CHARGING AHEAD

If you’ve been listening to the media hype, the electric vehicle revolution has been on our doorstep for years. Yet, until recently, the only significant player in the premium end of the market has been Tesla. Finally, there are some new kids on the block who are about to kick the EV garage door wide open.

AUDI E-TRON GT/RS E-TRON GT

Coming on the heels of the critically acclaimed e-tron SUV, Audi has just introduced the e-tron GT. This jaw-dropping sedan is arguably the most gorgeous EV yet, seating four in sublime comfort and cutting-edge technology. The vehicle shares a platform with Porsche’s excellent Taycan, but reimagined with Audi’s specific design flair and ride characteristics. Audis have long been known for stylish performance and the GT intends carry that ethos into the electric vehicle category, setting a new benchmark for luxury EVs and giving the Tesla Model S a serious competitor.

CHARGING AHEAD

BY Roger Garbow

For the last two decades, Audi has led the way in automotive interior design. Their cockpits are beautifully appointed with quality materials and flawless craftsmanship. Unlike some other luxury brands, functionality and ergonomics are also a priority. The seats are comfortable yet supportive while all controls fall easily to hand. With the e-tron GT, Audi is elevating their own high standard by creating a cockpit that feels modern and high tech, but also familiar. It doesn’t scream EV with a giant stuck on tablet or nonintuitive interfaces. Just a clean, elegant and highly functional cabin with real buttons and switches and featuring my favorite driver information screen, Audi’s industry leading Virtual Cockpit. This is a car that passengers will love, and drivers will covet. Speaking of driving, the e-tron GT offers 469 horsepower and 464 lb-ft of torque through its dual motors, while the hotter RS e-tron puts out a serious 590 HP and 612 lb-ft. delivering 0-60 mph in only 3.3 seconds. Handling promises to be impressive as well with the GT’s center of gravity lower even than Audi’s ground-hugging R8 supercar. For driving range, the GT delivers 238 miles on a charge. Recharging is easy, with 60 miles of range gained in only 5 minutes via DC fast charging and going from 5- 80% charge in only 20 minutes.

The e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT will be turning heads on local roads beginning this summer. I personally can’t wait to get behind the wheel.

BMW IX

In 2013, BMW launched its first all-electric vehicle: the radical i3 subcompact car. The car was revolutionary, not just in its styling, but also in its engineering. The i3 featured an ultralightweight carbon polymer body with clamshell rear doors and a roomy interior that was a major departure from anything else on the road.

Over the last eight years, BMW has been constantly improving their electric technology building a range of plug-in electric hybrid vehicles based off their existing models. The company recently announced they will have 25 electrified vehicles by 2023, with more than half of these being fully electric. The first of these all-new EVs will be the 2022 BMW iX sports activity vehicle (SAV). SAV is BMW speak for SUV. The iX is the first vehicle using BMW’s new scalable, modular architecture which will be the basis for a variety of upcoming models. This new platform promises to embrace BMW’s exhilarating driving heritage while creating a forward-looking mobility experience. Power comes from the fifth generation of BMW’s eDrive, utilizing two electric motors with a combined output of 500 hp, pushing the vehicle to 0-60 in under 5 seconds.

From the outside, the iX looks unlike any other SUV on the road with bold styling setting a new standard for BMW’s future models. The face of the vehicle is unmistakably BMW, but with a futuristic take on the kidney grill, flanked by BMW’s twin headlight design. An aluminum spaceframe will allow the iX to offer rigidity and passenger safety while reducing overall vehicle weight.

The interior is a showcase for BMW’s new minimalist design approach. A huge curved display in front of the driver with an integrated head-up display present all key information without having to look away from the road. A floating center console and hidden speakers continue the clean look and create a luxurious, spacious environment. The Sky Lounge panoramic roof runs the full length of the cabin, offering great views for five passengers and features electrochromatic tinting to protect against direct sun.

With the iX, BMW looks to be recreating the luxury SUV, a category they have dominated in recent years. Considering how popular their current gas and hybrid models are, they should have no trouble getting buyers to go electric.

CAN WE TALK ABOUT RANGE?

The first question most folks ask about an electric vehicle is range. Considering most folks drive less than 40 miles a day, anything more than 100 should be more than adequate. Even if you are taking a long road trip, stopping every 200 miles to eat and stretch your legs will give you a chance to top up your battery.

But here’s the thing: If you are planning on buying an EV, you should also consider installing a level 2 charger in your garage as I recently did. Imagine waking up every morning with a full tank and your car interior set to the perfect temperature. And never having to pump gas again.