Out of Spec Reviews

My Hotel Room Came With An Audi E-Tron!

This video highlights an innovative marketing strategy by Audi, offering guests at Aspen hotels complimentary use of e-tron SUVs. The reviewer, Kyle, ... moredetails his experience with a 2022 Audi e-tron, noting its premium feel and comfortable ride, even comparing its road trip performance favorably to a Tesla Model 3 Performance due to its exceptional charging curve. While acknowledging the e-tron's on-paper range limitations (around 225 miles EPA) and the ongoing issues with CCS charging infrastructure, Kyle praises the experiential approach, allowing potential buyers to test the vehicle in real-world conditions without sales pressure. He identifies the specific car as a Premium Plus trim, noting the absence of features like massaging seats and extended leather found in higher trims. The reviewer also points out the availability of used e-trons at attractive prices, making it a compelling option for those seeking a well-built EV. less

Unboxing My Own DC Fast Charger! Starting The High Power EV Charging Series

The Out of Spec Reviews team unboxes the Autel 240kW MaxiCharger DC Fast Charger, marking the beginning of an extensive series dedicated to high-power... more EV charging. The reviewer expresses immense excitement about finally having their own DC fast charger for testing and analysis, highlighting the charger's robust build and impressive internal components. While the unit was provided as a review unit by Autel with no editorial restrictions, the team emphasizes that they will cover all aspects, including installation costs, running expenses, and performance testing. The video details the unboxing process, the charger's specifications, and the initial installation plans at the Colorado State University Powerhouse, which offers ample power infrastructure. Key takeaways include the charger's dual CCS output (with plans to convert one to NACS), its capability for dynamic power sharing, and the potential for significant demand charges. The reviewer also touches upon the complexities of payment terminal integration and the overall goal of understanding the economics and practicalities of running a DC fast charging site. less

Mercedes GLE 450e Has Huge PHEV Range and Insanely Fast DC Fast Charging

The Mercedes GLE 450e 4MATIC is put to the test, focusing on its plug-in hybrid electric capabilities. The reviewer highlights its impressive DC fast ... morecharging performance, reaching up to 62 kW and completing a 0-100% charge in approximately 30 minutes, significantly outperforming many other PHEVs. The real-world electric range also exceeded expectations, with the highway test yielding 58 miles and the city test reaching 67 miles, both well above the EPA's 40-mile rating. Positives include the smooth ride, excellent driver assistance systems, and the intuitive accelerator pedal design that manages electric and combustion engine engagement. However, the reviewer notes the clunky nature of the electric motor being placed before the transmission and criticizes the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine as being 'crunchy' when it engages, contrasting it with smoother six-cylinder options in competing models. The reviewer also questions the necessity of DC fast charging for PHEVs, suggesting it should be AC charging only unless the vehicle has a very long electric range, and advises responsible usage to avoid blocking chargers for BEVs. less

New Tesla Model X Quick Test Drive

This video serves as a practical guide for automotive journalists on how to easily test drive and experience Tesla vehicles, highlighting the accessib... moreility of Tesla's service centers for this purpose. The reviewer finds the base Model X Long Range AWD to be a competent and spacious SUV, particularly praising its practicality for families and dog owners, noting the effectiveness of Dog Mode and the ample interior space. While acknowledging the Model X's significant price reduction and strong charging infrastructure, the reviewer points out several drawbacks. These include the aging exterior design, a less premium feel compared to German competitors like the BMW iX or Rivian R1S, and a decline in build quality aspects such as the front doors' auto-open function and the removal of ultrasonic parking sensors, which are now vision-based and less reliable. Despite these criticisms, the reviewer concludes that the Model X remains a strong contender in the SUV market due to its space, practicality, and Tesla's charging network, especially at its current price point. less

I Drive The Electric Lexus RZ 450e For The First Time! Is This A Joke?

