The automotive world is abuzz with the latest developments in electric vehicle (EV) technology, and it's clear that the future of the industry lies in dedicated electric platforms. Building EVs and gas cars on the same chassis has proven to be a flawed strategy, as evidenced by the recent success of BMW's electric sedan lineup. The author argues that the i4, i5, and i7, while impressive, are only good in spite of their shared underpinnings with gas-powered models. The key issue lies in the inefficient use of space, with the hood area being a prime example. The i5's hood, for instance, is stuffed with power electronics and HVAC components, whereas the Model 3 from Tesla manages to squeeze the same components, plus a drive motor and a user-accessible frunk, into a shorter and more compact design. The author highlights the superior packaging of the Model 3 and the Lucid Air, which offer more passenger and cargo space, despite being smaller in size. The comparison with the Lucid Air further emphasizes the inefficiencies of the shared platform approach, as the BMW i5 falls short in terms of practical space. The author also points out the weight and performance trade-offs of gas-powered cars, with the M5 plug-in hybrid being a prime example of a heavy and powerful vehicle. The conclusion is clear: dedicated electric platforms are the way forward, and BMW's upcoming Neue Klasse platform is a step in the right direction. The author praises BMW's early electric vehicles as among the best in the business, but emphasizes that the iX, the lone dedicated-platform EV, was clearly the best in its lineup. The future of BMW's electric sedans looks bright, with the new i3 and larger models set to follow on a dedicated EV platform, promising cutting-edge specs and superior performance.
