Affordable BMW 1 Series EV To Use Neue Klasse Platform
After the launch of the BMW iX1 was cancelled for the U.S. market, the most affordable BMW EV, the iX1 starts at $87,250.
BMW
All Winners At 2024 World Car Awards – Kia EV9 To BMW i5
The 2024 World Car Awards have been announced and the Korean auto giants have displayed an impressive performance. We take a look at all the winners at the 2024 World Car Awards. This ceremony took place yesterday at the New York International Auto Show. It represents a prestigious accolade within the automotive industry. The judging panel comprised over 100 expert journalists and automotive specialists from more than 30 countries. Drawing from a diverse range of experiences, they evaluated vehicles based on specific criteria to ensure the selection of only the finest models available. You might also like: Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e PHEV Announced w/ DC Fast Charging Winners at 2024 World Car Awards 2024 World Car Of The Year The finalists in this revered category were the BYD Seal, Kia EV9 and Volvo EX30. However, it was the Korean Kia EV9 which took home the title. The jury recognized the innovative design, spacious cabin, plenty of tech features and enticing prices. Interestingly, it is not the only title the Kia EV9 bagged. 2024 World Electric Vehicle Award Next up, we take a look at the World Electric Vehicle Award. In this category, the contenders were – BMW i5, Kia EV9 and Volvo EX30. Again, the award went to Kia EV9. That is a huge feather in the cap of the EV9 to have bagged two titles despite stiff competition. You might also like: Kia EV6 Facelift Spotted Testing – Everything We Know So Far 2024 World Performance Car The fire-breathing EVs were also competing for the 2024 World Performance Car award. As the name suggests, it included EVs which are designed for spirited driving characteristics. The finalists included BMW M2 (Second-gen), BMW XM and Hyundai IONIQ 5 N. On this occasion, the Korean giant, Hyundai took the cake with its IONIQ 5 N hot electric hatch/crossover. 2024 World Luxury Car You must’ve seen luxury carmakers offering their EVs in recent times as well. In these cases, the aim is to provide the utmost comfort and convenience to the occupants. The candidates for this category included – BMW 5 Series and i5, Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV. In this all-German encounter, the BMW 5 Series and i5 took the top spot (combined). You might also like: Key Highlights Of The BMW Vision Neue Klasse X Revealed 2024 World Urban Car Finally, the 2024 World Urban Car award was also up for grabs. This is for the vehicles which customers generally use for daily commutes. Hence, practicality, ownership characteristics and affordability might have been the deciding factors in this case. The top contenders were Volvo EX30, BYD Dolphin and Lexus LBX. The Swedish carmaker won this title with its EX30. You might also like: Mercedes VISION EQXX Drives 1,010 km On Single Charge, Still Has 309 km Range Left Learn Electric Cars Says This esteemed award ceremony serves as a validation for car manufacturers, affirming that they have produced something truly exceptional. With multiple categories, various aspects of vehicles are carefully evaluated for this prestigious accolade. The dominance of electric vehicles in these awards may indeed foreshadow future trends in the automotive industry.
Key Highlights Of The BMW Vision Neue Klasse X Revealed
BMW has showcased its Vision Neue Klasse X SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle) and the production will commence in 2025 in Debrecen, Hungary. The BMW Vision Neue Klasse X has been revealed with fascinating details. Note that the Neue Klasse X represents the future of electric SUVs from the German carmaker. On the other hand, the Vision Neue Klasse unveiled at the IAA 2023 was the concept sedan for future models. Essentially, the Neue Klasse X borrows the ‘X’ nomenclature from BMW’s regular lineup which represents SUVs or SAVs, as BMW likes to call them. The technological features on the new concept are revolutionary. You might also like: Mercedes VISION EQXX Drives 1,010 km On Single Charge, Still Has 309 km Range Left BMW Vision Neue Klasse X – Key Highlights Exterior Styling BMW has gone back to the 1960s to take inspiration from the first-ever Neue Klasse range of vehicles. Back then, it saved the company from disaster. It is calling back that name to mark yet another inflexion point in its current journey to enter the future. Nothing could remind us more of the 1960s than the iconic grille, or lack thereof, on the Vision Neue Klasse X. The typical ‘Kidney Grille’ is a 3D sculpture which is vertically aligned with backlit contours. When the driver approaches, the grille and headlamps create a unique lighting effect. At the rear, the Vision Neue Klasse X bears the familiar L-shaped LED taillamp pattern. On this occasion, it carries the 3D elements which are individually controlled for light intensity. The body color features a cool trick