Photo: BMW
Big surprise in London this weekend, as the BMW i3 became the first car ever to receive the UK Car of the Year award in a select ceremony. The electric vehicle from Bavaria impressed the judges just enough to convince them to crown it the best car on the island for 2014.
Judges from all corners of the United Kingdom evaluated a heap of cars to choose the best out of the bunch, even though some might’ve been disappointed by the final result. The i3 rose to the top step of the podium overall and in the Supermini class while the 5 Series claimed the same position in the Executive segment.
According to the official press release, the award aims “to provide an independent set of awards for the car industry, highlighting the best vehicles in the market in a range of categories for UK buyers”. In this regard, the top 27 journalists in the country were invited to vote across 12 categories overall, in this, inaugural edition.
In the end, the first ever EV from BMW ended up victorious, Guy Bird, one of the judges saying “‘Game-changing’ is such a cliché but that is what i3 is. From the eco-focused technology that underpins it, to the modern and functional design and material choices – including the most original production car interior this century – the i3 is far more than just a new car.”
“Indeed, with its connected drive approach seeking to make links with other forms of transport and the surrounding infrastructure, rather than simply impose itself upon its environment, the i3 represents the start of a whole new way of thinking about getting from A to B,” he added.
Of course, BMW was quick to react and thank the judges for the distinction, Uwe Dreher, BMW’s UK Marketing Director saying: “For the BMW i3 to be voted as the first ever UK Car of the Year is real testament to the years of research and development that have gone into making BMW’s first electric production car.”
“The BMW i3 has pushed the boundaries in every way from sustainable production, to its unique construction and revolutionary ownership proposition. The judging panel clearly recognize this and we are delighted to be given such an independent accolade,” he later added.
Looking over the specs of the i3, it’s truly an impressive vehicle. Thanks to its CFRP-predominant body, the car weighs around 1,200 kg (2,645 lbs) depending on the optionals you choose. It’s also fitted with an electric motor making 170 HP and 250 Nm of torque that sends it into a frenzy up to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 7.2 seconds while also keeping energy consumption to an acceptable level.
This way, the 22 kWh battery stored in the floor makes sure you won’t run out of juice for around 100 miles (160 km), even more if you stick to the ECO PRO mode. Price for the i3 start at £25,680 OTR in the UK and you can order one right now.
According to the official press release, the award aims “to provide an independent set of awards for the car industry, highlighting the best vehicles in the market in a range of categories for UK buyers”. In this regard, the top 27 journalists in the country were invited to vote across 12 categories overall, in this, inaugural edition.
In the end, the first ever EV from BMW ended up victorious, Guy Bird, one of the judges saying “‘Game-changing’ is such a cliché but that is what i3 is. From the eco-focused technology that underpins it, to the modern and functional design and material choices – including the most original production car interior this century – the i3 is far more than just a new car.”
“Indeed, with its connected drive approach seeking to make links with other forms of transport and the surrounding infrastructure, rather than simply impose itself upon its environment, the i3 represents the start of a whole new way of thinking about getting from A to B,” he added.
Of course, BMW was quick to react and thank the judges for the distinction, Uwe Dreher, BMW’s UK Marketing Director saying: “For the BMW i3 to be voted as the first ever UK Car of the Year is real testament to the years of research and development that have gone into making BMW’s first electric production car.”
“The BMW i3 has pushed the boundaries in every way from sustainable production, to its unique construction and revolutionary ownership proposition. The judging panel clearly recognize this and we are delighted to be given such an independent accolade,” he later added.
Looking over the specs of the i3, it’s truly an impressive vehicle. Thanks to its CFRP-predominant body, the car weighs around 1,200 kg (2,645 lbs) depending on the optionals you choose. It’s also fitted with an electric motor making 170 HP and 250 Nm of torque that sends it into a frenzy up to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 7.2 seconds while also keeping energy consumption to an acceptable level.
This way, the 22 kWh battery stored in the floor makes sure you won’t run out of juice for around 100 miles (160 km), even more if you stick to the ECO PRO mode. Price for the i3 start at £25,680 OTR in the UK and you can order one right now.
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