Why I’d pick a Tesla Model Y over a $200k Merc

If I could afford a $200k Mercedes like this, would I actually want one? Or would I still prefer to drive a Tesla?
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00:00 Intro / Cost
00:28 Merc interior Details
01:48 Tesla interior details
03:14 Driving the Merc
04:34 Value Comparison
05:34 Safety
05:55 Tech / Refueling
07:06 Outro
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[@Riverrain123]

facts bro! tech is way better in the Y, especially with Tesla making the car better over time with constant updates!

[@e_vblue]

Sometimes silence is the best noise.. With all these features in the Model Y, I would never considered buying a ICE Mercedes nearly three times the cost.

[@Tetrathegod]

I mean you get quality and an amazing engine which is full with soul , it’s a real car .

[@e_vblue]

@@Tetrathegod And while you make a good point, a Tesla or any EV for that matter are also fun to drive as well . I don’t understand how a Tesla wouldn’t be a “real car”.

[@henryyiu618]

@@e_vblue They have to come up with unquantifiable stuff like soul and real to justify their inferior obsolete automobile.

[@brandonvernet]

@@Tetrathegodwhat is Soul? It’s a mechanical piece of machine that moves u from A to B. Don’t give me that bullshit that an EV is not “real car”. I’m not even an EV owner but it’s low IQ shit like that that makes me want to make the switch. Sounds like the only reasoning ICE owners these days have to justify themselves driving obsolete machines. Battery technology is evolving by the day and the potential is endless. ICE days are limited now. Can you honestly say 500 years from now that ICE cars will be around and considered current tech? LOL please…

[@otto_schwarzkopf]

I drive so many cars on a regular basis and once I get into a Tesla it’s a relief. Once an AI in the car gets activated things will improve. So many functions activated with voice will help UI. The current standard voice commands are too narrow. Digging around on one touchscreen can be tedious.

[@patrickjamesabade5775]

Just ordered my Y here in Melbourne. Really excited!! Hope I don’t regret it with the Juniper on horizon but needed a car and went electric. Interested to hear your thoughts on Tesla re sale value!

[@ibsn87]

Mark my words; it’s the best car you will ever own. BYD owners will buy the cheaper car and tell you the BYD is better. The features to the Tesla are several layers deep from the software, trip computer, safety, efficiency, autopilot right through to the engineering such as octovalve and gigacast chassis to name a couple. Many manufacturers are looking to replicate Tesla processes. enjoy every second of not being attached to a dealership. It’s both fun and rewarding to drive with a huge warranty that provides a massive safety net.

[@lilan1]

Another great video, you’ve been smashing it! Perhaps a new road trip video is on the cards?

[@Rabs73]

I couldn't buy a combustion car again. Very easy decision for me but then Mercedes do have some nice EVs as well. Did the owner of the Mercedes consider an EV version?

[@michael9678727]

The owner of the merc is Ryan's father he was going to buy a model Y but cancelled the order and bought the AMG.

[@kckepu]

​@@michael9678727 is this true Ryan? This is hilarious 😂😂

[@Gumdohodi]

Agree with everything you said down to the wheels. For me, it's like walking around with a very nice Nokia phone when the iPhone is available.

[@RyanCowan]

Totally agree ! And sooo many people have an iPhone (no matter wealth status), so very valid point.

[@michael9678727]

IPhone is a POS 😅

[@dirtygore]

IPhones are crap.

[@Core-Ray]

Great video Ryan! Straight to the point, direct comparisons and great communication! Couldn’t agree with you more. Kudos!

[@RyanCowan]

Thank you !

[@mcshaggy2]

I have a model 3 and it's way better than any sub $150k Merc I've driven. Just the 'cool' factor of the car with the level of tech as well how responsive it is to actually drive it

[@KFCisgoodanimals]

i like both and this is such a good video love this

[@RyanCowan]

Thanks !

[@mikesevgarage]

Great comparison video, Ryan!

[@RyanCowan]

Thanks Mike !

