peeps inside regularly? Also you say London, to me that equates to low mileage use on street parking etc… are you really in London or is it some suburb outside the city?

[CG2020UK]

I’d go the Model Y in performance or long range guise personally.

Very easy to live with, fast, comfortable and loads of space.

Model Xs are known to throw up bills unfortunately and just aren’t as reliable.

I still find Tesla’s by and far the best daily drivers or EVs.

The media thing will blow over and the sheep will be on to something else next.

[RayDonovan]

I'd get a Y LR still under factory warranty and have Cleevely EV undertake a pre warranty expiry check

I have a 72 plate YLR in Grey with the 20" wheels and I think it looks decent (for a Tesla). Dirt cheap to run, quick as ****, big inside, decent to drive.

Ignore the haters

[raspy]

I would get the X over the Y.

It's not too big for driving in London. Plenty of people drive and park Model Xs in London. I don't see what the issue is regarding the size.

Plus, you won't look like another Uber driver if you avoid the Y.

[NDNDNDND]

RayDonovan said:

I'd get a Y LR still under factory warranty and have Cleevely EV undertake a pre warranty expiry check

I have a 72 plate YLR in Grey with the 20" wheels and I think it looks decent (for a Tesla). Dirt cheap to run, quick as ****, big inside, decent to drive.

Ignore the haters

[gangzoom]

We've owned a X since March 2017 as our main family car after pre ordering one just after Brexit.

The current one is coming up to 8 years old and done 90k. It'll out of the battery and motor warranty this year. For reliability in the first few years of ownership the car was awful, the worst I've ever owned and made my old N54 bimmer look OK, but 90% issues were related to poor PDI and down to Tesla's immaturity as a car company. For the last 40-50k reliability has been much better, but it's still no Lexus.

For practicality as a 6 seaters it's been an amazing family car. We've taken our all over Europe, often with all 6 seats full + luggage. The 3rd row seats are genuinly usable even for adults on long trips, and rear doors aren't a gimmick, they really do work in tiny spaces.

As for the size of the car, it's no bigger than any RangeRover or a XC90, but drives far more like a normal car than either. There are so many cameras around the car if anyone who cannot park/struggle with it's size they probably needs to go back to driving school and get their licence checked.

We also have 'free for life' charging at Tesla SCs, connectivity, and picked up 'Full Sell Driving' for cheap when Tesla looked like they were about to go bankrupt just before the Model 3 hit mass production. Overall running costs is pennies, still on original rear discs and pads, and only ever had one service in nearly 8 years for AC and front brake/disc at 50k.

However we wouldn't buy another (or any Tesla) now, and I've been looking at how to move it on. The challenge is any new EV that offers similar space, performance, range is going to cost £50k+ even taking PX on the X. Plus we would move to having to pay for charging on road trips......Ours also has alot of sentimental value, it's essentially the only car my daughter has ever known, when I mentioned to her about moving it on she literally burst out in tears, even for me it's got some amazing memories attached with the car. Emotional engagement isn't something EVs are suppose to have, but our really is part of the family, though Musk is doing his best to make it hard for that to continue .

Edited by gangzoom on Saturday 10th May 11:47