SPEEDOMETER

An Electrifying Challenge

Special feature by Performance Motors
23 Aug 2023

How do premium electric vehicles perform on the road? From 4 August to 25 September, select motorists will get their answers first hand.

How do premium electric vehicles perform on the road? From 4 August to 25 September, select motorists will get their answers first hand. Performance Motors Limited (PML) is inviting 50 readers of Portfolio Magazine to test drive three BMW EV models for three days and two nights.

The expanded period will provide participants with ample time to test the vehicles – on actual road and in traffic situations, at different times of the day – for a comprehensive assessment of their capabilities. The test models have different characteristic strengths allowing participants to match the vehicle with their requirements and preferences.

“In a world grappling with environmental challenges, it is our responsibility as an organization to make a difference, to set an example, and to drive change,” says Lawrence Tan, Managing Director at Performance Motors Ltd. “We would want to invite like-minded leaders to join us on this path of sustainability by taking on a challenge of switching out their petrol variant cars into an electric vehicle.”

The models that are available for test drive are BMW i7, BMW iX, and BMW i4 M50 GC.

A fully electric luxury sedan with an output of 544 hp, the pioneering BMW i7 xDrive60 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in only 4.7 seconds while remaining almost silent and free of local emissions while you unwind in sheer opulence. It has a low power consumption of only 19.7 kWh per 100 km which gives it up to 625 km range. It’s 101.7 kWh battery can be recharged for the 100 km range in 1.38 hours at a BMW wallbox and 6 minutes at a 150 kW high-power charging station.

With a range up to 425 km the BMW iX xDrive40 is ideal for both city driving and long distances. It accelerates to 100 km/h from 0 in 6.1 seconds. Its highly efficient construction including CFRP makes possible an extremely low energy consumption of not more than 25 kWh per 100km. Equipped with a 7.1kWh battery, it takes less than 8 hours for a full charge from 0% from a BMW Wallbox, and only 30 mins from a 150kWh charger.

The BMW i4 M50 GC is equipped with dual electric motors that deliver up to 544 hp. As its name indicates, this Gran Coupé is the first fully electric BMW M model. It’s two electric motors with Sport Boost slingshot you from 0 to 100 km/h in mere 3.9 seconds, and reaches a top speed of 225km/h. Its 80.7 kWh battery gives you an electric range of up to 521km. It is also capable of ultra-fast DC charging rate of up to an impressive 205 kW.

The authorised dealer of BMW cars and motorcycles, PML is working with Media Group, publisher of Portfolio Magazine on this special test-drive. The programme also includes a contest among participants to determine the Top 3 ‘Most Efficient BMW i7 Driver’, Top 3 ‘Most Efficient BMW iX Driver’, and the ‘Bonus Range Champion’*. 

“Our journey towards sustainability cannot be undertaken alone. Collaboration is key – with our employees, business partners, and customers. By working together, we hope to amplify our impact and inspire a ripple effect of positive change. I believe we are en route to delivering sustainable futures for generations to come,” concludes Lawrence.

*Winning a category prize is based on the following criteria:
- Most Efficient BMW i7 Driver based on kWh/100km
- Most Efficient BMW iX Driver based on kWh/100km
- Bonus Range Champion based on highest mileage on 1 full charge.