I Chose VW ID.4 Instead of Tesla Model Y - Here’s Why

[@brandenflasch]

For me, saving $20k+, having better ride comfort and 3 years of charging made it an easy decision to go with the ID.4. If you went with a Model Y, was it just a matter of charging infrastructure or what else swayed your decision?

[@johnh78]

I preordered the Model Y back in September. Your issues w the cost are realistic, however the resale value of a Tesla is really indisputable at this point. I’d rather retain value on the backend than save so much buying a cheaper car and having it depreciate as much as a VW will. I also don’t really consider 3 years of charging to be a perk at EA as I’ve heard way too many complaints about the ecosystem overall. Your statement about supporting new innovators is a little backwards, wouldn’t you support Tesla vs most other manufacturers if you value what you described? Basically all manufacturers dragged their feet until they saw they’re going to be left behind by Tesla. Kind of sad on their part. As far as suspension it looks like air suspension will be an added feature soon on Tesla. But they are expensive now for sure.

[@1slamExplained]

@@johnh78 Excellent point.

[@glider1232]

@@johnh78 No way of knowing what the ID.4 will show as resale, but given the interest in this car, it should be good. Most people aren't having big problems with EA chargers. Don't underestimate the competition. This strategy never turns out well.

[@brandenflasch]

I didn’t have any issues on my 4400 mile trip on EA

[@kts86802]

I totally agree what you said. But since i placed the order AWD model on September till now still no update for me. I don't know when can i get the car.

[@beautyofgrace3915]

I was going to get a Tesla, but their recent price hikes are ridiculous, so I test drove VW Id.4 and it was quiet and smooth. I'm not looking for a NASCAR, I'm looking for a car with great build and comfort and some technology.This car does not disappoint, I'll get one soon.

[@brandenflasch]

That’s exactly what most people are looking for. Crazy acceleration is fun for showing off, but unnecessary for everyday driving.

[@iriedreadlock]

Price hikes are a valid concern if you haven't placed your order yet, especially since they'll keep going up. However, once you place the order, your price is locked in and when the price goes up, you're still paying just the MSRP at the time of order :) .

[@DarrellC.]

@@brandenflasch sort of disagree there. Quick acceleration is very useful for passing and making right turns onto county roads/highways that have 50mph+ speed limits. I feel the AWD version is the way to go.

[@brandenflasch]

ID.4 has plenty of acceleration

[@FernandoRodriguez-pj5uh]

@@DarrellC. Acceleration of the ID4 is is better than the majority of ICE equivalent vehicles. So basically you are saying the RAV4 CRV etc are not capable vehicles?

[@PedroBrandaodrums]

I’m in the same boat ID.4 was my choice. No brainer with the 7500 off and 3 years of unlimited charge

[@ioniq5125]

Totally understand your choice. You get a lot of EV for the money. Personally, I prefer the ride quality and looks of the ID.4.

[@danh489]

Thanks for putting this out. Still have my Model Y order in addition to my ID.4 AWD pre-order but I’m leaning more and more toward canceling my Model Y order. Have gotten to spend over a 1000 miles road tripping in a family member’s MYLR, and though extremely competent and functional, I just find it lacks character and ride is quite a harsh ride.

[@brandenflasch]

The Model Y beats the ID.4 in most ways on paper… but you don’t drive cars on paper.

[@flying30west5]

Tesla has done amazing things in a short time frame.. With that said, the competition and price and market demand will dictate not just the name....It was tough for us bur we decided for the ID4 Pro S.....

[@Demobot1]

I'm not American but my reasoning for buying a AWD ID.4. The price difference was the #1 reason. But the comfort, the build quality and the misc. features of the ID.4 put it ahead of any other EV available in Canada. However the Ioniq5 does come close.

[@JohnD213]

I love my Model Y, but I think I would’ve made the same decision as you if I were buying a car now. It’s hard to blame Tesla for raising prices as they are totally unable to meet demand for their cars. I suspect that as Tesla’s Berlin and Texas factories come online, their prices will come down once supply and demand are more nearly balanced. It’s worth noting that I could sell my car for more than I paid for it over a year later.

[@dethpuck]

Yep made sense for me as well. Just waiting for mine to be built and shipped.

[@mokenistic]

And this is the video and the guy who2 overview review of the VW ID 4 compared to the Tesla model Y is making my decision of buying the 2022 ID 4 SPro concrete. Thanks a lot men.

