Comments:

1. 

   JHF

   EnI

   There is no R8 e-tron, as far as I know. It's a prototype only, not a production car. BMW i8 on the other hand will be a plug-in hybrid. So the only true EV by BMW will be (at least initially) the i3, coming later this year.
   
   And yes, an existing car is always better than a fictional one (eg. a prototype). ;)
   There is a HUGE difference of building a superb limited prototype for factory testing purposes only, or an excellent unlimited production car for actual market & customers.
   
   In this regard the i3 is light years better than R8 e-tron. ;)

   Why you talking about the i8, that is only a hybrid ;) And there is now i3, for yet ;) Maybe Audi want teased with the e-Tron R8 ;).. Maybe Audi wait for BMW move, and then it's released better and faster than the new facelift R8, or better and different Audi ;)

   January 4, 2013 - 8:37 pm
2. 

   EnI

   Audi-Racing

   I guess, there is no good and fast EV BMW as The R8 e-Tron? You can say if I am wrong?

   There is no R8 e-tron, as far as I know. It's a prototype only, not a production car. BMW i8 on the other hand will be a plug-in hybrid. So the only true EV by BMW will be (at least initially) the i3, coming later this year.
   
   And yes, an existing car is always better than a fictional one (eg. a prototype). ;)
   There is a HUGE difference of building a superb limited prototype for factory testing purposes only, or an excellent unlimited production car for actual market & customers.
   
   In this regard the i3 is light years better than R8 e-tron. ;)

   January 4, 2013 - 8:32 pm
3. 

   JHF

   EnI

   What do you mean by that?

   I guess, there is no good and fast EV BMW as The R8 e-Tron? You can say if I am wrong?

   January 4, 2013 - 8:19 pm
4. 

   EnI

   Audi-Racing

   So what is good BMW EV car for you?

   What do you mean by that?

   January 4, 2013 - 8:17 pm
5. 

   JHF

   EnI

   It's a thread & debate about EVs & in particular the AUDI EV strategy (in regard to the strategies of its main rivals).
   
   What has an ICE diesel cars have to do with this? Nothing. Sure A6 TDI is a fine car, and the engine itself is great. But that hardly effects EVs by Audi. Yes, perhaps VAG / Audi will focus more on diesel engines. Fine. Nothing wrong with that. But again: we are talking about EVs here. :)

   So what is good BMW EV car for you?

   January 4, 2013 - 8:13 pm
6. 

   EnI

   Audi-Racing

   What do you think, which one has better technic, about the example BMW M550D xDrive or the Audi A6 TDI(Electric Turbo)?
   
   http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/audi/a6/60452/audi-a6-electric-biturbo

   It's a thread & debate about EVs & in particular the AUDI EV strategy (in regard to the strategies of its main rivals).
   
   What has an ICE diesel cars have to do with this? Nothing. Sure A6 TDI is a fine car, and the engine itself is great. But that hardly effects EVs by Audi. Yes, perhaps VAG / Audi will focus more on diesel engines. Fine. Nothing wrong with that. But again: we are talking about EVs here. :)

   January 4, 2013 - 8:06 pm
7. 

   JHF

   EnI

   ^ With such an attitude nobody would ever build nothing. Since level of (new) tech is never optimal.
   
   But perhaps that the reason after all ... Eg. BMW resistance to go turbo until resolving all the turbo-related issues. And eg. BMW resilience to use cylinder deactivation in their engines etc. Therefore the delay in new tech introduction. Time is needed & more money poured in to find better & optimal solutions.
   
   Perhaps Audi has the same issue with EVs. Perhaps. But highly unlikely - especially after such zealous announcements regarding EV program & all the prototypes premiered.
   
   I guess the more probable reason is the lack of solid EV strategy within VAG. And until the strategy is set, Audi has to wait. No solitary actions. The developed EV platforms will have to be compatible with other VAG brands & models. I have a feeling AUDI EV delay is a consequence of being a part of bigger VAG family.
   
   It was the same thing with A3 new Mk (and Skoda Octavia as well) - which was delayed due to new VAG modular MQB platform being developed. And I guess it's the same with EVs.
   