The Lexus RZ 450e presents a mixed bag, struggling to justify its premium price tag and position in the EV market. While it boasts a more upscale inte... morerior and exterior design compared to its Toyota/Subaru counterparts, significant drawbacks emerge. The vehicle suffers from a disappointing EPA-estimated range of under 200 miles, which the reviewer found to be unmet in real-world testing, making it a non-starter for many. Charging speeds, particularly AC charging with a 32-amp onboard charger, are also significantly slower than competitors. Positives include a comfortable ride quality, a premium interior feel with unique features like the electrochromic roof, and a capable driver assistance system on the highway. However, the reviewer highlights a concerning lack of engineering focus in areas like the infotainment's navigation and charging planning, the steering wheel material, and the overall efficiency. The RZ 450e appears to be designed primarily for existing Lexus loyalists rather than attracting new EV buyers, and its high cost, coupled with these limitations, makes it a difficult recommendation against more established and capable EVs like the Tesla Model Y. less

Lexus RZ450e Highway Electric Range Test Results

The Lexus RZ450e underwent a rigorous 70 MPH highway range test, yielding a disappointing 172 miles, significantly below its EPA rating of 196 miles. ... moreThe reviewer, Ryan, highlights the vehicle's poor efficiency, averaging 2.6 miles per kilowatt-hour, which he deems a "non-starter" and a "complete deal breaker" for a modern EV. Despite favorable ambient temperatures (high 60s to low 70s), a moderate 10-15 MPH crosswind negatively impacted the results. The RZ450e's charging speed was also noted as poor, with slow top-charging from 85% to 100%. While the ride is described as quiet and comfortable, and the sound system decent, these positives are overshadowed by the abysmal range performance, placing it as the least efficient vehicle tested by the channel, excluding trucks. The reviewer expresses significant disappointment, stating the range is insufficient for today's market. less

Old Audi E-Tron Perfectly Matches Q8 E-Tron In The 10% Challenge!

The 2019 Audi e-tron Prestige, despite its age, impressively matches the newer Q8 e-tron in the 10% challenge, achieving an identical 73.2 miles. The ... morereviewer highlights the older e-tron's superior charging capability, particularly its ability to maintain a high charging rate (around 140-150 kW) up to 80% state of charge, thanks to its high cobalt content battery. This characteristic makes it a compelling used car value, offering excellent comfort and a quiet ride, though its overall efficiency is noted as a drawback for those needing maximum range, especially in winter (170-180 miles). The reviewer strongly recommends the used e-tron for its value, suggesting it's a better buy than the newer Q8 for many, provided one can navigate public charging infrastructure. The primary advantage of the Q8 is its greater total range on a full charge (60-70 miles more), but this difference diminishes on longer trips where the charging performance becomes more critical. less

I Drive The BMW i5 For The First Time! The Sweet Spot In The Electric Sedan Market

The BMW i5, particularly the eDrive40 and M60 trims, is presented as a compelling sweet spot in the electric sedan market, offering a blend of luxury,... more performance, and practicality that rivals the larger i7 at a more accessible price point. The reviewer highlights the i5's refined ride comfort, quiet cabin, and excellent low-speed calibration, making it a superb daily driver. Key advantages include impressive rear seat space, a user-friendly iDrive 8.5 interface with improved climate controls, and a comfortable driving position. However, the reviewer notes some drawbacks, such as noticeable wind noise from the mirrors and roofline, a less premium feel compared to the i7, and a long hood with no frunk. The M60 trim delivers exhilarating acceleration and sporty handling, though the reviewer suggests a non-performance AWD variant would be ideal for broader appeal. Charging performance is deemed good but not class-leading, and the route planning software, while improved, still shows some quirks. less

Hyundai Ioniq 6 Has A Huge Range Improvement Over Ioniq 5! 70-MPH Highway Range Test (AWD Limited)

