Page 65 - Sharp September 2021

THE ELECTRIC
SPECS
Power: 516 hp Range: 475 km (estimated) Price: $89,990
ISSUE
BMW iX
Just like the i3 was all those years ago, the iX is a giant leap forward. It’s designed from a clean sheet as a pure EV, so it has impressive cabin space despite a smallish footprint. The interior is more like a living space than a cockpit. The blue cloth and bronze trim wouldn’t be out of place in a Soho House lounge. We love the iX’s “shy technology” that is unobtrusive until you need it. For example, discreet buttons are hidden in a single slab of wood. The curved widescreen display runs BMW’s next-gen operating system, which is both simplified and more powerful. Recharging is quick; the iX can recoup 100 kilometres of driving range in just nine minutes when plugged into a 150 kW fast-charger. For those of you eager to get your hands on the iX, there’s good news: it is set to arrive in driveways by early 2022.
PLUG-IN HYBRIDS,
2 WAYS
Not totally electric but not powered solely by dino-bones either, plug-in hybrids offer an interesting compromise, and there are more of them out there than ever.
Jeep Wrangler 4xe
Go off-roading without the engine noise thanks to 34 km of electric-only range.
Bentley Flying Spur Hybrid
Cross the continent on gas power. Cross the city using electricity.
4,151 4,990 9,076
2015 2016 2017
22,570 35,523 39,036
2018 2019 2020
(DATA: STATISTICS CANADA)
SHARPMAGAZINE.COM
SEPTEMBER 2021 • AUTO 65