Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW)’s New Electric Car Just Became a Major Problem

Consider this: The i3, designed from the ground up as an EV, has received praise from some of the industry’s harshest EV critics. As BBC’s “Top Gear” drivers put it:

At first sampling, then, this is a compelling electric car. It’s not the first on the market, but BMW has put some original thinking into almost every part of its design and engineering. It drives sweetly, is distinctively designed, and has the reassuring range-extender option if you are anxious about running flat.

These are the same critics that gave Tesla’s Roadster a less than glowing report — in fact, Tesla sued the show for “libel and malicious falsehood” because of the review.

What to watch for
The i3 isn’t set to hit showrooms until the second quarter of 2014, and right now it’s too soon to predict exactly how this will affect General Motors Company (NYSE:GM) and Tesla’s sales. However, given Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (ETR:BMW)’s reputation, the i3’s reviews, and the just released base price, this is something investors would do well to monitor.

The article BMW’s New Electric Car Just Became a Major Problem originally appeared on Fool.com is written by Katie Spence.

Fool contributor Katie Spence has no position in any stocks mentioned. Follow her on Twitter @TMFKSpence. The Motley Fool recommends Ford and Tesla Motors (NASDAQ:TSLA). The Motley Fool owns shares of Ford and Tesla Motors.

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