To truly enjoy a journey, you need to be certain you’re travelling in the right direction. As technology evolves, electric cars are increasingly where the most exciting innovation is happening. As leading car manufacturers pledge to be more sustainable, we also want to make sure that driving more responsibly gives us a better experience. Electric cars might feel like the future, but the future is, in fact, here right now – so what can we expect?
Lowering your carbon guilt
Conscientious living is here to stay: increasingly, doing the right thing for the planet and for succeeding generations brings a sense of personal liberation. You’re part of where the world is going. The next step up from hybrid is fully electric vehicles that mean no tailpipe CO2 emissions.
Up to 380 miles on one charge*
The number of charging points for electric vehicles rose by 33% in the year to March 2022, putting the total number of public devices in the UK at 30,400. The good news is, the number of miles each car battery can cover is also rising. Right now, under lab conditions, the BMW i4 Gran Coupé can cover up to 365 miles* on a full battery and can go from 0 to 80% charge in just 34 minutes when using a high-powered 250 kW charging station.** Otherwise, charge time is 1 hour 38 mins for the i4 using a 50kW charging point, which means that you can conveniently charge while you enjoy lunch or attend that business meeting.
The iX xDrive50 M Sport will take you up to 380 miles* and charges from 0-80% in 39 minutes when using a high-powered 250kW charging station.** Or 1 hour 13 minutes when using a 50kW charging point. As a luxury SAV, it can accelerate from 0 to 62mph in 4.6 seconds, which is comparable with many sports cars.
And if you want to find a car park …
You can just ask the car. With the end point of your journey plugged into BMW Navigation, a voice command along the lines of “find me a car park at my destination” will bring up a list of nearby car parks including pricing, charge point information and opening times. And you don’t even have to be using the navigation software – as long as you specify where you are going, the car can help you find a parking space.
Can’t remember where you parked?
How many of us have wandered through a multistorey, or through the near-identical backstreets of an unknown town looking for the place we were (almost) sure we parked? One of the functions of the My BMW app allows you to locate your vehicle from your phone – and no one else need ever know that this is how you found it. The app also means you can perform other functions remotely, such as locking or unlocking the car, or turning on the heating and cooling systems to pre-condition your cabin to your preferred temperature. You can also plan your next journey while enjoying your morning coffee and then send the destination to your car remotely so that it is pre-loaded.
A car that listens
All BMW i4 and iX models come with advanced digital services, such as the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. When you engage with the simple command, “Hey BMW”, it will listen to you and act on your requests. Most impressively, the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant also knows who you are and grows to learn your preferences and requirements better and better over time.
It’s what’s on the inside
Due to a different power-train layout on an EV, the absence of aspects such as the transmission tunnel in the iX maximises the interior space and legroom – and BMW has made the most of it, giving a lounge-like feel to the interior of the iX. Many of the buttons have haptic feedback and are integrated into the digital central information display, creating an ergonomic interior for the driver and front passenger.
But the outside matters too
The i4 is BMW’s first all-electric Gran Coupé, and it has a spacious five-seater interior. Its outside lines are based on the classic BMW Coupé, giving a long and elegant look. The iX’s exterior, complete with slim front and rear lights, keeps things sporty and streamlined, with yet more discreet technology. The “self-healing” kidney grille (a polyurethane coating repairs minor scratches) in the iX, for example, functions as an intelligent surface and houses the cameras, radars and sensors required to support the car’s driving assistance technology. This is part of what is termed “shy tech”, which allows technology to blend into the background until needed.
Book your BMW iX test drive+ here. To test drive+ the BMW i4 click here
* These figures were obtained after the battery had been fully charged. The i4 is a battery electric vehicle requiring mains electricity for charging. Figures shown are for comparability purposes. Only compare electric range figures with other cars tested to the same technical procedures. These figures may not reflect real life driving results, which will depend upon a number of factors including the starting charge of the battery, accessories fitted (post-registration), variations in weather, driving styles and vehicle load.
** 250kW charging station required. Most charging stations provide under 50kW and deliver slower charging times. Charging times are also affected by other factors, such as the battery temperature, condition and starting charge, vehicle equipment running during charging, the outside temperature and other factors. Stated charging times are based on optimum charging conditions. Charging over 80% slows to protect the battery. Network provider charges apply.
+ Test drive subject to applicant status and availability.
