– Julian Sale –
OK, so the 2015 BMW i3 EV has a face only a mother could love – like the Ridgeline or the Aztec, or even the mid ’90s Taurus wagon. Or does it? I thought I knew the answer to that question until I experienced the car.
Yes, “experienced” not drove. This is not a normal car; it’s not a normal anything. This is the i3 from BMW – and it’s a marvellous new idea that seemingly came from nowhere. BAM – here it is, and you can march on down to a select few dealers and buy one. This is concept-car material more advanced than any other production electric car. Not for drivetrain prowess and prestige, but because it’s built differently. Because its body (called the Life Module) is made of carbon-fibre-reinforced polymer like the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and everything else amazing, fast, and light, it will never rust or fall apart. Because the battery pack, motor, and all hardware is fixed to a rolling chassis made from aluminum, it goes together unlike any other BMW or truly, any other production car. It’s an engineer’s dream, an auto-enthusiast’s lunch time shop-talk subject, and a car salesman’s prized piece.
But it’s really meant for you. You are welcomed into the i3 at dusk with a warm glow that flows into the cabin from within as you reach for the door handle. A slow and deep breath will calm you as you gaze at the wildly perfect and insightful interior. You will not recognize one single component anywhere in the vehicle that you have ever seen in any car before. This is not a born-again car, or redesigned; not evolved, but new to earth. This electric gem was supplied to me for a test drive and review, and honestly, I didn’t want to give it back. I shuttled people around in the BMW, and a few of my colleagues and friends were on the fence about their perceptions – momentarily, until we drove.
The A/C rear-mounted motor is dead quiet compared to a very quiet Nissan Leaf. The spacecraft drive selector is so robust and bold, I thought it may belong to the Hadron Collider. There is actually not enough room in all of this month’s Seaside Magazine to cover all the reasons why I fell in love with this oversized adult toy, no way for me to explain in how many ways this vehicle will impress and captivate you. So what I will say is that when it’s time to replace your trusty, or not-so-trusty steel chariot, start with an open mind, ask all the questions you have, and think of where the next five and ten years of automotive development and ingenuity will lead us. If you’re ready to think forward, and drive the future, this car needs to be on your short list.
