BMW changes EV tack and will build ELECTRIC X3 and MINI models

BMW has revealed it is to build electric versions of the X3 and MINI as it changes focus from the ‘i’ sub-brand to electrified mainstream models.

We always used to moan about hybrid cars getting quirky styling which shouted ‘Green Eco Warrior’ from the rooftops, when all, we thought, car owners wanted was a ‘proper’ car with hybrid powertrains.

Toyota eventually learnt that lesson and stopped making buyers opt for a Prius if they wanted a hybrid by offering hybrid powertrains in their mainstream cars. And their hybrid sales rose substantially as a result.

Now, thankfully, the most successful hybrids – like the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and Volvo XC90 T8, for example – are mainstream models which happen to come with a hybrid or PHEV option, and buyers love it.

But that lesson on marketing hybrid cars seemed to have been lost on BMW when they launched the ‘i’ Brand of cars to bring ‘Premium’ electric motoring to BMW, and the complicated and expensive i3 and i8 have not exactly been a runaway success.

So now, sensibly, BMW are changing tack, and have revealed they will deliver an electric X3 SUV and at least one electric MINI model in the next few years.

Which is eminently sensible.