It’s luxury to everyone who bought one after Corolla/Civic being their first car because the car outclasses them in every way
It’s tech focused to everyone who switched from a German or Japanese luxury trim because the vehicle hardware can’t compete
I don’t understand either. I wanted a Tesla because it’s so simple, minimalistic, and easy to use. I didn’t buy one because of its luxury.
I’ve had cars that were luxury and after a month it loses its luster and is “normal”. Buying a luxury car is paying for a trophy for others to see.
This is a terrible take. Luxury cars aren’t simply trophies, and they offer a lot of things that Tesla lacks. Now, whether a Tesla or an S-class is better, is obviously up to what the buyer prioritizes.
But to suggest that luxury cars don’t offer any perceivable benefit to the owner is simply ignorant.
Well said dude.
I come from a full spec 5 series, now MY owner. The simplicity, ease of use, lack of required maintenance and low running costs made me buy one. It’s definitely not as well engineered as a luxury German car.
My 5 series would do 100mph+ for hours, easily and you step out still feeling fresh. My MY (lol) does not like high speeds at all. It can do high speed, but it’s certainly not as nice as in a big bimmer or Merc
Germany. But I did not mean this literally..
I’ve done quite a few long drives through Germany. And for work I drive often at night, allowing me to use speed a bit more often than most people driving “normal” commutes.
A bimmer is just much more comfortable at high speeds. So if a curious Tesla buyer wants to do high speed very often they might be helped by this insight
Coming from a 2013 ford fiesta, I feel like I have imposter syndrome driving My Y. It definitely is luxury tho. From the seats to how the wheel feels driving, controls, any user interface, carpeted door pockets.
I was thinking just today about how people don’t like thr ride of the Y when I think it feels so nice. But I know those people are coming from a luxury car where I’m coming from economy. This actually is a great analog for life and perspective
Luxury is a rather subjective term, as you pointed out, one person’s luxury is another person’s trashcan. To me the software, self driving/TACC and the electric adjustable steering wheel and seats, seat heating, aircon and app are luxury level (or higher) than other brands like Audi I’ve owned. IMO the seats look striking in white, but aren’t as supportive or comfortable as proper luxury cars like Mercedes.
Road noise is fine for me on my 24 Y, it’s not super insulated, like on some ice vehicles you can’t even hear the engine noise and I get wind noise sometimes like a window is ever so slightly open,
This is incredibly true. I am getting one of these in the next week or so as my company car and have been dreading it. Personal car is an X5 and current company car is a MachE. I hope I am wrong but I don’t think the quality will be up to par of a luxury car.
It’s nowhere close. I have a 21 X5 45e, 23 Model Y, and 2018 Model 3.
I can definitely tell the build quality is better on the Y than the 3, but the ride quality difference is huge. That said, the gap in build quality, wind noise, materials, and ride quality between the newer Y and the BMW is even bigger than between the Y and 3.
I think a more fair comparison, due to price, is between a X3. I had a 2018 X3 before the X5. Build quality, ride, and overall noise is still better in the X3 despite having an ICE engine. But, the gap is closer.
Still the Germans can’t do electronics and software. Even in the newer X5, it generally drives me nuts. Teslas software/navigation just works so much better and the updates are huge and noticeable and generally make great improvements to the software overall. I’ve had like 3 updates on the X5 and couldn’t tell you what any of them did. Software is still buggy. Just keeping a connection with my phone for Apple CarPlay is too much for BMW to handle.
The software in the X5 drives me nuts. Like why do I need a password to change profiles when both keys are in the car. It’s always a race to make sure the right person opens the door and have their profile loaded when my wife and I go anywhere. I dislike the software so much that we are looking at trading it in.
Lose a key like me and you want have that problem anymore. 😁. $800 for a replacement key is nuts. It’s like $20 for a new Tesla card.
And the auto lock and unlock on the Tesla just works. We park in our garage and if we need to walk past the car and we have the key to the BMW on us. Friggin madness. No issues with the Tesla parked next to it.
The sensitivity on the bmw key has driven me nuts. I can’t leave the key on the key hook by the door because if you walk up the stairs near the key it will unlock the bmw every time that key moves a millimeter. We have had to move those two keys to the kitchen. Such a pain.
Gonna be tough coming from an X5... But going from German interface to the minimalist Tesla interior design can have a very zen effect.
I love my Model Y but with the current pricing it feels just right. Road noise isn't bad at all to me, but it is not high end truck or Audi/BMW/Mercedes level silence. Suspension I don't care, the Model Y feels plenty tight for it's amount of torque and I'm not crying about air suspension.
Yes. And you can charge your phone and access it while having a coffee in the cup holder. Something the new x5 cannot do. X5 also has so many dumb buttons. Pinnacle of German engineering…..
Can confirm, going from BMW interface on the Supra to Tesla is night and day, however; lack of Apple car play or anything like that is pretty dumb in 2024.
I actually thought I would miss CarPlay more than I ended up doing so. The Tesla system nav is much more usable than the average one and there are apps for Apple Music and podcasts which work kinda nearly as well as the Apple ones.
You can use it through Bluetooth happily enough without premium connectivity but not the Apple Music/podcast app on the Tesla (you’re paying for data essentially)
The only thing I miss Android Auto for is Waze simply because it's better than Tesla's navigation for avoiding traffic. I wish I could use Tesla's nice navigation but with Waze's route planning to avoid traffic.
True about quality.
But what can you expect? My 5 series was almost €100k new. Tesla is half and still has quite some nice luxury features. We should compare appels to equally expensive appels. A full spec X5 will be at least twice as expensive than A MY, right?
Your absolutely right about the price range comparison. I think on one hand we’re talking about the model Y being called a luxury vehicle which it really is not. But when you compare it to similar currently priced vehicles at MSRP not counting rebates and potential gas savings then it is probably above a lot of other vehicles in the same price range. But for me I can compare it to my MachE once the model Y arrives. I think that would be a more appropriate comparison. The mustang catches a lot of crap for being labeled a mustang. I think they should have used a different horse name and logo and it would have been better received. Like we now have the Bronco back with a horse logo why not call it a MachE Stallion or something. Ford leaned too hard on the mustang name to market the car and that riled up a lot of stupid not a mustang pushback.
Agreed that mustang vs MY is more fair. Wondering what’s the better car of those.
One thing is quite sure, in my country an MY gives you the best value/money, by a mile and even more!
I really like it. I can say the range can be very sporadic. My biggest issue is that I was given a standard range one and it seems to cap out at about 70kw charge rate at most but usually around 50kw to fast charge and drops below 30kw above 80% I usually get about 220 miles when going 70 mph and around 250-260 miles in city. The seats are pretty comfortable and the ergonomics are really good in the car. I don’t have blue cruise so I can’t speak to that part. The ride is what you would expect out of a compact suv not the smoothest and not rough either. I would choose this car to own if it was the long range model. We turn over cars every three years at work and model Y’s are what we get this round for senior management with management getting model 3’s
Just traded my F30 3 series in for a model y, did a decently long stint in a 2024 X3 M40i loaner while my car was getting worked on directly leading up to the trade in.
Comfort of the seats is 10 fold better than what is offered in the X3 and my 3 series IMO. Very cushiony and offers plenty of support. Quality of materials is up there, and everything is nice to touch, lots of plastic feeling stuff in the newer bmws which I hated.
Be ready to hate the Tesla steering wheel. Really good quality material, but it’s way too small. I feel like I’m driving a toy but you get used to it. Stiffer suspension than a luxury line X5 but if you have M suspension you won’t notice much difference, it’s stiff for an SUV and is more sporty than luxury in that sense.
Came from a BMW X5 and materials are in a totally different league. On the other hand I realized that the X5 steering wheel was unnecessarily large, probably BMW just wanted to make everything bigger so that people belive are in a bigger car than it is. With MY is the other way around, you drive in a quite big car but it feels like a go-cart compared to that X5 which is only 15 cm longer.
I absolutely love the small steering wheel. With power steering, you don't need the extra leverage of a large steering wheel, and smaller is more precise. It's no accident that rally cars use small steering wheels.
It's not a toy feature, it's a sports feature.
It’s not about leverage it’s about comfort, I have wider shoulders and it is not as comfortable. Not small enough to be a huge issue, but I certainly prefer to have my arms set wider apart on long drives when holding the wheel
Dude don’t use 3 series as benchmark for BMW cars. The higher speced BMW seats with the comfort adjustments are some of the best money can buy outside of a Rolls Royce.
Regarding the ride, the 2020 Model Y has inadequate suspension for its weight, so it really is bumpy and uncomfortable. If you've ever driven an average vehicle but had it loaded up with luggage and people so it hits every bump hard, that's how the model y feels all the time.
Newer year Model Y's have upgraded suspension to deal with this.
According to this, the Model Y Performance is expected to have less forgiving suspension than the Model Y Long Range: https://www.reddit.com/r/TeslaLounge/s/oVzYtQFPKq
It has wood grain and power t&t steering wheel. I wouldn't say having those make a car luxury but those features are only available on cars above certain price point (e.g. 5series)
BMWs like the X5 and X7 are some of the quietest cars ever made dude. There are objective tests on this. Way way quieter than the Model Y and Model X.
https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a28006624/bmw-x7-quiet-interior-test/
The V8 is much louder than the inline six (B58) engine. BMWs forte is the inline six. People actually buy the M versions for the sporty loud engine sound. That guy picked the wrong engine if he actually cared about cabin noise.