[@jrcase7511]

I agree the Model Y is too expensive for what you get. Last week I traded my 2019 Model 3 SR+ for a new 2021 Model 3 SR+ and I noticed a large improvement in QC from Tesla. I actually sold my 2019 for about what I paid for it with over 40K miles on it! I had ordered the 2021 several months ago and it just came in last week. I hope by the time this one is ready to trade there will be lots more competition giving more options in the coming years.

[@brandenflasch]

Not a bad deal to upgrade when you drove your prior Tesla for free!

[@rustydomino]

Agreed. The Model Y was not even a consideration for me due to price. I comparison shopped the Kia eNiro and the Hyundai Kona and the ID.4 is much more car for about the same cost.

[@brandenflasch]

The Niro and Kona are solid EVs but no longer competitive with the ID.4 available at basically the same price

[@bradleyanderson4315]

Pretty much why I put down my deposit back in September 2020 and received my First Edition in April. The Tesla Super Charger network would have been handy but 90% of the time I just charge at home.

[@treborheminway3814]

I think the VW is pretty decent value in a market where sub 40k is very hard to find. I like Tesla, but think I would want a 4680 based car after they work the kinks out. ( current chip shortage surge pricing, depreciation post 4680 release, and to some extent supercharger exclusivity changes, worries me) I really wish VW would import the id3 and update the software.

[@edgarvale8178]

I have an ID 4 and I love how smooth and comfortable the ride is. I drove a Tesla mode Y and the seats are so uncomfortable and was not impressed with it. A lot of feature that are missing on the VW will be added soon.

[@dearbulls]

Totally agree on the model Y's ride, it's just out right rougher, especially comparing to driving an id4 back to back. I was going to get either an ioniq 5 or model Y, but the ID4 just excel on value as you mentioned. Plus, its build quality is way better. And it's going to be a car for my wife, she likes the look of id4 the most. We have our AWD Pro order locked a few months ago, now it's just that fun waiting game.

[@brandenflasch]

Exactly.

[@brandenflasch]

I am very excited to check out the Ioniq 5

[@dearbulls]

@@brandenflasch me too. although it seems the US version cuts a few corners comparing to European or Korean models (no solar roof, no passenger seat leg rest, no drawer style glove box, no rear seat electric sliding, and no from passenger moving buttons on seat back🤣). Yes, I've been keeping an close eye since they first revealed in Korea. Although my wife prefer id 4 looks, this is still my favorite just by looking and feature-wise. I love it's 800V charging, most important, it has cooled seats, essential for us living in the south. 🤣

[@brandenflasch]

I’m most excited by the charging on Ioniq 5

[@dearbulls]

@@brandenflasch agree. But after watching some European test, at least with current software and Euro 350W charger, it tapers down faster than id4 after 50-60%, especially after the id4 new software increases its peak power.

[@ericcomer8750]

Great video

[@cl600benz]

Model Y in Ontario, Canada is over $76,000 CDN

[@coopie810]

Always great to see videos where people explain why they chose what they did. my BIGGEST pet peeve is how everyone always talks about ($7,500 tax incentive). and yet they NEVER seem to point out.......you have to QUALITIFY for that amount. If you don't have that much tax to claim, you can't claim that much. BTW, you leasing the ID4, but never got around to discussing it. I live near Raleigh so you being in NC is one of the reasons I subscribed. keep them coming.

[@brandenflasch]

Sorry about not elaborating more on leasing - leasing passes through the $7500 which is fantastic for anyone that may not qualify for the full $7500 as a tax credit, and I suspect many budget-conscious shoppers may not qualify for the full $7500.

[@aaronchambers2866]

Nice video and info . The id.4 is a major contender when it comes to shopping for an EV. Likely will grab one for the wife once her car is dead

[@bradleyanderson4315]

Autocide?

[@johnyabdiasgonzalez6489]

I appreciate your honest opinion and I agreed totally! I want an ID4 badly 😍

[@Chrisb8s]

I am happy that the id4 is a good car and yes the Y is expensive but it is also a great car I am lucky to say that the cost of the Y doesn’t bother me. It’s not that I am a Tesla fanboy but I do love updates. And improvements. The CEO from VW talked about recently how all car companies need to learn from Tesla’s constant improvement plan. The Y has change when it did not have to. Adding dual pane glass and hepa filter and octovalve and hi ow the car is built. Next will be integrated batteries and more. I love how the form factor of Tesla doesn’t change but everything else does By next year the more pricey Ys that are delivered may have air suspension and more. Who knows.

[@benjaminsmith2287]

At some point, the form factor needs to change, too. Car bodies need to be revised. Tesla could look at Porsche to see how to do it correctly. The body gets updated but stays very similar. I saw Sandy Munro talking about the octovalve but didn't quite understand it. Seemed impressive.