   And since economy brand EVs aren't selling well - since today EV is still more a premium product - VAG is being a bit more careful regarding EV program. Just like the other carmakers of economy (non-premium) brands. The delay is already there, and investments would have to be huge to catch the rivals.
   
   BMW AG is independent, and have a clear EV strategy, and they are implementing it. Yes, it's a risk ... perhaps it will be a total flop. But selling EVs under premium brand, focused on megacities, selling cars via internet, selling it to car-sharing companies etc may actually work. A lot of marketing research has been done in this field by BMW, so they have a solid ground for such a move regarding EV. Not to mention their world leading automotive CFRP mass production - unprecedented in automotive world.
   
   I would like to see Audi & Porsche to offer EVs, but it's possible VAG would delay or even temporarily kill EV program - and only offer plug-in hybrids instead.
   
   Daimler ... they depend much on Renault-Nissan EV plans. And R-N are already canceling some EV models due to extremely poor sales of the existing ones. In the end Daimler will have to restart its own EV program again - losing much time & being forced to invest A LOT to catch BMW. And BMW collaborating with Toyota on energy management in hybrid & EV vehicles could give BMW an additional boost.
   
   The only solution for Daimler & perhaps even VAG or for or KIA/Hyundai etc will be to eg. acquire Tesla - a premium EV brand, with great EV brand cachet & great EV know-how. IMO there will a total bidding war for Tesla in the following years sometimes!
   
   
   
   @Giannis
   
   BMW EVs are almost here. i3 will be launched later this year, and i8 next year.

   What do you think, which one has better technic, about the example BMW M550D xDrive or the Audi A6 TDI(Electric Turbo)?
   
   http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/audi/a6/60452/audi-a6-electric-biturbo

   January 4, 2013 - 7:56 pm
8. 

   Deckhook

   They seem to be pushing ahead with e-Quattro, maybe they see this as more important. I know I for one am glad e-tron is on hold because I personally don't think anyone's technology where it needs to be to be a huge success.

   January 4, 2013 - 7:38 pm
9. 

   EnI

   Mind EVs are still exotic goods, and very premium goods as well. Expensive. Not for a regular consumer. Therefore a premium product with non-premium brand hardly works - even on ICE cars.
   
   Also EVs are suitable for dense megacities with developed infrastructure for EVs & progressive personal mobility solutions (eg car sharing). They are not suitable for eg small(er) or even mid-sized cities & towns.
   
   And yes, the appeal of EV is a very exciting motoring. They have that go-kart feel - instant acceleration & braking. Now imagine i3, let alone i8: with low point of gravity due to lightweight materials, extremely wide track, notorious BMW driving capability etc - the i cars are extremely exciting to drive. Even the i3 - although it looks like a minivan.
   
   i cars will have a cult status, they will be iconic - not only due to being EV, but mainly due to all-CFRP passenger cell, futuristic exterior & interior design, and due to BMW badge of course. And mind i cars are not destined to be volume models, but niche models. They are also considered a tech-lab-on-wheels (eventually the tech will trickle down to some regular BMW cars - especially the high-end ones) & a halo cars for BMW brand. Just like eg M cars are.
   
   I wish BMW wouldn't be alone in this game. Right now it is. Volt, Leaf, Twizzy, e-smart, B-class E-cell, Tesla cars etc are still too conventional or not premium to be true BMW i rivals. Putting eg i3 in line with others existing EVs gives you an impression the i3 is an extraterrestrial thing! It's that much exotic. Not to mention the i8 with design elements of ultra-exotic supercars (with all the odd wings design, layered body panels etc) which cost several times more than i8.
   
   BMW are very confident they have a winner in their hands with BMW i cars. And are thrilled since MB & Audi are nowhere near, and additionally canceling / delaying special EV products.
   
   Sure BMW i won't contribute much to BMW Group sales, and even less to the BMW Group revenues & profits, but will do a lot for BMW image as technologically advanced brand, CFRP & EV leader, etc. Which IMO is a great asset for the future. At least image wise. I'm sure bosses @ VAG/Audi & Daimler aren't exactly happy ... and even trying to play down the future EV significance lately. Weird.