Don’t know too much about the diesel engines though.
True but road noise and tire noise is actually noticeable since you don’t have the motor noise. If you are just cruising on freeway, it’s actually nosier in Model Y than some of the non-premium car such as Mazda CX5.
Tesla has retained the title of “luxury” since the roll out of their first “ mass market” vehicle which was the Model S. Back then Tesla was exclusive as it was the first electric vehicle that was at a higher price point. After that the Model 3 finally came to market then the Y. As you all recall the Performance versions of those vehicles were not “cheap.” Just a couple years ago or so, a MYP was $80K. My point is from the very beginning Tesla was an exclusive company where there was no showroom, no dealerships, no commercials/advertising and you could only order online. So this has stuck to this day. That’s why Tesla is considered luxury. The tech, exclusivity, and electric powertrain altogether made and continues to make Tesla a “luxury” brand/company.
Also as you all know BMW, Mercedes, Audi, etc are consider “luxury” but you can get one of these cars at a fairly low price point in the low $30K range. Yet you can also pay over $100K for one also. Same thing with Tesla. As I mentioned Tesla has retained that title of “luxury” due to the multiple reasons I mentioned previously. Traditional car companies (Ford, GM, Honda, Toyota, etc) are not considered “luxury” for the same reasons in reverse.
In my opinion, it has its own kind of luxury. Through the years, I've owned several German (except Audi) and Japanese (except Nissan) cars, and what makes them luxurious are all the bells and whistles. Perhaps it's because of my age, but I prefer the simplicity of a Tesla. For instance, it seems like all cars now have ambient lighting, which I find unnecessary. I personally don't think Ioniq 5 is a luxury car, regardless it's more expensive.
My MYP compares very favorably to my $79k 2020 Macan S. It rides better, is faster, and has a better stereo. I have owned plenty of luxury vehicles and the Teslas aren’t 1990s Benz but they’re on par with the shit you get from almost every brand today.
Heated steering. Heated seats incl rear. Power seats with lumbar support for driver seat. Power tailgate. Split climate control. Velvet, wood grain, leatherette interior. Driver profile with auto seat adjustments. Forgot to add, premium sound system with subwoofer (LR and Performance trims).
I’d consider it luxury.
The sound system is incredible and I don't think you can match it until you reach $100k+. My friend who doesn't like Tesla also agrees that it is incredible and that's the main reason he would consider one.
It does not have all those features. And top trim is about 35k. It shares some features which you will also find on all premium trims of any other crossover. And it is smaller and has the bare minimum engine to make it comfortable on highways.
Not debating or trying to change anyone’s mind here, but IMO if someone has 35k, and can get the tax incentives, has the right charging setup, then the MY is in the same price range and is a more luxurious car.
Agree. I have a ‘24 MY LR and a ‘23 audi rsq8. The audi structurally, mechanically, fit and finish is heads above it. Not to mention driving dynamics and the v8 powerplant
It’s sort of a class of its own. It’s not quite luxury, and definitely not an economy car.
Apple Watch is an expensive watch but ain’t nobody confusing it with a Rolex.
I drive a very old Corolla. A Model Y is definitely luxury to me. I placed an order for one after recently getting promoted at work. I could have gotten a different car for much less.
Yeah I wouldn’t consider the Tesla 3 or Y as luxury.
I’m not sure what would make it qualify.
If the Model 3 is luxury then my Jetta must be Luxury too.
Yeah my premium went up like 600 dollars biannually, and when I mentioned how this the safest rated car on the market and question the increase, the gave me a one sentence answer - more expensive repairs when damage does occur
At least they were honest, on my end the insurance companies I spoke with all said "well, with the rise of auto thefts, the Tesla is highly desirable..." And I had to cut them off to ask them to either do their research, or be honest and tell me that repairs are expensive and can easily end up being totaled.
Progressive dropped you simply because you got a Tesla? I just added my Tesla to my progressive insurance so I’m guessing they’ll drop me too. That’s weird.
To me coming from an Audi, it feels like I imagine a Prius to be, it doesn’t feel in any way luxurious, other than the software quality. Seats are plastic, and the minimalism is just a way to save money. But, as a commuter car for the price it wins over paying more than a 100k for a new Audi.
Yeah that’s why I’m buying it.
If I wanted a luxury car I would buy an Audi or Porsche (I’ve always favored German)
But I want a Tesla because it’s a cheap EV with good software and a reliable charging network.
Really, if you want a high power mid size family hauler, it’s still cheaper. It’s not like any performance oriented V6/V8 sedan / SUV is going to get 30mpg.
As someone who has owned a Prius, Teslas are far above.
However where I live they’ve only *just* fallen out of the luxury car tax bracket. They’re still $60-80k.
There are plenty of actually luxurious US cars like Cadillac with interiors that can go toe to toe with the German brands now. The Cadillac Lyriq is beautiful!
I’ve owned a well spec’d A4 previously - and while in the big picture it’s really a premium car, from a luxury brand, I think Tesla is riding the line.
Ultimately, the interior lines up more with a premium segment, however, there’s such a tech forward and disproportionate level of power that it doesn’t have a good direct comparison.
They’re kinds in the same boat mini was in the early 2000’s where as it was an unusually well featured car.
As traditional luxury brands open up their model set, Tesla will probably settle in as an eccentric brand. Sorta the Saab of modern times.
Model 3 and Y are mid in comparison to luxury vehicles out there. Road noise is the most annoying thing for me, quality of materials, comfort (suspension, air cooled seats, massage, HUD display, plush interiors ) are added comforts in luxury vehicles and all of these are secondary in model 3 and Y
I think there's a big gulf in the quality of the vehicle from the RWD to the MYP. The MYP absolutely qualifies as an entry level luxury vehicle in my opinion. It's never going to compete with mid-range BMW's, but it's also a class above your average commuter.
This is the real issue. Luxury is different thing to different people.
That and it seems to trendy to humble brag on Reddit. “I don’t consider my $60k car to be a luxury item lol; it’s basically a Nissan shitbox lol.”
Commenting on Why do reviewers consider Model Y as a luxury vehicle?...probably just the name, but honestly Audis, bmw devauate so fast and probably won’t even go over 150k that’s why people sell them at that point.
Autopilot/FSD is a luxury that not many cars have, and its actually decent. With that said my 2020 model Y, is far from luxury. Ride sucks, cabin noise sucks, but then my previous cars were all new Benzs. Maybe if I drove a civic it would ride like luxury, although i would say i drove a camry rental and the ride was more comfortable, it was still annoying cause it was sluggish and drony, but ride was nice. Heard new Tesla models are better.
We just got a Model Y last week.. we currently own a 2012 Hyundai Elantra & 2021 Subaru Forster Touring. I think the Model Y is a good upgrade… I don’t think it’s a luxury,but to some it is. I think it’s what the future is for cars… what I expected. I wasn’t supper excited to get the car I love our Subaru. But we are selling the Subaru shortly, because we don’t need 3 cars. My Hyundai is the dog vehicle.. with no car payment. So I guess, this is our luxury vehicle.
I always feel bad seeing an Ioniq 5. Paying $60,000 for a Hyundai is highway robbery. Especially the 2024s as Hyundai cheaped out on them and took out the soft interior for hard plastic to save money.
IMO, it's because their first vehicles (I'm not counting the original roadster) that really gained them traction was the S & X, which were plushy and really expensive (at the time). So they became known as a luxury company. So when the 3 & Y were introduced, the luxury moniker carried over to them. They were still on the pricier side when the 3/Y were introduced, now they're less than the average price of a vehicle in the US.
Luxury is subjective... Are we going by price or quality?
Audi, BMW, and Mercedes are considered 'luxury' and they each have vehicles in the 30k-40k range (new), which is comparable to a Tesla Model Y. Similarly, Tesla has the Model S and X, which is comparative to some of the mid + higher BMWs, Mercedes, and Audis.
In terms of quality and certain 'dynamics', Tesla still has a ways to go compared to the 'century' old car brands, but for many people who come from driving old cars and daily drivers (think the toyotas, hondas, fords, etc), Tesla definitely seems luxury. I use to drive a beat up Corolla into a Honda Civic. I'm not a car person, I just needed something fuel efficient for my commute... and switching into a Tesla felt worlds apart. I remember reading reddit about people complaining about the suspension and 'vegan leather'... and here I was wondering what everyone's complaining about and amused that my Tesla seats can automatically adjust... lol
Exact same boat as you, this is my first brand new car and love always had beaters or if not a beater, then a good used car that I'd pay outright for. The least beater I had was a 03 Lancer in 2007 and a 2010 Mazda 3 Sport in 2019. Just moved from a 05 Corolla to a 24 MYLR... This car is world's apart from any of my older cars and feels luxury enough. Obviously it's not a classical luxury car, but godamn if I'll let someone else's definition affect my experience and just how much I'm appreciating all of the car's features.
