BMW iX3 launched

[Evanivitch]

SWoll said:

Indeed, as it's only got a single motor and is RWD christ only knows why they've got no spare room under that bonnet.



Any idea anyone?

There's still a lot of stuff under the bonnet usually. Aircon, AC-DC, DC-DC, BMS etc Most manufacturers don't go to the effort of a drink, and just dump a plastic cover on it. Hyundai do that with the Kona, some owners have nestled a small stowage box in there by removing the plastic cover and finding a suitably shaped container for charge cables.

It's perhaps a combination of effort (both sensible packaging and making the bonnet a daily-use item), and crash structure (including pedestrians).

[Smiljan]

SWoll said:

Witchfinder said:

Absolutely glowing review from Autogefühl. Thomas really praises the driving dynamics.

https://youtu.be/QAXRAQLLz6g

I think it looks quite good, although I'm not a fan of BMW interiors. Odd that there's no frunk. I can't imagine what they've crammed into the space where the engine was.

Indeed, as it's only got a single motor and is RWD christ only knows why they've got no spare room under that bonnet.



Any idea anyone?

I'm not sure cars with a decent boot really need another one in the front. I don't imagine it's one of the top selling points of any car so probably no reason for most manufacturers to go to the effort of engineering one in. The space can be used for all the other gubbins instead.

[dmsims]

Smiljan said:

I'm not sure cars with a decent boot really need another one in the front. I don't imagine it's one of the top selling points of any car so probably no reason for most manufacturers to go to the effort of engineering one in. The space can be used for all the other gubbins instead.

Less boot than the ice X3 and pathetic compared to say a Superb

[Smiljan]

Again, is it that important. I'm not defending this car in particular as I think it's far too expensive but the obsession some people have with storage under the bonnet just 'cause Tesla has one seem a little odd. It's a minor feature not a necessity.

[Evanivitch]

Smiljan said:

Again, is it that important. I'm not defending this car in particular as I think it's far too expensive but the obsession some people have with storage under the bonnet just 'cause Tesla has one seem a little odd. It's a minor feature not a necessity.

It's very useful with charge cables, as they're always accessible then and not buried under whatever is in the boot (I've never understood under floor boot storage for anything but emergency equipment).

[Witchfinder]

Smiljan said:

I don't imagine it's one of the top selling points of any car so probably no reason for most manufacturers to go to the effort of engineering one in.

I find the storage really useful for the charging cables. Keeps things clean and separate in the boot, and means the cables are always easily accessible, and not trapped under whatever detritus I happen to be carrying around.

[granada203028]

Extra crash protection, including for pedestrians.

[JonnyVTEC]

SWoll said:

Indeed, as it's only got a single motor and is RWD christ only knows why they've got no spare room under that bonnet.



Any idea anyone?

Might be part of the crash structure with existing x3 design didn’t allow an motor in there whilst offering enough clearance to the battery after a crash.

We’ll see next week with the iNEXT reveal what the BEV dedicated stuff offers.

[gangzoom]

Smiljan said:

I'm not sure cars with a decent boot really need another one in the front.

I find the frunk useful about once a week.....stops the car from smelling like pizza/curry/any take away the next day.

Also useful if you have a bike on the back and want to put stuff away without taking the bike off.....so yes life changing conveniences if you literally have nothing else going on in life .

Edited by gangzoom on Sunday 8th November 06:04

[l354uge]

I'd imagine the lack of front boot is down to two things, both boil down to cost.

Firstly as another PH'er has explained there's alot of power electronics, thermal management and HVAC gubbins in the front, as this is likely installed on a front subframe and crash structure designed for ICE, so they're probably limited on width and depth, so need to go taller.

Secondly, it costs more to install a storage bin and ensure it is sealed against the elements. The power electronics will have an IP rating and can withstand some splashing, but you get even a little water on someone's pizza and there will be hell to pay.

Nearly all ground-up EVs have a front boot (apart from a zoe, which is annoying, it doesnt even come with a false floor in the boot either!)

[ZesPak]

I love it.

1. I usually reverse-park into a space, always have my laptop up front. My only complaint is that the rear space isn't powered.
2. As someone mentioned, getting takeaway food. On fridays my colleagues and I used to draw straps over who's car we would be using to get the fries, as you'd be smelling that all weekend .
3. As per the others, charging cables not obstructed by whatever is in your boot.

I've got this little set from Oscar and Hamish:


The side bags contain the mobile charger and Type 2 lead respectively, the center one got my laptop bag or anything else.

[Smiljan]

What a contrast between two owners - a Costco pizza vs "Oscar and Hamish" tailored luggage

I get it's useful (although I wouldn't keep a laptop in there given you can get in without the keys and steal it. It still doesn't make the iX3 a thing to ridicule because it doesn't have front storage!

I often wonder with the Model S and X having gigantic boots why you even need another stowage under the bonnet at all. Lugging around charging cables seems to be the common answer. In the Kona the cable got in the way so often I ended up leaving it at home, range was so good it really didn't need to be carried around all of the time.

I'm looking forward to the Tesla Truck video where you'll be able to put a Jacuzzi up front in the giant stowage

[dmsims]

This car also seems a massive retrograde step from the i3(s), they should have just made a bigger one of those

[Smiljan]

Oh and just to add more fire to fuel about this car - they're taking £500 deposits for pre-orders

Is anyone actually going to buy one outside of a tax free company car scheme?

Edited by Smiljan on Sunday 8th November 12:59

[Fastlane]

This looks very poor value compared to a Polestar 2, let alone a Model Y...

[ZesPak]

Smiljan said:

I'm looking forward to the Tesla Truck video where you'll be able to put a Jacuzzi up front in the giant stowage

It has the potential to be absolutely huge.

Tbh, the earlier RWD Model S' had a ginormous frunk. It could actually almost fit an adult.
I'm aware of the potential break in risk, but the laptop is just in there when I drive or parked (indoors) at home. When I arrive somewhere, I take it out.

[l354uge]

Worse for me is all the cheap and tacky light blue bits all over the place!

All the (much cooler) lime green bits on the mini electric can be optioned off, is this the same?

[anonymous-user]

I suspect BMW see it as a stopgap solution before they go hydrogen.

[JonnyVTEC]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

Nope.
Will be next week we see iNEXT.

[anonymous-user]

Yeah whatever. Cryogenic cooling system. LOL!