VIDEO: So, What Do Prospective BMW i3 Buyers REALLY Think Of The All-New Electric Bavarian?

The all-new BMW i3 took a global bow recently and from what we can tell it seems that the opinions flowing in are a bit mixed. Personally, I think it's fantastic to see BMW showing us what it can do with electric technology; however, I don't think that will translate into explosive sales in the U.S.

I just am not convinced the market is mature enough. Then again perhaps BMW got the formula right, like Tesla, as I can't stop seeing the damn things every time I go out.

To give us some better transparency into prospective consumers' opinions who better to talk to than the buyers themselves?

Check out this clip from London where a flock of potential buyers scoped out the all-new BMW. Keep in mind that the perception of EVs in London is VASTLY different than in the States.

Just 24 hours after the BMW i3's global reveal, What Car? readers were given the chance to get up close to the all-new electric car at a special preview in London...

2014 BMW i3 Photo Gallery

rockreid - 8/4/2013 4:10:52 PM

+6 Boost

I'm astounded by the sheer brazenness of some of the writers here at AS. The same usually right-wing-leaning Tesla bashers just 6 months ago are now singing the praises on the newest electric BMW that will not see the light of day in actual customer's hands for at least 8 months at the earliest. I don't know if the turn in attitude towards electric cars comes from being simple BMW fanboys or from being irksome bandwagon-jumping Obama bashers who have finally seen the light of day.

vdiv - 8/5/2013 10:53:15 AM

+5 Boost

Don't let them crawl under your skin. If you think they were bad with Tesla, take a look at all of the incessant Volt bashing.

Having a plurality of views is good, however one has to think a bit and offer some rationale.

The choice is up to the Agents. Do they want AutoSpies to be some yellow rag billowing on sensation and riding on populism, or does it want to foster a meaningful conversation about cars?

Bosshog - 8/5/2013 11:10:14 AM

-2 Boost

No...the Volt bashing was/is justified based on all of the failed promises on price, crazy mpg claims, launch date and whether or not it was battery-only. For another $25k you get an actual luxury car that is beautiful both inside and out....unlike the Volt.

vdiv - 8/5/2013 1:15:00 PM

+3 Boost

Ok, I'll bite.

What was the promise on the price? What is the TCO compared to ICE only vehicles?

Why are the MPG claims crazy when the car is predominantly driven on battery?

Why was the launch date delayed (assuming it was)? Considering a tiny little recession, a bankruptcy, and a restructuring, the Volt was developed in less than 3 years.

Why do you think the Volt was ever going to be battery-only? The original E-Flex concept was an extended range EV with a 40 mile range, and so was the production Voltec one.

The Volt bashing as your post shows is based on prejudice and ignorance -- a lack of knowledge and understanding of what EVs are all about.

Does that mean that the Volt is perfect? No, there were many compromises in the design and execution, and many of those are questionable at best. But without being specific and accurate about them the criticism is nothing but a tool to promote an agenda that is rather transparent.

aussie2u - 8/6/2013 10:12:47 AM

+2 Boost

The turnaround in public perception to electric is probably easiest explained in the sense that the cars are no longer being announced with the disclaimer that they came about through a government loan. If people are allowed to view the vehicles on their own merits, rather than through lobbying efforts, the Tesla and BMW can easily attract the masses.