[@dragon5946]

haha. dog mode, nuff said. No contest here

[@peterhofland1862]

Hi Ryan, could you please make a detailed video on the Highland rear seat display? I’m curious to know what it can do and how that might affect controls on the front screen. Cheers 🙏

[@busog97641]

Again, excellent video, especially because it wasn't bashing a Tesla. Thumbs-up all around.👍

[@kckepu]

🤣🤣 I love the subtle humour you put into this video. You're always enjoying to watch, but this was very enjoyable to watch 😂😂 Thank you Ryan the number 1 unofficial Tesla Salesman 🙏🏾🤣

[@RyanCowan]

haha thank you !

[@theyruinedyoutubeagain]

Great video but it's not going to convince anyone dumb enough to still hate EVs. Also, I will never understand people who park front-first, it makes zero sense.

[@krisvanaut]

As a former Mercedes owner, now driving the model y, both cars have their pros and cons. I can only hope the model y had a HUD display, better suspension, better rainwipers, better voice recognition and a better autopilot then the Mercedes, unfortunately that’s not the case.

[@RyanCowan]

I found Tesla's Autopilot to be much better than Merc's lane keeping system.

[@krisvanaut]

@@RyanCowan the tesla struggles a lot more to picck up speedsigns along the roads, never had that issue with the merc, also in sharp turns i have to interfere more often and take back control…

[@johnlambert1744]

Love your videos mate! The bit at the end re the oil stains cracked me up. I certainly don't miss that problem with ICE cars. I haven't looked back since going from my hybrid RAV4 to a Model Y at all. As you mentioned the suspension in the MY could be a bit softer (and I even have the updated suspension model) but I think this makes it sportier and handle better in corners. Cars with supple soft suspension tend to suffer a lot of body roll, unless they have adaptive suspension. For me my absolute favourite feature of a Tesla is the ability to turn the AC on and off remotely!! Living in Queensland where it's bloody hot 9 months of the year, this is such a great feature to have. No more jumping into a boiling hot car anymore.

[@RyanCowan]

Thanks for the comment mate ! Totally agree with you, preconditioning is the best ! ICE cars will never be able to do this.

[@Aarav_Vispute]

This are pure facts man ! Tesla will always be the best 🎉 Amazing video and edits as always.I hate how the Mercedes put oil strains on your beautiful tennis court.😢

[@go4thewin531]

Absolutely Ryan! So many good points made, couldn't put it any better! How's the bubba going?

[@RyanCowan]

Thank you mate ! Willow is growing up SO fast, just starting to talk and crawl at the moment !

[@go4thewin531]

@@RyanCowan That’s amazing!

[@Drufi]

Tesla hands down, no question!

[@jackyclever]

a very nice video, thank you, and just a quick question if the tesla does not have the HUD, do you often keep your eye on the display? that will move your eyes away from the road.

[@RyanCowan]

Thanks. Took us a bit to get used to looking at the speed on the centre screen, but now it feels completely normal. I don't believe this to be an issue at all now that we're used to it.

[@ibsn87]

The sheer number of features that go several layers deep on the Tesla are incredible. The button argument was proven by Apple vs blackberry. You do not need buttons. It works, and works well. People hang onto old concepts but Tesla has executed some incredible features and done so almost seamlessly. They are not perfect on everything, but they are so incredibly far ahead of any legacy automakers it’s not funny. Each update continues to deliver more and more useful features. If you’re going to spend 200k on a car. You want it to be more efficient, more powerful, more connected, more safe, more convenient, less time wasted servicing, alas, the luxury merc has none of that.

[@RyanCowan]

Perfectly said 🙌 My favourite comment so far

[@marcuss_aureliuss]

As an owner of a Porsche Boxster and a Model Y, I gotta say that the Model Y will never scratch the itch of spirited driving like an ICE sports car. Kicking out the back end of my Boxster at a turn just to hear the crackling up shift is joy at its finest. That being said, I would sell my Boxster well before the Model Y if I had to. Commuting is a dream in a Tesla (I do a lot of driving for work). Not to mention 170,000 miles with no maintenance and 92% battery health.

[@christopherdriving6425]

I pick up my model 3 highland today. I've never been so excited 😁

[@RyanCowan]

Excited for you dude !!!! And very jealous 😂 Enjoy delivery day mate !