The Hyundai Ioniq 6 Limited AWD achieves a real-world highway range of 281 miles at 70 mph, exceeding its EPA rating of 270 miles under ideal testing ... moreconditions (70-80°F, no wind). While this figure is respectable and places it third among sedans tested by the channel, it falls slightly short of the reviewer's expectations. The reviewer notes the efficiency at 3.7 miles per kWh is decent but not exceptional. Positives highlighted include a significantly quieter and more comfortable cabin compared to a Tesla Model 3, excellent highway driving assist, and rapid charging capabilities (10-80% in 18 minutes). However, the sound system is described as only 'okay,' and the vehicle is not considered sporty. The reviewer concludes that while the Ioniq 6 Limited AWD offers good range and comfort, other trims are expected to perform better due to lower wheel sizes and RWD configurations. less

The Mercedes EQE SUV Is So Efficient! 70-MPH Highway Range Test Somehow Beats Audi Q8 E-Tron

The Mercedes EQE 500 SUV 4MATIC demonstrates remarkable efficiency, significantly outperforming the Audi Q8 e-tron in a 70-mph highway range test desp... moreite having a smaller battery and weighing more. The reviewer achieved 304 miles, exceeding the EPA estimate of 279 miles, while the Q8 e-tron, with its larger battery, fell short. While the EQE SUV's styling is noted as "ugly" by the host, its efficiency is praised as "magic." The interior is described as elegant and stately, typical of Mercedes, though the lack of cooled seats on the tested configuration is a minor drawback. The driver assistance system, while generally good, exhibited some erratic behavior, including attempting to change lanes into construction cones and shoulders. Overall, the EQE SUV is deemed a capable road trip machine, excelling in range and efficiency, making it a compelling choice for those prioritizing these aspects, even over the more visually appealing e-tron. less

Highway Range Test Battle! Old vs New Audi E-Tron - Here's How Much Farther The Q8 Goes On A Charge

This video pits a 2019 Audi e-tron 55 Prestige against the 2024 Q8 e-tron 55 Prestige in a direct highway range test. While the new Q8 e-tron boasts a... more significantly larger battery (106 kWh usable vs. 86.5 kWh usable) and a more aerodynamic design, the older model surprisingly held its own in terms of efficiency, with the reviewer noting the 2019 model achieved slightly better miles per kilowatt-hour. The Q8 e-tron ultimately delivered substantially more outright range (290 miles vs. 224.6 miles), a difference attributed primarily to its larger battery. However, the reviewer expresses reservations about upgrading solely for range, citing the older e-tron's superior top-end charging speed and lower used market price. The interior comfort of the older model is also preferred over the Q8's sportier tuning. The video highlights that while the Q8 offers more range, the value proposition of a used e-tron remains strong, especially for those prioritizing comfort and charging speed over maximum distance. less

I Drive The Incredible BMW i7 M70 EV For The First Time! The Ultimate 7 Series

The BMW i7 M70 represents the pinnacle of the 7 Series electric offering, delivering a potent blend of luxury and performance. While the standard i7 i... mores already a masterclass in quiet, comfortable executive transport, the M70 variant injects a significant dose of sportiness. The reviewer highlights the substantial power increase and revised suspension tuning, noting that the car feels surprisingly agile for its size and weight, capable of spirited driving on winding roads. However, the M70's true value proposition is questioned, as the enhanced performance is most noticeable when pushed hard, a scenario unlikely for most i7 owners. The reviewer also points out that the M70 doesn't significantly compromise on the i7's core strengths of luxury and comfort, even adding more premium materials and customization options. Despite its impressive capabilities, the high price point and the existence of faster, cheaper alternatives like the Tesla Model S Plaid are noted. The reviewer concludes that while the M70 is a remarkable engineering feat, its appeal might be limited to a niche audience seeking the ultimate expression of the 7 Series, suggesting it could be a compelling used purchase in the future. less

Audi Q8 E-Tron Takes On The 10% Challenge To Find Out If This Electric SUV Is A Good Road Tripper

