Video Summary
Here is the requested summary of the YouTube video:- The car is a 2018 BMW i3s REX, with “REX” standing for “Range Extender.”
- It features a backup gas generator that powers the motors to power the car when the battery runs out.
- The main gimmick is one-pedal driving: letting off the accelerator causes the car to break and regenerate power, turning on the brake lights.
- This model doesn’t have paddles for regen breaking like others, but is able to come to a full stop with the one-pedal system.
- It takes effort to coast.
- 184 hp and 199 lb-ft of torque was found, though different BMW websites cited different figures: 125 hp and 135 hp were also found.
- It’s quick due to the torque of the electric motor, rather than slow.
- It has 200km of electric range. The gas backup generator adds another 80 to 90km, for a total range of 280-300km.
- Filling up the gas back-up generator is done normally at any gas station. The gas generator never powers the wheels directly, only to generate electricity that runs the motors.
- On the highway, the steering feels digital and doesn’t feel like it wants to stay straight. This car requires driver adjustments more often than preferred.
- The high seating position makes the driver feel like they are in the front of a bus. It is like sitting in a green house.
- There is a double sunroof.
- There is ample room for a brochure on the dashboard.
- It has Wireless Apple CarPlay.
- There is no touchscreen. Controls are Mazda-style and set far away.
- The small dashboard gauge panel has large bezels but has easy to read information.
- The car has a nice Climate Control button with all information in the button.
- It uses low profile wheels. The tires are narrow with funny proportions, but twenty inches.
- It handles okay.
- It is in a carbon fiber tub chassis.
- There is room to fit a hockey bag in the cargo area.
- There is storage for cables under the hood.
- Charging at Level 1 can take 20 hours. Level 3 (fastest) takes about 20-30 minutes to 80% charge.
- The charging info display doesn’t show how long until finished charging.
- It doesn’t have android auto.
- Starting Price of car: just over $56,000 USD (the test model was just over $66,000 CAD)
- It is recommended only for BMW brand loyalists or those that love the looks.
- It may be better to go with a Chev Bolt if you want an electric car and are not brand loyal.
