More so now than ever before there are options for those of us who are curiously exploring the world of electric vehicles. From exotic sport cars to sport utility vehicles and pick-up trucks the world of EV’s is expanding right before our eyes.
2022 brings the top 4 most popular luxury automotive brands together in a new realm of electric competition. We take a look at the contenders from each of those auto-makers including BMW, AUDI, Tesla Mercedes and the wild card electric vehicle from GMC that has a unique story all its own. Let’s begin with a look at what BMW has for 2022.
2022 BMW i4
BMW goes after the electric competition with the introduction of the all-new 2022 i4 electric sedan based on a 3-series platform. The i4 is stylish and is packed with performance goodies. The BMW i4 is expected to compete against the Tesla Model 3 and other mid-size EV sedans when it finally hits showrooms in 2022.
The i4 will have two options available including the edrive40 model powered by a single rear-mounted electric motor making 335 horsepower with a zero to 60 mph time of 5.7 seconds and the m50 that adds a motor up front producing 536 total horsepower that catapults this ride from zero to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds. Both are equipped with an 81.5-kwh battery pack with estimated driving ranges between 240 and 300 miles on a full charge. That battery can be charged from 10 to 80 percent in 31 minutes on a 200-kW DC fast charger.
The i4 interior is what you would find in BMW’s 3-series gasoline version sedans, plenty of room, very intuitive dash layout and sporty ergonomics that have become common place for BMW vehicles.
The i4 edrive 40 model will start at $55,400 and m50 version starts at $65,900. The BMW i4 can be a very reasonable way to get into the electric car game without breaking the bank on a proven brand name like BMW.
AUDI e-tron GRAN TURISMO
On another electric vehicle front Audi officially launched the e-tron GT electric car in the USA this summer with a starting price of $99,900. Audi’s e-tron GT shares a platform with the Porsche Taycan but the resemblance really stops there. The e-tron GT has a sleek look and feel of its own steeped in the Audi tradition of power and performance.
The e-tron GT is powered by a pair of electric motors that create an electrified version of Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system. The entry level e-tron GT generates up to 522 horsepower while the RS version peaks at 637 ponies. This power is converted to exhilarating acceleration with the help of its innovative two-speed transmission, which has a first gear for launches and a second top gear for optimal efficiency.
A complex cooling system means its battery pack can handle repeated runs without the typical signs of heat-related degradation. The e-tron GT is available with all-wheel steering, an adjustable air suspension, and wheel sizes that range from 19 up to 21 inches.
Audi claims e-tron GT will provide up to 238 miles of driving range. The e-tron GT can also be recharged from 5 to 80 percent of its battery capacity in a claimed 23 minutes using the standard 270-kW DC fast charger.
Inside the 2022 e-tron GT Audi provides a spacious cabin with standard leather-free interior incorporating recycled materials; Dinamica® and Alcantara. Napa leather is also available as an option. The dash layout is clean and user friendly surrounded by top-notch quality finishes.
Audi comes at the competition strong with these EV options combining aggressive styling and state-of-the-art electric technology.
TESLA ROADSTER
The main contender Tesla, who is one of the most recognizable electric vehicle manufactures on the planet is leading the pack with the much anticipated release of the new Tesla Roadster. This electric ride promises to take the market by storm once it is released.
The new Tesla Roadster is a super car version of its original design dating back to 2008. Technology advancements of the past decade in a half have catapulted the new Roadster to potential superstardom when it comes to performance
Powered by three electric motors, two for the rear wheels and one for the front axle, this radical electric all-wheel-drive supercar is expected to launch from 0-60 in a mind-blowing 1.9 seconds, run the quarter-mile in 8.8 seconds with a top speed of 250 miles per hour. The 200 kWh battery pack is estimated to provide a range of 620 miles.
Tesla is famous for techy gadgets and the Roadster will have all the toys including the company’s latest autopiloting driving technology, cameras and sensors that will detect objects both hard and soft for up to 250 meters around the vehicle.
Base price is $200,000 with a reservation deposit of $50,000. The Founder’s Series with only 1000 units expected to be produced hits the $250,000 mark and Tesla requires payment in full to place an order for that edition.
Tesla recently announced that the new Roadster which was expected for 2022 will most likely hit the market for 2023. Delays are a result of semi-conductor supply shortages.
If the Roadster lives up to the hype of what Tesla is promising then this all electric super car will definitely be worth the wait.
2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS
Tried and true luxury brand Mercedes releases a new generation of vehicles with the 2022 Mercedes EQS. This all electric luxury sedan catapults Mercedes to the forefront of the EV movement. The USA gets two models for 2022 the EQS 450+ and the EQS 580 4Matic.
Mercedes designers have recently focused on the theme of “sensual purity,” the new EQS has a minimum number of body lines along with flowing transitions and a reduced number of panel gaps. This glamorous yet simplistic design is brought to life for the EQS 450+ by a rear-mounted 329-horsepower electric motor. The EQS 580 4Matic has front and rear electric motors with a combined output of 516 horsepower.
Mercedes makes its own batteries, with reduced cobalt and high energy density, in Germany. Further improving range is an exceptionally sleek EQS body with a smooth bottom. This new electric Mercedes luxury sedan also has a drag coefficient of only 0.20, the lowest of any production car on the road. Top speed for the EQS electric models is limited to 130 mph.
The interior is refined and functional what you would expect from the Mercedes brand. And how about that Power Nap Mode for drivers and passenger needing a break. Once the vehicle is safely parked the driver can activate Power Nap Mode. This sleep-aid program has three phases: falling asleep, staying asleep, and waking up.
When Power Nap is engaged, the driver’s seat moves into a restful position, the side windows and blinds are closed, an air ionizer activates, and the ambient lighting gets toned down. Sleep is then supported by soothing sounds and a starry sky displayed on the EQS center console.
When it’s time to wake up, a fragrance fills the EQS cabin, and the seat massages you before returning to its former position. Where do we sign up for that experience, right?
The 2022 Mercedes-EQ EQS 450+ starts at $102,300 and the EQS 580 4Matic in Pinnacle trim begins at $125,310.
2022 GMC Hummer EV Pickup
Changing gears to finish up this overview we had to take a look at the Hummer’s electrified resurrection. This is obviously not the gas guzzling Hummer you remember. The 2022 Hummer is making an all-electric comeback as a sub-brand for GMC.
This first iteration will come in the form of a pick-up truck with a sport utility version not far behind. This new Hummer apparently brings the goods of its predecessor without the poor fuel economy. How about an estimated 1000 horsepower produced by its top powertrain option, which uses three electric motors. All that power blasts this Hummer from zero to 60 mph in 3 seconds with a full charge range of 350 miles.
The Hummer EV also features removable roof panels, an optional adjustable air suspension, and a cool four-wheel steering feature that allows it to “crab” sideways—drive diagonally—all of which should make it fun to take off-road.
No word yet on official towing capacity which would need to be in the 7500 and 11,000 pound range to compete with the Tesla Cybertruck and Ford Lightning.
The all new Hummer has lots of cabin space, big comfortable seats and removable glass roof panels to enjoy the wind when out exploring the open road.
The 2022 electric Hummer price tag comes in at $79,000 to $113,000 depending on the version and optional equipment. This one is certainly worth a test drive.
2022 is promising to be an exciting year for EV enthusiasts. If you are on the fence about going electric now may be a good time to get out there and do some test driving. With so many options available you are more than certain to find one that fits your lifestyle and budget. Good luck and have fun.
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