Equally Matched Power

The power spectrum ranges from 490 horsepower in the Nio ET5 to 513 horsepower in the Tesla. In this case, the G80 M3, equipped with the M xDrive all-wheel drive, closely follows the Tesla with 510 horsepower. In terms of torque, the M3 brings 479 lb-ft to the table, the Model 3 Performance offers 487 lb-ft, and the ET5 delivers 516 lb-ft. In the weight department, the G80 M3 comes in at 1855 kilograms, the Model 3 weighs 1919 kg, and the ET5 is the heaviest at 2160 kg.

In the first drag race, which starts at 1:53, the G80 M3 gets off to a less-than-ideal start despite using active launch control. However, in both the second race, commencing at 2:35, and the third race, beginning at 3:30, the combustion engine of the M3 dominates, leaving the electric cars no chance and securing a decisive victory in the quarter-mile sprint. The Tesla Model 3 Performance consistently outpaces the Nio ET5, but all three vehicles operate at an exceptionally high level. It’s evident that electric cars pose a formidable challenge for combustion engines, especially in those critical initial moments.

From 5:00 onwards, the three-way battle transitions to everyday driving conditions with a rolling start. As expected, the BMW M3 struggles in this scenario, requiring several gear shifts during an unexpected kickdown before achieving full acceleration. In contrast, the Tesla Model 3 and Nio ET5 effortlessly unleash their maximum performance and quickly leave the M3 behind.

At 5:35, we witness the remarkable difference in the BMW M3’s performance when all settings are dialed to their sportiest. Nevertheless, the M3 only truly shines when it’s in the optimal gear at the start of the drag race, as seen from 6:35 when it starts at 80 km/h in third gear, enabling it to pull ahead seamlessly right from the beginning.

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It’s worth noting that the zero-emission Gran Coupe boasts a pair of electric motors generating a combined 396 horsepower and an instant torque of 443 pound-feet. It’s important to mention that both the i4 and i5 in the eDrive40 trim offer 335 hp, but the i4 eDrive40 delivers 317 lb-ft of torque, while the i5 eDrive40 offers only 295 lb-ft. It remains unclear whether there will be any differences in the case of the xDrive models.

In related news, the 550e xDrive also appears in the document as a plug-in hybrid model, a confirmation that was awaited for the US market until now. It carries a price tag of $73,800. Additionally, in the coming year, likely as a 2025 model year offering, the M5 Sedan is expected to make its debut as the flagship model, boasting over 700 horsepower from a plug-in hybrid setup based on the new twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 “S68” engine. While the M division has confirmed the return of the M5 Touring, it remains uncertain whether this high-performance wagon will be available in the United States.

Source: BMW USA

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Tesla also cut the Model 3 base version by $3,000 to $43,990, according to its website. The Tesla Model 3 Performance variant saw a price cut of $9,000 to $53,990. Reuters reported that in Germany, Tesla cut prices on the Model 3 and the Model Y from 1% to around 17%, depending on the configuration. The Model Y will now sell for 44,890 euros ($48,499), down 9,100 euros.

Other configurations, including Performance models, have also received price cuts. The Tesla Model S Plaid has the largest price reduction – $21,000 (15%) reduction. However, there is one significant price hike – the seven-seat option on the Model Y is now $4,000, a $1,000 more than before.

Earlier this month, Tesla angered customers in China by slashing prices on its Model 3 and Model Y cars there after many had agreed to take delivery at higher prices before December 31. But according to a price sheet we reviewed, customers in the United States who placed an order in December 2022 have now received a revised price sheet. Of course, they have yet to take delivery of their cars.

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The BMW i8 is good for 369 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque, powering all four wheels. But that’s less important than where the power is coming from. Which in the i8’s case, is the middle. Being mid-engine makes the car more naturally balanced and offers driving dynamics totally unique from more traditional front engine options.

Top speed was also adequate: the BMW i8 can get from 0-60 mph in about 4.4 seconds. Interestingly, the BMW i8 was also the first hybrid/EV to use a two-speed transmission for its electric motor at the front. While the i8 isn’t as economical as BMW had hoped, it’s still more economical than most supercars, capable of returning 35 MPGe. Because of that front electric motor, the latest iteration of the BMW i8 can drive up to 22 miles on pure electric power alone.

