OQ991, I think you're right! Thanks for this post. I'm going to work on the wife - I just need another $50/month to get my absolute dream car. The P85D is insane - I don't need that, but I think you hit it right on the head that the 85D is the daily and sporty car. I'll keep it at least 3 years. My Volt will be 4 on Saturday . . . I just hope I can convince the wife. Thanks again for this post.
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That's not good to hear, I'm awaiting my 70D, I hope the acceleration is good enough for me!
The accelleration was fine - it wasn't impressive like the P85 or P85D I've been in. I was hoping it was a little quicker.
If I can't get financial approval from the wife on the 85D, the 70D will work just fine. I'm trying to play the range card on her and remind her of that additional piece of mind. I don't think she realizes it's almost a second faster 0-60! Shhh. Don't tell her!
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Well I ordere the 85D couple of days before the 70D announcement, considered it when announced for a moment and quickly decided on the 85D (swapped to ocean blue though). The main other city I drive to is 180km away. Round trip is 360km. Add 10-20km local driving and it's 380km. That's about borderline the region the 85kWh battery does (I know because I've driven in my 2013 Model S this a number of times). In winter I won't make it barely or I'll have to hypermile a bit. for the 70D it would mean on all trips I make it to the other town, but only half way back. And then I need to charge for 30 minutes. So the 2h drive becomes 2.5-3h drive. I do this trip at least once a month. When teaching I do it every week...
Thanks, but no thanks, I'll rather take the bigger battery...
Mario - you touch on something that is very important - it's all about your daily/monthly/annual trips and where superchargers are located. I've been really good at finding L2 Chargers in my Volt for the past 4 years. I regularly go 60-80 miles in a single day with it by charging at home, work, and other public chargers. Because of this, I'm not as concerned about the range, but wanted the increased performance of the 85D. (the wife will enjoy the additional range and piece of mind)
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3) Reliability - this may not be a good reason, but my logic says two motors, inverters, drive trains vs one will be a source of trouble down the road. Hope not, but in my experience, keeping it simple is never a mistake
I really thought the accelleration of the 70D was lackluster to say the least. chriSharek
---- I did pass out when I read that. 5 second 0 to 60 is "lackluster"??? You have some high, high standards my friend...
Brianman - thanks for the post - I really value your input. I'm also considering that 85S from a simplicity and battery capacity standpoint. My wife (industrial engineer) would completely agree with you about the additional motors = additional potential problems. "Keep it simple stupid" she would say to me.
I traded in my 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 for my Volt. That truck was 6.1 L AWD and screamed 0-60 in 5 seconds. Perhaps it was the lack of any sound that made it feel slower in the 70D, but comparing this 2015 to my truck of 8 years ago it simply wasn't that quick.
Having said that, I will never go back to gas. Never. But, if I'm spending $100k on a car, I want it to be exactly what I want - and I think that additional second off the 0-60 time will be just enough! As OQ991 pointed out, I'm probably looking at the 85D.