The Mini JCW GP’s wild energy eruptions, the crisply subtle steadiness of the finely honed BMW 420i or the surprising punch of the carbonfibre-rich, idea car-like BMW i3? Every of those experiences will be yours for close to sufficient £40,000, making for fairly some selection not solely on the value, but additionally from the identical producer.
It’s not simply that the characters of those automobiles are totally different, however so are their missions and make-up. Disparate alternatives of autos can, after all, be constructed from different automotive makers’ portfolios, not least Volkswagen for one, and Stellantis (PSA and FCA, should you’re questioning) for one more. However no producer provides three such totally totally different automobiles for near-identical cash.
Essentially the most mainstream mannequin right here is the 420i, an in depth relative of the three Sequence, if with a usefully bolstered physique construction, a lowered centre of gravity, 50:50 weight distribution and a widened observe to go well with its extra sporting ambitions. For a base value of £40,460, you get a 182bhp 2.0-litre turbo petrol driving the rear wheels (not a BMW fixed) and an eight-speed automated gearbox. Not an particularly scintillating confection, however there’s slightly extra to this automotive than its stark spec sheet reveals.
The Mini GP’s pushed wheels are on the different finish, and it’s (very) forcibly propelled by the identical 2.0 turbo as used within the 420i, considerably strengthened and boosted right here to supply 302bhp and a horizon-compacting 332lb ft. As with the 420i, it’s harnessed to an eight-speed auto – a handbook can be mashed by the torque, apparently – however you get some cheap-looking paddle shifts. For the £35,345 checklist value, a mechanical limited-slip differential is included, and whereas it by no means completely tames this Mini’s interior tiger, it at the least renders this power-crazed system drivable. The optionally available £2000 GP Touring Pack features a navigation improve, automated dual-zone air-con (a helpful balm throughout dynamic exercises) and heated seats – more likely to be superfluous when you get rim-wrestling. All of it takes this Mini near £40k.
You’ll get £310 change from that £40k should you purchase BMW’s normal i3. It appears to be like a lot the identical because the automotive that was launched seven years in the past, however bettering battery know-how has considerably elevated its potential. At the moment’s 120Ah has an official declare of 182-190 miles, which is just a little optimistic in actuality however however sufficient to permit the deletion of the i3 Vary Extender supplied early on.
The basics of the i3 want no updating. Its carbonfibre core stays distinctive at this value, and an ethereal cabin serves an intriguing mixture of artfully trendy furnishings and virtue-signalling recycled stuff.
The feeling of distinction is obvious from the second you turn on and listen to nothing. The silence of EVs is changing into extra widespread, but when inner combustion is what you’re used to, the i3’s placid nature will impress. So will its go, which is startling should you’re unfamiliar with an EV’s all-you-can-eat torque. That is, in actual fact, the second-fastest of our trio, its 7.3sec 0-62mph simply shading the 420i’s 7.5sec. So it’s calming but quick.
