QUESTIONS, COFFEE & CARS #109 // CAN YOU LIVE WITHOUT A SPARE TIRE?

EV Channels Review

This episode of Questions, Coffee & Cars tackles a diverse range of automotive queries. The hosts discuss the 'baby mode' feature on the upcoming Kia Tucson Hybrid, a smoother acceleration setting for passengers. They also address the need for a spare tire, concluding it's largely a cost-saving measure by manufacturers, though a sidewall blowout can render repair kits useless, making a spare advisable for road trips. The discussion on the Lexus RZ 450e's winter range suggests a 20-25% reduction, with a caveat about its charging speed throttling after multiple DC fast charges, making it less ideal for long road trips. The BMW X2 is reviewed as an engaging and fun-to-drive vehicle with improved styling over its predecessor, though its predicted reliability score is moderate, and the interior design with hard, illuminated plastics is noted as a drawback. The Mercedes GLE 450e AC issue highlights a potential problem, with the hosts also critiquing the interior quality of some Mercedes EVs, comparing them unfavorably to older models.