Salary Sacrifice - What EV SUV?

[Kermit power]

osterbo said:

With those requirements, would you consider the ID Buzz GTX when it comes out? I know it's not a SUV, but there's plenty of space, it comes in interesting colours, and because they hold their value well seem to be relatively competitive on salary sacrifice.

I actually would, as it's completely bonkers! Unfortunately I don't think I'll be able to wait though, as the current car has to go back in mid-August.

[Kermit power]

mikey_b said:

Mustang Mach-e? Calls itself an SUV, but may be a bit too coupe-ish for your needs with the dog?

Not the Mustang for the reason you give, but I am adding the new Explorer to the list. The top spec AWD version with all options added, 0-62 in 5.3 secs and a quoted range of 328 miles is "only" £59k, which is a bargain compared to a lot of what else is out there!

So far I think the Kia EV6 (uncomfortable seats and boot isn't great) and GV60 (again, absolutely nowhere near to a dealer) are looking like joining the Tesla on the reject list.

I'm also not sure about the VW ID4 now either. I would've definitely kept that on the list for a test drive until sitting in a Skoda Enyaq. They're both based on the same platform and the Skoda is cheaper, but it feels like it's much more expensive! Just everything about it beat the VW in my highly subjective view.

The curveball at the moment is the Audi Q6, because as far as I can tell, none of the UK dealers even have one yet! Having tried out the interior of a Q5 and Q8, though, I'm almost tempted to just order a Q6 anyway, as they both just looked and felt amazing inside! Considering I didn't even test drive the Audi competitor to the XC-60 4 years ago because the seats were so aggressively bucketed and uncomfortable in comparison (something I'd be willing to tolerate in an RS6 or something, but in an SUV, seriously???) so the change from then to now is staggering!

[patch5674]

I too looked at the Audi Q6, but have just pulled the trigger on an i5 Touring 40 (Other half wanted the Audi, cos SUV)

I would look again at the pricing, because my portal (Zenith) is seeing some tidy discounts on the i5.

It has a p11D a good chunk higher than the Q6 and is coming out less net per month.

I was comparing a Q6 Edition 1 (purely on aesthetics and I did fancy the snazzy matrix lights, and it wasn't much more than S Line) and an i5 touring 40 msport comfort plus and tech plus with paint and wheels insured in South Wales.

So unless your portal is showing the Q6 as being really cheap (which is absolutely possible) it is definitely in the same league as the i5 touring price wise.

The iX in this comparison was circa £100 NET more than the i5 and the same as the Q6 ish, but only in xdrive 40 where the range is low due to small battery/dual motor combo (but actually less power than the single motor i5).

ETA: Q6 also has a 40+ week lead time, i5 is 20-22 according to Zenith - this didn't factor in my choice, but it does for many I know.

Edited by patch5674 on Friday 14th June 09:11

[Evanivitch]

Kermit power said:

Seeing as you're so enthusiastic about it, I did just go to take a look, only to discover that I seem to be in a Tesla Bermuda triangle, at least an hour's round trip (if I'm really lucky with traffic) away from dealerships in Heathrow, Gatwick and Guildford!

If it's any help, which I doubt it I'd at this point, Tesla servicing and minor fixes are done by mobile technicians.

[Basil Brush]

Have you mentioned the EV9? Saw my first one on the road a few days ago and looks much better than the pictures.

[AyBee]

RobbyJ said:

And sorry to all Model Y owners but strike 4 is the fact that it looks like the most generic EV blob ever. I'm not a fan of SUV's in general but all the other options to OP has suggested are better looking than the Y.

It's functional (aero) rather than pretty, but it's grown on me and I wouldn't pick anything else if I had to buy another EV today.

[Evanivitch]

Kermit power said:

osterbo said:

With those requirements, would you consider the ID Buzz GTX when it comes out? I know it's not a SUV, but there's plenty of space, it comes in interesting colours, and because they hold their value well seem to be relatively competitive on salary sacrifice.

I actually would, as it's completely bonkers! Unfortunately I don't think I'll be able to wait though, as the current car has to go back in mid-August.

Saw 3 ID Buzz in a relatively short distance today. White on white is not a good look.

[Kermit power]

patch5674 said:

I too looked at the Audi Q6, but have just pulled the trigger on an i5 Touring 40 (Other half wanted the Audi, cos SUV)

I would look again at the pricing, because my portal (Zenith) is seeing some tidy discounts on the i5.

It has a p11D a good chunk higher than the Q6 and is coming out less net per month.

I was comparing a Q6 Edition 1 (purely on aesthetics and I did fancy the snazzy matrix lights, and it wasn't much more than S Line) and an i5 touring 40 msport comfort plus and tech plus with paint and wheels insured in South Wales.

So unless your portal is showing the Q6 as being really cheap (which is absolutely possible) it is definitely in the same league as the i5 touring price wise.

