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Originally Posted by alex2364

BMW needs to find a way to do firmware updates OTA like Tesla. Getting the dealer to flash my firmware for software fixes is worse than pulling teeth.

Tesla does them because they beta-test their software on their clients, and because they don't have dealers/servicing in certain states or parts of the country. I find both reasons deeply uncool.

The ability to switch features on and off over the air is a different thing, and way cooler. Although it makes you realize you already bought your AutoPilot technology when you bought the car, and now just need a $6,000 activation code for it. That's maybe worse than having empty button slots on the dash like Porsche.

[adc]

Originally Posted by RPiM5

I drive a 2017 Chevy Bolt EV (...) Electric cars are wonderful, I just don't want to see the true performance cars go full electric one day, as a true sports car needs an exhaust note, I feel.

If you don't want to see the combustion engine go away, stop buying electric cars.

Not commenting on the ecological aspect, just on the economical one.

[bimmer456]

The top tier model will be called the M3e and do 0-60 in 2 seconds, top speed 200 mph and range of 300 miles to do battle with lucid air, tesla and faraday future.

[Pauleebe]

Originally Posted by Mako

so this will be based on the current 3 series body? strange when the remodel is just around the corner.

Surely not. The F30 3 series is dead as of next Summer/Fall and going to be replaced by the G20 3 series for MY19. Anything BMW is about to unveil soon would be an electric concept and would see production as a G20 next year.

[kozzi]

Originally Posted by ORIGIN M.

You're smoking something

And telling baseless stories /

[///M4ster Yoda]

It's all electric trash to me. Zero soul. Garbage.

[BMW M Power Mexico]

Originally Posted by RPiM5

I drive a 2017 Chevy Bolt EV and I also have a 900hp F10 M5. I also lease a 428i Gran Coupe at the moment. I was also a BMW salesman for a while, and I have driven every single BMW currently offered with the exception of the brand new just released X3.

Great post! I agree. I am a long time BMW enthusiast and that doesn't keep me from appreciating electrics. I've driven a friend's P90D a lot. Also the i3.

Electrics are simply fun in a different way. As a matter of fact I think a true enthusiast shuold own both IC and electric cars.

One thing that BMW has to work on a bit to match Tesla is on the autonomous features. Those features may be derided by many but are fantastic for 90%+ of the daily reality of driving in traffic. Just last week I had a new 540i for a few days (review coming soon). It had the full driver assist systems. They are better than before but still quite a bit behind Tesla's.

[bimmercar]

model 3 vs 3 series

[AudiA4]

Originally Posted by sdshah

And who the hell drives a bolt? Awards don't mean anything.

"Awards don't mean anything." - quote from entity not getting awards

[Bbb34]

Originally Posted by dmboone25

I doubt that this car will generate 300,000 deposits.

Maybe not, but why does that matter ?

Tesla had barely any competition so far, now when there's more, things are about to get interesting. They will now have to make great cars, performance and quality wise (and be competitive price wise) not just be "only choice" out there.

[Red Bread]

Originally Posted by Bbb34

Maybe not, but why does that matter ?

Tesla had barely any competition so far, now when there's more, things are about to get interesting. They will now have to make great cars, performance and quality wise (and be competitive price wise) not just be "only choice" out there.

If only that were true. It's all about image and reputation. The Prius continues to outsell all competitors largely on reputation (it looks like a practical joke), not the way it drives.

Tesla will continue to give off the tree hugger, pious image. BMW will retain their image too.

[Bbb34]

Originally Posted by Red Bread

If only that were true. It's all about image and reputation. The Prius continues to outsell all competitors largely on reputation (it looks like a practical joke), not the way it drives.

Tesla will continue to give off the tree hugger, pious image. BMW will retain their image too.

Tesla's reputation is based on them mostly being the leader and for the longest time the only option out there. Just for a second imagine that every other brand had identical tech and charging network (yes I know, but they don't), for sure they wouldn't be nearly as successful as they are today.

Now, I'm not trying to knock Tesla, they've done fine job getting to the point where they are, but things are to get a lot more difficult for them. They better be ready and deliver, tech and quality and more models too. Things you could as a buyer ignore in the past due to cool tech they had now will become more important if others start offering similar/competitive range and technology.

Other guys are ahead in proven various models (body wise) manufacturing and distribution network and perhaps cash in the bank and R&D teams too. As I said, I think this is to become a lot more interesting in next few years. As a consumer, competition can only mean good things to come.

