I’m overwhelmed by possibilities and trying to narrow down my priorities and options, and I think feedback will help. Planning to pull the trigger in next few months.
I currently have a 2019 Kia Niro EV and 2016 BMW i3 REx. 1 toddler, second baby on way. The Kia is adequate for now, will probably replace the i3 first(too hard with two kids). But open to replacing both. Charging at home. Eventually want a 3-row(preferably van) but would rather commute in something a bit more dynamic.
Interviewing for an engineering sales job that will probably average 300 miles per week of driving. Mileage reimbursement, if they do fed rate that will be about $1k per month. Obviously don’t have to spend it all on a car.
Best option would be leasing CPO(used/loaner/demo), followed by buying used, followed by leasing new. I can get $7k in rebates for used(either lease or buy) or $4k for new.
Wants: somewhat sporty, adaptive cruise(the more capable the better), comfy seats, ventilated seats, heated seats and steering wheel, decent cargo space, efficiency.
I love wagons but not much out there.
Somewhat ugly is fine but less ugly is more better.
My ideas, in rough order of ranking:
BMW i4 M50(nice balance between price/performance/comfort/utility, $40k for 2023)
Audi S6 e-tron(great range, great cargo)
MB EQS 450+(level 3 automation if optioned)
Cadillac Lyriq(solid loaner leases)
Acura ZDX
Audi e-tron GT(limited cargo space)
Porsche Taycan(“”, most expensive, coolest)
Totally open to other ideas! Definitely sticking with an EV, I have no desire to go back to gas stations and oil changes.
Why would you say i5 over i4? If we’re comparing new they are both M60. Identical hp, torque, battery size, and the i5 is $13k more at MSRP. It’s a foot longer and has a few more inches of space in the shoulders up front and in back seat leg room. i4 has significantly more useable cargo area.
Personally I like the leaner look of the i4, but I’m not stuck on it, so I’m genuinely curious on counterpoints.
The BMW i5 offers a larger, traditional sedan trunk (17.3 cu ft) better suited for golf clubs and luggage, while the i4 features a hatchback “Gran Coupe” design with more versatile, larger total cargo capacity when rear seats are folded (up to 45.6 cu ft).
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Key Cargo Comparison:
BMW i5 (Sedan): 17.3 cubic feet.
BMW i4 (Hatchback/Liftback): ~10–12 cubic feet (seats up), but significantly more flexible due to the wide-opening liftgate and 45.6 cubic feet total with seats down.
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Key Takeaways:
Best for Cargo (Bulky Items): The i4’s hatchback design allows for easier loading of larger, bulkier items (e.g., bicycles).
Best for Passenger Comfort/Capacity: The i5 is larger overall (10+ inches longer) and provides superior, more comfortable rear-seat legroom and headroom, despite the smaller trunk opening.
Rear Seats: Both models feature 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats.
The absolute best for me would be to find a CPO lease, unless I find a truly killer new lease deal. With the depreciation on EVs leasing just makes way more sense.
The S6 etron certainly seems to be the most practical, but I like the styling the least. I haven’t seen many deals come up and there certainly aren’t many used out there yet. If I could find a nicely specced loaner or demo that would be ideal since I can still get the used EV incentives.
Backseat of the i5 is going to be a lot more functional than the i4. Even if they seem comparable in space on paper, the i5 is noticeably larger in the flesh. Source: have owned two i4s, and just drove an i5 loaner
I5 is much bigger and roomier than i4. It also rides much nicer over rough surfaces. I’ve had both and i5 m60 has the best balance between sportiness and comfort. Even more so if you somehow manage to find one with DHP (nearly impossible). I4 m50 rides nicer than other i4s but you still feel that short wheelbase going over speed bumps and really rough roads. I4 is very small and getting in and out is awkward as it doesn’t have comfort exit option (steering wheel does not tilt up and the seat does not slide backwards). It’s a fun car but probably not a good idea with two little kids. Be ready to clean up their puke if you decide to drive i4 m50 as it was intended lol!
I know you have the Lyriq in here so that was likely a conscious choice, but there’s also the Optiq (or the Vistiq if you want to go bigger and 3-row now).
Some other options to consider:
Lucid Air
Hyundai IONIQ 6 (discontinued in the US recently, but still available new and used)
Compared to the i3 and Kona, any of these are going to feel sportier, I bet.
You don’t need a land yacht but with a 2nd on the way I would prioritize usable cargo space, i5 > i4 as others said. Consider the 550e and iX. The eTron GT isn’t small but doesn’t make good use of the space it takes up, Taycan (even CT) isn’t much better. Drive the Macan EV and the Polestar 3.
I wouldn’t be afraid to lease a Lyriq but don’t lease/buy a ZDX - when they break the Acura mechanics don’t know how to fix them (GM mechanics are getting more at-bats).
Consider searching the archives here and rereading the threads on car seats and fit.
That’s good to know. A loaner/demo lease is probably what I’m after. But at my mileage amount I’ll see what BMWFS is willing to do, since the price point on the lease returns is quite appealing.
I just need to car to have been previously titled to get twice as much in incentives, so I definitely would want to go loaner/demo vs brand new lease.
Did you do the legwork yourself or was that through a broker.
One of the appeals of the Porsche CPO leases is that generally the mileage allowance is higher. I need 15k miles most likely which is quite steep on the loaner or new leases for luxury cars.
I’m not just looking for a sportier feel haha. I used to have an MR2 Spyder so I’m looking for something that is genuinely sporty(of course no luxury EV will really compare with a small mid-engine sports car).
Lyriq is the only Cadillac on the list because I’m a CarPlay Stan. Good point on the ZDX.
I think my statement about the kids overplayed the importance. The i3 is a problem because it doesn’t have enough range to be a commuter OR a kid car. The Niro is working as a kid car but definitely cramped.
This car will only occasionally be doing baby duty. We will either keep using the Niro or get another bigger vehicle for kid/roadtrip duty.
and rereading the threads on car seats and fit.