The iX in this comparison was circa £100 NET more than the i5 and the same as the Q6 ish, but only in xdrive 40 where the range is low due to small battery/dual motor combo (but actually less power than the single motor i5).

ETA: Q6 also has a 40+ week lead time, i5 is 20-22 according to Zenith - this didn't factor in my choice, but it does for many I know.

Useful stuff!

The lead time for the Q6 is 13-17 weeks according to my local dealer though, and unless they have a parallel system with pretend times to con customers that was real, as he showed me on their portal!

I'll take another look at the i5 Touring though.

[Zj2002]

What’s the zenith price for an i5? I’ve got an i4 M50 via Zenith and the i5 Touring is what I’ll go for next time.

[patch5674]

I’m not 100% on this but I don’t think your salary sacrifice supplier lead times will directly align with your local dealers.

I’m not saying you will have to wait 40 weeks but that is what Zenith are quoting.

I believe the Sal sac supplier will select your supplying dealer etc.

[patch5674]

Zj2002 said:

What’s the zenith price for an i5? I’ve got an i4 M50 via Zenith and the i5 Touring is what I’ll go for next time.

The base figure before you’ve quoted your personal details is about £675 for a touring msport40.

I’m guessing if you’ve got an m50 you picked it up on one of cracking deals from a few years back.

I missed the boat as wasn’t in a job that had a Sal sac scheme in the heyday but I’ve signed up to circa £820 net for a comfort plus tech plus with wheels, paint and carbon trim (a bit ott - added £7 a month) and insured etc.

I know it’s different for everyone but moving from headline figure to actual quote with my details and address typically adds about £50 net to the figures for me. Then there’s metallic paint on top at least.

[Zj2002]

patch5674 said:

Zj2002 said:

What’s the zenith price for an i5? I’ve got an i4 M50 via Zenith and the i5 Touring is what I’ll go for next time.

The base figure before you’ve quoted your personal details is about £675 for a touring msport40.

I’m guessing if you’ve got an m50 you picked it up on one of cracking deals from a few years back.

I missed the boat as wasn’t in a job that had a Sal sac scheme in the heyday but I’ve signed up to circa £820 net for a comfort plus tech plus with wheels, paint and carbon trim (a bit ott - added £7 a month) and insured etc.

I know it’s different for everyone but moving from headline figure to actual quote with my details and address typically adds about £50 net to the figures for me. Then there’s metallic paint on top at least.

Ideal, cheers. I’m paying just under £600 for 12,000 miles Pa.

Ordered in Dec 21 and delivered in Jan 23. Resigned myself to c£800 next time for the same again or i5.

Planning on the telling the wife I’m swapping with no extra cost!

[Scabutz]

I've just gone through the process of picking one and I went for the Kia EV6. I needed something fairly large, mostly for transporting all my cricket kit around.

The Audis were a bit expensive as I'm giving up a car allowance and didn't want to go over it.

I don't like Tesla's, just don't like how they look or the single centre screen.

All the reviews say how great the Kia is. It looks stylish as well, they must have brought a new designer in as there other stuff is dull.

I went for the lower power RWD but top spec GT Line S. Hopefully being delivered next week.

It's in black, which cost a little more but was in stock.

[Kermit power]

Scabutz said:

I've just gone through the process of picking one and I went for the Kia EV6. I needed something fairly large, mostly for transporting all my cricket kit around.

The Audis were a bit expensive as I'm giving up a car allowance and didn't want to go over it.

I don't like Tesla's, just don't like how they look or the single centre screen.

All the reviews say how great the Kia is. It looks stylish as well, they must have brought a new designer in as there other stuff is dull.

I went for the lower power RWD but top spec GT Line S. Hopefully being delivered next week.

It's in black, which cost a little more but was in stock.

I was rather disappointed by the seats in the EV6. They didn't seem to have much give or lateral support, so it felt like I was sitting on it rather than in it, and would slide off if I cornered too aggressively.

Getting into an Enyak at the Skoda dealership over the road was just on a completely different level!

The biggest surprise in that respect, though, is Audi. Four years ago when I ended up with the Volvo I didn't even bother test driving an Audi because the seat was so bloody uncomfortable, but this time round they're like the world's finest armchairs!

[patch5674]

Zj2002 said:

patch5674 said:

Zj2002 said:

What’s the zenith price for an i5? I’ve got an i4 M50 via Zenith and the i5 Touring is what I’ll go for next time.

The base figure before you’ve quoted your personal details is about £675 for a touring msport40.

I’m guessing if you’ve got an m50 you picked it up on one of cracking deals from a few years back.

I missed the boat as wasn’t in a job that had a Sal sac scheme in the heyday but I’ve signed up to circa £820 net for a comfort plus tech plus with wheels, paint and carbon trim (a bit ott - added £7 a month) and insured etc.