The Audi Q8 e-tron underwent the '10% Challenge,' a test simulating road trip charging and highway range. After a 15-minute charge from 10% ... moreSoC, which added 37 kWh and brought the battery to 46%, the SUV achieved 73 miles at a constant 80 MPH before dropping back to 10% SoC. While the charging session itself was deemed decent, with a peak of 168 kW and a 40-second handshake, the vehicle's efficiency was a notable drawback, averaging 2.1 miles per kWh. The reviewer found the Q8 e-tron to be a comfortable and luxurious vehicle with a high-quality interior, particularly appreciating features like the illuminated seat belts. However, the overall range result of 73 miles was considered average and not leaderboard-worthy, highlighting a lack of efficiency despite its strong charging capabilities. The test was further impacted by minor construction delays and traffic lights, which affected the average speed calculation. less

Electric Mini Countryman In America - Interview With Us Product Planner

This interview with MINI Product Planning Specialist Vikash Joshi provides a comprehensive look at the upcoming U25 MINI Countryman for the US market.... more While the specific "Countryman E" variant shown is not coming to the US, the discussion confirms that the US will receive the SE ALL4, John Cooper Works ALL4, and a combustion engine option. Key takeaways include the Countryman's shared platform with the BMW iX1, a 65 kWh usable battery, and a DC charging peak of 130 kW. The reviewer highlights the premium interior materials, including the leather-free "Veskin," and the customizable lighting elements. Despite the modest charging speed and battery size, MINI's strategy targets daily commuting needs, with the combustion variants available for longer distances. The interview also touches on the potential for advanced driver-assistance systems and the absence of the electric Cooper hardtop in the US market at launch, leaving enthusiasts hopeful for future announcements. less

I Drive The BMW iX5 FCEV For The First Time! A Hydrogen Pilot Project To Explore The Technology

The BMW iX5 FCEV represents a fascinating technological exploration rather than a production-ready vehicle for personal mobility. While the reviewer a... morecknowledges the current dominance of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) for daily use, they express intrigue with BMW's implementation of hydrogen fuel cell technology, particularly its partnership with Toyota for the fuel cell stack. The iX5 FCEV offers a familiar X5 driving experience, delivering 400 horsepower and a claimed range of approximately 300-350 miles, with a significant advantage in refueling time (4-5 minutes). However, the critical drawback remains the lack of widespread hydrogen infrastructure, especially in the US. The reviewer highlights the vehicle's refined operation, noting it drives much like a BEV, with impressive integration of components. Despite its technological merits and potential for specific applications like heavy transport, the iX5 FCEV is presented as a valuable data-gathering prototype, showcasing BMW's commitment to exploring diverse zero-emission solutions. less

I Drive The Microlino For The First Time! A Reimagined Electric Isetta

The Microlino, a retro-inspired electric city car designed in Switzerland and built in Italy, offers a unique and undeniably fun driving experience, p... morearticularly for urban environments. While the "Pioneer Series" model tested boasts charming design elements and a surprisingly spacious interior for its size, its objective shortcomings are significant, especially considering its price point of around €20,000-€23,000. The reviewer highlights a loud, unrefined motor with noticeable cogging at low speeds, a basic and sometimes wobbly key, and a primitive software stack. Build quality of the body and structural components is praised, but the powertrain and software require substantial improvement. Safety features are minimal, with no ABS, traction control, or airbags mentioned. Despite these objective drawbacks, the reviewer expresses a strong emotional connection to the car, emphasizing its "smile factor" and "coolness" as its primary selling points. It's positioned as a "toy for the rich" or a "third car" rather than a practical, dependable daily driver. The reviewer intends to reserve one, driven by emotion rather than objective practicality. less

Alyssa Runs A 10% Challenge In The Mercedes EQE SUV!

