If you are an environmentally-conscious person, you might want to consider buying a BMW electric car. The German automotive manufacturer is currently offering two different models, namely the i3 and the i8. Both are equipped with lithium-ion batteries that can be recharged. They are capable of providing up to 300 kilometers of range.
BMW i3
When the BMW i3 was launched in 2011 it was the first electric car to be produced by a mainstream manufacturer. The car, which was designed as a city car, is made with an exotic lightweight construction that makes it the most energy efficient vehicle on the market.
Since it was introduced, the i3 has sold over 250,000 units. It was the first member of BMW’s “i” sub-brand. And it has laid the groundwork for the upcoming iX SUV.
In the US, the BMW i3 will stop production next month. It was the first BMW i vehicle to be sold in the US. But the company is already beginning to produce the next generation of BMW EVs. A sedan will be made in Leipzig, Germany, and an SUV will be built in China.
BMW i3 base trims offer a range of 153 miles, while the REx version offers up to 180 miles. For the i3S, there is an option for a range extender that adds a small gasoline engine to recharge the battery.
The i3’s interior is a unique design, unlike most cars. Its doors open and close with ease, which creates an uncluttered and spacious feel. Its dashboard contains a functional steering wheel and a steering column that houses all the controls.
There are a wide variety of options available, from active parking assistance to a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. Other features include an 6.5-inch display, Bluetooth, and HD Radio. Moreover, the i3 has a wireless phone charging tray.
Another feature that sets it apart from its competition is the funky power delivery. BMW claims it has a 7.5 second 0-60 time. However, the EPA has not yet confirmed this figure.
One of the more interesting features is the regenerative braking system, which uses energy from the brakes to recharge the battery pack. While this is a bit unusual, it is a useful feature that is a boon for drivers who want to keep their energy costs down.
The BMW i3 is also available in a hatchback format, which allows you to carry cargo. This version is a bit wider than the regular i3, but it still has a narrow stance.
BMW iX1
BMW is about to introduce its new iX1 electric car to the market. This small SUV will be the first fully electric model in the company’s lineup. It will come in five trim levels.
At first glance, it may seem like a scaled down version of the outgoing X1, but the iX1 has been designed to offer more features. For example, it has a 10.7-inch curved touchscreen. And there’s an option for an optional Harman Kardon stereo system. There are also a host of active safety features. The iX1’s adaptive suspension helps smooth out rough surfaces.
Despite being a crossover, the iX1 looks and drives more like a sporty, front-wheel-drive car. A long roof spoiler, aero-optimized side view mirrors, and a large kidney grille make it appear sporty. Inside, there’s a spacious, comfortable cockpit. Compared to the previous X1, the iX1’s seating position is higher and more comfortable.
BMW’s iX1 comes in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel-drive versions. Its rear-wheel-drive version has a smaller gear ratio than its front-wheel-drive sibling. But both offer a sub-six second 0-62 mph sprint.
In terms of range, the iX1 will offer a WLTP test cycle range of 413 to 438 kilometers. Its energy consumption is estimated at 18.4 to 17.3 kWh per 100 km.
As of now, it’s unclear how much the BMW iX1 will cost. However, it’s expected to be one of the least expensive electric cars in its class.
BMW says that its iX1 will be available in Australia in the first quarter of 2023. The iX1 will be built in Regensburg, Germany.
There are three transmission options for the iX1: a standard manual transmission, an option for a sport-oriented six-speed automatic, and a seven-speed automatic. It can be ordered with a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup, which means that it will use a permanent all-wheel-drive system.
According to BMW, the battery of the iX1 can be pre-warmed for rapid charging, making it possible to charge the battery to 80 percent in 30 minutes. To do so, the battery needs to be plugged into a rapid charger, which accepts up to 130 kW of power.
BMW xDrive45e
If you are looking for a luxury SUV that can haul your family on long road trips, look no further than the BMW X5 xDrive45e electric car. This sporty midsize vehicle delivers the same smoothness and refinement as the non-hybrid version. But, with an added plug-in hybrid drivetrain, you can get even more out of the fuel.
When paired with a turbocharged inline six engine, the BMW X5 xDrive45e offers power and performance. The battery pack, which is larger than that of its competitors, gives you more range, too. In fact, the X5 has a total range of more than 500 miles.
In addition to the added power, the BMW xDrive45e also has more advanced features. For example, the Connected Package Professional includes smartphone integration, remote services, and navigation. It also features 16-way heated front seats, a high-definition audio system, and a panoramic moon roof.
Another new option for the 2021 model year is an X5 sDrive40e hybrid, which is a hybrid model of the standard 40i. This model has an eight-speed automatic and an improved 3.0-liter inline-six turbocharged engine that produces 443 pounds-feet of torque.
The BMW X5 xDrive45e PHEV has an all-electric driving mode, which sets the vehicle at 30 miles per charge. On a test loop, the hybrid averaged 22 mpg. That is far better than the EPA’s estimated 20 mpg in combined driving.
With a starting price of $83,500CAD, the X5 xDrive45e is the most expensive in its class. However, it has a number of advantages, including the highest-capacity battery in its class. And the PHEV has a longer battery life than the standard model.
Besides the battery, the PHEV has a standard air suspension. Its seats offer enough headroom and shoulder room to accommodate tall passengers. Its steering is accurate and well-mapped for driving around town.
The X5 xDrive45e also comes with a panoramic moon roof. An Occasional Use Cable, which can be used to recharge the car at home, is included. A full charge takes just over five hours.
With its big, powerful engine, the X5 xDrive45e electric vehicle is a pleasure to drive. And the combination of gas and electric power can give you a range of 50 miles or more.
BMW i8
The BMW i8 electric car is an exciting, groundbreaking design. It features a front-mounted 129-horsepower electric motor, a three-cylinder petrol engine, and a lithium-ion battery pack. All of these components combine to provide a remarkably responsive driving experience, with a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds and a top speed of 75 mph.
For a luxury sports car, the i8 is unmatched in its innovation. Its futuristic interior includes a carbon-fibre passenger cell, curved planes on the dashboard, and integrated AC vents. There’s also a virtual instrument cluster, which displays navigation information.
While the i8 isn’t the first electric car in the world, it is the first of its kind to offer an all-wheel-drive system. This means it can switch from front-wheel drive to all-wheel-drive, or from rear-wheel drive to electric-only.
Aside from the innovative powertrain, the i8 is notable for its stylish, low-slung design. At the center of the car is a carbon-fibre passenger cell, which creates a comparatively low center of gravity.
In the past, a lot of criticism was thrown at electric cars, primarily for their limited range. With the i8, BMW aims to address this issue by maximizing the range of its battery pack.
When fully charged, the BMW i8 can travel 100 miles, which is more than many urban-dwelling electric cars. The i8’s electric motors can achieve a top speed of 75 mph.
BMW will produce 1,500 units of the i8 this year. Customers can place orders by February. After this, the i8 will be discontinued. However, there are plans to bring a new all-electric saloon model to market in the future.
The i8’s innovative design, advanced construction, and impressive performance make it a must-have for enthusiasts. Unfortunately, the lack of space in the back makes it hard to transport items. If you’re looking for an affordable, electric car, you might want to look at the Nissan Leaf.
Until the iX3 comes to market, the BMW i8 will remain a niche item. But the brand-shaping i8 is an important part of the company’s legacy. As the first plug-in hybrid vehicle, the i8 has laid the groundwork for the future electrification of all BMW models.