   January 4, 2013 - 6:52 pm
10. 

    Giannis

    EnI

    @Giannis
    
    BMW EVs are almost here. i3 will be launched later this year, and i8 next year.

    Both models are comming within a year, a year and a half. Ok, I'll give you this. :D
    
    But they are not here. Which is important, because people need to see this type of cars in order to believe in them, or at least that's what I think.
    
    For example, a couple of months back I dropped by the local Renault dealership to complain about some spare parts and I saw the new Twizzy there. They didn't have it in the showroom, but outside of it, for test drives. I took it for a quick spin and I was bloody amazed! If I didn't see such a car (a 100% electric car) let alone drive it, I would still be hater.

    January 4, 2013 - 6:02 pm
11. 

    EnI

    Audi-Racing

    Agreed, but maybe there is one thing, innovation thing, maybe Audi want build better technic(what we has see it in e-trons, electric-turbos, etc), just it has make after and before that. I think Audi has big plans for future, and that's why it has canceled many models.

    ^ With such an attitude nobody would ever build nothing. Since level of (new) tech is never optimal.
    
    But perhaps that the reason after all ... Eg. BMW resistance to go turbo until resolving all the turbo-related issues. And eg. BMW resilience to use cylinder deactivation in their engines etc. Therefore the delay in new tech introduction. Time is needed & more money poured in to find better & optimal solutions.
    
    Perhaps Audi has the same issue with EVs. Perhaps. But highly unlikely - especially after such zealous announcements regarding EV program & all the prototypes premiered.
    
    I guess the more probable reason is the lack of solid EV strategy within VAG. And until the strategy is set, Audi has to wait. No solitary actions. The developed EV platforms will have to be compatible with other VAG brands & models. I have a feeling AUDI EV delay is a consequence of being a part of bigger VAG family.
    
    It was the same thing with A3 new Mk (and Skoda Octavia as well) - which was delayed due to new VAG modular MQB platform being developed. And I guess it's the same with EVs.
    
    And since economy brand EVs aren't selling well - since today EV is still more a premium product - VAG is being a bit more careful regarding EV program. Just like the other carmakers of economy (non-premium) brands. The delay is already there, and investments would have to be huge to catch the rivals.
    
    BMW AG is independent, and have a clear EV strategy, and they are implementing it. Yes, it's a risk ... perhaps it will be a total flop. But selling EVs under premium brand, focused on megacities, selling cars via internet, selling it to car-sharing companies etc may actually work. A lot of marketing research has been done in this field by BMW, so they have a solid ground for such a move regarding EV. Not to mention their world leading automotive CFRP mass production - unprecedented in automotive world.
    
    I would like to see Audi & Porsche to offer EVs, but it's possible VAG would delay or even temporarily kill EV program - and only offer plug-in hybrids instead.
    
    Daimler ... they depend much on Renault-Nissan EV plans. And R-N are already canceling some EV models due to extremely poor sales of the existing ones. In the end Daimler will have to restart its own EV program again - losing much time & being forced to invest A LOT to catch BMW. And BMW collaborating with Toyota on energy management in hybrid & EV vehicles could give BMW an additional boost.
    
    The only solution for Daimler & perhaps even VAG or for or KIA/Hyundai etc will be to eg. acquire Tesla - a premium EV brand, with great EV brand cachet & great EV know-how. IMO there will a total bidding war for Tesla in the following years sometimes!
    
    
    
    @Giannis
    
    BMW EVs are almost here. i3 will be launched later this year, and i8 next year.

    January 4, 2013 - 5:11 pm
12. 

    JHF

    Giannis

    I believe that this is a marketing war, a war of who will has his name in the latest news about electric vehicles more. BMW played the game agressively, spending a lot of cash on this project, and they actually produced a few concepts, but they are still years from production. It's just hype and creative marketing.
    
    So is the case with Audi, only this time it's VAG's cash and structure behind this. Maybe the e-tron line-up was cancelled because VAG doesn't see this as a financially viable project, or who knows what. Truth to be told, though, it would be very strange if VAG didn't know what they are doing.
    
    
    
    With all due respect, this doesn't make sense.