[ORIGIN M.]

Originally Posted by ron_jeremy

One word: CCS.
Look it up.
BMW, MB, Ford and VW are innstalling EV charging station around EU, and it has allready begun, up to 350kW capacity.
Tesla have lead the race, but are soon sidelined, just look at the Volt, if Chevy can do it, so can BMW.
I didn't think we would see a 3 series EV soon, so i was thinking of buying the 400km LCI i3 this fall...

Sidelined? Oh come on Ron you are a stud and all but you're got it all wrong.

Tesla will soon double its network and then?

In the US Tesla Supercharger network is ever growing CCS is sparse to say the least.

[ORIGIN M.]

Originally Posted by Bowser330

BMW has the technology to lead the market in performance hybrids. Why jump to all electric?

Because they will end up out of business if they don't.

[dmboone25]

Originally Posted by ORIGIN M.

Because they will end up out of business if they don't.

This is pure conjecture on my part, but from my point of view, the whole electric car thing is a massive farce from the perspective of helping the environment.

If you get your electricity from a power plant that burns coal, is there much difference between a Prius and an M3? Perhaps there is...but it doesn't seem very obvious to me.

Now if you're talking about hydrogen, which is the most abundant element in the universe and only produces water as it's being used as a fuel....well, that makes some sense. Of course the gas/oil companies don't want that, and the global network of fuel transportation and procurement would have to change, but utilizing a truly clean burning fuel should move that environmental needle much more effectively.

Electric cars feel like an enormous marketing exercise, nothing more.

[Red Bread]

Don't forget the heavy metal batteries, all sourced from China. It's just a shell game of moving reliance from one group of dictators to another.

[bimmer456]

Originally Posted by Red Bread

Don't forget the heavy metal batteries, all sourced from China. It's just a shell game of moving reliance from one group of dictators to another.

The entire car will likely be made in china.

[///M4ster Yoda]

Originally Posted by Red Bread

Don't forget the heavy metal batteries, all sourced from China. It's just a shell game of moving reliance from one group of dictators to another.

This ^. The batteries are terrible for the environment. The world is FULL of sheeple

[Mako]

people who think electric vehicles are the best option for the environment/earth are the same people who think using paper "kills trees".


"renewable" and "clean" are the things that should matter.
-most of our electricity doesn't come from renewable sources right now
-Clean in terms of use in the final product and "clean" in terms of production both need to be considered. Lithium batteries are not the best option which is why the "big boys" have been slow to adopt it. Hydrogen was a true clean solution but has its own problems with development.

Personally I like the hybrids, 25-30 miles of electric driving (to work, around town in traffic...) but the gas option for long hauls. Would be nice to see a hybrid M someday with electric motor powering front wheels and gas for the rear (but I think normally that works the other way around).

[Destroya]

Originally Posted by dmboone25

This is pure conjecture on my part, but from my point of view, the whole electric car thing is a massive farce from the perspective of helping the environment.

If you get your electricity from a power plant that burns coal, is there much difference between a Prius and an M3? Perhaps there is...but it doesn't seem very obvious to me.

Now if you're talking about hydrogen, which is the most abundant element in the universe and only produces water as it's being used as a fuel....well, that makes some sense. Of course the gas/oil companies don't want that, and the global network of fuel transportation and procurement would have to change, but utilizing a truly clean burning fuel should move that environmental needle much more effectively.

Electric cars feel like an enormous marketing exercise, nothing more.

Depends upon what part of the country you live in. If your electric power is hydropower based you are being pretty environmentally friendly. It will be interesting to see how things shake out in the next ten years, maybe hydrogen will eventually be the fuel of the future.

[bimmer456]

I have a garage with outlets yet have year to own an electric vehicle. Most of my friends who rent have car ports are parking garages with no outlet. I'll be the envy of my co workers if I get to plug in at work with one of these. Or maybe I'll just lease an i8

[dmboone25]

Originally Posted by Destroya

Depends upon what part of the country you live in. If your electric power is hydropower based you are being pretty environmentally friendly. It will be interesting to see how things shake out in the next ten years, maybe hydrogen will eventually be the fuel of the future.

That's fair - but I would hazard a guess that the vast majority of the "grid" comes from non-renewable sources.

Wind, solar, and hydropower are where we should be investing....