[stefan]

Ah yes, the one EV parlor trick. Straight line speed, which is just a novelty that wears off. Granted, the M3 isn't exactly a communicative drivers car but at least it isn't completely sterile. I like this thing for a daily driver actually, and would consider it over it's EV rivals. But don't call it a performance car.

[dantm3]

Originally Posted by BASELINE

Gimmicky video.

Can we see this race over a 1/4 mile on dry pavement and with both cars being xdrive? 🙄

Yeah totally.. let's see x drive M3 and it will be a lot closer and also use launch control not just stab and go..

[Russ103]

Originally Posted by Germanauto

Not to mention how they played music to drown out the M3's exhaust note.

^^^ This ^^^

The sound of the M3 (among many other performance ICE cars) will always be in the pro column for car guys. Let's not forget how much of the experience is also dulled down with a ONE speed tranny.

Do I sound all "get off my lawn!" enough just by liking a gas motor with gears to bang through?

[wesleyan92]

I wish the Mods would stop putting crap like this on the front page. Horrible 3 min+ drivel to get to the drag race. The race that is edited like crap with crap music.

[hotrod182]

I think BMW is being careful not to exceed the acceleration of their pure M models. They make way more profit selling those models. However, if they ever come out with an $85k i4M, it looks like beating the current M3 in all straight line acceleration metrics will be possible, aside from top speed possibly.

[________]

Guys with parties in a bunch lol

This is just to show how quick the new car is. Showing it accelerating next to a quick car is the easiest way to show it.

No one can read numbers… 3.5, 3.7, 4 seconds, what do they mean? Easier to just put them side-by-side…

[JDUNITNOW]

Originally Posted by Russ103

^^^ This ^^^

The sound of the M3 (among many other performance ICE cars) will always be in the pro column for car guys. Let's not forget how much of the experience is also dulled down with a ONE speed tranny.

Do I sound all "get off my lawn!" enough just by liking a gas motor with gears to bang through?

I just got my M3 over the weekend and don't mind the exhaust. I am driving and not standing outside listening. Don't get me wrong, I know its being piped in but I don't mind it. lol...my wife was asking me dies it sound like this all the time. I'm sure me driving luxury and domestic cars for so long, I'm desensitized.

[yousefnjr]

LOL the classic rwd launch trope “hold on let me try again”, I’m very familiar

[Germanauto]

Originally Posted by Onesie

Guys with parties in a bunch lol

This is just to show how quick the new car is. Showing it accelerating next to a quick car is the easiest way to show it.

No one can read numbers… 3.5, 3.7, 4 seconds, what do they mean? Easier to just put them side-by-side…

They are being disingenuous about it that's why. They should compare their EV to another EV instead of trying to bring down their most historic nameplate.

But then again, are talking about a company now that is run by its marketing dept instead of engineers.

[hotrod182]

Originally Posted by stefan

Ah yes, the one EV parlor trick. Straight line speed, which is just a novelty that wears off. Granted, the M3 isn't exactly a communicative drivers car but at least it isn't completely sterile. I like this thing for a daily driver actually, and would consider it over it's EV rivals. But don't call it a performance car.

Well I drive a i3s right now, and even though its under 200hp, the instant, and effortless torque is addicting. If you really like to speed all the time, without the fuss and cop-attracting noise, the EV is your best option. Many people are just about noise and image, and yet many of these same people don't even drive fast and rarely go to the track. The truth is most of the people that own an EV will rarely want to go back to ICE. I mean the Plaid is stupid fast, and if it beat a M5CS around a road course, then its good enough for most people on the street. And the fact that is averages 100mpge is just icing on the cake.

[BarryB]

Embrace the change guys… these should not be seen as competitive rather complimentary and not mutually exclusive. No car is perfect for everything. Having an EV as one of your cars seems like a great option if possible. Especially a BMW. It's a bunch of marketing too but who cares it's everywhere. It is business. Flame suit on

[yousefnjr]

Originally Posted by BarryB

Embrace the change guys… these should not be seen as competitive rather complimentary and not mutually exclusive. No car is perfect for everything. Having an EV as one of your cars seems like a great option if possible. Especially a BMW. It's a bunch of marketing too but who cares it's everywhere. It is business. Flame suit on

Agreed, different tools with different strengths, and having the choice is great. Something about variety being the spice of life or whatever…

Originally Posted by hotrod182

Well I drive a i3s right now, and even though its under 200hp, the instant, and effortless torque is addicting. If you really like to speed all the time, without the fuss and cop-attracting noise, the EV is your best option...

Couldn’t agree more, such a fun little toy and you can go WOT all the time. If I do that in the M everybody within 1/2 mile knows it

[techwhiz1]

Originally Posted by hotrod182

I think BMW is being careful not to exceed the acceleration of their pure M models. They make way more profit selling those models. However, if they ever come out with an $85k i4M, it looks like beating the current M3 in all straight line acceleration metrics will be possible, aside from top speed possibly.

BMW has sandbagged before.
When the 335i with the N64 engine was introduced they claimed 300hp and 300ft/lb of torque.

In reality you could see almost that at the rear wheels and a 335i was closer to M3 performance than people realized.

Many M3 owners were surprised when they ran across a tuned 335i. Even BMW sold a tune for the N54 engined cars.

