Whether you‘re new to the world of electric vehicles or have been an EV enthusiast for years, understanding BMW‘s approach can provide valuable insight. As a legacy auto manufacturer with over 50 years innovating electric mobility, BMW offers compelling options for drivers seeking premium EV performance.
In our journey today, you‘ll discover:
- How BMW experimented with EVs back in the 1970s and 80s
- The unique high-tech features of current BMW EV models
- What investments and new vehicles BMW is planning next for electrification
Let‘s get started and peel back the layers on BMW‘s fascinating electric vehicle technology…
Quiet Pioneers: BMW‘s Early Exploration of EVs
Long before the current boom in EVs, BMW built multiple electric test vehicles as early as 1972. Over the next 20 years, BMW continued advancing EV technology through creative experiments like:
- 1981 E1 concept: With 89 pound-feet of instant torque and 93 miles of range, this little coupe was ahead of its time
- 1992 ‘E-Wolf’: Built on the 3-Series platform, this EV concept achieved 89 horsepower and sprinted to 30 mph in only 4 seconds
- 6 other EV concepts throughout the 1980s and 90s: With innovations in battery range, charging and lightweight materials
While these early EVs weren‘t sold publicly, they provided valuable research that informs BMW‘s leading EV models today. Engineers reflect that concepts like the 1981 E1 with its low weight and compact rear-mounted electric motor performed remarkably well – not far off from the much-celebrated handling and power of modern BMW EVs.
Quietly pioneering through concept EVs for over 20 years before launching its first production model, the i3, in 2013 gave BMW a decisive competitive edge…
BMW‘s Current Electric Lineup: Blending Performance with Next-Gen Tech
Transitioning from those early EV experiments to models customers can drive off the lot, BMW launched the "i" sub-brand in 2013 encompassing all its electric vehicles.
Spanning the i3, i4, iX, and i7 with pricing ranging from $48,300 to $119,300, BMW offers compelling EV options whether you seek exhilarating performance or high-tech luxury.
Let‘s compare key specs across BMW‘s current EV lineup:
| Model | 0-60 mph | Range | Battery Capacity | Base Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW i3 | 7.2 s | 153 miles | 42.2 kWh | $48,300 |
| BMW i4 | 3.9 s | Up to 301 miles | Up to 83.9 kWh | $55,400 |
| BMW iX | 4.4 s | Up to 324 miles | Up to 111.5 kWh | $84,100 |
| BMW i7 | 4.5 s | Up to 300 miles | 101.7 kWh | $119,300 |
Reviewing this comparison, you‘ll notice that while the i3 stood out as BMW‘s first mainstream EV with zippy acceleration and solid technology for its 2013 launch, the specs seem dated next to BMW‘s newest entries.
The i4 sports sedan demonstrates cutting-edge performance achieving 0-60 mph acceleration under 4 seconds while still delivering class-leading 301 miles of range.
Meanwhile the iX flagship SAV and i7 luxury sedan flaunt the ultimate driving refinements like auto-opening doors while pushing range past 300 miles. Not to mention these latest models include enhanced charging capacity to add miles much quicker.
Clearly across range, charging speed, battery capacity and exhilarating performance, BMW‘s current EV catalog signals what’s possible when combining luxury automaker heritage with forward-looking electric technology.
Even More Electric Power: BMW‘s Investments in the EV Future
Given how competitive BMW‘s current EV lineup stands against rivals, where does the company go from here? Quite simply, BMW is aggressively investing to extend its EV lead for years to come in areas like:
Manufacturing Expansion
- $1 billion to prepare BMW’s South Carolina factory for building EVs domestically, adding hundreds of new jobs
- New assembly facilities in China and Europe to boost EV production volume
New Electric Models
- Electric versions of the high-performance M lineup
- Next generation of the i7 luxury sedan
- Possible redesigned i8 sports car concept
Partnerships & Acquisitions
- Partnership with leading EV battery researcher Solid Power to drive faster charging, improved range
- Acquired rights to unique EV motor designs through a latest acquisition of Alpine Performance
Cementing BMW’s identity around building the “Ultimate Driving Machine”, the company continues pushing boundaries on EV performance through new models, high-tech partnerships and billion-dollar-plus investments in leading manufacturing capabilities.
Based on BMW’s relentless drive for innovation spanning over 50 years since its first EV experiments, the future looks brighter than ever for the company to dominate the luxury electric market.
I hope you enjoyed this deeper look at the electrification of such an iconic automaker! Let me know if you have any other questions on BMW’s compelling lineup of electric vehicles.
