Aquaracer1
7833
First time driving an EV today!
My BMW X3 M40 is in for a routine service, and they gave me an i5 xDrive 40 for a loaner. The first thing I noticed was the instant torque. It is fast off the line. The other thing that impressed me: When cruising at 40 MPH, pull the paddle shifter towards you to activate the boost, punch it to 60: There is no turbo lag, no downshifting, only the comfortable sport seat kicking me in the ass (literally) from the torque and acceleration. Pretty much thrown back into the seat when that happened, LOL.
It’s a nice cruiser, quite luxurious and comfortable. A very nice overall package. I particularly like the red leather seats and one curved screen for infotainment. But I wouldn’t call it a sports sedan. 0-60 is in 5.2 seconds. The suspension and handling is clearly geared more towards comfort than sporty. These start at $70,000. Add the luxury options on my loaner (leather package, B&W sound, premium package, driver assist and heads up display), and I guesstimate $80-85,000 Grand Total before any rebates or discounts.
Overall a very positive first EV experience! Was pleasantly surprised! BUT! I already miss my gas powered M40 😂
This message has been edited by cazalea on 2025-05-13 19:33:41 This message has been edited by cazalea on 2025-05-13 19:34:05
First time driving an EV today!
My BMW X3 M40 is in for a routine service, and they gave me an i5 xDrive 40 for a loaner. The first thing I noticed was the instant torque. It is fast off the line. The other thing that impressed me: When cruising at 40 MPH, pull the paddle shifter toward...
I'm very happy with M40i's - in a M240i drive convertible and X3M40i
It's a great engine and fun in two different packages
Fantastic!
I’ve owned a handful of BMW’s, mostly 328’s and 335’s. The X3 M40 is my favorite by far. It’s like a Swiss Army knife, it’s got the perfect blend of sport, luxury, and utility for me! 👍🏻
Wait until you drive a Tesla.
That BMW looks very nice! White with red interior! Hot stuff! The last 5 series I owned was a V8 petrol variant - very nice car, aluminum intensive, and had a slightly sporty feel to it. And the last 5 series I drove was an inline-4 petrol 2020 model year...
I would love to read someone’s impressions of the Porsche Taycan. I feel like I’ve noticed quite a number on the street (relatively speaking).
Regarding what you were saying above, I recently experienced your point about the Tesla brakes. While on highway, there was an abrupt slowdown and stoppage in front of me. I noticed it, but had to put full pressure on the brakes because it just didn’t see...
Which kind of Tesla were you in? The Model 3 is the worse offender!
The Model 3 with the standard brakes (high performance model has bigger and better brakes) really doesn't do well. And they're not consistent. Oddly, the brakes are all made by highly regarded Brembo (calipers, pads, and rotors) and the calipers are made ...
Interestingly
You can control the level of braking energy regeneration in the i5. But not the dynamics of the way it handles / suspension 🤷🏻♂️ Currently, the setting is turned up all the way. In my ICE X3 M40, there is def some engine braking, and even more so in Spor...
Great and informative write up Patrick!
Thanks for sharing your experiences. It’s going to take some time to get me to convert from ICE to EV. But I also understand this is the way of the future, and in some places, very possible you won’t be able to buy a new ICE vehicle anymore in 10 years! I...
I'm okay with that...
I'm okay with not having ICE cars in the future. As the electric cars are pretty good. Before my Tesla, I had a very thirsty V8 AMG Mercedes that would need a gas station visit every week. Now, charging at home and rarely ever going to an "electric car ga...
Thank you for this!I have an i5 Touring incoming in a month or so.
Switching from my 3rd EQB 350 and looking forward to trying a different way of driving on electricity. And the instant torque is something you never tire of. Claus
+1 on the red interior Larry
It adds another layer of depth to an already interesting car. After driving an EV today for the first time, I too get the appeal of an EV. But there is something about having traditional gears and wonderful engine sounds and intoxicating exhaust notes tha...
Don't ever drive an Aston Martin Larry...
It would not be considered a "crazy thing" to buy the car just because of the exhaust note alone.
Hey Patrick, my boneheaded decision years ago.
I had a 996 GT3 and traded it for a DB 9 for the looks and exhaust note ( I thought I was J Bond ) absolutely dull performance. Worst decision EVER!
Uh Ohhhhhh...
Yeah... That would've been a "bad crazy" decision. Sorry my friend. Wished I had known, I would've talked you out of that one! I never had a 996 GT3. That must've been cool.
I've only experienced the 997 GT3. Didn't get a chance to drive the 996 GT3.
The 997 GT3 was a little raw - easy to understand to drive the car at 7/10ths, but not easy to understand to drive the car at 9/10ths or more. I suppose that can be said about many cars, but I'd say the 997 GT3 was especially difficult. The 997 GT3 had a ...
The Huracan is now phased out.
The new replacement is unfortunately Hybridized. Nothing wrong with Hybrids. Just not what I want. I want either something all gas or all electric. Maybe Lamborghini will make a third sports car model that is just petrol powered. But unlikely at this poin...
I’m very pleased with my 2022 X3 M40
So I’m going to hold onto it for a while 🙂 It’s the perfect car for me; Fits my lifestyle well and is fun to drive 👍🏻 PS: But yes, this is a very common dealer strategy: “During service, let’s get him into a nice loaner with only 3,000 miles and that fres...
