Elon Musk acquired my Tesla, and in its place, I now travel with a BYD vehicle. I reminisce about the cherished features that Tesla once offered.
Laid-Back Chat About Ditching Tesla for BYD
Meet Mahican Gielen, a radiologist situated in the hipster vibes of Hjørring, Denmark, but originally from the vibrant city of Amsterdam. Along with her cardiologist hubby, the duo makes up quite the power medical couple.
Our radiant heroine's lifestyle took a greener twist three years ago - the prosperous acquisition of a stylish Tesla Model 3. The Woodstock-loving kids egged her on with their eco-revolution slogan, helping nudge her towards the purchase. And boy, was she thrilled! Leaving her fixation with traditional combustion engines far behind, the Model 3 was a giant leap forward that felt splendid.
Then came the tricky times. First, the 'Tesla Tax' - sneaky price cuts that happened after her purchase, leaving a sour taste. To add nitro to the fire, Elon Musk's proximity to Trump's administration stirred up controversy and questioning from public circles. With the Tesla brand no longer her quiet haven, she decided it was time to let go.
Taking the Leap to BYD
Gielen bid her Model 3 adieu in April 2025, pocketing a cool sum of 150,000 Danish Krone (roughly €20,000). The price for her prized possession in 2022? A whopping 350,000 Krone (approximately €47,000)! Say hello to her new pride and joy, the silky smooth BYD Sealion 7 Excellence, which will set her back around 390,000 Danish Krone (approximately €52,000).
While Gielen isn't 100% about the SUV lifestyle, the Sealion 7 won her over when she spotted it in a showroom - an impromptu move she can't regret! The car boasts the same build quality as a Mercedes, an opulent experience that made her miss certain Tesla features, but with one key difference - a head-up display and real physical buttons she'd missed on the Tesla.
The BYD's robustness is a standout, making the Tesla feel like a flimsy toy by comparison. Gielen loves how solid it feels, the door latches closing naturally and the absence of noises when it rains. The range is more than enough for her daily needs, and the software, while a bit slower and less intuitive than Tesla's, is satisfactory.
Stepping into the Future with BYD
Gielen changed gears for many reasons, but she's excited about the shift towards Chinese electric vehicles in Europe. European brands, with their repetitive offerings, have lost her interest. The influx of new brands and innovations, like the BYD Sealion 7, might just be the wake-up call these established brands need to get their groove back.
There are a few features she'll miss from the Tesla, but hopes can be added through software updates. Automatic locking and unlocking via her phone, a nifty cover for the charging port, and the festive "Santa Mode" are hard to give up. But the biggest inconvenience comes when the winter rears its icy head - manually defrosting the windows.
Final Thoughts
Sadly, Gielen's not too pleased with the path Musk has taken. The once promising Tesla brand seems to have lost its way, disappointing Gielen and many others who wanted to see it thrive. The opportunity for success was ripe, but she believes the brand could have reached greater heights if it hadn't veered off course.
What about the shift in Gielen's lifestyle, from driving a Tesla Model 3 to the BYD Sealion 7 Excellence, reflects the broader trend in technology and general-news, focusing on eco-friendly solutions and new innovations?
As Gielen gets accustomed to her new BYD vehicle, she finds herself appreciating its head-up display and physical buttons, features she missed on her previous Tesla, showcasing how technology continues to evolve and improve our daily lifestyle choices.