[@tonpul321]

4:15 spot on . any gas car is not a pleasant experience anymore.. great video

[@RyanCowan]

Thanks !

[@EkamvirSingh-hz8ym]

i would always pick tesla

[@PeterparkerSlaps]

The only thing missing on my model y is suspension. It is better than my old Toyota but i couldn’t wait any longer for the refresh and it was only $40k inventory

[@RyanCowan]

Yep, agree

[@GIZMO9021]

if u like buttons and engine rumbles, buy the merc. if u like software and tech, buy a Tesla

[@Berretotube]

Yeah great vid, Ryan. I love that you highlight some of the Merc's strengths (steering, plushness/materials, suspension, HUD), and compare these to the strength of the Model Y (safest car on the roads, no emissions, charge at home, simplicity/dearth of buttons and knobs, animal-free materials, cargo space, no petrol stations, instant torque). If you're a petrol head, have piles of cash, need the status of a 'premium' car, enjoy plushness and don't care about emissions or extremely high maintenance and running costs, the Merc might be for you. But for state of the art tech, instant torque, SAFETY, space, almost non-existent running costs, and environmental concerns, Tesla (now my daily driver - and I've previously owned a BMW, which I enjoyed, but which was ridiculously expensive to buy and run).

[@RyanCowan]

Well summarised ! I agree. The difference in tech is just mind blowing, and I don't think many people realise this. No other car like it.

[@squintywhisper8247]

Oh! There should be a way to change the navigation voice in the Tesla to a male voice… I’d prefer your voice mate! If they ask you to do it, please say yes 😄

[@VictorGarciaprincipal]

one question. how do you score the silence in the tesla when driving?? And is he suspension so much rigid how they say?

[@RyanCowan]

Suspension is very firm I find, but love the silence and smoothness.

[@warreke100]

As the owner of a Tesla Model Y and a German luxury ICE car, I couldn't agree more with your comments. Well done!

[@RyanCowan]

Excellent to hear ! Thank you.

[@ooruvambuvangaottukaekalaa7623]

I never knew that Tesla model Y had rear display, did you add it as a mod? or a stock?

[@RyanCowan]

New Model 3 does, not Model Y.

[@tony34star]

Great Video. The coefficient drag is so much better than a Mercedes....oh let's be arrogant... The best or nothing as Mercedes say....well, take the Tesla any day. Oh want fast! get a model 3 performance...eat it for breakfast.

[@MichaelSmith-px1ev]

Hi Ryan I think the fundamentals of a car Tesla lead by so far it is not funny. I would have started with Safety, Software, Security, Speed, where the Mercedes can’t match then everything else is material. If you want to buy all this material stuff which is nice but not essential go right ahead and pay 3 times the price. Value differentiation is undeniable.

[@squintywhisper8247]

Mate, you need to do an AMSR video. Your voice is so smooth and easy to listen to! I appreciate your honesty and detailed explanation. Keep making great content, I love watching it 😊

[@RyanCowan]

Thank you mate !! Appreciate it !

[@vfb95]

Electric car model, right?

[@peterhofland1862]

Hi Ryan, a base model Y in your state is $66,379 drive away.

[@RyanCowan]

haha 😅

[@PhilDodd]

I would choose the Tesla, but having said that, gee it would be nice to drive a car with working automatic wipers.

[@melbourneplanespotter3631]

The Model Y is utilitarian whereas the Mercedes is more of an 'aspirational' purchase. Personally, if money were no object, I'd buy the Mercedes because of the engine and more premium interior. Though, if I were a doctor or someone who needs their car to be very reliable and easy to drive, then my money would be on the Tesla for sure. And, at the Model Y's current price point of around $80k AUD before novated leasing, I don't think there's any other electric or ICE car that can surpass the Model Y for the value it provides.

