A BMW i3 has joined the Autocar long-term test fleet. I, for one, frequently drive into central London, we have electric charging points in the office car park and I only have a three-mile commute. In short, it mostly fits into my life perfectly and I intend to take full advantage.
Of course, the i3 isn’t perfect. Despite all of its clever technology, advanced carbonfibre materials, body-on-frame chassis and the rest it still only manages a similar range to all of the more traditional EVs now on sale: the Nissan Leaf and Renault Zoe for example.
I also think that the ride quality could be more supple. Mind you, our car is wearing 20-inch wheels.
But I love the way the i3 articulates modernity. I also love the way the interior manages to convey lightness. It also happens to be a great perch from which to view the passing urban landscape.
Most of all I think the i3 signifies an important fact: that BMW is currently far and away the most innovate German car maker. Maybe the the most innovative full stop.
In the past 12 months we’ve had the i3, the i8 range extender sports car, a new Mini, a Rolls-Royce Wraith and a front-wheel-drive MPV that is a 180-degree turn from the rest of the BMW line-up.
You may find holes to pick in all of these vehicles. But it would be good to see similar originality and bravery from Audi and Mercedes at least.
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Well Done BMW
I think BMW should be applauded for developing specific vehlcles for electric cars and investing heavily in carbon technology. That's only half the story as the i models have many recycled materials and their whole eco footprint has been considered. This will surely filter down to other BMW models and will be adopted by other OEM's.
I dont mean to say that electic cars are perfect for everyone but there is a market out there and as battery technology improves BMW through decisions they took a few years back are in a very good position to take advantage
@ alexanderkemp
Equally BMW's slogan in the UK has always been 'The Ultimate Driving Machine'......don't quite think the i3 quite fits the bill there.
In short, they are just meaningless slogans.
Congratulation @Smilerforce
@fadyady
That has to be the next new niche... autistic coupes.