BMW: With E-Power easily over ice and snow
WINTERTEST Purely electrically powered cars are still in the process of proving their suitability for everyday use. BMWi's new xDrive models came up with convincing winter performance in the Engadine.
Electric cars have already proven that they are suitable for everyday use with their long ranges. The latest winter driving tests in Samedan in the canton of Grisons showed that they can also offer a great deal of driving pleasure on snow.
Equipped with all-wheel drive, which BMW calls xDrive, both the compact iX1 and the large iX as well as the sports sedan i4 M50 and even the impressive i7 with long wheelbase were convincing across the board.
Because the electric motors on the front and rear axles respond to accelerator pedal inputs with virtually no delay and the driving assistance systems are also available correspondingly quickly, driving on snow and ice is not only particularly enjoyable, but also also optimal in terms of safety.
Driving dynamics systems and lateral driving pleasure
The iX1 xDrive30, the brand's first all-wheel-drive electric model in the compact segment, is powered by two electric drive units with a system torque of 494 Nm and a total output of 230 kW (313 hp) in boost mode. When driving on snow and ice, its short wheelbase makes it particularly agile yet easy to control.
In the iX xDrive50, which is significantly larger and heavier than the iX1, the driving dynamics systems work reliably even with minimal grip. If the systems are largely switched off in Sport Plus mode, great lateral driving pleasure soon emerges in the iX on snow. Finally, up to 765 Nm and 385 kW (523 hp) are delivered to the four wheels.
Sportiness and comfort of a sedan
BMW launched the modern era of electric mobility in 2013 with the rear-wheel-drive i3. The production run of this, the brand's first large-scale electric model, ended in 2022 after 250,000 units had been built. BMWi's current model offensive has since extended far in the direction of sport and luxury, right up to the i4 M50 and i7 xDrive 60 models.
In the elegant i4 M50 Gran Coupé, the two electric motors on the front and rear axles with a combined 795 Nm and system output of 400 kW (544 hp) provide the agility and dynamics typical of M - on snow, too, of course. A sensitive foot then demands cornering with the driving dynamics assistance systems completely deactivated.
Road adhesion and smooth ride
Even the huge i7 comfort sedan doesn't fall out of line in the snow flurry. On the contrary. The high weight and long wheelbase ensure a sufficiently smooth ride at all times, even with low road grip. This ensures that the director in the rear can indulge stress-free in the entertainment offered by the large theater screen extending from the headliner and the surround sound system from Bowers & Wilkins.