[@DeeSock]

If you have travel assist or similar option or get to travel in an ID4 with that option sometime, please do a video showing how well it stays between the lane lines on curving lanes when active steering is on (not just lane departure warning). Maybe film how close tire is from lane markings. And show if you have to intervene by steering often to not make other drivers wary. And there is the question of do you have to wiggle wheel periodically like in Tesla or is there another way to show you are there. One super thing that does seem superior to autopilot is that steering inteventions do not disable the active steering. Cheers

[@brandenflasch]

That’s in my video queue to make! Every ID.4 has TravelAssist actually

[@kens97sto171]

I totally agree with you. The Volkswagen is just a way nicer car inside, fit and finish and materials choices. The other thing that I really value, is that they have a base model with smaller Wheels which for me means cheaper tires and a better ride quality. You can get it with cloth interior, and they offer it with a full metal roof not a giant glass panoramic roof. I live in the southwest the UV index is VERY high in the summer. I do not want a glass roof over my Volkswagen has the power sun shade which is great that's awesome. But that heat still comes through the glass warms up that sunshade and will radiate that heat to the interior. A Giant glass roof is of absolutely no use to me whatsoever. And leather seats with a car sitting outside, it gets to 150° you will literally burn your skin on leather seats. I'll take cloth any day of the week. And Volkswagen offers that. They have a nice selection of trims so if you want the glass roof and you want the 20-in wheels you can get that too. But if you just want a basic , but nice and quiet vehicle ..they offer that for a good price. My only big concern on a Volkswagen is it's a European car and I worry about repair costs. Not so much in the power train and motors. But things like a window regulator and other things like that. They can get kind of pricey on European vehicles. I'm coming from a 13 year old Toyota Prius, that basically has been bulletproof and had the living heck beat out of it. I have personally put 182,000 miles on it in the last 4 years, and the car has 382,000 miles total.. and it's still running good.. and everything still works.

[@brandenflasch]

At least in my experience, repair costs on Euro cars have stayed fairly flat while domestic parts and such have gone up

[@jonpetter8921]

Tesla may be ahead in software but VW still builds the better car.

[@brandenflasch]

Totally agree

[@markhanson7499]

Can you do a video on navigation using AppleCar or Android Auto? I'm curious to see if the steering wheel monitor shows directions from Apple or Android.

[@brandenflasch]

It does with Apple Maps on CarPlay or with Google Maps on Android Auto

[@markhanson7499]

@@brandenflasch Thanks! On my 2018 Audi the drivers screen defaults to a compass when I use AppleCar or Android Auto on main screen

[@brandenflasch]

That’s really unfortunate

[@ridinglifestwisties]

@@brandenflasch does the id light work with CarPlay navigation? That will be super cool and awesome.

[@brandenflasch]

@@ridinglifestwisties unfortunately not. I don’t see any CarPlay/Android Auto limitation that would prevent that so hopefully they bring it with an update.

[@tooflesstesla]

Totally makes sense for your situation and comfort. I'd like to ask what the resale of the ID.4 would be (how much it depreciates), for when you decide to get a new EV? The experience you had with selling Kalie's Model S would obviously be a good comparison. 👍😄

[@brandenflasch]

Will certainly be interesting to see!

[@briangraezer3416]

For a moment I thought FPS Russia is reviewing cars now 0:03

[@brandenflasch]

Not the first time I’ve gotten that 😂

[@ronkemperful]

I agree with your comparisons. My priorities include affordability, ride comfort, outward visibility, and that it is something that won't go out of style in 5 or 10 years. I also don't want Musk deciding whether I should have a steering wheel or not, or be a 10,000 paid volunteer test subject to test out a so far unproven full self driving, and it is ridiculous to have an automobile capable of exceeding 150 miles per hour (that's why the suspension is punishingly hard).

[@brandenflasch]

Many modern cars do 130+ mph. I do wish ID.4 RWD went more than 100mph 🤷‍♂️

[@benjaminsmith2287]

@@brandenflasch I won't exceed 100 mph and I don't think I've gone 100 mph since 2012! I just want the car to be stable and reasonably quiet at that speed. German cars are arguably best at high speeds.

[@brandenflasch]

@@benjaminsmith2287 I do it almost daily 🤷‍♂️

[@carsonassociates3263]

Presently awaiting ID.4 AWD Jan-Feb. Way cheaper than Model Y, but the big unknown is depreciation. Teslas are holding value remarkably well, but traditionally, VWs not so much. It’s actually possible that the ID.4 will be more expensive to own than Model Y, due to steeper depreciation curve. Time will tell!

