German publisher takes Cybertruck for a test drive: Not impressed

A test drive in Europe with the Cybertruck, at least on public roads, is unlikely to happen any time soon. The peculiar shape of the bodywork is likely to stand in the way of its registration, which is likely to please other motorists. Nevertheless, German publisher Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland (RND) decided to take it for a test drive, subsequently publishing a short and concise test report.

Like almost every other tester on the planet, RND was also impressed by the unusual shape, unusual choice of materials and unconventional decisions regarding fundamental design aspects. Whereby the characterization as a "triangle on wheels" basically says it all.

But what about the interior, the driving experience and the feel-good factor in the cockpit? The bar was set high with the Ford F-150, which has been refined and optimized over decades, as a comparison. In contrast, the Cybertruck feels empty. There are no shelves; just clear edges and the huge Tesla-typical display. The trunk also offers no innovations and certainly no practical details, apart from the roller blind, the only useful extra.

That leaves engine performance, which is gigantic at 845 hp, which certainly helps acceleration. The F-150 also offers 750 hp, but only at optimum engine speed. But this alone is hardly conducive to sensible driving in traffic. After viewing numerous breakdown videos, RND decided not to take the Cybertruck for an adventurous off-road drive.

Instead, a less-than-perfect asphalt road was used. Little feedback from the steering, a poorly adjusted chassis and a surprisingly counterproductive rear axle all made for an inevitable verdict: You certainly don't want to go off-road with the Cybertruck in order to herd cattle or to pick up sacks of cement or feed. Rather, it's about turning the heads of passers-by and other drivers.