The second to last paragraph in this article says Minis should be able to locate and access Tesla chargers on the vehicle’s display. I wonder how that rollout will go. Ford has set a high bar with a software update, plug and charge, and a free adapter. https://www.roadandtrack.com/news/a45563945/bmw-rolls-royce-mini-supercharger-nacs-compatability/
Great news, they actually are going to make the switch. But I fear it'll be for the newer software on the J01 et al. and not include the SE.
I suspect knowing our luck the current Mini SE wont even have supercharger access. Even with the app… We ordered a Fiat 500e in Black tonight though
R2S is something id consider but we have no real use for an SUV. We saw the 500e and fell in love it in Europe. Perhaps not as well built as the SE but it has style and soul. My friend was looking at at Air and they took 40k CDN off the price. On a 2022 MY thats been sitting. He offered even less and they said no lol
The Rivian R2S would be for BLM electric overlanding and getting groceries from Entrepôt Entrepôt Entrepôt Entrepôt Costco Wholesale... or Entrepôt Costco Wholesale.
At 3,164 lbs, the Fiat with its 42 kWh/149-mile battery is only 20 lbs heavier than the MINI Cooper SE with its 32.6 kWh battery. The Fiat's smaller 118-hp motor (vs. the SE's 181-hp motor) might help compensate for the greater weight of the battery. The smaller motor also extends the Fiat's range by not drawing as much power as the SE's motor. It's very cute in black with those red mirrors. @MrSnrub, will this be a replacement for your SE?
Nope we are keeping the SE. The Fiat will replace the F55 S we have. Its at that 5 year mark where things like engine mounts will be due and while i do the repairs myself in the last year ive put about 2k in repairs in. Including a set of tires. Time to go!
R3 would be a great crossover if you don't need to off road. It's going to take awhile longer because they are pausing the Georgia plant construction (probably interest rates) and starting the R2 production at the current Illinois plant. The R2 is such a compelling proposition because an AWD ICE van build would be like $200k.
Rivian doesn't incorporate CarPlay (or AndroidAuto) nor does it seems they intend to. Thats a show stopper for me. I may just cancel my R2 reservation. Now days it seems wireless CarPlay is an entry requirement for me. I test drove a Alfa/Hornet the other day, nicely done compact CUV, but then a PHEV.
You could retrofit an EV Sportline screen, but you would have to bluetooth the audio back to the factory speakers.
The two vehicles I own (SE and Ford Lightning) both support wireless CarPlay, and the way they've integrated with their own software is so good that I find myself using both systems equally in each vehicle. The excuse from non-CarPlay auto makers that "we need to control the experience" seems to be nothing but hogwash. (I'd like to note I prefer MINI's navigation to Ford's, it seems more dynamic and easier to control. I have not found a way to easily see alternate routing using Ford's navigation like I can with MINI's.)
Interesting, looks like the iPad mounted to the dash concept that I've done for decades. I used to love "hacking" features into an otherwise awesome vehicle. But, now days, I just want something that works from the factory. I like the large screen area of an iPad for navigation support, and factory radios now days are approaching that size.
The Rivian R3 looks like a Dodge Omni GLH with a lift kit. That C Pillar looks so damn similar! I also thought of the MK3-4 Golf when I first saw the R3. If only Rivian would make a hot hatch rather than another SUV...
I believe the designer said the R3 & R3X inspiration was from Audi Sport Quattro and Lancia Delta Integrale.
I definitely see that influence. Of course, I like the street version of that car and not the lift kit one.