[@brandenflasch]

I suspect the ID.4 will hold its value quite well. There’s a pretty high value just in the battery alone.

[@Deetroiter]

Thought about getting an id4 and getting rid of the Tesla 3. The extra space, the features, etc would make it very appealing. Don’t want to be the one to say it, but it would also be nice to get away from the Tesla crowd. They say the worst thing about owning a Tesla is other Tesla owners. It’s pretty much spot on and the cult mentality is a bit disturbing. Since you also came from a Tesla to the Volkswagen, what are the upsides of the id4 compared to your Tesla ownership? Any large downsides?

[@brandenflasch]

I agree completely with your first bit. ID.4 has a bit less novelty factor compared to Teslas without regular software updates adding new features. The phone app for ID.4 is also trash. Car drives really well.

[@jamessok2146]

Agree 100%!

[@Miata822]

Tempting car. I'm looking a little more up market and live in Texas where range really matters, but there are so many great EVs in the pipeline. Today I drive a '18 Volt that I got after being totally turned off after my experience at a Tesla showroom. I went in planning to order a Model S I had speced out online but wanted to see and hopefully test drive one first. The quality of the vehicles I saw was disappointing but really it was my interaction with the Tesla employees and listening to their conversations with other potential customers that convinced me that Tesla really is more of a club/cult than a car company. Fans often say "Tesla isn't a car company, it's a tech company." That may well be true, but I'm looking for a car. I have a Lucid Air GT reserved but want to look at the new Taycan GTS before committing. Tesla and its fans don't realize how much damage they are doing to their brand and future growth by neglecting vehicle quality, failing to invest in customer service, and fostering a cult-like following.

[@brandenflasch]

I would personally go with the Taycan GTS Sport Turismo unless you need the rear seat of the Lucid.

[@Miata822]

@@brandenflasch Thanks. Yes, Taycan has a great reputation, charges like a beast, but the Lucid has that tempting "first kid on the block with one" appeal. Have until next year to decide. Moving and want to wait until that is done.

[@ilyashick3178]

In reality, it is not small SUV car. Secondly, regarding tax credit it is not completely refundable as looks like. on other hand charging ID 4.0 at home up to battery capacity 80% or close to 100% is going to cost around a little more than 4 dollars, and VW is offering 3 years free of charge on Electrify America infrastructure.

[@brandenflasch]

Not sure what point you’re trying to make

[@MrPrasert94]

I agree id4 better!!

[@kingstonrock3693]

Thanks for the review. I reserved my model y but the whole supply and demand thing and raising of prices for a product is disengenuos. Tesla obviously doesn't make enough cars, and the y and 3 were supposed to be for the regular guy. But anymore. Elon, fix this please. Don't let the greed of your employees ruine your vision.

[@sexpistill]

Greed of employees 😂🤣 Elon uses strong Voodoo

[@jmanker6106]

Heyyyy look it's somebody with a brain! LOL it's so sad to see all the californians reviewing the Tesla favorably in this matchup and THEY DONT MENTION THE PRICE! LOL

[@StevenPhillips99]

With you road tripping as much as you do, are you not concerned with going over the mileage on your lease?

[@brandenflasch]

Nope - I leased to get the $7500 tax credit instantly. It’s pretty unlikely I’ll actually have the ID.4 the full duration of the lease (nothing against the car - I just get bored) and it won’t matter when I trade in.

[@Chrisb8s]

@@brandenflasch I have a reservation for a model Y and my get an Id4 to be a place holder until it arrives.

[@MsKewi-NYC]

@@brandenflasch How does the lease work with the mileage is it year to year or over the course of 3yrs? How many miles do they give you since you've already put over 4k in miles on it? Very curious how that works since I've never leased b4 and it's hard to tell what the resale value is going to be on these cars other than a Tesla after 3yrs. 🥴🤔

[@brandenflasch]

@@MsKewi-NYC leases are calculated based on miles per year, but the miles on the odometer are all that really matter - if you did a 15k/year 3 year lease, you just need to be under 45k when you return it to not have overages. Doesn’t matter if you did all 45k in the first year and let it sit for 2 years after or spread them out. You also don’t get any refund if you’re under your paid for miles at turn in

[@mikesmith1702]

Had to be price and tax credit ....otherwise no logical reason.