[@philipf2705]

If you have money and want engine noise, the merc is beautiful. But if youre not in that price range, like 99% of us, the tesla is the better choice. And out of that remaining 99% id say only about 40% of us could justify the cost of buying a Tesla

[@Salty1952]

Yep, the cost difference alone ends the argument. My MYLR is easy and very fun to drive. I previously owned two 911's, two S2000's, two RX-7s and a '66' Austin Healey 3000. All cars that were fun to drive, so I'm not talking without knowing what constitutes "fun factor". The simplicity grows on you. All the automatic features are integrated in such a way that you forget about them until you drive something else... and then you miss them. I'm hoping that Tesla continues to move forward. The auto industry is not one that allows resting on one's laurels.

[@RyanCowan]

Great to hear from someone like yourself ! Thanks for the comment. And yes, I totally agree-you forget how seamless the Tesla experience is until you drive something else and realise how far behind they all are 😅

[@tatata1543]

I bet the wipers in the Mercedes work.

[@Audioremedy0785]

It’s funny to me how so many people hate on EVs. But no one that’s actually ever driven one. I’m not sure I would ever go back to an ICE car now.

[@nickfelstead7559]

lol merc interior looks like its off a 30k chinese car

[@franciskingu5398]

I feel like this video is being shadow banned by the KZbin algorithm ...

[@elck3]

Is it already winter down under?

[@go4thewin531]

autumn

[@utha2665]

Winter officially starts in June.

[@luisper88]

Muy buen vídeo. Yo también me quedo con mi Model Y. Y estoy de acuerdo, el Tesla por delante es un poco feo

[@gregturner_awod]

In my eyes the Merc is grotesque and far too complex inside, and out. I’d take my Model 3 LR over the Merc, also 100%. One pedal driving, quietness and instant power are features I’ve grown to love.

[@mluu510]

that's fucking crazy. i rather buy a rivian r1s or lucid gravity if you want a premium experience

[@nevanbaskin7493]

But this is a c lass at the end of the day so yeah..

[@bikersydney5653]

You’ve become a rusted-on Tesla driver Ryan 😂

[@user-nf4st5kn6l]

❤❤❤

[@Tony_Heisenberg]

Picking Model Y without second thought.

[@gavinhagan8357]

Oh that oil stain is there FOREVER mate. lol.

[@chiboyife5456]

Tesla all time it a no brainer

[@michael9678727]

The Y minimalist looks cheap especially the steering wheel

[@RyanCowan]

New Model 3 steering wheel is a nice upgrade ! Looks HEAPS better

[@michael9678727]

@@RyanCowan I agree with you there. Bit not a fan of the button indicates but it's not a deal breaker.

[@MelvinMyla]

220K and it come from factory with a Oil Leak 😂

[@TreverLeung-wi7bs]

I am concerned about the quality and the panel gap in the tesla

[@James-lw3gi]

You really needn’t be imo. Years ago people were clanging on about that. My model 3 had zero issues. And as to be expected, the manufacturing keeps getting better and better. I took a new 2024 Model Y out the other day. Really good fit and finish.

[@farmerfarmerer3847]

That was American factory thing. Giga Shanghai has never had any issues with panel gaps and finish.

[@TreverLeung-wi7bs]

@@farmerfarmerer3847 Mecerdes and Tesla are a complete different class. Mercedes are made in Germany and Tesla are made in Shanghai.

[@TreverLeung-wi7bs]

@@farmerfarmerer3847 As a car guy, I just can’t drive a car without a exhaust, I like the Hyundai Iqoniq 5 n, it is more powerful and more like a petrol car

[@farmerfarmerer3847]

@@TreverLeung-wi7bs Tesla are made in Germany & USA as well.

[@432wheels]

And yet your dad still chose to keep the Mercedes instead of buying a Tesla? :) Oldies hate to change 🤣 I bet it parks itself better than the Tesla for sure.

[@timthompson3212]

The so call " oldies " had $220k to buy a toy vs 70k cheap BATTLERS dream car.

[@toddbloxham6041]

Ask the kids….

[@RyanCowan]

Much to my surprise, Dad has since seen the light and purchased a Model Y RWD (same as mine) for country driving, as he loves Autopilot for those longer drives. And he doesn't mind stopping to charge as it gives him a break.

[@heibaimao]

Honestly the price alone...... I don't get the hate for tesla. Tho I believe those people are the minority :)

[@Paradoxical124]

I hope you don’t enjoy burning coal for electricity too.

