Meet Bev and Rex. No, they are not a couple on the new M-Net reality series Power Couple, nor are they secret code words in Eskom's load shedding schedule. It is BMW's futuristic power pair, now looking for a home in South Africa.
Trending with the stylish and famous, these two megacity players with their electric personalities also spell their names funny – BEV which actually stands for Battery Electric Vehicle and REX for Range Extender. They are rather eccentric, do not play by the rules and do not follow custom and traditions, and it is because of this non-conformity that the tributes, such as World Green Car of the Year for 2015 and World's Best Designed Car for 2014 are rolling in.
Bev and Rex's light-weight attires of carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) are expensive, but unique, and while their sense of style may not be tailored to everyone, it is an indication of future fashion developments, for sure. The LifeDrive architecture consists of a Drive module integrating the drive system, powerful high-voltage battery, chassis, crash and mechanical safety functions, as well as the passenger cell (Life Module). This unique suit, with the batteries stacked under the seats, ensures both have a low centre of gravity and stable weight distribution, and with the electric motor mounted on the rear axle no transmission tunnel is necessary, freeing up more interior space. The rigid CFRP cell negates the need for a B-pillar and the coach doors open wide for easy access, while by folding the rear seats down luggage space is enlarged from 260 to 1 100 litres.
Interestingly, Bev is not the one that is high maintenance. No, it is actually the ease of her power suit – a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 18.8 kWh and an electric motor, which makes her so attractive. This eDrive technology gives her 125kW and 250Nm of immediately available torque, sent to the rear wheels through a two-stage gear system, enough for a range of up to 160 km in Comfort mode – and around 200 km in EfficientDynamics modes (Eco and Eco Pro+) – dependent on how she is treated.
Rex, however, needs a bit of assistance to, uhm, go the distance. His performance is enriched by a 647cc twin-cylinder petrol engine, delivering an extra 28 kW. It kicks in when Rex's batteries start running flat and its 9-litre fuel tank gives him another 100 km of staying power. The little petrol motor does not power the car, but acts as a generator to charge the large batteries.
Being slim and trim, also only weighing only 1 195kg, Both are quietly quick – doing the 0-100km/h run in 7.2 sec, with top speed limited to 150km/h. Recharging? Well, it can be done at home overnight or, by using BMW's i Wallbox charger which is a walloping R25 000 for a unit but charges quicker by far, normally within about 3 hours.
Inside they are simple, yet gracefully and functionally designed. The outlay is distinctively BMW, but less fussy. An iDrive system with a choice among Comfort, Eco Pro and Eco Pro+ settings is standard. Lots of natural and renewable materials are used, and trim options such as Atelier, Loft, Lodge and Suite are available.
The energised pair may look strange, but they are quite conventional to drive – albeit quiet, with only the twin-cylinder in Rex's occasionally gurgling softly. A rigid chassis and advanced suspension ensure an excellent steadiness between ride quality and handling, but you need to adapt your driving style to accommodate the strong decelerating effect of the electric drivetrains.
As can be expected Bev and Rex are loaded with BMW's i-function and ConnectedDrive systems, including navigation, aircon and parking assist, with more, such as Driving Assist Plus, optionally available. This all adds to the price, with Bev's going for R525 000 in standard trim (that's R50k dearer than a Nissan Leaf) while R70k more will get you Rex.
And that is the problem. Because it does not matter how cute, attractive, advanced or futuristic this power couple is, at these prices they will not be local preferences.
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