So BMW has a history of sandbagging to not steal sales from a more expensive model.

[hotrod182]

Originally Posted by techwhiz1

BMW has sandbagged before.
When the 335i with the N64 engine was introduced they claimed 300hp and 300ft/lb of torque.

In reality you could see almost that at the rear wheels and a 335i was closer to M3 performance than people realized.

Many M3 owners were surprised when they ran across a tuned 335i. Even BMW sold a tune for the N54 engined cars.

So BMW has a history of sandbagging to not steal sales from a more expensive model.

Well its kind of funny that there is no need to sandbag the i4 HP rating, as it is already higher than the M3. The sandbagging is the extra weight the i4 carries because of the batteries.

[spool twice]

Originally Posted by hotrod182

Well its kind of funny that there is no need to sandbag the i4 HP rating, as it is already higher than the M3. The sandbagging is the extra weight the i4 carries because of the batteries.

In a literally sense This thing needs to lose a few hundred pounds, but for its weight handicap, seems to punch above it.

I'd be one of the 1st to sign up for an i4M if they made one. I think the motors F/R are the same, they'd just have to reprogram both to be 335hp in output (I suspect they will do that with the iX M60...), add G8x body work, G8x level of weight reduction (maybe to 4500 DIN?), add a taller final drive and allow the motors to reach 20,000rpm.

[stefan]

Originally Posted by hotrod182

Well I drive a i3s right now, and even though its under 200hp, the instant, and effortless torque is addicting. If you really like to speed all the time, without the fuss and cop-attracting noise, the EV is your best option. Many people are just about noise and image, and yet many of these same people don't even drive fast and rarely go to the track. The truth is most of the people that own an EV will rarely want to go back to ICE. I mean the Plaid is stupid fast, and if it beat a M5CS around a road course, then its good enough for most people on the street. And the fact that is averages 100mpge is just icing on the cake.

You missed the point. I don't care how fast it is. That "noise and image" is part and parcel of the sports car experience. EVs are just grocery getters. Do I think most people would be better suited for one? Of course. Maybe 1% of us track our M cars--the concept of tracking a 70K car under warranty is foreign to me. But just because it looks good in your spreadsheets doesn't make it a fun performance car. Sorry. It doesn't. But glad you feel that way about your i3.

[Robert]

Originally Posted by MadBimmeRad

I hope I don't get my head bitten off for my next remark;

What is the point of comparing a bluefin to an albatross?

Comparing an EV with ICE is exactly that; they share nothing in common other than the fact that they both have four wheels and a BMW badge

Entertaining? Maybe!

Relevant? Maybe not!

As a publication viewership and engagement are important factors, obvious it got both from you so yea it worked for them. 🤣

[SteveinArizona]

Originally Posted by stefan

Ah yes, the one EV parlor trick. Straight line speed, which is just a novelty that wears off. Granted, the M3 isn't exactly a communicative drivers car but at least it isn't completely sterile. I like this thing for a daily driver actually, and would consider it over it's EV rivals. But don't call it a performance car.

I agree that straight line speed is way overrated (unless, of course, one is racing at a track). To me, handling and passing acceleration are at least as important. Instant acceleration gets me up a highway ramp; passing acceleration lets me pass on a steep hill in a passing lane on a normally two lane road with lots of cars pulling trailers.

[Bahn360Photo]

If you take into account that bmw under estimates all the cars, i50 can be a real monster on the street

Both fight for traction, but damn it pulled away

[ASAP]

lol the marketing here is insane... bmw knows exactly what they are doing... ice or not ice... they purposely chose a rwd m3... and guess what people will fall for it

[MadBimmeRad]

Originally Posted by ASAP

lol the marketing here is insane... bmw knows exactly what they are doing... ice or not ice... they purposely chose a rwd m3... and guess what people will fall for it

As apparent from posts in this thread, people already fell for it

[hotrod182]

Originally Posted by stefan

You missed the point. I don't care how fast it is. That "noise and image" is part and parcel of the sports car experience. EVs are just grocery getters. Do I think most people would be better suited for one? Of course. Maybe 1% of us track our M cars--the concept of tracking a 70K car under warranty is foreign to me. But just because it looks good in your spreadsheets doesn't make it a fun performance car. Sorry. It doesn't. But glad you feel that way about your i3.

There is truth in what you say about all the noise and engagement. There is nothing more satisfying than hearing an ICE car screaming as it's driver tries to keep up with you as you effortlessly accelerate. Its kind of like a chimpanzee thumping its chest when a silent lion puts the kill on it. Perfect example is the You tube video of the 800-1000HP GT500 putting on a ferocious display of noise and lunging with each shift while the Plaid walked it.
It is fantastic to be able to hear every throttle input of the car next to you. Let them provide the ICE soundtrack. And even better to be able to speed right past the cops without them even turning their heads. The only problem is when you are lining up with one of those loud and obnoxious contenders, they will attract the attention to you also. But yes, electric cars racing electric cars is lacking. But racing gas cars in your electric cars is immensely satisfying. But more importantly, coming out of a corner and feeling the instant thrust and tidal wave of torque does provide a fun and engaging experience even when you are driving by yourself. Actually, I love the jet turbine whine of the i3. Sometimes I roll down the window and accelerate just to hear it.