YouTuber MKBHD says Tesla 'stopped talking to me' ahead of his new Model Y Performance review
Business Insider
February 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Marques Brownlee, known as MKBHD to his 20.8 million YouTube subscribers, has revealed that Tesla has stopped communicating with him ahead of his recent Model Y Performance review. In a TikTok post, Brownlee explained he had to source the vehicle himself from a local dealership in New Jersey after Tesla severed contact. Despite this apparent rift, Brownlee’s review of the Model Y Performance was largely positive, highlighting its strengths but also pointing out areas for improvement.
The relationship between Brownlee and Tesla has been rocky in recent years. In 2023, he criticized the Cybertruck for failing to meet Tesla’s promises, including range and pricing. After taking delivery of the vehicle, he sold it eight months later and switched to a Rivian R1T pickup truck. Earlier, in September 2020, Brownlee canceled his $50,000 deposit for two Tesla Roadsters, citing Tesla’s delay in delivering the vehicles.
Despite the chill in their relationship, Brownlee praised the Model Y Performance for its advanced features, such as regenerative braking and the center display, which he called the “gold standard.” However, he also expressed a desire for more physical controls and criticized the lack of noticeable improvements in steering feel during sport mode. He acknowledged that Tesla’s lead over competitors like Lucid, Rivian, and General Motors is no longer as dominant as it once was.
Brownlee’s experience reflects the broader challenges Tesla faces in maintaining relationships with influential tech reviewers. His decision to source a car from a dealership highlights the growing competition in the electric vehicle market and the importance of meeting consumer expectations. For business readers, this story underscores how companies must adapt to evolving consumer demands and maintain consistent communication to retain influential partners and avoid negative publicity.
This situation also raises questions about Tesla’s strategy for engaging with key influencers and the potential impact of such
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Originally published on Business Insider on 2/20/2026