I know it’s different for everyone but moving from headline figure to actual quote with my details and address typically adds about £50 net to the figures for me. Then there’s metallic paint on top at least.

Ideal, cheers. I’m paying just under £600 for 12,000 miles Pa.

Ordered in Dec 21 and delivered in Jan 23. Resigned myself to c£800 next time for the same again or i5.

Planning on the telling the wife I’m swapping with no extra cost!

The new LCI M50 isn't showing on ours yet but a loaded i4 40 with the toys to match the i5 is north of £700 net.

I posted this on the main sal sac thread but the i5 is showing well at the moment - its got a P11D of over 85K and it's gross deduction is about £1,200 -which is obscene but isn't actually worse than BMW want for the same car on similar terms.

Net for £820 I really don't feel like I am being ripped off in 2024.

The equivalent iX is about 78K P11D is north of £900 net for a car that is close to being a gen behind in terms of range etc.

[PushedDover]

Kermit power said:

Evanivitch said:

Model Y?

I did look at that, but because of the dog I need traditional SUV or Estate.

I'm not really sure what to call the Y - is it a saloon, a hatchback, a coupe??? - but the load height in the boot is way too low to take the dog crate.

Haters hate, but we have out two labs in out Model Y and ooodles of spae.
Probably more than our A6 Avant tbh.

Only thing wrong with Model Y is peoples perception of it.

[Kermit power]

PushedDover said:

Kermit power said:

Evanivitch said:

Model Y?

I did look at that, but because of the dog I need traditional SUV or Estate.

I'm not really sure what to call the Y - is it a saloon, a hatchback, a coupe??? - but the load height in the boot is way too low to take the dog crate.

Haters hate, but we have out two labs in out Model Y and ooodles of spae.
Probably more than our A6 Avant tbh.

Only thing wrong with Model Y is peoples perception of it.

I'm sure it would be okay around town, but our most common longer journeys are 5 adults and the dog for long weekends. I can fit all of us plus baggage in the Volvo (just!) with the dog nice and safe in his crate, which I definitely could do in an Enyak, Q6, Ford Explorer etc, but categorically could not in the Tesla.

[PushedDover]

Kermit power said:

PushedDover said:

Kermit power said:

Evanivitch said:

Model Y?

I did look at that, but because of the dog I need traditional SUV or Estate.

I'm not really sure what to call the Y - is it a saloon, a hatchback, a coupe??? - but the load height in the boot is way too low to take the dog crate.

Haters hate, but we have out two labs in out Model Y and ooodles of spae.
Probably more than our A6 Avant tbh.

Only thing wrong with Model Y is peoples perception of it.

I'm sure it would be okay around town, but our most common longer journeys are 5 adults and the dog for long weekends. I can fit all of us plus baggage in the Volvo (just!) with the dog nice and safe in his crate, which I definitely could do in an Enyak, Q6, Ford Explorer etc, but categorically could not in the Tesla.

Twaddle imho

Frunk and the space under the boot? Have you measured?

We’ve done it lots.

[Evanivitch]

PushedDover said:

Twaddle imho

Frunk and the space under the boot? Have you measured?

We’ve done it lots.

Tbh I don't follow the logic either. Even if he needed a roof box, he'd still have the benefits of Tesla network if needed. But hey, there you go...

[Kermit power]

PushedDover said:

Kermit power said:

PushedDover said:

Kermit power said:

Evanivitch said:

Model Y?

I did look at that, but because of the dog I need traditional SUV or Estate.

I'm not really sure what to call the Y - is it a saloon, a hatchback, a coupe??? - but the load height in the boot is way too low to take the dog crate.

Haters hate, but we have out two labs in out Model Y and ooodles of spae.
Probably more than our A6 Avant tbh.

Only thing wrong with Model Y is peoples perception of it.

I'm sure it would be okay around town, but our most common longer journeys are 5 adults and the dog for long weekends. I can fit all of us plus baggage in the Volvo (just!) with the dog nice and safe in his crate, which I definitely could do in an Enyak, Q6, Ford Explorer etc, but categorically could not in the Tesla.

Twaddle imho

Frunk and the space under the boot? Have you measured?

We’ve done it lots.

Jesus fking Christ, what the hell is so difficult to understand about the idea of a fking dog crate?!?!

The crate in question is 66cm tall, so at its highest point the roof of the Tesla sits about 4cm above it, but from there it slopes down too sharply, so if I tried to shut the boot, the trailing edge of the crate would go through the glass.

The crate stays in the car permanently, strapped down to keep it in place, so I have zero Interest in a storage bucket under the floor. I like the system I've got now, it stops the dog from getting the car muddy, and I'm happy that it keeps him safer, so why would I want to change it for an ugly car where my money is getting wasted on pointless and annoying features like autopilot or making it emit fart noises when - and this is the point you don't seem to be understanding - I don't have to because there are plenty of alternatives that can accommodate my wishes perfectly adequately!