The reviewer conducted a 10% range challenge on the 2023 Mercedes EQE 500 4MATIC SUV. Despite a charging derating issue that prevented a definitive re... moresult, the reviewer found the vehicle to be an easy and impressive EV to drive, praising its navigation, driver assistance systems, and smooth automatic lane changes. The interior comfort, ambient lighting, and spaciousness were also highlighted positively. However, the reviewer noted the car's high price point ($98,000 fully specced) and found its exterior styling unappealing, with an excessive number of Mercedes logos. The 15-minute charging session yielded a 19% gain, and the subsequent highway drive resulted in 67 miles traveled from 10% battery. While not a Porsche Taycan competitor, the EQE SUV performed decently in the challenge, and the reviewer ultimately recommended it for those with the budget, suggesting the used market might offer better value. less

Volkswagen Forgot To Update The Brand New ID.3 Facelift!

The reviewer and guest express significant disappointment with Volkswagen's "facelift" of the ID.3, arguing that the company "forg... moreot to update it" meaningfully. While acknowledging the car's excellent driving dynamics, comfort, and quietness for its price point, the core criticism lies in the lack of substantial updates, particularly concerning software and powertrain. The reviewer highlights that the ID.3 facelift received only minor cosmetic changes and retained the older software, unlike the more significantly updated ID.4 and ID.5. The guest, an early ID.3 owner, shares his experience with battery degradation (around 10% after three years, potentially due to frequent DC charging) and past software issues, though he notes improvements after software version 2.1. Key drawbacks identified include slow charging speeds (especially when not below 15% state of charge), the perceived cheapness of interior materials by some owners, and Volkswagen's slow development cycle. The consensus is that VW missed an opportunity to make the ID.3 truly competitive by not integrating the newer motor and software, leading to a feeling of a "rushed" update. less

Full Tour Of The New Electric MINI (J01)! Twice The Range, Stunning Interior, & Improved Performance

The new electric MINI Cooper Hardtop (J01) represents a significant leap forward, particularly in its interior design and overall premium feel, which ... morethe reviewer praises as class-leading for a city EV. While the styling is noted as taking some getting used to, the technical specifications, especially the dual battery options and improved range (estimated over 200 miles EPA for the larger pack), are seen as substantial upgrades over the outgoing model. However, the reviewer expresses disappointment with the charging port design and the lack of Highway Drive Assist, considering these misses for a modern EV. The pricing, starting around €32,900 for the base 'e' and €36,900 for the 'S' (likely the US-bound model), is considered reasonable, especially for the Cooper S with its larger battery. The car's construction in China raises questions about potential US import tariffs and tax credits. Overall, the J01 is viewed as a more premium and capable successor, though some technical aspects could be improved. less

Kia EV6 GT Extreme Thermal Stress Test: E-GMP Platform Ripping with Fast Charging and High Speed

This video subjects the Kia EV6 GT to an extreme thermal stress test on the German Autobahn, pushing its performance limits under high-speed driving a... morend rapid charging conditions. The reviewer highlights the GT's impressive acceleration and handling, particularly its stability and fun factor at high speeds, noting it performs exceptionally well for its price point, even outperforming some more expensive rivals like the Taycan in sustained high-speed driving thermal management. However, the review points out significant thermal limitations during charging, where the car's power output drops considerably when the battery is hot, a stark contrast to its robust performance while driving. The reviewer also notes the car's less stable feel at its absolute top speed compared to some competitors and criticizes the infotainment software. Despite these drawbacks, the overall verdict is highly positive, praising the EV6 GT's hardcore performance and thermal longevity during driving, making it a compelling option for enthusiasts, especially considering its value proposition. less

Smart #1 Full Tour! The Funky Sibling To Volvo EX30 w/ Over 400hp, AWD, Mercedes Tech, & More

