Surge
Well-known member
For a more thorough explanation, read my post in "To REx or not to REx".
I really wanted to lease an i3. I really did.
BMW was nice enough to lend me a REx for 3 days.
Leaving aside the ambivalent dealer experience (which is actually a major deal… but has not much to do with BMW)… I realized that the i3 simply is not where it needs to be for my needs, and I suspect the needs of most drivers in North America.
The REx is not a good option (see above referenced post). It's a massive compromise. It's a HYBRID in the true sense of the word. You are not "Born Electric" when you drive a REx.
You are driving a dual engined, gas tank toting, car which is far less efficient on the highway than a Prius (when running on gas).
If the i3 had about 160 miles of range, I would buy one.
Until then, I'll wait and drive something else.
If you're considering the i3, I would vote with my pocketbook, and wait. That will give BMW the message that they need to do better on range. Tom said it himself - every electric BMW to date has had lower range than its predecessor… isn't that going backwards?
I applaud BMW for building the i3. It's just not-quite-there-yet.
I really wanted to lease an i3. I really did.
BMW was nice enough to lend me a REx for 3 days.
Leaving aside the ambivalent dealer experience (which is actually a major deal… but has not much to do with BMW)… I realized that the i3 simply is not where it needs to be for my needs, and I suspect the needs of most drivers in North America.
The REx is not a good option (see above referenced post). It's a massive compromise. It's a HYBRID in the true sense of the word. You are not "Born Electric" when you drive a REx.
You are driving a dual engined, gas tank toting, car which is far less efficient on the highway than a Prius (when running on gas).
If the i3 had about 160 miles of range, I would buy one.
Until then, I'll wait and drive something else.
If you're considering the i3, I would vote with my pocketbook, and wait. That will give BMW the message that they need to do better on range. Tom said it himself - every electric BMW to date has had lower range than its predecessor… isn't that going backwards?
I applaud BMW for building the i3. It's just not-quite-there-yet.