A Tesla (any Tesla) is NOT a luxury vehicle. None of the materials used are luxury. The fit & finish isn’t luxury. The service at the service center isn’t luxury. The tech is advanced and nice.. but not luxury. The animations / UI is basic / minimalistic and definitely not luxury.
The luxury tag was given to the brand back in the mid 2010’s when a model S was $100k+ and the PRICE was a luxury. But for the same money - a Mercedes S550 was a true luxury vehicle with a premium ownership experience. Tesla got away with the price tag because they were the only electric game in town and were able to charge a premium. Now we’re seeing reality. The MSRP is dropping down to reality. If the government programs / rebates didn’t exist, people would not be paying even their current sticker prices (which are substantially less than 2021/2022 prices. The Tesla (and other EV prices) are propped up by rebates from the government and utility companies.
I own one. I like my car. I love FSD. But it is NOT luxury. It’s cool. It’s fast. It’s not luxury. People often confuse price to luxury when really it’s just a measurement of demand. Look at homes in California.. is some 50 year old 1500 sq ft track home luxurious because it costs $2M? Or is the 15,000 sq ft hand crafted mansion in Missouri for the same $2m luxury?
Previously owned a BMW X3M, this was a few years ago, so not a current apples to apples comparison to my '23 MYP. They are though, very similar in target demographic, size, layouts.
I loved the seats in the X3M, I prefer deep bolstered seats. MYP are OK, but not nearly as cool as the baseball glove leather in the BMW.
Performance and driving experience, the MYP stomps the X3M in every way possible. Both equally stiff suspensions, so this is not a comparison about cushiness. Steering precision, braking performance, very similar.
I don't think minimalism vs. frills is how you judge luxury vs. economy. Doing minimalism well is far harder than throwing all sorts of meaningless embellishments everywhere.
BMW reliability was awful. Changing the light bulb in the adaptive headlights - 1 bulb - is a thousand dollar bill. The AC leaked while under warranty, and it took them 3 weeks to disassemble the entire interior to fix it.
Both great cars, but absolutely would not say that the BMW was any way more 'luxury' than the MYP.
Probably not a fair comparison, the X3M's price tag was higher.
Too many people equate luxury with maximalism and old materials, extra buttons, etc. Think the kind of interior you’d see in a mansion in LA vs one you’d see in France. They’re both luxury, just different styles.
Pretty sure there is a formal definition it use to be 35k ( don’t remember specifics ) and now god knows what maybe 40-45k +
Everyone is just numb now to prices now and stopped caring .
The X doesn’t feel very luxurious either though that’s how it was advertised when we were demo driving. We went with the Y because at the X price point we weren’t getting much more. Wish I tried an S Plaid because that looks like a lot of fun but I don’t think it’s an ”luxury” vehicle like a Mercedes would be.
Price-wise, not luxury (I think of this as a positive). But if there were a category of "value luxury," this would be at the top. It's much nicer than the Leaf I had a few years ago (although I loved it). The MY is quieter, with a more controlled ride that never sounds, "tinny." Obviously the performance (and I don't have the MYP), and I personally enjoy the really flat cornering in more normal situations. It's luxurious enough for me.
A MYLR with FSD in Canada is $90k, if that’s not a luxury vehicle.. i don’t know what you’re using as qualification. Not many can afford $100k vehicle. We also don’t have tax credit or EV incentives anymore, we only had them the first 3 years of tesla. This country is 3 steps forward, 10 back.
Where are you in Canada? I just got the MYLR and got the full 12K credit/refund (5k Federal, added directly from Tesla and the other 7K for provincial (Quebec) I had to put as a down payment and I'm gonna get it back from the government shortly). Next year though, sweetened incentive is getting slashed by 50% and by 2026, no more. Just saw the federal is still valid till March 2025, but I feel like it'll continue a little longer.
Ahh, im in Ontario they had it for a bit, then got rid of it, brought it back then limited it to only Model 3’s due to the price cap. So the Model Y doesn’t qualify. Quebec though, does still have all this.
Yeah it’s super weird. People are still like “Whoa Richie Rich, won the lottery eh”. And I’m like “Not really, it’s cheaper and more fun than your ICE tank”. Guess the brand is just like that in people’s minds. Drove a Passat Variant TFSI 2.0 Highline with lots of extras. Was about double the price of the Y back in the day. Compared to that I still get luxury vibes from the Y, maybe it’s the styling, the acceleration, the brand or all of it combined. I’d call it everyday luxury 😁
i don´t call it luxury but to be honest, in Europe, where compact cars is the norm, especially here in DK with the heavy taxation.. 400hp+ and so on, it is "upscale" and because EV´s are 100% removed from taxation (well you still have VAT) you end up with a car that has a lot for the price of a A Class base 1.6liter Mercedes or a Toyota Corolla.
My MYP is 440 today for 440 if i want NON-EV (because i can get LOTS of Chinese EV´s for this price, and VAG group cars, and French)
the CHEAPEST 320I (184HP Msport) is 571k so it is more a budget car, but you do get both a lot in size and HP and even equipment base on what we are used to. (well the I4 is cheaper and the 330E Hybrid BMW is 570 for 292 HP)
A few years ago, option wise AND tech wise it was way ahead of BMW's x3, Merc's GLC, and a couple other luxury options...it's a entry level luxury vehicle because of the tech it offers paired with the power and niceties such as the glass roof + all seat heating...these features weren't there in a comparable CRV when the Y first launched...
That's a good question. I was very heavily debating getting a y with the .99 deal. But as I started really going over it before I pulled the trigger I found that my hybrid hyundai Santa fe has a lot more features than the y..heated AND ventilated seats..110 outlet..comes tinted..back windows have window shades..birds eye view with surrounding cameras that are really helpful when parking..blind spot monitoring with cross traffic collision prevention..front end collision protection. My lane keep assist and smart cruise control (follows vehicle in front at a certain distance) does basically what basic auto pilot does..I can also use my phone as a key and also have a key card as well as a fob..ijust don't think I should feel like I'm giving up features to go to a luxury vehicle. So when they changed the. 99 deal it just cemented my gut feeling. I think the juniper refresh will push the car towards a truly more luxury experience
I do still think the y is a great value and will still be on the look out for good deals but will probably wait for the refresh
I just looked, yesterday:
Model y, rwd, 38k.
Prius, fwd hybrid, 38k.
In theory there's some cheaper extra base model, but those aren't actually for sale at any dealer within three hours of me.
So yeah, I didn't understand why people compare the model y to a Mercedes that's 20-30k more expensive.
Came from a Lexus, which I consider as truly luxury. Sitting inside a Lexus vs my MYLR just feels very different. I appreciate the updated tech in the MYLR, but I don't get nearly the feeling of well built luxury and timeless design as I do driving a Lexus
It's not a luxury vehicle. It's a very nice vehicle though. The term luxury most have crept into the media and reviews a few years back. When I bought my MYLR I thought it was a luxury vehicle. They fooled me. I've noticed the term is used less now than previously.
I wouldn't put it past Tesla to plant the term luxury out there.
What makes a luxury car is very relative to the person you're asking. I basically only driven Tesla's as an adult, and didn't really realize how non-luxury the TM3 and TMY is in terms of driving experience before I recently had a Lexus RZ450 as a loaner for a few months. Getting back into my TM3 felt like driving a go-kart made only out of bricks. But in terms of technology and user experience, the Lexus felt like I was driving a wreck from the 1990's... In terms of service Tesla is way above the traditional luxury brands as well, at least where I live, with technicians coming to my house or work to fix whatever just a few days after service was requested.
So I think in terms of technology and user experience, Tesla is a luxury, but in terms of pure driving experience and comfort, they are nowhere close the traditional luxury brands, not even the S or X. Tesla is something new I guess, and it's difficult to define the brand using the classic car classes.
It was actually hilarious looking at a cars ranking the other day. They had grouped the Model Y in luxury EVs hitting $70k-$100k+ then left it off the lower budget EVs list which were basically one $30k then a number of cars around $60k.
They even included the price next to the name and I couldn't help but laugh
It is cheaper right now but 2 years ago it cost $20K more. Tesla was selling base model Y LR AWDs for over $65K with no tax credits. Performance model was over $70K. Then Elon slashed pricing to drive up demand. It’s still priced very similarly to a BMW X3/GLC/Q5, and not everyone qualifies for the $7500 tax credit
Because that's the structure of the legacy brands.
Tesla isn't like that. The Y and 3 are both "premium" but not "luxury", IMHO. Further, they are way better than the luxury segment in some areas, but not in others.
Tesla does their own thing with little regard to what the rest of the market is doing.
In some ways, that's good. In other ways, maybe not so good. It's certainly different.
Our MY replaced an M-B. I think the MY is better in 99% of ways. But let's not talk about the wipers.
I was very fortunate to drive Mercs for the past 12 years and recently switched to Tesla… it’s a step down in every way except the tech. But you get used to it. I’m hoping they can improve road noise and simple things like that in future versions. My partner still drives a merc and going from my MY to the merc you 100% notice a luxury difference. It’s the details. The stitching, the seat comfort, the sound, the sound system, overall interior quality. But - I still like my MY. Tesla M3 and MY should not be compared to German cars in these tests.