    Maybe you are right :)

    January 4, 2013 - 5:02 pm
13. 

    Giannis

    Tumbo

    Seems that Audi is just talking bullsh*t with all these e-tron models. So much talk, and no action. Only German premium carmaker taking things to action, is BMW with their I-models. I'm sick of this e-tron talk. Nothing happens!

    I believe that this is a marketing war, a war of who will has his name in the latest news about electric vehicles more. BMW played the game agressively, spending a lot of cash on this project, and they actually produced a few concepts, but they are still years from production. It's just hype and creative marketing.
    
    So is the case with Audi, only this time it's VAG's cash and structure behind this. Maybe the e-tron line-up was cancelled because VAG doesn't see this as a financially viable project, or who knows what. Truth to be told, though, it would be very strange if VAG didn't know what they are doing.
    
    

    Audi-Racing

    Agreed, but maybe there is one thing, innovation thing, maybe Audi want build better technic(what we has see it in e-trons, electric-turbos, etc), just it has make after and before that. I think Audi has big plans for future, and that's why it has canceled many models.

    With all due respect, this doesn't make sense.

    January 4, 2013 - 4:50 pm
14. 

    JHF

    Tumbo

    Seems that Audi is just talking bullsh*t with all these e-tron models. So much talk, and no action. Only German premium carmaker taking things to action, is BMW with their I-models. I'm sick of this e-tron talk. Nothing happens!

    Agreed, but maybe there is one thing, innovation thing, maybe Audi want build better technic(what we has see it in e-trons, electric-turbos, etc), just it has make after and before that. I think Audi has big plans for future, and that's why it has canceled many models.

    January 4, 2013 - 3:22 pm
15. 

    Tumbo

    Seems that Audi is just talking bullsh*t with all these e-tron models. So much talk, and no action. Only German premium carmaker taking things to action, is BMW with their I-models. I'm sick of this e-tron talk. Nothing happens!

    January 4, 2013 - 2:22 pm
16. 

    JHF

    The Audi A2 Canceled.
    
    http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/audi-a2-axed
    
    

    January 2, 2013 - 10:10 am
17. 

    Deckhook

    ^I have read it in detail and hope the brand is a success for them but at the moment I feel the world nor the technology is truly ready for it and I reckon it will be an uphill struggle for sales.
    
    I feel that all e-cars should have a small slave petrol/diesel engine to run the electric motors if and when the batteries are depelted, at this point you simply call to a fuel station and top up to get you home.

    June 14, 2012 - 4:15 am
18. 

    EnI

    Deckhook

    ^So what you are saying is with the i brand you will be buying into a whole way of life.

    Perhaps. ;)
    
    The first demo BMW i Store is to be opened in London.

    June 13, 2012 - 3:47 pm
19. 

    Deckhook

    ^I'm willing to bet if it can be turned off the range will double. lol

    June 10, 2012 - 7:42 am
20. 

    Centurion

    The dashboard screen is bonkers.

    June 10, 2012 - 6:41 am
21. 

    Wolfgang

    Centurion

    Simple and good recipe.

    First model s owner. (y)
    
    

    June 9, 2012 - 10:09 am
22. 

    Centurion

    EnI

    BMW i is not just about a car, new design concept (LifeDrive), new styling, new sub-brand, electric drive / plug-in-hybrid drive etc, new ConnectedDrive features etc. It's also about new & innovative approach to marketing & sales.
    
    With BMW i also some new & innovative marketing & sales concepts will be introduced. So when it comes to BMW i, BMW are not relying on already established marketing & sales solutions only. BMW find such solutions not sufficient for the BMW i brand.
    
    It's not like BMW i3/i8 will be just two new models for sale in BMW dealer network. It goes far beyond that!
    
    BMW is going sort of Apple with BMW i when it comes to marketing & sales. That's why they are a bit more confident in BMW i success ... In that gives them hope BMW i will be more a sales success than a Nissan, Mitsubishi or Chevy/Opel electric car.
    
    It's a not about the car only, it's also about the brand, and the whole concept & experience. It's a holistic marketing & sales approach nobody has done it before in this particular field. That's also why they introduced additional BMW i sub-brand, and not the i-series - just another new BMW series (like eg. X or Z or 1er, 6er etc).
    
