BMW has three important cars coming out in the upcoming few years, all of which are electric. However, while it may seem like they are offering the same experience in different packaging, that’s not going to be the case. Instead, BMW will use them to test the grounds, and see which one works the best, and what kind of customers they are attracting with the iX3, iNext and i4 appealing to different demographics.
Continue Reading Below
Every single one of those new EVs play a specific role in their strategy. The iX3 will probably be the best seller for the first years, as it will be a competitively priced compact SUV. If the X3 sales have shown anything, it’s that it is one of the most attractive models on sale at BMW dealers today. The electric iX3 will offer a great package while the bigger iNext will be the more expensive flagship.
The iNext will have the latest technology possible, the longest range and it will also be the most luxurious electric vehicle the Bavarians ever conceived. That said, the price will be the prohibiting factor here, as it will be noticeably more expensive than the iX3. And that leaves us with the i4, which will also have a completely different role to play. According to Robert Irlinger, the head of BMW i, the i4 is “sportier and stands for something different. It’s a driver’s car by design so the need for that kind of technology is lower.”
Therefore, the i4 will be aiming at the old-school customers, those who want to enjoy their time behind the steering wheel. Chances are they will actually get a great experience, if they can leave their bias behind. As we’ve already learned, the i4 will be offered with a 80 kWh battery pack initially and with a choice of either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive configurations. It will have roughly the same size as a current 4 Series Gran Coupe and it will probably set the benchmark in the segment in terms of driving dynamics once it arrives.
BMW seems to be late to the party as other brand will offer EVs much sooner. This disapointed me as a BMW fan, forsing me to consider competitors like upcoming Porsche Taycan.
BMW started the party in 2013 with i3, they have issued their 1st earnings warnings in years based on R&D costs, including billions on battery contracts & BEV production. They have announced a planned 50% increase in volume in pursuit of becoming #1in China (after already doubling their volume this century on crossovers). China obviously agree as BMW are the 1st manufacturer they have allowed to increase ownership in their domestic co-production. The Porsche Tincan you are forsed to buy isn’t actually on sale, if & when it is it will also be rebadged as an Audi & possibly Bentley, VAG have just committed to R&D with also struggling Ford in the wake of their Dieselgate legal & fiscal liabilities.
Stick to reality please. Confused comments do not count.
Do you think a Porsche Taycan comes as the same price as a BMW i4?! I guess it will be alsmost double the price, so completely different customer base. Not to mention that the Gen5 technology, range etc. will be spot on!
Same here, and don’t forget the Audi E-Tron GT as well.
If the i4 is going to be a “Driver’s Car,” it’s gotta look better than this POS.
Yes, that’s how you tell a real driver’s car – looks. i4 Concept is gorgeous, an ikprovement over its 4 GC forebearer.