BMW Prepares To Flood The Market With Electric SUVs - Is THIS What You Want From The Brand?

Back when BMW launched the i brand with the i3 and i8, it said that it had no plans to build an SUV within the i range. Clearly that stance didn't last long and BMW is now planning a product onslaught of electric SUVs. Autocar recently reported that BMW has trademarked a series of names to help expand the i brand. BMW has already registered the names iX1, iX2, iX3, iX4, iX5, iX6, iX7, iX8 and iX9. BMW may just want to ensure that it covers its bases here, but this could mean it has plans for several electric SUV models.
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TheSteve - 11/15/2017 2:24:51 PM

+3 Boost

Until purchase price and total cost of ownership comes way down, as does recharge time (or most hotels have recharge stations), and it delivers an all-day driving range of about 550 miles for road trips, an EV is not in my picture (by choice).

TomM - 11/15/2017 7:56:19 PM

+2 Boost

I agree - there are still clear infrastructure problems that EVs will have to overcome. THEY may make a big splash in the suburban areas nearby to big cities - but in the actual cities and the really urban areas- they are still not the answer.

In cities - lots of people live in apartments that only offer on street parking - which means you have to rely on PUBLIC charging stations -you do not your own in a garage or driveway. I cannot see any practical way to do that in many areas of NYC where alternate side parking is enforced to prevent you from designating a space. The problem will not only be the need to go to a charging station - but it is not likely you will be able to do so as regularly as you would like - or for a long as you like.

In the urban areas - where LONG distances can be normal - EV range limitations still mean that ICE cars - especially HYBRIDS - are a much better solution.

ANd I still at least 4 times a year - drive to Florida from NJ - straight through - which NO EV can accomplish today. When charging times are reduced to Minutes rather than hours -that might be a solution - but until then - not for me. And although I have driven a Hybrid as a company car for years - I have to admit that there are no redeeming qualities to these horrid things other than local fuel mileage - they can take those CVTs and drop them into the ocean to be with the TITANIC for all I care - it gives all the driving pleasure of a refrigerator - maybe less.

pchera01 - 11/16/2017 3:11:47 AM

+2 Boost

IMO, EV boom is not going to happen like everyone thinks
This is like 1980's Casio watches they were big thing, now it is at Walmart for $5 at the most $25.00
And accidents are scary, there is a lot to over come IC engines
But I think there will be 30% cars will be EV by 2030

Hyper Loop in US, no way!

vdiv - 11/16/2017 11:38:21 AM

0 Boost

Yes, this is indeed what I want from this brand and every other brand. BMW has a relative lead over VW/Audi and MB with their electrification efforts though Porsche is allegedly pushing ahead too.

Exciting times ahead! :)

shtirlitz - 11/16/2017 1:49:08 PM

+2 Boost

"This is like 1980's Casio watches they were big thing, now it is at Walmart for $5 at the most $25.00 "

Boy, what would I not give for the same to happen to Teslas of the world - to sell at Walmart at 5$ a piece. Great analogy dude.