JOHANN KISTLER, BMW ix PROJECT DIRECTOR
How will you retain repeat M customers in the switch to EVS?
“If we look at the market 10 years ago when we started with the i3, electric cars were seen as smaller cars with little range and mobility restrictions. If we look at our targets now, we will keep improving electric [range], offer electric vehicles of every size and show sportiness to convince M4, M6, M8 owners that electric cars are good for them. You must offer a top-end powertrain to achieve this, which is why we’re launching the ix M60.”
Do you think it’s important all BMW models have performance variants?
“As you know from all models of BMW, we will always have an M sports car at the top end. It’s easier to explain with combustion engines: it’s familiar to have four-cylinder, then six, eight and 12 for the M. For electric, the xdrive40 standard version is good for driving in urban areas and for tax benefits. If customers want a longer distance without looking for our next charging station, there’s the xdrive50. And there’s the possibility of having more power, torque and a higher top speed of 155mph in the
Is the legacy of the i8 significant when it comes to electrified sports cars? “Yes, very. We started with the i3, which was an urban concept, and then we wanted to show electric cars were possible in a sports version. The i8 was a lighthouse project: we wanted to show our competence and that electrified cars were possible for sports cars. It’s a different customer who likes to show they have a special car.”
Even affordable EVS accelerate quickly. Will big power figures always be important?
“In the end, a car should be a BMW with driving pleasure and experience. But you have to find a sweet spot. We have to offer electric range of around 310 miles but, on the other side, it should be a BMW and that means driving dynamics. You go to the countryside to enjoy it. It’s not only about acceleration.”