    That's the plan ... We shall wait & see how/if it works out. I hope they succeed.

    And that perhaps is too much. Hybrids and elect cars have been over marketed and overdesigned. Tesla will be one to watch because the Model S looks just like any other car, it could even be mistaken for a Jaguar and that's fantastic, no fuzzy design materials or Alien designs like the Nissan Leaf, just a gorgeous car that drives on electricity instead of petrol.
    
    Simple and good recipe.

    June 9, 2012 - 5:11 am
23. 

    Deckhook

    ^So what you are saying is with the i brand you will be buying into a whole way of life. lol
    
    We will see if this approach works, though I still think premium pricing isn't how elec/hybrid technology will capture the imagination of the masses. But then again this really needs to be kept very much a niche product because everything from the technology right to how and where you charge them isn't anywhere near ready to be rolled out to the masses.

    June 8, 2012 - 1:41 pm
24. 

    EnI

    BMW i is not just about a car, new design concept (LifeDrive), new styling, new sub-brand, electric drive / plug-in-hybrid drive etc, new ConnectedDrive features etc. It's also about new & innovative approach to marketing & sales.
    
    With BMW i also some new & innovative marketing & sales concepts will be introduced. So when it comes to BMW i, BMW are not relying on already established marketing & sales solutions only. BMW find such solutions not sufficient for the BMW i brand.
    
    It's not like BMW i3/i8 will be just two new models for sale in BMW dealer network. It goes far beyond that!
    
    BMW is going sort of Apple with BMW i when it comes to marketing & sales. That's why they are a bit more confident in BMW i success ... In that gives them hope BMW i will be more a sales success than a Nissan, Mitsubishi or Chevy/Opel electric car.
    
    It's a not about the car only, it's also about the brand, and the whole concept & experience. It's a holistic marketing & sales approach nobody has done it before in this particular field. That's also why they introduced additional BMW i sub-brand, and not the i-series - just another new BMW series (like eg. X or Z or 1er, 6er etc).
    
    That's the plan ... We shall wait & see how/if it works out. I hope they succeed.

    June 8, 2012 - 12:17 pm
25. 

    Centurion

    Deckhook

    ^Price being the appropriate word. These cars really need to appeal to more normal folk before their success can be classed as groundbreaking and frankly £35k just doesn't cut it and this is before you even start to look at their range and charging times.

    That's my point too. If you can spend that much on a car then saving a few quid a week on petrol isn't one of your problems since you probably spend £25 a week on overpriced mango and passion fruit frappuccinos at Starbucks. It's in small cars like the A2 and A1 in which hybrid technology best serves its purpose.

    June 8, 2012 - 11:51 am
26. 

    Deckhook

    ^Price being the appropriate word. These cars really need to appeal to more normal folk before their success can be classed as groundbreaking and frankly £35k just doesn't cut it and this is before you even start to look at their range and charging times.
    
    P.S.
    To be perfectly honest I am surprised that no one has thought of development this technology from use in wedding and funeral motors where quietness and crawling pace are paramount.

    June 8, 2012 - 11:45 am
27. 

    Centurion

    Deckhook

    BMW's success with the i range to see if it's worth pursuing.

    That will be one that everyone will watch like hawks and it could be the case that BMW are the only ones who would get it, or perhaps be another manufacturer that loses the plot by not bringing to market the right type of plug-in car of the right size and at the right price.

    June 8, 2012 - 10:38 am
28. 

    Deckhook

    Everyone knows my whole opinion of electric/hybrid cars so there is no point in repeating here also other than I would say all eyes are on BMW's success with the i range to see if it's worth pursuing.

    June 8, 2012 - 9:21 am
29. 

    Centurion

    The reason behind the poor sales of the Mitshubishi i-MiEV, Nissan Leaf and Volt are plain ans simple: The cars are terrible ugly. When will manufacturers get that the public want electric cars that blend in and resemble any normal car, and not some four door monster that could have been penned by Homer Simpsons. A plug-in A1 or A3 is what what tickle consumer wallets.

    June 8, 2012 - 6:45 am