There’s no question electric cars are quite handy in the city, but what about when going out of town? To answer this question, members of the motoring media were recently invited to take a road trip with BMW Philippines' new electric vehicle lineup. 

It started early in the morning at RSA Motors Greenhills, where I met fellow motoring media friends for coffee and a briefing on our day's adventure. We were about to drive to Tagaytay for lunch, showcasing BMW's latest electric vehicles. On the roster were the i7 xDrive60, the i4 eDrive35, the i4 M50, the iX3 M Sport, the i5 eDrive40, and the iX. 

Up with the electric X3

As we had our pick of the lot. I chose the Cashmere Silver iX3 M Sport for driving up, as I was curious if the ultimate driving machine was hiding within BMW's compact SUV. The car's athletic stance and 19-inch M aerodynamic wheels immediately caught my eye. The sleek lines and M badging gave it a certain flair that you wouldn't find in an ordinary SUV. Blue accents in the front and rear gave it a distinct look that proclaimed its electrified nature, making it stand out even among other luxury SUVs. 

BMW never fails to impress with their interiors, and it’s the same here. The spacious and stylish interior, complete with sports seats and a panoramic sunroof, set the stage for an exciting drive. From the gauge cluster to the rest of the dashboard and center console, it's a serious but busy design. With buttons to press here and there, it's the kind of cockpit I like.

Navigating through morning EDSA traffic, the iX3 M Sport's 286-Ps and 400-Nm of torque effortlessly maneuvered through the morning slog. With instant acceleration at my fingertips, it was easy to navigate traffic and get ahead. The adaptive suspension and low center of gravity provided a stable and comfortable ride, despite EDSA's awful condition. Once I hit SLEX, I could truly open up the car, appreciating its smooth and powerful acceleration. I checked how to turn on the adaptive cruise control, but unfortunately, it only had the regular kind.

My first stop was in Cabuyao, Laguna, where I decided to take a few photos of the iX3 against empty lots just outside of Nuvali. The twisty roads leading up from the abandoned Marcos Twin Mansions to the ridge, also known as Reverse Palace in Barangay Casile to us cyclists, offered a perfect opportunity to test the vehicle's handling. The iX3's adaptive suspension and precise steering made navigating these curves an exhilarating experience, not to mention the ease of climbing the steep sections thanks to torque-on-tap. 

The iX3's interior is designed for comfort, with spacious seating and ample cargo space. The sports seats provided excellent support, making the drive enjoyable even on longer stretches. Practical features like the panoramic sunroof and the roomy cargo area enhanced the overall experience, making it a perfect companion for a day trip.

Down with the electric 5 Series

I arrived at La Granja Cafe in Tagaytay shortly after 11 AM, just in time for a sumptuous Filipino lunch. The serene surroundings and delicious food provided a perfect break from the drive, and after lunch, it was time to switch vehicles. This time, I chose the i5 eDrive 40 to check out BMW's EV sedan. After shooting in the beautiful spaces within La Granja for half an hour, I decided to head back to San Juan before the traffic got worse.

The Carbon Black i5 eDrive40, with its sleek design and closed kidney grille, offers a sophisticated executive appearance. Its size and stance project an elegant and upscale silhouette. The 19-inch alloy wheels and variety of color options, including Alpine White and Tanzanite Blue Metallic, add to its allure. Inside, the i5 features a luxurious cabin with a massive, fully digital cockpit that's easy to use and intuitive, thanks to the iDrive control wheel.

Taking the i5 eDrive40 for the return journey, I immediately noticed its impressive performance. With a single electric motor delivering 340-Ps and 430-Nm of torque, the i5 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just six seconds. 

The i5's 81.2 kWh battery provides a range of up to 582-km on a full charge, making it highly efficient for long trips. The drive through the twisty roads of Tagaytay was so smooth and thrilling that it was easy to forget it was chucking around a much heavier vehicle. The suspension was remarkable, offering precise handling, while the steering was light, responsive, and provided good feedback.

The i5's interior is designed with comfort in mind, featuring leather seats and advanced climate control. The i5 eDrive40 comes equipped with a state-of-the-art touchscreen infotainment system and an 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system. The regenerative braking system and efficient energy use undoubtedly made energy consumption light on my way back.

Impressions

The drive to Tagaytay with the BMW i5 eDrive40 and iX3 M Sport was a delightful experience, showcasing the best of BMW's electric vehicle technology. The i5 eDrive40 impressed with its sleek design, advanced features, and powerful performance, making it an ideal choice for luxury sedan enthusiasts. The iX3 M Sport stood out with its versatility, comfort, and athletic appeal, perfect for those who need a practical yet stylish vehicle.