The MSRP pricing for the BMW i8 started at $143,400. But unfortunately, the BMW i8 was discontinued so you can only find used / pre-owned models. The BMW i8 can be purchased at great prices, around $60,000-$70,000 used. So should you buy one in 2023?

Let’s find out!

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AC Schnitzer decided to go with the BMW i4 M50 and change its wheels for a custom 20-inch set with Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 tires measuring 255/35 R20 front and 265/35 R20 rear. AC Schnitzer lowered the i4’s suspension by 25 millimeters (one inch) at both axles by fitting an aftermarket spring kit. A comprehensive aerodynamic package encompasses a beefier front spoiler with an added splitter and canards.

The BMW i4 M50 “police car” also has a carbon spoiler on the tailgate along with a plastic roof edge spoiler. Next, AC Schnitzer fitted winglets on the rear fenders, above the taillights, to create a visual connection with the spoiler. A rear skirt protection film rounds off the changes on the outside. The changes on the inside are limited to the tuner’s aluminum pedal set with footrest, along with a custom cover for the iDrive controller and keyholder made from the same material.

Below, you can see a full gallery of the car. [Source: AC Schnitzer]

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BMW has recently hosted an Innovation & Sustainability Day in Germany where several electric topics were discussed. Frank Weber, BMW’s chief technology officer, met with media to discuss the company’s future electric car plans. The first topic on the agenda were the future round cells supplied by EVE, CATL and Nortvolt which will maximize power, increase the range and slower degradation.

According to Weber, the new 800V system with a fast charger will increase the electric range by 30 miles for every minute of charging. Additionally, the new car platform can accommodate single, dual or quad synchronous SSM motors, with the latter being currently tested by the M Division. When it comes to the power output, according to Car Magazine, it will allegedly start at around 270 horsepower and go as high as 1340 hp.

Of course, just cause the opportunity is there, that doesn’t mean BMW will go over 1,000 hp for future cars. In the end, a proper balance between range and power is required. But it is possible that special BMW M models might pierce through the 1 megawatt (1341 hp) ceiling. Battery packs are also rumored to range from 75 kWh up to 150 kWh, and possible more in the distant future.

The first two models to emerge under the Neue Klasse family of cars is the new BMW i3 sedan and the second generation BMW iX3. Both models are expected in 2025-2026.

[Source: BMWBLOG]

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First, let’s talk its design. From some angles, the Celestiq is breathtakingly beautiful. From others, it’s kind of frumpy and weird. There’s a lot to look at and take in, question, and ponder. It grows on you. From the outside it’s just as interesting as any Rolls-Royce or Bentley. Inside, there’s enough ambient lighting inside to spot it from space, the materials all seem lovely, and it features a ton of tech but it’s not too in your face. It also seems to have a retro-futuristic design, as if it was a 1930s interior car designer’s vision of the future.

However, does it really scream Rolls or Bentley-beater? We’re not so sure. Mercedes S-Class-beater? Definitely in the conversation. But it’s going to take actually sitting inside of it, touching the materials and feeling the ambience, to determine whether it can truly take on the best in the world. I do like the “Hand Built Detroit” badge, though.

Under that very pretty skin is a 111 kWh battery pack that powers two electric motors to make 600 horsepower and 640 lb-ft of torque. Cadillac claims a 0-60 mph time of 3.8 seconds and a range of around 300 miles. That’s about on par with the Rolls-Royce Spectre, even better in some ways. However, and this includes cars like the Spectre, it’s quite amazing how far legacy automakers are behind Lucid and Tesla. The Lucid Air uses a similarly sized battery, makes almost double the power in its top-end Sapphire spec, and gets hundreds of miles more range.

That being said, a car like the Celestiq isn’t designed for brutal performance or handling. It’s designed to be incredible to look at and wonderful to be in. While it’s impossible to judge the latter, as we haven’t driven it yet, we think the Americans nailed the former. So can the Cadillac Celestiq really take on Rolls and Bentley? Just based on its design, we think it has a real chance.