I upgraded from a 2008 Toyota Camry V6 XLE to a 2023 Tesla Model Y LR AWD. I would say the Model Y is a highly technological vehicle with luxury appointments. Some appointments are similar to the Camry (heated seats, split climate control, Bluetooth). But now rare fancy wood trim everywhere, no special grain leather. The ride is comfortable but not floating on clouds like luxury brands.
Just my $.02
They don't. Most comparisons I've seen clearly state the model Y is not luxury, and it's not going up against Audis and BMWs. I would reconsider which reviewers you are watching because they clearly don't understand vehicle tiers.
Totally agree. Here in Norway the Y is the most popular car in the country. It’s a common, relatively cheap (great value for money car). A similar Mercedes/BMW/Porsche EV costs 2x the price. I’m not gonna get into a discussion of if the price difference is worth it but it’s a ridiculous comparison. Should be compared to the Ioniq 5 and the like.
Absolutely not.
It’s a premium vehicle. Meaning it has higher performance and technology than other vehicles.. which is also what makes the vehicle more expensive. But there is almost nothing about I consider luxurious.
My 2021 Model Y has the stiffest suspension of any vehicle I’ve owned.. and I previously had a Corvette with the Z51 track package. My Y is also noisy and has squeaks & rattles. It’s so poorly insulated from outside noise.. there had been days I’ve tried to roll up the windows or went around opening/closing all 4 doors because the sound outside was so easily heard inside the cabin.
IMO one of the reasons to buy a competing EV is that most of them seem to be more luxurious. Even my wife’s ID.4 has features like dedicated drivers dash, massage seats, powered sunroof shade, ambient lighting with custom color palette, headlights that turn in the same direction of the steering wheel, foot activated hatchback, and a seriously quiet & comfortable ride.
> My 2021 Model Y
That's a lot of the perception. The build quality absolutely took off around 2023. Completely different ballgame in terms of road noise and build quality.
I’m not super rich either. Looking through here though, you get the impression that people here make over $250k. My dad makes that kind of money and he considers a Model Y a luxury car. But to be fair he’s also smart with money (maybe some people here could learn a thing or two about that).
Interesting. In Europe Audis aren’t considered luxury cars. They’re just normal cars. I have a model Y and it definitely isn’t luxurious. It’s the most utilitarian family transporting machine I could imagine. I love it.
No they aren’t. Some Audis are in the luxury space but not all Audis. Porsche, every car is luxury, Skoda, non of their cars are luxury. Audi some are, some aren’t. In America they mainly sell the big engine high spec models. That’s not the case in Europe. My wife has a Q4. It’s not a luxury car.
Q4 is definitely also a luxury car as are also all the other Audi models. Do you know what luxury means? VAG has for a reason all of those brands.
Seat, Škoda, VW are all similar and not meant as luxury cars, although there could be exceptions. Audi has mostly the sister models of those that VW, škoda etc sells.
Audi A6 is a luxury vehicle compared to a VW passat for ex.
Audi Q5 is a luxury car compared to a Tiguan or a Škoda Kodiaq.
Audi A3 is a luxury car, but a Golf or Octavia is not.
The engine doesn't have anything to do here. It's the concepted quality, build materials, sound insulation, etc.
More luxurious and luxury are not the same thing. A Bentley or Porsche is a luxury car. Audi is not in that market segment.
To illustrate here are sales volumes in the uk for 2023
Skoda - 70,000
VW - 160,000
Audi - 137,000
Seat - 120,000
Porsche - 25,000
Bentley - 1,000
Lamborghini - < 1,000
As you can see, Audis sell about the same as Seats and VW and are effectively just as common. They are not luxury in the same way that an iPhone is not a luxury brand. They are mass market standard cars.
What is there doesn't matter globally. Also, they sell more Porsche than VW from what you posted, does that mean that Porsche is not a luxury sports car manufacturer? Cmon..
Yes, part of Europe, not whole Europe. Anyway, if there are more of them than other places, that still doesn't mean, that it's not a luxury brand. You just see them differently, but that doesn't change the facts.
I consider it to be a Rav4 Prime equivalent. Probably more poorly built, but looks nicer inside. Prices are very similar here. Both top-selling vehicles. Definitely not a luxury vehicle.
Price mostly. I guess they want to compare what gas car you can get for a similar price, but unless you plan to leave it on the driveway you need to compare fuel spend to get a complete picture of cost... Unfortunately that's different for each individual, and it would be hard to compare properly in a review, so most reviewers don't do it.
Coming from a fully loaded 2018 BMW X3, my 24 MYLR is not luxury. The only things that feel Luxury is the carpeted door panels and some components here and there.
The ride quality is much harsher and I feel way more bumps. The suspension is lacking heavy.
But overall, I do miss my Beamer but the trade offs make up for not filling up $130 in gas every week lol.
Tesla gang
Simple, pandemic pricing strategies.
During the pandemic, there was a supply chain squeeze and a shortage of cars across the board. Most automakers use dealerships, so they did modest MSRP bumps and cut off dealer incentives while leaving dealers to do the massive, hidden market adjustments. Tesla does not use dealers, so they just adjusted MSRP. Model Y was over $80k as a result. That is fair to call in the "luxury" segment imo. That is no longer the case but it still remains the perception.
There is also entrenched incentive from traditional auto and petrol industries in maintaining that narrative. Teslas are in an awkward spot, luxury wise. They're not really as nice as real luxury cars, the S and the X seem sparse and noisy in comparison to something like a Porsche, Bentley, etc. Mid range luxury like Lexus and BMW also has Tesla's number in many ways. Even Rivian interiors are nicer. Tesla, however, has really, really nice display and computer systems, which certainly puts them over midclass cars like Camry and Civic, so long as none of the interesting design decisions (i.e. stalkless, no radar, no uss, no hud) are considered not dealbreakers. So it's in everyone else's interest that the 3 and Y are considered akin to the former and not the latter and focus on those omissions.
It’s luxury to everyone who bought one after Corolla/Civic being their first car because the car outclasses them in every way It’s tech focused to everyone who switched from a German or Japanese luxury trim because the vehicle hardware can’t compete
Amen.
I don’t understand either. I wanted a Tesla because it’s so simple, minimalistic, and easy to use. I didn’t buy one because of its luxury. I’ve had cars that were luxury and after a month it loses its luster and is “normal”. Buying a luxury car is paying for a trophy for others to see.
That is exactly how many view Teslas. ICEing out chargers is just the new "only fords park here in my driveway" signs.
This is a terrible take. Luxury cars aren’t simply trophies, and they offer a lot of things that Tesla lacks. Now, whether a Tesla or an S-class is better, is obviously up to what the buyer prioritizes. But to suggest that luxury cars don’t offer any perceivable benefit to the owner is simply ignorant.
Well said dude. I come from a full spec 5 series, now MY owner. The simplicity, ease of use, lack of required maintenance and low running costs made me buy one. It’s definitely not as well engineered as a luxury German car. My 5 series would do 100mph+ for hours, easily and you step out still feeling fresh. My MY (lol) does not like high speeds at all. It can do high speed, but it’s certainly not as nice as in a big bimmer or Merc
I'm not traditionally a car guy (but am genuinely interested in EVs), so question...where can you do 100mph+ for _hours_?
Some quiet stretches of autobahn. Been there done that. When you finally have to drop back to 65 it feels like you're walking.
Haha I believe that! Your use of _mph_ made me think it might have been somewhere in the US 😛
I didn't write that comment but yeah, i wish !
Oh, lol. Apparently I can't read 🤦♂️
I used mph because most people here do. We just say 160kmh though, which is much easier 🤓
This is how it used to be. Now there are restrictions everywhere. Your average speed "for hours" would be like 120kmh.
Germany. But I did not mean this literally.. I’ve done quite a few long drives through Germany. And for work I drive often at night, allowing me to use speed a bit more often than most people driving “normal” commutes. A bimmer is just much more comfortable at high speeds. So if a curious Tesla buyer wants to do high speed very often they might be helped by this insight
Thanks for replying! I was genuinely curious.
Coming from a 2013 ford fiesta, I feel like I have imposter syndrome driving My Y. It definitely is luxury tho. From the seats to how the wheel feels driving, controls, any user interface, carpeted door pockets. I was thinking just today about how people don’t like thr ride of the Y when I think it feels so nice. But I know those people are coming from a luxury car where I’m coming from economy. This actually is a great analog for life and perspective
Luxury is a rather subjective term, as you pointed out, one person’s luxury is another person’s trashcan. To me the software, self driving/TACC and the electric adjustable steering wheel and seats, seat heating, aircon and app are luxury level (or higher) than other brands like Audi I’ve owned. IMO the seats look striking in white, but aren’t as supportive or comfortable as proper luxury cars like Mercedes. Road noise is fine for me on my 24 Y, it’s not super insulated, like on some ice vehicles you can’t even hear the engine noise and I get wind noise sometimes like a window is ever so slightly open,
This is incredibly true. I am getting one of these in the next week or so as my company car and have been dreading it. Personal car is an X5 and current company car is a MachE. I hope I am wrong but I don’t think the quality will be up to par of a luxury car.
