[SteveinArizona]

Yesterday morning I played golf here in Arizona. When I finished the temperature was 104F (40 C). But when I reached the 18th hole tee box, I took out my phone and turned on the AC. By the time I got to the car it was so comfortable that I actually turned down the AC a notch. I then turned on the massage and ventilation (which I can only feel after doing some outdoor activity in hot weather) and drove comfortably home.

It would only be better if BMW would let me replace my 530e with a 545e...come on BMW...start selling it in the USA! That would be sweet. If I traded in my 530e for a 545e I would have to give up my right to drive in the HOV lane (only new vehicles allowed are pure BEVs) but I would willingly do so.

[ted99]

I feel the same, but I'd also want an increase in the battery size to allow 30-33 mi batt range. Then, it would be perfect for me and I would never be tempted by a full EV. If I do go for another full EV (had a 2014 i3), it's highly unlikely to be a BMW as BMW seems to have missed the boat with it's ICE/PHEV/EV platforms. Too many compromises when a full EV. BMW made a bet on the transition to electric being a 10-year thing, but it could be just 5 years and they will be left with non-competitive iX type platforms for next few years.

[SteveinArizona]

Originally Posted by ted99

I feel the same, but I'd also want an increase in the battery size to allow 30-33 mi batt range. Then, it would be perfect for me and I would never be tempted by a full EV. If I do go for another full EV (had a 2014 i3), it's highly unlikely to be a BMW as BMW seems to have missed the boat with it's ICE/PHEV/EV platforms. Too many compromises when a full EV. BMW made a bet on the transition to electric being a 10-year thing, but it could be just 5 years and they will be left with non-competitive iX type platforms for next few years.

I agree. Whereas Porsche has gone to an 800 amp arrangement and Lucid has gone to a 900 amp arrangement, BMW has stayed with a much slower refresh rate.

Aside from the butt ugly grill, BMW technology for BEVs is way behind.

[LogicalApex]

I agree. Absolutely love my 530xe.

As with ted99 I'd like a larger battery, but for now I'm sitting on my 530e for at least 7 years. Give time for the chip shortage to cool down, the car market to right side itself, and for electrification to improve even more.

Going on a 1K mile RT road-trip in my 530e this weekend. Looking forward to getting a chance to actually drive it again for an extended period.

[ted99]

Sounds like we are going to be getting our wish. Latest rumor is that the next M5 will be a PHEV with both V8 and I6 options. Should weigh less than a Tesla Model S and could rival the Plaid for straight line performance. Plaid might jump it at the start line, but the M5 would overtake it as electric motor torque falls off at higher speeds--just as the V8 is reaching it's stride. BMW quality and luxury, EV around town and supercar performance. And will probably cost less than a Plaid.

[SteveinArizona]

Originally Posted by ted99

Sounds like we are going to be getting our wish. Latest rumor is that the next M5 will be a PHEV with both V8 and I6 options. Should weigh less than a Tesla Model S and could rival the Plaid for straight line performance. Plaid might jump it at the start line, but the M5 would overtake it as electric motor torque falls off at higher speeds--just as the V8 is reaching it's stride. BMW quality and luxury, EV around town and supercar performance. And will probably cost less than a Plaid.

I hope so but I have my doubts. All future (read "imaginary") cars look great before you actually see them and their specs.

What will the new M5 look like? Will it have the butt ugly grill (interestingly, to me, I watched the first round of the BMW golf tournament and there were many BMW commercials but they all showed BMWs with the classic grills, not the Edsel grills; there was a new electric IX on the golf course in case of a hole in one but, if that were not there, one would watch a BMW tournament and not even realize that they were making cars with Edsel grills.

I don't track my car so I don't really need an M5. I would be very happy with a 545e configured similarly to my 530e (Nappa leather, etc.).

Somewhere between designing PHEVs to be economical, and designing them to be beasts, there has to be a middle ground. BMW has found it with the 545e but won't sell it in the USA.

[Joe-BMW33]

I think I would take the butt ugly grill (growing on me like all of BMW's controversial designs) over the giant charging door in the middle of the front fender.

[LogicalApex]

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

I think I would take the butt ugly grill (growing on me like all of BMW's controversial designs) over the giant charging door in the middle of the front fender.

To each their own, of course. The fender charging door doesn’t bother me one bit. It isn’t anymore offensive than the giant door for the gas nozzle…

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by LogicalApex

To each their own, of course. The fender charging door doesn’t bother me one bit. It isn’t anymore offensive than the giant door for the gas nozzle…

You mean the fuel filler door that is where it is supposed to be, on the rear passenger side fender and does not distract from the lines of the drivers side of the car? Ok, got it. The PHEV door BTW is bigger than the fuel filler door, for what reason I don't know. Just another BMW design decision that I always shake my head at when I see it on the road.

Just being half a wise ass LogicalApex. To each his own is right.

[SteveinArizona]

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

You mean the fuel filler door that is where it is supposed to be, on the rear passenger side fender and does not distract from the lines of the drivers side of the car? Ok, got it. The PHEV door BTW is bigger than the fuel filler door, for what reason I don't know. Just another BMW design decision that I always shake my head at when I see it on the road.

Just being half a wise ass LogicalApex. To each his own is right.

I just measured the two doors. The fuel filler door is larger.

But...to each his own.

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by SteveinArizona

I just measured the two doors. The fuel filler door is larger.

But...to each his own.

Maybe it's the aesthetics of it being flat and in the middle of a fender and staring at you every time you get in and out vs. being up high and tucked away on the rear fender at an angle.