This is one of the few articles published around i3 production end:
https://www.bmwblog.com/2022/07/13/bmw-i3-one-of-the-most-underrated-cars
https://www.bmwblog.com/2022/07/13/bmw-i3-one-of-the-most-underrated-cars
eNate said:I love these flowery obituaries as the i3 seemed to be more often kicked by auto journalists and EV enthusiasts for every imaginable reason.
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I definitely think it lasted longer and sold more units than BMW originally imagined.
All told, BMW sold more than 250,000 examples of the i3 worldwide, which makes it the automaker's most successful electrified vehicle to date in terms of pure sales, and one of the most successful EVs of all time.
stumbledotcom said:In addition, people who look at the i3 as just a small, relatively low range EV miss the significance of its design, construction, and sustainable production/materials. I'm convinced it remains the best city car yet created.
I don't consider ~250k i3's to be a low production number or 8 model years to be a short production cycle. I think that too many i3's have been manufactured to make it rare in the future.gt1 said:How i3 can not be a cult car? It has all the ingredients- low production numbers, instantly recognizable and controversial design, no comparable competition, short production cycle with no similar models before or after.
These production numbers are unevenly distributed- I remember reading that i3 was the best selling car in Norway at some point. Around here it is rare- I can go for weeks without seeing another one. It doesn't need to have a worldwide following.alohart said:I don't consider ~250k i3's to be a low production number or 8 model years to be a short production cycle. I think that too many i3's have been manufactured to make it rare in the future.gt1 said:How i3 can not be a cult car? It has all the ingredients- low production numbers, instantly recognizable and controversial design, no comparable competition, short production cycle with no similar models before or after.
Only ~20k first-generation Honda Insights were manufactured over 6 model years, yet it hasn't become a cult car despite being instantly recognizable with a controversial design (e.g., rear fender skirts), no comparable competition (very lightweight, all-aluminum, extremely fuel-efficient, 2-passenger coupe), and no similar models before or after (the second-generation Insight is a very conventional car).
i3 is a good match. I should add that it is not going to be a cult car for decades as it will be expensive and difficult (or impossible) to maintain after a while.A cult car is a vehicle that has a following of fans or enthusiasts who are particularly passionate about it. There are a few factors that can contribute to a car becoming a cult classic:
Rarity: If a car is produced in limited quantities or is no longer in production, it can be more desirable to collectors and enthusiasts.
Unique design: A car with an unusual or distinct design may attract a dedicated group of fans.
Performance: A car with impressive speed, handling, or other performance characteristics can be appealing to enthusiasts.
Historical significance: A car that played a significant role in automotive history or was associated with a particular era or culture may be considered a cult classic.
Personal connection: Sometimes, a car becomes a cult classic simply because it has a special meaning to a particular group of people. For example, a car that was owned by a famous person or was featured in a popular movie or TV show may have a devoted following.
alohart said:I don't consider ~250k i3's to be a low production number or 8 model years to be a short production cycle. I think that too many i3's have been manufactured to make it rare in the future.gt1 said:How i3 can not be a cult car? It has all the ingredients- low production numbers, instantly recognizable and controversial design, no comparable competition, short production cycle with no similar models before or after.
alohart said:I don't consider ~250k i3's to be a low production number or 8 model years to be a short production cycle. I think that too many i3's have been manufactured to make it rare in the future.gt1 said:How i3 can not be a cult car? It has all the ingredients- low production numbers, instantly recognizable and controversial design, no comparable competition, short production cycle with no similar models before or after.
Only ~20k first-generation Honda Insights were manufactured over 6 model years, yet it hasn't become a cult car despite being instantly recognizable with a controversial design (e.g., rear fender skirts), no comparable competition (very lightweight, all-aluminum, extremely fuel-efficient, 2-passenger coupe), and no similar models before or after (the second-generation Insight is a very conventional car).
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