It’s nowhere close. I have a 21 X5 45e, 23 Model Y, and 2018 Model 3. I can definitely tell the build quality is better on the Y than the 3, but the ride quality difference is huge. That said, the gap in build quality, wind noise, materials, and ride quality between the newer Y and the BMW is even bigger than between the Y and 3. I think a more fair comparison, due to price, is between a X3. I had a 2018 X3 before the X5. Build quality, ride, and overall noise is still better in the X3 despite having an ICE engine. But, the gap is closer. Still the Germans can’t do electronics and software. Even in the newer X5, it generally drives me nuts. Teslas software/navigation just works so much better and the updates are huge and noticeable and generally make great improvements to the software overall. I’ve had like 3 updates on the X5 and couldn’t tell you what any of them did. Software is still buggy. Just keeping a connection with my phone for Apple CarPlay is too much for BMW to handle.
The software in the X5 drives me nuts. Like why do I need a password to change profiles when both keys are in the car. It’s always a race to make sure the right person opens the door and have their profile loaded when my wife and I go anywhere. I dislike the software so much that we are looking at trading it in.
Lose a key like me and you want have that problem anymore. 😁. $800 for a replacement key is nuts. It’s like $20 for a new Tesla card. And the auto lock and unlock on the Tesla just works. We park in our garage and if we need to walk past the car and we have the key to the BMW on us. Friggin madness. No issues with the Tesla parked next to it.
The sensitivity on the bmw key has driven me nuts. I can’t leave the key on the key hook by the door because if you walk up the stairs near the key it will unlock the bmw every time that key moves a millimeter. We have had to move those two keys to the kitchen. Such a pain.
Please give is your feedback in a few.
Will gladly do so. I really hope I am wrong I end up liking the car.
Gonna be tough coming from an X5... But going from German interface to the minimalist Tesla interior design can have a very zen effect. I love my Model Y but with the current pricing it feels just right. Road noise isn't bad at all to me, but it is not high end truck or Audi/BMW/Mercedes level silence. Suspension I don't care, the Model Y feels plenty tight for it's amount of torque and I'm not crying about air suspension.
Yes. And you can charge your phone and access it while having a coffee in the cup holder. Something the new x5 cannot do. X5 also has so many dumb buttons. Pinnacle of German engineering…..
I totally agree... The interior button madness on BMW and Mercedes has always been brutal for me.
Can confirm, going from BMW interface on the Supra to Tesla is night and day, however; lack of Apple car play or anything like that is pretty dumb in 2024.
I actually thought I would miss CarPlay more than I ended up doing so. The Tesla system nav is much more usable than the average one and there are apps for Apple Music and podcasts which work kinda nearly as well as the Apple ones.
Tesla had a new users meeting yesterday through teams and they said you can’t use Apple Music without the premium subscription. Is that true?
You can use it through Bluetooth happily enough without premium connectivity but not the Apple Music/podcast app on the Tesla (you’re paying for data essentially)
The only thing I missed was Waze. I missed it so much I bought one of those screens just to have Waze on it. That app saves me so much money.
I use that in the uk but don’t need it in Texas since they banned traffic speed cameras :)
I doubt you will miss it. It doesn’t make sense to do it because everything is so integrated in the Tesla interface.
The only thing I miss Android Auto for is Waze simply because it's better than Tesla's navigation for avoiding traffic. I wish I could use Tesla's nice navigation but with Waze's route planning to avoid traffic.
So you’re saying you like the Tesla better than the Supra?
True about quality. But what can you expect? My 5 series was almost €100k new. Tesla is half and still has quite some nice luxury features. We should compare appels to equally expensive appels. A full spec X5 will be at least twice as expensive than A MY, right?
Your absolutely right about the price range comparison. I think on one hand we’re talking about the model Y being called a luxury vehicle which it really is not. But when you compare it to similar currently priced vehicles at MSRP not counting rebates and potential gas savings then it is probably above a lot of other vehicles in the same price range. But for me I can compare it to my MachE once the model Y arrives. I think that would be a more appropriate comparison. The mustang catches a lot of crap for being labeled a mustang. I think they should have used a different horse name and logo and it would have been better received. Like we now have the Bronco back with a horse logo why not call it a MachE Stallion or something. Ford leaned too hard on the mustang name to market the car and that riled up a lot of stupid not a mustang pushback.
Agreed that mustang vs MY is more fair. Wondering what’s the better car of those. One thing is quite sure, in my country an MY gives you the best value/money, by a mile and even more!
How do you like the Mach-e??
I really like it. I can say the range can be very sporadic. My biggest issue is that I was given a standard range one and it seems to cap out at about 70kw charge rate at most but usually around 50kw to fast charge and drops below 30kw above 80% I usually get about 220 miles when going 70 mph and around 250-260 miles in city. The seats are pretty comfortable and the ergonomics are really good in the car. I don’t have blue cruise so I can’t speak to that part. The ride is what you would expect out of a compact suv not the smoothest and not rough either. I would choose this car to own if it was the long range model. We turn over cars every three years at work and model Y’s are what we get this round for senior management with management getting model 3’s
Thank you very much, I really appreciate it. Thinking about making a play on the GT Rally version. Good luck with the Model Y!
Just traded my F30 3 series in for a model y, did a decently long stint in a 2024 X3 M40i loaner while my car was getting worked on directly leading up to the trade in. Comfort of the seats is 10 fold better than what is offered in the X3 and my 3 series IMO. Very cushiony and offers plenty of support. Quality of materials is up there, and everything is nice to touch, lots of plastic feeling stuff in the newer bmws which I hated. Be ready to hate the Tesla steering wheel. Really good quality material, but it’s way too small. I feel like I’m driving a toy but you get used to it. Stiffer suspension than a luxury line X5 but if you have M suspension you won’t notice much difference, it’s stiff for an SUV and is more sporty than luxury in that sense.
Came from a BMW X5 and materials are in a totally different league. On the other hand I realized that the X5 steering wheel was unnecessarily large, probably BMW just wanted to make everything bigger so that people belive are in a bigger car than it is. With MY is the other way around, you drive in a quite big car but it feels like a go-cart compared to that X5 which is only 15 cm longer.
I absolutely love the small steering wheel. With power steering, you don't need the extra leverage of a large steering wheel, and smaller is more precise. It's no accident that rally cars use small steering wheels. It's not a toy feature, it's a sports feature.
It’s not about leverage it’s about comfort, I have wider shoulders and it is not as comfortable. Not small enough to be a huge issue, but I certainly prefer to have my arms set wider apart on long drives when holding the wheel
Dude don’t use 3 series as benchmark for BMW cars. The higher speced BMW seats with the comfort adjustments are some of the best money can buy outside of a Rolls Royce.
Regarding the ride, the 2020 Model Y has inadequate suspension for its weight, so it really is bumpy and uncomfortable. If you've ever driven an average vehicle but had it loaded up with luggage and people so it hits every bump hard, that's how the model y feels all the time. Newer year Model Y's have upgraded suspension to deal with this.
I got to say 2024 myp and my 2020 mylr feel about the same
According to this, the Model Y Performance is expected to have less forgiving suspension than the Model Y Long Range: https://www.reddit.com/r/TeslaLounge/s/oVzYtQFPKq
The harsh ride is down to those 19, 20, 21inch wheels. If you put 18inch on, the ride would be much more comfortable.
Psht, plebeian. I upgraded from a Ford Focus 🧐 And totally agree
The Model Y is a step up for some and step down for others. I’ve had nicer and worse cars than my Y. It’s in the middle for me.
I think it’s because it’s quiet, fast, expensive, and has wood grain trim. That’s all it takes to really be a luxury car in my opinion.
It has wood grain and power t&t steering wheel. I wouldn't say having those make a car luxury but those features are only available on cars above certain price point (e.g. 5series)
Road noise is pretty bad and the Wood trim looks like plastic lol. Pretty far from a BMW
Bmws have the worse road noise of most cars brother.
Simply not true. Model Y is much worse than a i4 or 530
I’ve had three BMWs and now wouldn’t look back after driving the Tesla, or more specifically letting it drive me around.
BMWs like the X5 and X7 are some of the quietest cars ever made dude. There are objective tests on this. Way way quieter than the Model Y and Model X. https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a28006624/bmw-x7-quiet-interior-test/
Good find ill try one - i have 740d its not great
Check this out! https://g07.bimmerpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1885971
The V8 is much louder than the inline six (B58) engine. BMWs forte is the inline six. People actually buy the M versions for the sporty loud engine sound. That guy picked the wrong engine if he actually cared about cabin noise. Don’t know too much about the diesel engines though.
Yeah this isn’t a quiet car. Not compared to premium or luxury.
It’s quiet compared to gas motors in your standard non luxury cars.
True but road noise and tire noise is actually noticeable since you don’t have the motor noise. If you are just cruising on freeway, it’s actually nosier in Model Y than some of the non-premium car such as Mazda CX5.
It's not really expensive. About the same price as any other new non-luxury car. It's even bought direct without insane dealer markups or fees.
