Autocar August 19, 2020

THE CAR INDUSTRY of the future may not seem the most welcome place for the traditional car enthusiast brought up on big naturally aspirated engines, manual gearboxes and ‘pure’ chassis dynamics. Electric cars can deliver incredible performance levels, but it’s a very different kind of performance – and much as some people still prefer vinyl, there’s room for analogue thrills in a digital world. Thankfully, the ‘poster-on-the-bedroom-wall performance car’ is still thriving. Take BMW, which proves this several times in this issue alone. While BMW is plotting a necessary and huge push towards electrifying its range to meet future legislative requirements (p4), it has at the same time announced plans to at long last make an M3 Touring (p7). It has also produced another quite brilliant pure driver’s car in the M2…

THE CAR INDUSTRY of the future may not seem the most welcome place for the traditional car enthusiast brought up on big naturally aspirated engines, manual gearboxes and ‘pure’ chassis dynamics. Electric cars can deliver incredible performance levels, but it’s a very different kind of performance – and much as some people still prefer vinyl, there’s room for analogue thrills in a digital world. Thankfully, the ‘poster-on-the-bedroom-wall performance car’ is still thriving. Take BMW, which proves this several times in this issue alone. While BMW is plotting a necessary and huge push towards electrifying its range to meet future legislative requirements (p4), it has at the same time announced plans to at long last make an M3 Touring (p7). It has also produced another quite brilliant pure driver’s car in…

“ BMW has committed to selling more than seven million plug-in hybrid and pure-electric vehicles by the end of 2030 ” BMW is dramatically ramping up its electric car offerings, with new i5 and i7 saloons set to headline an expanded line-up of nine models that will underpin an ambitious 10-year growth plan. The German manufacturer will launch the new cars as part of its new ‘Power of Choice’ sustainability plan, under which it has committed to selling more than seven million plug-in hybrid and pure-electric vehicles by the end of 2030. The new plan, which will also include two electric cars from the Mini brand, is the first major initiative to be overseen by Oliver Zipse since he was promoted to the top of the Munich company last summer.…

“ BMW has committed to selling more than seven million plug-in hybrid and pure-electric vehicles by the end of 2030 ” BMW is dramatically ramping up its electric car offerings, with new i5 and i7 saloons set to headline an expanded line-up of nine models that will underpin an ambitious 10-year growth plan. The German manufacturer will launch the new cars as part of its new ‘Power of Choice’ sustainability plan, under which it has committed to selling more than seven million plug-in hybrid and pure-electric vehicles by the end of 2030. The new plan, which will also include two electric cars from the Mini brand, is the first major initiative to be overseen by Oliver Zipse since he was promoted to the top of the Munich company last summer. It is designed to…

BMW i1 An electric extension to the new 1 Series line-up. Like its sister model, the iX1 crossover, it will be based on the FAAR platform. Key competitors will include the Volkswagen ID 3. BMW iX1 The iX1 is based on the third-generation X1 small SUV, due in 2022, and described by BMW insiders as an indirect replacement for the original i3, with a raised seating position and relatively compact dimensions. BMW i3 The new i3, although not yet confirmed, will be based on the i4 fastback but take its styling from the 3 Series saloon. Insiders don’t rule out the possibility of a 3 Series Touring-based estate. BMW iX3 This rear-wheel-drive SUV, planned to go on UK sale in 2021, is based on the current X3. It’s the first…

BMW i1 An electric extension to the new 1 Series line-up. Like its sister model, the iX1 crossover, it will be based on the FAAR platform. Key competitors will include the Volkswagen ID 3. BMW iX1 The iX1 is based on the third-generation X1 small SUV, due in 2022, and described by BMW insiders as an indirect replacement for the original i3, with a raised seating position and relatively compact dimensions. BMW i3 The new i3, although not yet confirmed, will be based on the i4 fastback but take its styling from the 3 Series saloon. Insiders don’t rule out the possibility of a 3 Series Touring-based estate. BMW iX3 This rear-wheel-drive SUV, planned to go on UK sale in 2021, is based on the current X3. It’s the first to use BMW’s fifth-generation electric drive system…