Photo: bmw
It’s not the first time we’re reading interesting rumors coming in from Germany via printed newspapers but this time, it seems like Wirtschaftswoche is taking things a bit too far.
According to the German publication, BMW is pondering putting an all-electric SUV into production, a possible rival for the upcoming Tesla Model X that is supposed to come out this autumn. The same source claims that a decision is yet to be made and that the Germans are waiting to see how the new car from the American company will perform once it’s available to customers.
Early signs show that there won’t be a shortage of demand for the purely electric SUV as more than 20,000 orders have been placed already, if we’re to believe Tesla. The problem is, Elon Musk keeps on postponing the unveil.
For example, the electric motor on their first EVs could be used but in a different configuration, employing one for the front axle and one for the rear axle. Of course, that’s just an example, but even with this small exercise of imagination you’d have an SUV with 262 HP and 500 Nm (369 lb-ft) of torque, plenty for any purpose.
Chip in lightweight materials and better battery packs and you could have a premium SUV on the market without too much hassle.
On top of the fact that BMW already has the tech needed, we also need to mention the enormous appetite for SUV the auto industry shows these days. It’s not a coincidence that the first plug-in hybrid sold under the blue and white roundel’s main brand was the X5.
When reached for comment, BMW representatives said they can’t comment on rumors but wouldn’t deny or confirm the claims made by the German publication.
Early signs show that there won’t be a shortage of demand for the purely electric SUV as more than 20,000 orders have been placed already, if we’re to believe Tesla. The problem is, Elon Musk keeps on postponing the unveil.
Could this work?
Whether an electric SUV will be a success or not for BMW depends on a lot of factors. The technology is definitely there and the Germans could use the i3 bits and pieces they already have to make this real.For example, the electric motor on their first EVs could be used but in a different configuration, employing one for the front axle and one for the rear axle. Of course, that’s just an example, but even with this small exercise of imagination you’d have an SUV with 262 HP and 500 Nm (369 lb-ft) of torque, plenty for any purpose.
Chip in lightweight materials and better battery packs and you could have a premium SUV on the market without too much hassle.
On top of the fact that BMW already has the tech needed, we also need to mention the enormous appetite for SUV the auto industry shows these days. It’s not a coincidence that the first plug-in hybrid sold under the blue and white roundel’s main brand was the X5.
When reached for comment, BMW representatives said they can’t comment on rumors but wouldn’t deny or confirm the claims made by the German publication.
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