which can form a transparent or reflective surface, depending on the viewing angle. You might also like: All-New Audi Q6 e-tron Quattro Revealed With New Platform Interior and Technology The cabin is powered by incredible technology on the back of four totally new super brains: high-performance computers. The main attraction has to be the BMW Panoramic Vision which projects key information across the full width of the windscreen above the dashboard. Complimenting this is the BMW 3D Head-Up Display and BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant for better human-car interaction in comparison to Alexa Support. There is also a Central Display which the driver and passenger can access for all cabin controls and entertainment. You might also like: Taycan Turbo GT Becomes The Most Powerful Porsche Ever Specs Since this is not a production-spec model, the specific details about the powertrain are not available. Still, BMW informs us about the core of the electric SAV of the future. The latest iteration of BMW’s sixth-generation eDrive technology plays a pivotal role in achieving remarkable efficiency. Alongside enhanced e-drive units, it introduces newly designed round lithium-ion battery cells with a volumetric energy density exceeding that of previously utilized prismatic cells by over 20%. Coupled with the transition to an 800-volt system, this advancement enhances charging speed by up to 30%, enabling vehicles to achieve a 300-km range with just ten minutes of charging. Moreover, the sixth generation of BMW eDrive extends its range by up to 30%. In terms of aerodynamics, the BMW Vision Neue Klasse X showcases a significant improvement, with drag reduced by 20% compared to a comparable model in the current lineup. Further enhancements, including new tyre designs and a specialized brake system tailored for fully electric vehicles, contribute to an overall increase in vehicle efficiency by up to 25%. You might also like: Hyundai IONIQ 5 N Starts At $66,100 – How Does It Compare To The Rivals? Learn Electric Cars Says We know that this is not the production model. However, BMW claims that it is quite close to production. Hence, we could expect most elements to make it to the flesh. It would be fair to deduce that BMW is certainly transforming its entire design philosophy to meet the challenges of the future. Furthermore, it is backing it up with the latest technology. Most of it has been built in-house, which makes it reassuring for the users. Finally, the intelligent brains of the EV will ensure legendary performance, something BMWs are known for. Also, the cabin will be a place where the occupants will thoroughly feel pampered.
BMW i7 M70 xDrive Revealed as the Fastest EV from BMW
BMW officially unveils the i7 M70 xDrive at the ongoing Shanghai Motor Show 2023 making it the fastest EV from the Bavarian car marque. BMW i7 M70 xDrive was revealed at the Shanghai Motor Show as the fastest EV from the German carmaker. After the success of the i4 and iX, BMW adds the new all-electric performance model to the 7-Series lineup. It uses the 5th generation BMW eDrive technology that offers a more efficient powertrain and charging technology. The EV poses a challenge to the likes of the Porsche Taycan, Mercedes-Benz EQS, Audi RS e-tron, etc. You might also like: How Does Polestar 4 Compare Against Tesla Model Y? You might also like: Mercedes Electric G-Wagon (EQG) to Get Silicon Battery Material BMW i7 M70 xDrive Specs The BMW i7 M70 xDrive is backed by a 101.7 kWh battery that offers a range of 488 – 560 km (303 – 348 miles, WLTP cycle). It powers two electric motors for an AWD configuration generating a mammoth 660 hp and 1,100 Nm of peak power and torque with the M Sport Boost Function. This propels the performance EV from 0-100 km/h in just 3.7 secs while the top speed is limited to 155 mph (250 km/h). There is also a Max Range Mode that restricts the drive power of the EV and allows a top speed of just 56 mph (90 km/h). A 22 kW AC charging comes standard while there is a 195 kW DC fast charging option that can recharge the EV for a range of 170 km (106 miles) in just 10 mins. The drive unit has a six-phase design with a dual inverter. BMW i7 M70 xDrive Specs Battery 101.7 kWh Range 303 – 348 mi (488 – 560 km) Power / Torque 660 hp / 1,100 Nm (w/ M Sport Boost function) Acceleration (0-100 km/h) 3.7 secs 195 kW DC Fast Charging 10 mins for 170 km (106 mi) Top Speed 250 km/h (155 mph) Specs You might also like: Wireless Charging For EVs Could Be Revolutionary Technology BMW i7 M70 xDrive Design & Dimensions The all-electric BMW M Performance model uses an M-specific chassis. It features M exterior mirrors with a distinctive twin-stalk design, the BMW kidney grille with M badging, and 21-inch Jet Black M light-alloy wheels with high-gloss metal inserts. It has a length of 5,391 mm, a width of 1,950 mm, a height of 1,544 mm, and a wheelbase of a generous 3,215 mm. The EV weighs 2770 kg (Unladen EU). Dimensions Parameter Length 5,391 mm (212.2 in) Width 1,950 mm (76.8 in) Height 