The Smart #1, particularly the Brabus line, is presented as a significant departure from the brand's previous small city cars, built on the SEA p... morelatform and sharing technical underpinnings with the Volvo EX30. The reviewer highlights Mercedes-Benz's design influence, evident in the car's aesthetics and interior details, though some materials and switchgear are noted as feeling plasticky and less premium than expected for the price point. The Brabus version stands out with its dual-motor AWD setup delivering over 400 horsepower and enhanced handling, making it the recommended choice for its performance. Positives include the spacious interior for its size, a large glass roof, fast AC charging, and unique design elements like the clamshell hood and distinctive rear light show. However, the reviewer expresses concern over the high starting price (€42,000, rising to €49,000 for the Brabus) when compared to competitors like the Volvo EX30, questioning the value proposition. The infotainment system is described as laggy and dated in its graphics, and the route planning functionality is deemed poor. Despite these drawbacks, the overall impression is positive, with the reviewer eager to experience the car's dynamic capabilities. less

New Electric Mini Countryman Full Tour! Radical Inside & Out, Great Infotainment, & More!

The new electric MINI Countryman (U25) receives a mixed but ultimately positive review, praised for its radical interior design, high-quality material... mores, and engaging user experience, which the reviewer believes surpasses even the BMW iX1. The "Favored" trim, featuring massaging seats and an animal-free interior, is highlighted. However, significant criticisms are leveled at the vehicle's technical specifications. The 64 kWh usable battery capacity is deemed too small, resulting in a predicted EPA range of around 200-210 miles, which is considered insufficient for the US market. Furthermore, the 135 kW peak DC fast charging speed is seen as outdated for a vehicle launching now, with a 10-80% charge taking 29 minutes. The reviewer also notes the absence of a front trunk and the plastic head-up display as drawbacks. Despite these technical shortcomings, the reviewer expresses excitement for the car's design, personalization options, and the new Mini OS9 software, suggesting that the emotional appeal and interior experience might outweigh the technical compromises for some buyers, particularly in urban European settings. The reviewer hopes for future software updates to include Plug & Charge and a transition to the North American Charging Standard. less

A Fast EV Wagon For Half The Price Of A Taycan! I Drive The NIO ET5 Touring For The First Time

The NIO ET5 Touring is presented as a compelling electric wagon alternative, offering a sporty design and practical utility at a significantly lower p... morerice point than competitors like the Porsche Taycan. The reviewer highlights its impressive acceleration, particularly noting a substantial increase in power output and regenerative braking compared to the ET5 sedan. The spacious trunk, comfortable interior with ambient lighting, and advanced features like the Nomi voice assistant and a retractable tow hitch are praised. However, the review points out several drawbacks: the battery swap functionality, a key selling point for NIO, was non-operational on this pre-production model due to software issues. Additionally, the reviewer notes a lack of rear seat amenities such as pockets and climate controls, and expresses disappointment with the DC fast charging performance, which, while improved in this model, is still considered not competitive for the European market where battery swap stations are less prevalent. Despite these criticisms, the overall impression is that the ET5 Touring is a fun, well-balanced, and impressive vehicle, especially for its price, with potential to be a strong contender if it were available in the US. less

I Drive The 2024 VW ID.4 With Huge Updates Software Overhaul New Motor And More

The 2024 Volkswagen ID.4 receives a significant facelift, primarily focused on interior and software enhancements. While exterior styling remains larg... moreely unchanged, the updated model boasts a new 'app 550' motor offering improved efficiency and up to 75% more torque, leading to better acceleration and potentially longer range. The most impactful upgrade is the new software (version 4.0), which brings a vastly improved infotainment system that is significantly faster and more responsive than previous versions. Key features include enhanced route planning with on-route battery preconditioning for optimal charging, a new sound system (Harman Kardon), and backlit steering wheel controls. The reviewer highlights the improved user experience, particularly the speed of the interface and the effective route planning. While the core driving dynamics are similar, the new motor provides a noticeable boost. The US market will receive the 82kWh battery versions with these updates, with trim levels Standard, S, and S Plus. A notable omission for the US market is the lack of a Tesla NACS port, which the reviewer believes will be a significant hurdle for adoption. less

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Tesla Model Y Refresh Full Tour! My First Look At New Juniper Changes

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