[@ChrisM752]

There’s electric that comes from renewables. If all of the electricity used came from fossil fuels it would still be better for the environment than an ICE vehicle as the plant that generates it is way more efficient than a combustion engine in a car on its own. This argument is getting old, how are ppl still believing this nonsense. ICE will always pollute the same while EVs more and more energy will come from renewables so it will just get better.

[@utha2665]

That coal burning is reducing all the time. If you have solar panels at home and you charge during the day then no coal. I assume you mean coal...

[@Paradoxical124]

@@utha2665 I did mean coal, thank you for the correction. However you will need an absolute killer of a home solar system to be able to fully charge an electric car as well as the house.

[@peterhofland1862]

@@Paradoxical124many home EV chargers will adjust the charge rate depending on the real time output of the solar.

[@FriedChairs]

Coal powered turbines are about 45% efficient while internal combustion engines are only 20% efficient so energy from coal is still better than internal combustion.

[@snith]

Enjoying the road trip charging limitation I’m sorry but this is rationalisation. Having to worry about where the chargers are and how long you will stop is far less ideal so it really shouldn’t be spun as a positive. It’s a big drawback of these vehicles, and may be the only reason some go for petrol, and they would be fully justified. Can’t really disagree with your other comments, Tesla I think wins overall as well. Nice review

[@marcohillenga5068]

Agree and disagree, when on a road trip by myself, I would want to go in one go, that’s where diesel/petrol wins for me. But when we went on vacation with our kids, I wouldn’t want to drive anything else besides my Enyaq, our kids want to stop around the same time as our EV has to charge. Then you realize how short 20-30 minutes really is. I live in Europe, we have fast chargers everywhere so that would make a difference compared to where you’re from. But still, going by yourself, nothing compares going 250km/h on the Autobahn with a big engine.

[@peterhofland1862]

Honestly, these are concerns held by people that don’t own a Tesla or haven’t road tripped in one. You simply tell the car where you want to go via your phone or voice command & it will plot your course to include chargers on the route & list time required at each charger. Instead of hustling like all the ICE drivers you simply plug in & walk off to the bathroom, diner, cafe, etc & every time I get a message from the car to get back to driving long before I’m ready to go.

[@marcohillenga5068]

@@peterhofland1862 not necessarily a Tesla, but most recent EV’s are really simple to go on road trips. Most manufacturers nowadays have a good working route planning, which should debunk the concerns even more. But still, nothing beats blasting the highway with a powerful engine when driving alone.

[@RyanCowan]

Yeah fair enough, I guess it depends on your experiences with charging. We've had a very positive experience with Tesla Superchargers, and almost always been in locations where we've needed them. Thanks for the comment.

[@snith]

@@marcohillenga5068 I would rather drive my EV on a road trip as well, but only because my other car is shit lol. If it were nice to drive, had the bells and whistles of my BYD then I’d probably take it because I am not limited at all, there are petrol stations everywhere

[@mr.fusion9872]

compare the quality. tesla is trash. i own one. squeaking, rattling noises and sht everywhere. refrigartor on wheels. probably still gonna go with the merc / porsche once my lease ends.

[@pkerry12]

i have driven a 200,000 Model S I did this back in 2018 it was a whole other level this was back when Tesla made luxury and good quality interiors. YES they actually did that with the model S and X back in the day and you could open the sun roof on a model S back then too. Its a real shame they decided to put cheap materials in the model Y and 3. I really wish they had teh option for real cow leather, I miss that.

[@Shivoham1087]

7th like

[@goran2009]

Time to address “Tesla graveyard” news? Hopefully EV prices will continue to fall … They are pumping them out like iPhones!

[@micho4324]

Tesla ia great but you are biased, you are a tesla fan boy, sorry

[@amazingcreator9453]

Ye, u saw his channel name 😂

[@timthompson3212]

Model Y is the latest Corella/Camry. Purely is a car for general public. That's the difference.

[@wolrer350]

With minimum 330hp ? 😂😂😂

[@livingdead233]

You got no soul!