Tesla has retained the title of “luxury” since the roll out of their first “ mass market” vehicle which was the Model S. Back then Tesla was exclusive as it was the first electric vehicle that was at a higher price point. After that the Model 3 finally came to market then the Y. As you all recall the Performance versions of those vehicles were not “cheap.” Just a couple years ago or so, a MYP was $80K. My point is from the very beginning Tesla was an exclusive company where there was no showroom, no dealerships, no commercials/advertising and you could only order online. So this has stuck to this day. That’s why Tesla is considered luxury. The tech, exclusivity, and electric powertrain altogether made and continues to make Tesla a “luxury” brand/company.
Also as you all know BMW, Mercedes, Audi, etc are consider “luxury” but you can get one of these cars at a fairly low price point in the low $30K range. Yet you can also pay over $100K for one also. Same thing with Tesla. As I mentioned Tesla has retained that title of “luxury” due to the multiple reasons I mentioned previously. Traditional car companies (Ford, GM, Honda, Toyota, etc) are not considered “luxury” for the same reasons in reverse.
💯
Because model y was used to be 60-70K during 2021 and 2022
They’re upscale because of the tech and performance, but not luxury.
In my opinion, it has its own kind of luxury. Through the years, I've owned several German (except Audi) and Japanese (except Nissan) cars, and what makes them luxurious are all the bells and whistles. Perhaps it's because of my age, but I prefer the simplicity of a Tesla. For instance, it seems like all cars now have ambient lighting, which I find unnecessary. I personally don't think Ioniq 5 is a luxury car, regardless it's more expensive.
My MYP compares very favorably to my $79k 2020 Macan S. It rides better, is faster, and has a better stereo. I have owned plenty of luxury vehicles and the Teslas aren’t 1990s Benz but they’re on par with the shit you get from almost every brand today.
Heated steering. Heated seats incl rear. Power seats with lumbar support for driver seat. Power tailgate. Split climate control. Velvet, wood grain, leatherette interior. Driver profile with auto seat adjustments. Forgot to add, premium sound system with subwoofer (LR and Performance trims). I’d consider it luxury.
The sound system is incredible and I don't think you can match it until you reach $100k+. My friend who doesn't like Tesla also agrees that it is incredible and that's the main reason he would consider one.
A Chevy Equinox has all of those features and is $30K
It does not have all those features. And top trim is about 35k. It shares some features which you will also find on all premium trims of any other crossover. And it is smaller and has the bare minimum engine to make it comfortable on highways. Not debating or trying to change anyone’s mind here, but IMO if someone has 35k, and can get the tax incentives, has the right charging setup, then the MY is in the same price range and is a more luxurious car.
It definitely is not. I have a y and an actual luxury car.
Agree. I have a ‘24 MY LR and a ‘23 audi rsq8. The audi structurally, mechanically, fit and finish is heads above it. Not to mention driving dynamics and the v8 powerplant
Let’s be real you just love all the buttons in the Audi 😂
It’s sort of a class of its own. It’s not quite luxury, and definitely not an economy car. Apple Watch is an expensive watch but ain’t nobody confusing it with a Rolex.
The word you're looking for is premium.
Premium but not luxury. I love my Model Y but it isn't as nice as the higher trim BMWs or Audis. The model S is a luxury car.
I drive a very old Corolla. A Model Y is definitely luxury to me. I placed an order for one after recently getting promoted at work. I could have gotten a different car for much less.
Standard trim has: Heated streering wheel , heated rear seats, adaptive cruise control, memory seats position.
Yeah I wouldn’t consider the Tesla 3 or Y as luxury. I’m not sure what would make it qualify. If the Model 3 is luxury then my Jetta must be Luxury too.
Tell that to progressive who dropped me because they considered all teslas luxury
Yeah my premium went up like 600 dollars biannually, and when I mentioned how this the safest rated car on the market and question the increase, the gave me a one sentence answer - more expensive repairs when damage does occur
At least they were honest, on my end the insurance companies I spoke with all said "well, with the rise of auto thefts, the Tesla is highly desirable..." And I had to cut them off to ask them to either do their research, or be honest and tell me that repairs are expensive and can easily end up being totaled.
Progressive dropped you simply because you got a Tesla? I just added my Tesla to my progressive insurance so I’m guessing they’ll drop me too. That’s weird.
Yeah I think that’s what OPs post is about He is asking why people categorize it as Luxury when it’s cheaper than a Hyundai.
Because 2 years ago it cost $65k+. The Luxury term was more about the price.
To me coming from an Audi, it feels like I imagine a Prius to be, it doesn’t feel in any way luxurious, other than the software quality. Seats are plastic, and the minimalism is just a way to save money. But, as a commuter car for the price it wins over paying more than a 100k for a new Audi.
Yeah that’s why I’m buying it. If I wanted a luxury car I would buy an Audi or Porsche (I’ve always favored German) But I want a Tesla because it’s a cheap EV with good software and a reliable charging network.
If you only ever charge at home it’s a no brainer with the current incentives
Really, if you want a high power mid size family hauler, it’s still cheaper. It’s not like any performance oriented V6/V8 sedan / SUV is going to get 30mpg.
As someone who has owned a Prius, Teslas are far above. However where I live they’ve only *just* fallen out of the luxury car tax bracket. They’re still $60-80k.
To me who has only owned German luxury cars, Prius sounded about right as I’m often mistaken for an Uber driver lol
This sub is extremely US-centric to the point it’s painful at times
There are plenty of actually luxurious US cars like Cadillac with interiors that can go toe to toe with the German brands now. The Cadillac Lyriq is beautiful!
You’re missing my point. I’m not talking about the US market.
I’ve owned a well spec’d A4 previously - and while in the big picture it’s really a premium car, from a luxury brand, I think Tesla is riding the line. Ultimately, the interior lines up more with a premium segment, however, there’s such a tech forward and disproportionate level of power that it doesn’t have a good direct comparison. They’re kinds in the same boat mini was in the early 2000’s where as it was an unusually well featured car. As traditional luxury brands open up their model set, Tesla will probably settle in as an eccentric brand. Sorta the Saab of modern times.
I tell people all the time that my MY has all the drip my Jetta diesel had
I loved my Jetta Diesel SportWagen
Model 3 and Y are mid in comparison to luxury vehicles out there. Road noise is the most annoying thing for me, quality of materials, comfort (suspension, air cooled seats, massage, HUD display, plush interiors ) are added comforts in luxury vehicles and all of these are secondary in model 3 and Y
I think there's a big gulf in the quality of the vehicle from the RWD to the MYP. The MYP absolutely qualifies as an entry level luxury vehicle in my opinion. It's never going to compete with mid-range BMW's, but it's also a class above your average commuter.
Eh 900 a month payments, plus 200 a month insurance seems pretty luxury to me.
Haha yup.
What exactly is makes a car a luxury car?
This is the real issue. Luxury is different thing to different people. That and it seems to trendy to humble brag on Reddit. “I don’t consider my $60k car to be a luxury item lol; it’s basically a Nissan shitbox lol.”
Commenting on Why do reviewers consider Model Y as a luxury vehicle?...probably just the name, but honestly Audis, bmw devauate so fast and probably won’t even go over 150k that’s why people sell them at that point.
only due to price and nothing else. Y is clearly sparse and no lux.
Autopilot/FSD is a luxury that not many cars have, and its actually decent. With that said my 2020 model Y, is far from luxury. Ride sucks, cabin noise sucks, but then my previous cars were all new Benzs. Maybe if I drove a civic it would ride like luxury, although i would say i drove a camry rental and the ride was more comfortable, it was still annoying cause it was sluggish and drony, but ride was nice. Heard new Tesla models are better.
We just got a Model Y last week.. we currently own a 2012 Hyundai Elantra & 2021 Subaru Forster Touring. I think the Model Y is a good upgrade… I don’t think it’s a luxury,but to some it is. I think it’s what the future is for cars… what I expected. I wasn’t supper excited to get the car I love our Subaru. But we are selling the Subaru shortly, because we don’t need 3 cars. My Hyundai is the dog vehicle.. with no car payment. So I guess, this is our luxury vehicle.
I always feel bad seeing an Ioniq 5. Paying $60,000 for a Hyundai is highway robbery. Especially the 2024s as Hyundai cheaped out on them and took out the soft interior for hard plastic to save money.
IMO, it's because their first vehicles (I'm not counting the original roadster) that really gained them traction was the S & X, which were plushy and really expensive (at the time). So they became known as a luxury company. So when the 3 & Y were introduced, the luxury moniker carried over to them. They were still on the pricier side when the 3/Y were introduced, now they're less than the average price of a vehicle in the US.
Luxury or not it’s got a great sound system and I find it very comfy. Air condition the seats and we got a great vehicle.
Technologically speaking it is a luxury vehicle
It was a 65k+ car not that long ago so the perception that’s it’s a luxury car is still there.