[@ridinglifestwisties]

Great video and love your channel and the work you do. How does leasing work with ev credit? If you decide to buy the car at the end of your lease would it include the $7500 tax credit? Thanks!

[@brandenflasch]

Currently (could change) if you lease the ID.4, VW passes the $7500 through at time of signing as a cap cost reduction. You essentially get $7500 off instantly rather than when filing taxes because the leasing company claims it. To answer your question - you don’t get it when you buy the car at the end of the lease because you get it instantly at the beginning of the lease.

[@ridinglifestwisties]

@@brandenflasch so essentially if I decide to buy the car at the end of the lease would it be $7500 less than the selling price?

[@brandenflasch]

I suppose you could look at it that way. The residual is set - the $7500 is taken off the cap cost (how your lease payments are determined)

[@ridinglifestwisties]

@@brandenflasch thanks for the prompt response.

[@chopsueykungfu]

My dealer knocked $9000 off the MSRP (at the time of lease) it is the fed and state incentives (I live in CA), now I have done 6 payments, I can do the lease-buy-out.

[@Hero007ization]

The build quality is way better in the Volkswagen.

[@brandenflasch]

Agreed

[@mikesmith1702]

you saved $27K but you dumped the ID4 after owning less than one year? Yes?

[@brandenflasch]

And drove it for free 🤷‍♂️

[@mikesmith1702]

@@brandenflasch glad you were able to unload it...reminds me when I got one of the first Leafs in Phoenix and dumped it 3 months later...

[@benjaminsmith2287]

Teslas are the best EVs on the market. They have admirable efficiency in their design and electronics. They also are probably one of the least refined cars on the EV market. Almost any other EV is better built whether it is from Volvo/Polestar, VW, Hyundai/Kia/Genesis, VW/Audi/Porsche. The level of refinement in NVH, the build quality, the body structure, the ride quality, all of these areas Tesla doesn't do as well at. Tesla's have go-cart video game steering but it is twitchy at higher speeds. They seem sporty but really are more fast accelerating cars that have stiff suspensions that can steer well enough but not at the same level of engineered to be great cars, cars. Your decision makes a ton of sense. Sure, VW and others have to improve the EV aspects of their cars. And they will. In time, chargers will be everywhere and charging and range won't be the issue it is now. It's just going to take a few years for that to happen.

[@dspits1161]

U didn't say anything about range and speed which is what u pay for

[@brandenflasch]

I’ve owned plenty of fast cars. ID.4 is fast enough for 99% of people

[@brandenflasch]

Range is basically the same in the real world

[@dspits1161]

Toyota corolla is fast enough for 99% of people how does that mean a 200000 thousand dollar Lamborghini mean price doesn't have an effect

[@brandenflasch]

You don’t buy a Lamborghini for speed either.

[@loitersquadX]

Its 20k plus better

[@brandenflasch]

In what way?

[@loitersquadX]

@@brandenflasch id4 has alot more going for it. First off if its your first ev. The transition isn't too difficult. Teslas are confusing. Also the ambient lighting is a nice touch. Very smooth drive, 3 years free charging and good trunk space. Tesla doesn't have that and if it does you check the price of it. NOT WORTH IT. Get a Mercedes at that point

[@brandenflasch]

Ah, your comment wasn’t clear. I thought you mean Model Y was $20k better.

[@adybarr]

I'm on the verge of cancelling my August Model Y order (my EDD has already been moved back twice) because I'm just so sick of twitter tantrums from the emotional 12 year old who runs Tesla. I want a car, not some sort of membership in a personality cult. I saw a Model 3 last week with a "F**k Elon Musk" sticker, so it isn't just me... :-)

[@brandenflasch]

Elon needs his Twitter taken away

[@benjaminsmith2287]

I don't keep up with Musk's Twitter but this whole star-CEO, visionary genius thing, is a big turnoff. Teslas as cars deserves better. I'm not a fan of showman CEOs a la the late Steve Jobs or Musk and it seems NIO of China has a similar type of CEO. Musk is another slick businessman IMO. I don't think he's any great tech genius. I think the tech wizards behind Tesla are anonymous.

[@adybarr]

@@benjaminsmith2287 I absolutely agree.

[@teslamoneyman426]

You can‘t afford a Model Y. That’s why.

[@brandenflasch]

I can, I chose to not waste money.

[@teslamoneyman426]

@@brandenflasch Waste money? You haven't done your homework. And, you bought an interior car. That's a fact.

[@brandenflasch]

@@teslamoneyman426 I have done my homework.

[@dragonmaster2055]

biggest mistake in your life

[@brandenflasch]

Whatever you say