Expert electric cars information right now? BMW has delivered some fine electrified models over the years, with the revolutionary i8 sports car and more mainstream i3 supermini standing out as superb examples of the German manufacturer’s engineering skill. Following on from the more recent introductions of the all-electric iX3 SUV and i4 Gran Coupe, the iX is the first of BMW’s battery-powered SUVs to be built on a dedicated EV platform. There are three versions currently available: the first is the 332bhp xDrive40 with a 71kW battery that’s good for a range of up to 257 miles, while the other two versions are the 516bhp xDrive50 and the upcoming 611bhp M60. These more powerful variants up the battery size to 105kW and will achieve a claimed maximum of 380 and 357 miles respectively. All versions of the BMW iX feature a four-wheel drive, dual-motor setup and, although this contributes to a rather hefty kerbweight of over 2,400kg, the iX handles surprisingly well and grips reassuringly through corners. The ride is incredibly refined, too, with the suspension doing an excellent job of absorbing the vibrations and bumps of even the most pothole-riddled roads. Make your way inside and you’ll be greeted by a plush, distinctively-styled cabin filled with high-quality materials. Not only does it look and feel good, it performs well, too, with a dual-screen infotainment setup featuring the latest version of BMW’s iDrive. Discover more info at electric cars news.
Before going electric, it’s worth considering a few things. Do you have off-street parking, or charging facilities at work or available locally, and are most of your trips less than 80 miles? If the answer is no, you might find a plug in hybrid offers a better compromise. Why are electric cars so expensive? According to the latest 2022 findings from the Auto Trader Retail Price Index, most types of used cars’ average prices are slowing in growth while the average asking prices of electric vehicles (EVs) are jumping the trend, growing at a rate of 27.5% year-on-year in March 2022 for mainstream models. The average asking price for an electric vehicle is £23,361 – by far the highest out of all other types of powertrains.
If you dont want all the bells and whistles even the reasonably-priced base model offers up a WLTP range of 240 miles. But go for the 73kWh model and you’ll get up to 300 miles out of a single charge, while charging is done pretty rapidly with an 80% top-up in under 20 minutes. On the road there might be faster and more exciting EVs, but the Ioniq 5’s impressive comfort, decent performance and easy about-town driving makes it a doddle to get about in. Its one of our favourite EVs at any price. If there’s anything that signifies how seriously the car world is about the shift to EVs, it’s the arrival of an electric Porsche. Sure, some people will hate the mere idea of the Taycan, but it’s truly one of the best electric cars you can buy today.
Starting at just under £37,000, the Ioniq 5 features a superb infotainment system and generous standard kit, while the available space has to be seen to be believed. It’s comfortable, too, so you’ll relish the chance of racking up the miles. We certainly did, which is why we named the Hyundai Ioniq 5 our Car of the Year for 2021. The Kia EV6 is the sister vehicle to the Hyundai Ioniq 5, so it’s a great pick if you love that model’s technology, but aren’t quite as sold on its retro-futuristic looks. The EV6 is arguably the more conventional of the two, and it’s a bit lower and more sporting. This is reflected in its handling, with slightly firmer suspension offering sharper responses. It’s offered in Long Range RWD, Long Range AWD and a high-performance GT version, and the entry-level version is our favourite. It not only offers the best range figure of up to 328 miles from its 77.4kWh battery, but we also found its 7.2-second 0-62mph time to be quick enough. Find additional info at https://evmotors.live/.
Before the Mercedes EQB arrived on the scene, the only seven-seater EV options around were some van-derived minibuses and the ultra-premium Tesla Model X. All versions of the EQB sold in the UK will come with three rows of seating as standard, with the rearmost seats providing enough room for children, and get ISOFIX points, too. Both the EQB 300 and EQB 350 which are available from launch also get a 66.5kWh battery for a range of over 250 miles, plus all-wheel-drive, with enough power in even the entry-level version to satisfy most people day-to-day and allowing for a smooth and relaxing driving experience. The EQB also gets the same great MBUX infotainment setup as the more expensive EQC.