1,544 mm (60.8 in) Wheelbase 3,215 mm (126.6 in) Dimensions Features & Safety The list of features on the i7 is as extensive as one would expect from the flagship offering of BMW. This includes things like Augmented View for the driver, BMW Operating System 8.5, BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant and Voice-Controlled Assistant, BMW ConnectedDrive, BMW Remote Software Upgrades, Personal eSIM, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, Reclining Rear Seats, unique BMW Theatre Screen, and Bowers & Wilkins Surround Sound System with optional in-seat exciters. You might also like: Here’s How Ferrari May Still Sell ICE Cars Post EU Ban of 2035 On the safety front, the EV comes with Active Roll Stabilization with Active Roll Comfort, Adaptive two-axle Air Suspension with Automatic Self-Levelling, Parking/ Manoeuvre Assistant, and Integrated Collision Protection functions for the automatic doors. The worldwide launch is slated for the second half of 2023. For reference, the entry level i7 costs over US$120,000 but this performance spec will be significantly more expensive.
2022 BMW iX1 Electric Compact SUV – Interior, Specs, Release Date
2022 BMW iX1 is an all-electric luxury compact SUV (SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle) as BMW likes to call it) that has been unveiled in the European market. The 2022 BMW iX1 electric SUV boasts a quality interior setup with premium materials and the latest tech features. Slated for the production in the Regensburg plant in Germany later in the year (2022), the U.S. market will need to wait a bit for this luxury compact SUV as there is currently no release date in the near future. Nevertheless, this iX1 certainly indicates the general direction of the Bavarian carmaker’s EV design strategy that is underpinned by the FAAR architecture. You might also like: 2022 BMW i4 eDrive40 vs M50 – Specs, Range & Performance Comparison Specs The iX1 comes powered by a 64.7 kWh Lithium-Ion battery pack that has a WLTP driving range of 272 miles (438 km). The battery powers two electric motors making it an AWD SUV with a maximum power output of 313 hp and 364 lb-ft (494 Nm). This propels the electric SUV from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in just 5.7 secs with a top speed of 112 mph (180 km/h). It takes a mere 30 mins to charge from 10-80% using a 130 kW DC fast charger. Parameter – BMW iX1 (AWD) Specs Battery 64.7 kWh Power / Torque 313 hp / 364 lb-ft (494 Nm) Acceleration (0-100 km/h) 5.7 secs Range 272 miles (438 km) Specs of the 2022 BMW iX1 2022 BMW iX1 Interior On the inside, the iX1 could easily be compared to the bigger SUVs from BMW simply due to the quality of fit and finish on offer. The first thing that catches attention is the black and brown colour theme along with the silver accents on the dashboard. As usual, the centre console is oriented in the direction of the driver with a connected 10.25-inch digital cockpit display and 10.7-inch infotainment screen. The latest BMW OS 8, voice command assistant, smartphone connectivity, 40:20:40 rear seat split, stylish AC vents integrated into the dashboard, and a panoramic sunroof are some of the highlights of the cabin. You might also like: 2022 Ford Mustang Mach E – Range, Specs, Models, Prices Dimensions Parameter – BMW iX1 Dimensions Length 4500 mm Width 1845 mm Height 1642 mm Wheelbase 2692 mm Boot Space 490 L Dimensions of the 2022 BMW iX1 Safety As with all BMWs, safety ranks pretty high on the company’s priority list. To achieve that, the iX1 comes with ADAS features like Reverse and Parking Assistant, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist, Front-collision Warning System with Brake Intervention, Pedestrian and Cyclist Warning with Braking Function, Active Blind Spot Detection, Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go Function, Driving Assistant Professional and much more. Exterior Design On the outside, the 2022 BMW iX1 proudly wears the iconic design language of the German car marquee while ensuring modern elements highlighting its electric credentials. The eye-shaped dual-LED DRLs are integrated into the sleek LED headlamp cluster, the chrome embellished grille is sealed off on account of it being an EV, and the bumper is sporty with L-shaped blue highlights on either side promising the electric nature, the blue highlight is extending to the side body cladding as well. You might also like: 2022 Kia EV6 Light vs Wind vs GT-Line – Specs and Price Comparison There are options of choosing from a wide range of intricately designed alloy wheels from 18-inchers to 21-inchers. The side profile is not under the influence of heavy creases, but there are chrome elements surrounding the windows and prominent wheel arches. The tail section sports a sleek roof-mounted spoiler, elegant L-shaped split LED taillamps, a sturdy bumper with a skid plate and blue highlights on either side of the bumper. It would be interesting to see when the German luxury carmaker decides to introduce the iX1 in the U.S. market.