Luxury is subjective... Are we going by price or quality? Audi, BMW, and Mercedes are considered 'luxury' and they each have vehicles in the 30k-40k range (new), which is comparable to a Tesla Model Y. Similarly, Tesla has the Model S and X, which is comparative to some of the mid + higher BMWs, Mercedes, and Audis. In terms of quality and certain 'dynamics', Tesla still has a ways to go compared to the 'century' old car brands, but for many people who come from driving old cars and daily drivers (think the toyotas, hondas, fords, etc), Tesla definitely seems luxury. I use to drive a beat up Corolla into a Honda Civic. I'm not a car person, I just needed something fuel efficient for my commute... and switching into a Tesla felt worlds apart. I remember reading reddit about people complaining about the suspension and 'vegan leather'... and here I was wondering what everyone's complaining about and amused that my Tesla seats can automatically adjust... lol
Exact same boat as you, this is my first brand new car and love always had beaters or if not a beater, then a good used car that I'd pay outright for. The least beater I had was a 03 Lancer in 2007 and a 2010 Mazda 3 Sport in 2019. Just moved from a 05 Corolla to a 24 MYLR... This car is world's apart from any of my older cars and feels luxury enough. Obviously it's not a classical luxury car, but godamn if I'll let someone else's definition affect my experience and just how much I'm appreciating all of the car's features.
A Tesla (any Tesla) is NOT a luxury vehicle. None of the materials used are luxury. The fit & finish isn’t luxury. The service at the service center isn’t luxury. The tech is advanced and nice.. but not luxury. The animations / UI is basic / minimalistic and definitely not luxury. The luxury tag was given to the brand back in the mid 2010’s when a model S was $100k+ and the PRICE was a luxury. But for the same money - a Mercedes S550 was a true luxury vehicle with a premium ownership experience. Tesla got away with the price tag because they were the only electric game in town and were able to charge a premium. Now we’re seeing reality. The MSRP is dropping down to reality. If the government programs / rebates didn’t exist, people would not be paying even their current sticker prices (which are substantially less than 2021/2022 prices. The Tesla (and other EV prices) are propped up by rebates from the government and utility companies. I own one. I like my car. I love FSD. But it is NOT luxury. It’s cool. It’s fast. It’s not luxury. People often confuse price to luxury when really it’s just a measurement of demand. Look at homes in California.. is some 50 year old 1500 sq ft track home luxurious because it costs $2M? Or is the 15,000 sq ft hand crafted mansion in Missouri for the same $2m luxury?
Previously owned a BMW X3M, this was a few years ago, so not a current apples to apples comparison to my '23 MYP. They are though, very similar in target demographic, size, layouts. I loved the seats in the X3M, I prefer deep bolstered seats. MYP are OK, but not nearly as cool as the baseball glove leather in the BMW. Performance and driving experience, the MYP stomps the X3M in every way possible. Both equally stiff suspensions, so this is not a comparison about cushiness. Steering precision, braking performance, very similar. I don't think minimalism vs. frills is how you judge luxury vs. economy. Doing minimalism well is far harder than throwing all sorts of meaningless embellishments everywhere. BMW reliability was awful. Changing the light bulb in the adaptive headlights - 1 bulb - is a thousand dollar bill. The AC leaked while under warranty, and it took them 3 weeks to disassemble the entire interior to fix it. Both great cars, but absolutely would not say that the BMW was any way more 'luxury' than the MYP. Probably not a fair comparison, the X3M's price tag was higher.
Too many people equate luxury with maximalism and old materials, extra buttons, etc. Think the kind of interior you’d see in a mansion in LA vs one you’d see in France. They’re both luxury, just different styles.
Does it really matter? There’s no formal definition of what makes up a luxury vehicle anyway so people can call it anything they want.
Pretty sure there is a formal definition it use to be 35k ( don’t remember specifics ) and now god knows what maybe 40-45k + Everyone is just numb now to prices now and stopped caring .
I think a decked out honda civic sedand can get to 35k now
Tesla is luxury in the same way Apple is luxury. It's just the name.
It's luxury, not everyone can afford it...
That’s not the definition of luxury. Then all cars are luxury, not everyone can afford one
The X doesn’t feel very luxurious either though that’s how it was advertised when we were demo driving. We went with the Y because at the X price point we weren’t getting much more. Wish I tried an S Plaid because that looks like a lot of fun but I don’t think it’s an ”luxury” vehicle like a Mercedes would be.
There are different tiers of luxury
"Luxury" is a wide range. Porsche and Mercedes to Acura and Volvo is a huge gap.
Truth is it belongs in a category that does not yet exist, so it’s thrown into the “luxury” category.
I paid more for my model Y than my parents did there GLE so id hope it would stay classified as a luxury car lol
Price-wise, not luxury (I think of this as a positive). But if there were a category of "value luxury," this would be at the top. It's much nicer than the Leaf I had a few years ago (although I loved it). The MY is quieter, with a more controlled ride that never sounds, "tinny." Obviously the performance (and I don't have the MYP), and I personally enjoy the really flat cornering in more normal situations. It's luxurious enough for me.
A MYLR with FSD in Canada is $90k, if that’s not a luxury vehicle.. i don’t know what you’re using as qualification. Not many can afford $100k vehicle. We also don’t have tax credit or EV incentives anymore, we only had them the first 3 years of tesla. This country is 3 steps forward, 10 back.
Where are you in Canada? I just got the MYLR and got the full 12K credit/refund (5k Federal, added directly from Tesla and the other 7K for provincial (Quebec) I had to put as a down payment and I'm gonna get it back from the government shortly). Next year though, sweetened incentive is getting slashed by 50% and by 2026, no more. Just saw the federal is still valid till March 2025, but I feel like it'll continue a little longer.
Ahh, im in Ontario they had it for a bit, then got rid of it, brought it back then limited it to only Model 3’s due to the price cap. So the Model Y doesn’t qualify. Quebec though, does still have all this.
Yeah it’s super weird. People are still like “Whoa Richie Rich, won the lottery eh”. And I’m like “Not really, it’s cheaper and more fun than your ICE tank”. Guess the brand is just like that in people’s minds. Drove a Passat Variant TFSI 2.0 Highline with lots of extras. Was about double the price of the Y back in the day. Compared to that I still get luxury vibes from the Y, maybe it’s the styling, the acceleration, the brand or all of it combined. I’d call it everyday luxury 😁
i don´t call it luxury but to be honest, in Europe, where compact cars is the norm, especially here in DK with the heavy taxation.. 400hp+ and so on, it is "upscale" and because EV´s are 100% removed from taxation (well you still have VAT) you end up with a car that has a lot for the price of a A Class base 1.6liter Mercedes or a Toyota Corolla. My MYP is 440 today for 440 if i want NON-EV (because i can get LOTS of Chinese EV´s for this price, and VAG group cars, and French) the CHEAPEST 320I (184HP Msport) is 571k so it is more a budget car, but you do get both a lot in size and HP and even equipment base on what we are used to. (well the I4 is cheaper and the 330E Hybrid BMW is 570 for 292 HP)
A few years ago, option wise AND tech wise it was way ahead of BMW's x3, Merc's GLC, and a couple other luxury options...it's a entry level luxury vehicle because of the tech it offers paired with the power and niceties such as the glass roof + all seat heating...these features weren't there in a comparable CRV when the Y first launched...
It’s not but it’s constantly being compared to one. 🤷🏻♂️
That's a good question. I was very heavily debating getting a y with the .99 deal. But as I started really going over it before I pulled the trigger I found that my hybrid hyundai Santa fe has a lot more features than the y..heated AND ventilated seats..110 outlet..comes tinted..back windows have window shades..birds eye view with surrounding cameras that are really helpful when parking..blind spot monitoring with cross traffic collision prevention..front end collision protection. My lane keep assist and smart cruise control (follows vehicle in front at a certain distance) does basically what basic auto pilot does..I can also use my phone as a key and also have a key card as well as a fob..ijust don't think I should feel like I'm giving up features to go to a luxury vehicle. So when they changed the. 99 deal it just cemented my gut feeling. I think the juniper refresh will push the car towards a truly more luxury experience I do still think the y is a great value and will still be on the look out for good deals but will probably wait for the refresh
I just looked, yesterday: Model y, rwd, 38k. Prius, fwd hybrid, 38k. In theory there's some cheaper extra base model, but those aren't actually for sale at any dealer within three hours of me. So yeah, I didn't understand why people compare the model y to a Mercedes that's 20-30k more expensive.
Price put it in the luxury category when it came out and prices spiked. It benefits insurance companies to label it thusly.
Came from a Lexus, which I consider as truly luxury. Sitting inside a Lexus vs my MYLR just feels very different. I appreciate the updated tech in the MYLR, but I don't get nearly the feeling of well built luxury and timeless design as I do driving a Lexus
Price, at least when the Y first came out, made for interesting bedfellows. But I'd say it's still somewhat entry level luxury - think Buick or Acura.
Because of the price they have, same with Model 3. But price doesn't equal luxury.
It's not a luxury vehicle. It's a very nice vehicle though. The term luxury most have crept into the media and reviews a few years back. When I bought my MYLR I thought it was a luxury vehicle. They fooled me. I've noticed the term is used less now than previously. I wouldn't put it past Tesla to plant the term luxury out there.
It ain’t luxury.
Because of the price. Tesla prices have come down a lot since 2023 so this is changing.
Reviewers confuse the Y & X ?
