4 ms·

Not that I want to endorse BMWs car, but the author creates the argument that BMW intends this as a Tesla S rival, then knocks it down. Not sure BMW considers t

Not that I want to endorse BMWs car, but the author creates the argument that BMW intends this as a Tesla S rival, then knocks it down. Not sure BMW considers this a Tesla S rival, especially with a $40k vs. $70k (nearly twice the price) price tag. So the story is more about the journalists view on the world than anything else.

bradleyland 13y ago
Yeah, this entire article was a real groaner. The author asks the question, "How does the i3 compare to the Tesla S?" That's the least relevant question I can think of in this context. The i3 is the furthest thing from a Model S that you can find. One is a compact "city car", while the other is a premium sports saloon. A much more interesting question is, why did BMW choose to avoid the Model S altogether? BMW's opening salvo from their "i" program is a compact city car (i3) and an ultra-coupe (i8). Where's the i equivalent of the 5-series. Why attach the 3 moniker to their city car instead of saving it for a yuppie-accessible sedan? The entire alignment of the i program has created a lot of questions for me as a BMW enthusiast. I appreciate what the i3 is, and there is some incredible technology therein (CFRP anyone?), but I cannot figure out why BMW chose to release a Leaf/Volt competitor (in form factor, not in price), rather than something that slides in just beneath the Model S. Imagine the i design aesthetic applied to a car that is more along the lines of a 3-series in proportion and size; a smaller i8 with 4-doors and a little less rakish profile. Combine that with the jaw dropping interior design found in the i3, and you'd have the car that most of us who grew up drooling over early-90's concept cars would line up to buy. Instead, BMW has built a car that appears to target a very limited number of metropolitan markets. I just don't get it.

bradleyland 13y ago

Yeah, this entire article was a real groaner. The author asks the question, "How does the i3 compare to the Tesla S?" That's the least relevant question I can think of in this context. The i3 is the furthest thing from a Model S that you can find. One is a compact "city car", while the other is a premium sports saloon. A much more interesting question is, why did BMW choose to avoid the Model S altogether? BMW's opening salvo from their "i" program is a compact city car (i3) and an ultra-coupe (i8). Where's the i equivalent of the 5-series. Why attach the 3 moniker to their city car instead of saving it for a yuppie-accessible sedan? The entire alignment of the i program has created a lot of questions for me as a BMW enthusiast. I appreciate what the i3 is, and there is some incredible technology therein (CFRP anyone?), but I cannot figure out why BMW chose to release a Leaf/Volt competitor (in form factor, not in price), rather than something that slides in just beneath the Model S. Imagine the i design aesthetic applied to a car that is more along the lines of a 3-series in proportion and size; a smaller i8 with 4-doors and a little less rakish profile. Combine that with the jaw dropping interior design found in the i3, and you'd have the car that most of us who grew up drooling over early-90's concept cars would line up to buy. Instead, BMW has built a car that appears to target a very limited number of metropolitan markets. I just don't get it.