2022 BMW i4 eDrive40 vs M50 – Specs, Range & Performance Comparison
The 2022 BMW i4 is the first-ever all-electric Gran Coupe from the German luxury and performance carmaker which comes with two distinct trims to suit every need. The 2022 BMW i4 all-electric Gran Coupe comes in two variants – eDrive40 and M50. The former is catered to the audiences that require a ‘regular’ BMW for everyday use. The M50, on the other hand, is meant for the pure driving aficionados who want to derive performance out of their EVs. While that may be a broader description of the two variants, we shall dive a bit deeper into the specifics of these two models. You might also like: 2022 Ford Mustang Mach E – Range, Specs, Models, Prices 2022 BMW i4 eDrive40 vs M50 – Specs & Range Comparison The specs sheet of both these versions of the BMW i4 sums up their differences quite clearly. Parameter – BMW i4 eDrive40 M50 Battery Capacity (Gross) 83.9 kWh 83.9 kWh Power 335 hp 536 hp Torque 317 lb-ft (430 Nm) 586 lb-ft (795 Nm) Acceleration (0-60 mph) 5.5 secs 3.7 secs Range 301 miles w/ 18-inch wheels;282 miles w/ 19-inch wheels 270 miles w/ 19-inch wheels;227 miles w/ 20-inch wheels Charging 10-80% w/ DC Fast Charger – 31 mins;0-100% w/ 11 kW Charger – 8.25 hrs 10-80% w/ DC Fast Charger – 31 mins;0-100% w/ 11 kW Charger – 8.25 hrs Drivetrain RWD (Rear Wheel Drive) AWD (All Wheel Drive) Specifications of the 2022 BMW i4 From the table above, it can safely be inferred that neither of these EVs is your regular run off the mill sedans, in terms of the performance. However, people looking for a luxury car to live with might want to go with the eDrive40 version, while the others who are fond of driving enthusiastically will find the M50 fulfilling their desires better. 2022 BMW i4 eDrive40 & M50 – Design As far as the design theme goes, one could recognise that it is a BMW from miles apart. The signature kidney grille is accentuating the frontal layout, especially with the massive size and blacked-out elements. The signature LED headlamps with dual LED DRLs represent the familiar pattern, the massive aero ducts on with side of the sporty bumper are functional providing coolness to the battery placed underneath the floor. The side profile is dominated by the almost flush-fitting door handles, elegant alloy wheels, a massive wheelbase of 112.4 in (2855 mm), a sleek chrome side body skirting and a sloping roof emerging into the sensuous tailgate with an integrated spoiler. The tail section is highlighted by sleek curved split LED taillights and massive diffusers for added aerodynamic efficiency. The i4 is every bit of BMW that we have come to expect even in the first-ever all-electric Gran Coupe iteration. You might also like: 2022 Kia EV6 Light vs Wind vs GT-Line – Specs and Price Comparison 2022 BMW i4 – Interior and Features The inside of the BMW i4 is all that you would expect from a luxury electric car. As usual, the orientation of the dashboard and centre console is toward the driver. The features list is a long one with the prominent ones being a 14.9-inch Infotainment Display, a curved 12.3-inch Driver’s Instrument Cluster, Wireless Smartphone Connectivity, Over-the-Top Updates, BMW ConnectedDrive® Services, Perforated Sensatec Upholstery, High Gloss Trim, Panoramic Sunroof, Premium HiFi Sound System with a 205-Watt digital amplifier and much more. 2022 BMW i4 – Prices The 2022 BMW i4 eDrive40 starts at $56,250, while the performance M50 starts at $70,200 excluding the destination & handling fee of $995, tax, title, license, and registration. There are additional federal tax benefits that could be availed of on the EV.