BMW claims its upcoming Tesla rival will have almost double the range of a Model 3
- BMW said its upcoming iNext electric vehicle will be able to drive up to 435 miles per charge.
- That would nearly double the range of the base version Tesla Model 3, which is around 220 miles.
- The iNext will be released in 2021.
Car companies are known for announcing reality-defying specs to build hype for upcoming cars, but BMW's claim about its forthcoming iNext electric vehicle is shocking even within that context.
The company claimed the iNext will be able to drive up to 435 miles per charge at the Detroit auto show on Monday, according to Motortrend. The vehicle is expected to hit the streets in 2021 and have autonomous driving capabilities.
If the iNext's range comes close to BMW's prediction, it would nearly double the range of the base version of the Tesla Model 3, which is around 220 miles. That kind of range would also help make the argument for electric vehicles more persuasive.
Though EVs can save money over time, they tend to cost more than gas-powered cars and rely on a small but growing network of charging stations. An electric vehicle with over 400 miles of range would lessen the need for charging stations, as drivers could charge at their homes for a wider range of trips.
The iNext will join a variety of electric cars announced by BMW that are set to be released over the next few years as the company tries to position itself as a leader in electric and autonomous vehicles. Though electric cars still represent a very small segment of total worldwide car sales, aggressive investments in the sector could help BMW edge out Mercedes-Benz as the best-selling luxury automaker.