[Photos: Cadillac]

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No More V12 Engines

Its split headlights, ultra-slim upper headlights, and far shorter Pantheon grille are all drastically different than the Wraith’s. However, in profile and from the rear, the Spectre looks like an updated, sharper, sleeker version of the Wraith. There are some nice unique touches, though. For instance, the shoulder line is crisp and looks sporty, its window trim is sharp, and its front end seems to be a bit shorter and lower, due to not having a V12 under hood.

The new Spectre is built on the brand’s all-aluminum Architecture of Luxury platform. It’s a flexible platform, designed to accommodate either internal combustion or electric powertrains, and it’s both lightweight and stiff. In fact, due to the battery tray being integrated into the floor of the chassis, the Spectre is 30 percent stiffer than any previous Rolls-Royce. Interestingly, the battery also acts as 700 kg of sound insulation, making the car even quieter inside.

Replacing the old 6.75-liter twin-turbocharged V12 is a pair of electric motors. Rolls doesn’t have any official power figures just yet, as the powertrain is still being refined. However, the current prediction from Rolls is that the Spectre will make 577 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque. The initial performance estimate is a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds.

260 Miles Range

But the important bit is range. How will customers respond to have a bit less convenience with the Spectre than any other previous Rolls? Its battery pack should provide around 260 miles of range, which isn’t horrible but it isn’t great, either. That range estimate is with 23-inch wheels and with its 6,559 lb curb weight. Will Rolls customers being okay with being on a 130 mile leash, lest they wait 30 minutes to charge up in public? It’s going to be interesting to see how customers handle this. 

Like with the new Ghost, the Spectre will have Rolls’ Planar suspension setup, which can read the road ahead and prepare the suspension for bumps ahead of time. It can also decouple the anti-roll bars, which allows the wheels to move independently of each other. Not only does that remove the twitchiness of stiff anti-roll bars on the highway but it also improves ride quality.

Rolls-Royce says it’s still testing the powertrain to get its power figures and refinement finalized. Though, don’t expect to see any definitive answers any time soon. Rolls claims it will have official figures before its market launch in Q4 2023. 

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The performance numbers back up the futuristic soundtrack as the i4 M50 did 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 3.72 seconds, thus notably beating the 3.9-second time quoted by the German automaker. Perhaps more impressive is the sprint from 62 to 124 mph (100 to 200 km/h), which took approximately eight and a half seconds. EVs tend to run out of puff at higher speeds, but BMW’s zero-emissions 4 Series Gran Coupe has pulling power for a longer time.

The 141 mph (227 km/h) top speed is nothing to write home about and is on par with the electronically limited 140 mph (225 km/h) mentioned by the Bavarian brand in the specs sheet. Numbers aside, those who have driven the i4 M50 praised its handling despite its extra bulk compared to an M3 Sedan or an ALPINA B3. With continuous advancements made in battery tech by improving energy density, future EVs could shed some weight for better performance and efficiency.

A true electric M is unlikely to arrive before 2025 when the Neue Klasse will debut. BMW might have teased a sports car without a combustion engine in a recent presentation to journalists, but even if it’s coming, don’t expect to see it anytime soon.

Source: Automann-TV / YouTube

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No tech details are currently being released by Audi. But previous reports point to an increase in power and range. Allegedly, the Audi e-tron facelift would come with more efficient motors, an improved energy recovery system, and an upgraded battery pack. The total range could increase to around 373 miles (600 km) in the WLTP cycle. That’s a significant bump over the current e-tron’s 273 miles (440 km).

A rumored Audi e-tron RS will come with a tri-motor setup for a huge performance boost. Before the arrival of the Tesla Model S Plaid, Audi was proudly announcing that it would be the first carmaker to bring a tri-motor electric vehicles to the segment.

Audi e-tron was introduced to the market in 2019 and it was followed by the e-tron Sportback in 2020. But today, Audi is facing new competitors with Mercedes EQE SUV and EQS SUV being a more up-to-date choice, BMW has the iX and iX1. Audi is expected to reveal the e-Tron this year and will continue to be manufactured until 2026. That year, a dedicated electric-car platform shared with other Audi and Porsche electric vehicles will come to market.

[Photos: Audi]

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