Guide to BMW EVs

German car manufacturing goes hand in hand with innovation – and where better to flex these muscles than the EV market? Electric cars have soared in popularity and BMW have positioned themselves firmly on the starting grid.

The automotive behemoth is renowned for its efficient and robust performance, encapsulated within a sleek and elegant design. This certainly goes for the classic engine models, but are BMW electric cars reliable? We’ll find out.

We’re going to discover a little more about which BMW cars are electric. Read on as we see how BMW has adapted to meet the demands of a new electric era. 

All about BMW

The company had a very different start, beginning life as a plane engine manufacturer in 1916. BMW actually stands for Bayerische Motoren Werke AG – which means Bavarian Engine Works Company in English.

BMW has created a variety of fine motor vehicles that have had a significant impact on both the traditional car market and motorsports. Some notable models over the years are the 1962 BMW 2000 tii, 1986 BMW E30 M3, and the 1999 BMW E52 Z8. 

The dawn of BMW’s electric adventure actually began in 1972 at the Munich Olympics, with the introduction of the BMW 1602. These were only designed for use at the games, with no public release. However, this sparked a journey of pioneering developments with electric models.

The first official electric model was put on sale in 2009, with the hybrid BMW i8. This sports car struck an ideal balance between sustainability and powerful performance, helping it catch the eye of its competitors. Since then, BMW has expanded its electric fleet by some way.

The types of EVs that BMW tends to focus on are fully electric, battery-powered vehicles (BEV 2) and hybrid plug-in variants (PHEV 3). Some notable model ranges are the i8, i12, i15, iX3, i7, and iX1 series. Striking chords of efficiency, power, and elegant design all at once, these cars are market-leading EVs that carry BMW’s automobile legacy and electric innovation.  

BMW i3

Released in 2013, the BMW i3 is an electric car that packs a punch with its sporty hatchback design and ample battery. There have been a few iterations, with earlier models having 170 hp (125 kW), increasing to 184 hp (135 kW) in 2017. The latest incarnations of the i3 provide 120Ah battery power, with up to 190 miles. Combine this with a battery charging capability of 80% within around 40 minutes of fast charging, and you’ve got a competitive and attractive EV model. 

BMW i4

This was the first all-electric Gran Coupé in the BMW 4 range. It blends exceptional functioning with smooth driving. The first models appeared on the scene in 2021, delivering up to 544 hp (400 kW) and a range of up to 365 miles. There have been two iterations, with the BMW i4 eDrive40 and BMW i4 M50 models. For the time being, BMW continues to manufacture this powerhouse.

BMW i8

If you’re wondering about how BMW fuses its iconic sports performance vehicles with the electric vehicle revolution, look no further than the BMW i8 . Released in 2013, it was the first plug-in hybrid sports vehicle. It fuses sustainability with a graceful design and good on-road driving. The coupe can see speeds of up to 74 mph in its three-cylinder TwinPower Turbo engine, providing 374 hp (275kW) of electric power. As the first car to offer optional laser lights, it ensures you have full sight of the road ahead. You can expect an electric range of 23-34 miles with its 1.5 liter hybrid engine.

BMW iX3

An innovative and futuristic electric SUV design that integrates advanced technology with existing qualities, such as a fast acceleration from 0-62 mph in 6.8 seconds. This means it doesn’t sacrifice speed at the expense of it being electric. It provides smart charging options, whilst boasting a dynamic drive performance and visually stunning aesthetics. The iX3 comes with a 286 hp (210 kW) motor and a 282 mile range and is capable of reaching 80% battery charge in around 30 minutes at high power charging facilities. Production continues to this day, with no current plans to stop. 

BMW iX

Also a recent addition to BMW’s electric lineup, entering the market in 2021. It provides a lavish, yet superior simplicity - mixed with pioneering engine technology. The mid-size luxury crossover SUV model range has an all-wheel drive feature. It generates 326 hp (240 kW) with a range of around 245 miles. There are the i20 and the iX xDrive 50 variants, with the latter offering more than 523 hp (385 kW) and a range of 365 - 380 miles. It takes around 40 minutes to fully charge using fast charging. The model continues production to date, and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future.

BMW i7

The first fully electric BMW i7 blends electric and a strong sensory infusion to yield a treasured motoring transcendence. It exploded onto the market in 2022, with the German manufacturing giant planning to continue production. There’s two different variants which include i7 xDrive60 Excellence or the i7 xDrive60 M Sport. It displays an (544 hp, 400 kW) fully electric electric engine, with a range of 387 miles.

BMW iX1

The first fully electric compact in BMW’s arsenal of manufacturing prowess is a 2022 addition. It’s a powerful combination of the BMW X1’s sleek interiors but with the efficiency of the BMW eDrive. The electric motor provides over 230 kW, 313 hp, covering a distance of 270 miles in a single charge. The high voltage battery doesn’t take up much room, which removes some of the weight load, allowing for extra longevity in terms of mileage. 

Future BMW models

The BMW 5 Series, 7 Series and BMW X1 are all planned future fully electric releases.There are also set to be new i5s and i7 saloons. The electric push from BMW is set to continue until 2030 as it aims to become the market leader, competing with the likes of Mercedes, Audi and Jaguar in a already crowded marketplace. It’s interesting to see how much BMW electric car development is tapping into the evolving demands of the global climate change initiative.

BMW does a very good job of combining sophisticated and elegant design with rapturous performance, wrapped in eye-catching designs. You’ve got high mileage range, mixed with quality interiors, which help the cars embody the essence of the brand.

Some other EV brands to consider are rivals Audi, Jaguar and Mercedes . All of these cars represent premium motoring down to their very core.

For more on the electric vehicle lineup at Hertz, we suggest you take a look at this article.