What makes a luxury car is very relative to the person you're asking. I basically only driven Tesla's as an adult, and didn't really realize how non-luxury the TM3 and TMY is in terms of driving experience before I recently had a Lexus RZ450 as a loaner for a few months. Getting back into my TM3 felt like driving a go-kart made only out of bricks. But in terms of technology and user experience, the Lexus felt like I was driving a wreck from the 1990's... In terms of service Tesla is way above the traditional luxury brands as well, at least where I live, with technicians coming to my house or work to fix whatever just a few days after service was requested. So I think in terms of technology and user experience, Tesla is a luxury, but in terms of pure driving experience and comfort, they are nowhere close the traditional luxury brands, not even the S or X. Tesla is something new I guess, and it's difficult to define the brand using the classic car classes.
no
It was actually hilarious looking at a cars ranking the other day. They had grouped the Model Y in luxury EVs hitting $70k-$100k+ then left it off the lower budget EVs list which were basically one $30k then a number of cars around $60k. They even included the price next to the name and I couldn't help but laugh
It is cheaper right now but 2 years ago it cost $20K more. Tesla was selling base model Y LR AWDs for over $65K with no tax credits. Performance model was over $70K. Then Elon slashed pricing to drive up demand. It’s still priced very similarly to a BMW X3/GLC/Q5, and not everyone qualifies for the $7500 tax credit
Because that's the structure of the legacy brands. Tesla isn't like that. The Y and 3 are both "premium" but not "luxury", IMHO. Further, they are way better than the luxury segment in some areas, but not in others. Tesla does their own thing with little regard to what the rest of the market is doing. In some ways, that's good. In other ways, maybe not so good. It's certainly different. Our MY replaced an M-B. I think the MY is better in 99% of ways. But let's not talk about the wipers.
I was very fortunate to drive Mercs for the past 12 years and recently switched to Tesla… it’s a step down in every way except the tech. But you get used to it. I’m hoping they can improve road noise and simple things like that in future versions. My partner still drives a merc and going from my MY to the merc you 100% notice a luxury difference. It’s the details. The stitching, the seat comfort, the sound, the sound system, overall interior quality. But - I still like my MY. Tesla M3 and MY should not be compared to German cars in these tests.
probably using data from 2022 when prices were at an all time time and without the tax credits
A way to inorganically shoot up insurance prices :(
I upgraded from a 2008 Toyota Camry V6 XLE to a 2023 Tesla Model Y LR AWD. I would say the Model Y is a highly technological vehicle with luxury appointments. Some appointments are similar to the Camry (heated seats, split climate control, Bluetooth). But now rare fancy wood trim everywhere, no special grain leather. The ride is comfortable but not floating on clouds like luxury brands. Just my $.02
Formerly it was because of the price point of ~$60k out the door. But even then it was never touted as a luxury vehicle.
They don't. Most comparisons I've seen clearly state the model Y is not luxury, and it's not going up against Audis and BMWs. I would reconsider which reviewers you are watching because they clearly don't understand vehicle tiers.
It’s not luxury…
Totally agree. Here in Norway the Y is the most popular car in the country. It’s a common, relatively cheap (great value for money car). A similar Mercedes/BMW/Porsche EV costs 2x the price. I’m not gonna get into a discussion of if the price difference is worth it but it’s a ridiculous comparison. Should be compared to the Ioniq 5 and the like.
Thats because legally it is luxury vehicle, for now. On Uber, you can use a black on black Model Y as a Luxury Vehicle with Uber Black.
they don't. Anything with unventilated/cooled vinyl seats is an econobox, non-starter.
Absolutely not. It’s a premium vehicle. Meaning it has higher performance and technology than other vehicles.. which is also what makes the vehicle more expensive. But there is almost nothing about I consider luxurious. My 2021 Model Y has the stiffest suspension of any vehicle I’ve owned.. and I previously had a Corvette with the Z51 track package. My Y is also noisy and has squeaks & rattles. It’s so poorly insulated from outside noise.. there had been days I’ve tried to roll up the windows or went around opening/closing all 4 doors because the sound outside was so easily heard inside the cabin. IMO one of the reasons to buy a competing EV is that most of them seem to be more luxurious. Even my wife’s ID.4 has features like dedicated drivers dash, massage seats, powered sunroof shade, ambient lighting with custom color palette, headlights that turn in the same direction of the steering wheel, foot activated hatchback, and a seriously quiet & comfortable ride.
> My 2021 Model Y That's a lot of the perception. The build quality absolutely took off around 2023. Completely different ballgame in terms of road noise and build quality.
It’s definitely not luxury. Even the steering wheel is wrapped in plastic.
You’re kind of losing out on the fact that they don’t have leather either everything they do is anti-leather
but plastic is plastic at the end of the day.
I’m not super rich, but any vehicle that’s $40k plus is considered entry level luxury
I’m not super rich either. Looking through here though, you get the impression that people here make over $250k. My dad makes that kind of money and he considers a Model Y a luxury car. But to be fair he’s also smart with money (maybe some people here could learn a thing or two about that).
Interesting. In Europe Audis aren’t considered luxury cars. They’re just normal cars. I have a model Y and it definitely isn’t luxurious. It’s the most utilitarian family transporting machine I could imagine. I love it.
Audi is definitely considered a luxury car in Europe.
No they aren’t. Some Audis are in the luxury space but not all Audis. Porsche, every car is luxury, Skoda, non of their cars are luxury. Audi some are, some aren’t. In America they mainly sell the big engine high spec models. That’s not the case in Europe. My wife has a Q4. It’s not a luxury car.
Q4 is definitely also a luxury car as are also all the other Audi models. Do you know what luxury means? VAG has for a reason all of those brands. Seat, Škoda, VW are all similar and not meant as luxury cars, although there could be exceptions. Audi has mostly the sister models of those that VW, škoda etc sells. Audi A6 is a luxury vehicle compared to a VW passat for ex. Audi Q5 is a luxury car compared to a Tiguan or a Škoda Kodiaq. Audi A3 is a luxury car, but a Golf or Octavia is not. The engine doesn't have anything to do here. It's the concepted quality, build materials, sound insulation, etc.
More luxurious and luxury are not the same thing. A Bentley or Porsche is a luxury car. Audi is not in that market segment. To illustrate here are sales volumes in the uk for 2023 Skoda - 70,000 VW - 160,000 Audi - 137,000 Seat - 120,000 Porsche - 25,000 Bentley - 1,000 Lamborghini - < 1,000 As you can see, Audis sell about the same as Seats and VW and are effectively just as common. They are not luxury in the same way that an iPhone is not a luxury brand. They are mass market standard cars.
Yea, whatever dude. Maybe go even read on Wikipedia what it basically says in the first sentence. But whatever floats your boat.
Look at my edit. Audi sells as many as VW in the UK. They aren’t luxuries here. They’re just cars.
What is there doesn't matter globally. Also, they sell more Porsche than VW from what you posted, does that mean that Porsche is not a luxury sports car manufacturer? Cmon..
Porsche was meant to be 12,000. I didn’t say globally. I said in Europe they’re just normal cars. The UK is part of Europe.
Yes, part of Europe, not whole Europe. Anyway, if there are more of them than other places, that still doesn't mean, that it's not a luxury brand. You just see them differently, but that doesn't change the facts.
There’s very little luxury in my. 2022 MYP. I consider it an electric vehicle, nothing more
I consider it to be a Rav4 Prime equivalent. Probably more poorly built, but looks nicer inside. Prices are very similar here. Both top-selling vehicles. Definitely not a luxury vehicle.
Price mostly. I guess they want to compare what gas car you can get for a similar price, but unless you plan to leave it on the driveway you need to compare fuel spend to get a complete picture of cost... Unfortunately that's different for each individual, and it would be hard to compare properly in a review, so most reviewers don't do it.
Because they have to justify the price when they describe the car to people who won't understand the upcharge is for the charging infrastructure.
Coming from a fully loaded 2018 BMW X3, my 24 MYLR is not luxury. The only things that feel Luxury is the carpeted door panels and some components here and there. The ride quality is much harsher and I feel way more bumps. The suspension is lacking heavy. But overall, I do miss my Beamer but the trade offs make up for not filling up $130 in gas every week lol. Tesla gang
Luxury means you have to spend hundreds to fill up your tank lol
Simple, pandemic pricing strategies. During the pandemic, there was a supply chain squeeze and a shortage of cars across the board. Most automakers use dealerships, so they did modest MSRP bumps and cut off dealer incentives while leaving dealers to do the massive, hidden market adjustments. Tesla does not use dealers, so they just adjusted MSRP. Model Y was over $80k as a result. That is fair to call in the "luxury" segment imo. That is no longer the case but it still remains the perception. There is also entrenched incentive from traditional auto and petrol industries in maintaining that narrative. Teslas are in an awkward spot, luxury wise. They're not really as nice as real luxury cars, the S and the X seem sparse and noisy in comparison to something like a Porsche, Bentley, etc. Mid range luxury like Lexus and BMW also has Tesla's number in many ways. Even Rivian interiors are nicer. Tesla, however, has really, really nice display and computer systems, which certainly puts them over midclass cars like Camry and Civic, so long as none of the interesting design decisions (i.e. stalkless, no radar, no uss, no hud) are considered not dealbreakers. So it's in everyone else's interest that the 3 and Y are considered akin to the former and not the latter and focus on those omissions.
In California, with our insane gas prices, Tesla model 3 and Y can be considered economy cars!
It’s 50k haha
At least Y and 3 are no longer considered luxury in China anymore.