Living with an Advanced Crossover SUV in Manufacturer Bankruptcy
Image Credit: Fisker Inc.
That’s right, we’ve added a 2023 Fisker Ocean Extreme to our yearlong review fleet despite the turbulence surrounding the company. You have questions, no doubt, and we have answers.
The Fisker Ocean
There are several reasons why we decided to undertake this review. First and foremost, nearly every review of the Fisker Ocean so far has been based on first-drive impressions. While initial impressions are important, they only scratch the surface. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive look at how the Ocean performs over an extended period, diving deep into aspects that short-term reviews can’t cover. The Ocean is a software-defined vehicle, and while software plays a crucial role in its functionality and customer satisfaction, there’s more to this car than just its apps. It’s essential to explore its performance, comfort, reliability, and more over a longer duration.
Moreover, with Fisker now in Chapter 11 bankruptcy, a host of uncertainties arise. Questions about service continuity, feature functionality, and maintenance support are paramount. We’ve never conducted a long-term evaluation of a vehicle from a manufacturer in such financial distress, and documenting this experience will provide valuable insights for potential owners.
Our Fisker Ocean Extreme
We picked up our 2023 Ocean Extreme just 13 days before the bankruptcy filing. The Extreme is the second-highest trim level below the One launch edition and offers nearly the same features, minus some exclusive after-sales perks.
The Extreme trim is packed with features, including:
Heated seats all around
Solar-panel sunroof that trickle-charges the battery
All-wheel drive
Boost mode for temporary power increase
Rotating infotainment screen for parked video-watching
Premium stereo
Rear screen with climate controls
Power tailgate
EPA-estimated 360 miles of range
California mode that opens all windows and the sunroof simultaneously
The dual-motor all-wheel-drive powertrain produces 468 hp and 514 lb-ft of torque, with Boost mode temporarily increasing output to 564 hp and 543 lb-ft. Boost mode can be used up to 500 times to preserve vehicle integrity, but given our Ocean’s current mileage, we have plenty of Boosts left to experiment with.
Image Credit: EV Database
Performance Metrics and Comparisons
As it happens, our Fisker Ocean is the same vehicle we used in a previous comparison with the Tesla Model Y. In terms of performance, it delivers a 3.7-second 0-60 mph time and a 12.3-second quarter-mile at 110.6 mph. It stops from 60 mph in 122 feet and handles a skidpad with a 0.82 lateral g average. Its figure-eight test time is 26.7 seconds at 0.69 g average, making it quicker than a Model Y Long Range in acceleration but slightly behind in other performance metrics.
When it comes to range, the Ocean Extreme shines. Our Road-Trip Range Test revealed it can travel 292 miles at a constant 70 mph before depleting 95% of its battery. This surpasses the Model Y Long Range, which covers only 229 miles under the same conditions, despite being rated for 330 miles.
Affordability Amidst Premium Features
Originally, our Ocean Extreme would have cost $63,937, but Fisker’s recent price cuts have made it more accessible. Current pricing for the Ocean Extreme starts at $37,499, thanks to a drastic reduction and the waiving of the destination fee. This adjustment aims to boost sales from existing inventory, reflecting Fisker’s efforts to remain competitive.
Navigating Uncharted Waters
With Fisker in Chapter 11, we are entering uncharted territory. We plan to live with the Ocean as we would with any long-term test vehicle, using it for road trips, daily commuting, and more. We will keep a close eye on how the bankruptcy proceedings affect our experience and the broader implications for owners.
What Lies Ahead?
This yearlong test is not just about evaluating the Fisker Ocean’s performance and features; it’s also about understanding the real-world impact of a manufacturer’s financial instability on its vehicles and customers. Will services be disrupted? Will features stop working? Can we get the car serviced if needed, and what will that process look like? These are critical questions we aim to answer.
Embarking on this yearlong test of the Fisker Ocean Extreme, we are poised to uncover a wealth of information about this innovative vehicle. From its impressive range and performance to the practical challenges posed by Fisker’s bankruptcy, we will explore every aspect in detail. Stay tuned for regular updates as we delve into the experience of living with the Fisker Ocean and navigating the uncertainties of its manufacturer’s future.
Inside Image Credit: EV Database
