My new daily driver - this might shock you.....

At the end of 2023, Bryan took delivery of his new long term test car, the Renault Megane E-Tech. The Megane had previously won our Car of the Year Award, as well well as the Viewer's Choice and Best Compact EV, so it was a universally liked car. And of course, running one for 3 months and just under 3,000 miles confirmed to Bryan why the car was as good as we had always thought. But it went at the end of January, and so a replacement was sought. And now it's here. But this one is a bit different, and might not be so universally loved. So why has he chosen it? In this week's video, Bryan introduces us to his controversial choice, the specification he has gone for, and what he likes (and doesn't) about it. As always, let us know your thoughts in the comments section once you have watched it......
AutoEV - all electric, all independent.
0:00 - Introduction
03:09 - Titles
03:16 - Meet the car
06:37 - Pricing
10:13 - Styling
15:19 - Practicality
19:09 - Interior
25:56 - Usability
28:02 - Performance & Handling
35:03 - Plans
36:31 - Summary
#newcar #newcar #newelectriccar #longtermcarreview #dailydriver

[@thesilverfox135]

The difference between premium cars and others in EV form has narrowed so much, that it’s not worth the extra that the premium manufacturers are asking!

[@michaelbaker9590]

I might be one of the few but I like the look of this car . The front grills arent too big and I like the rear lights . Really enjoy your reviews keep up the good work .

[@MoragDrummond]

Slightly disappointed you’ve not gone for a more affordable car :-(

[@AutoEV]

The Megane was a bit more “affordable” at £36k (still not cheap admittedly!) so I went a bit more upmarket on this one. Maybe my next one will have a lower price? You’ll have to stick with AutoEV to find out later this year!

[@bellshooter]

'Starts' at ... and it doesn't even have standard comfort entry, heated steering wheel and folding wing mirrors, adaptive headlights....WTF?

[@AutoEV]

I know. That still sticks in my throat. Should be better equipped as standard, absolutely!

[@narvuntien]

Manual seats is absurd, my MG4 has electric seats

[@pauljk5901]

Slightly better value here in Australia, about £53,000 - sun roof ( with electric blind - unlikeTesla), electric heated seats and steering wheel, Harmon Kardon sound, HUD etc I don't get any beeping if I go over the speed limit, it just flashes in the HUD.....BUT you can adjust the speed at which it warns you. In a 60 km zone I've set it to 63 before it warns me. Also find the lane assist is very subtle un like some of those Chinese brands.

[@AutoEV]

European law here, but thankfully really easy to turn off.

[@CarsNwhatnot]

Definitely, its way much better to see in person. Even photos that I have taken at the dealership don't look as good as it is to see the car in person. I ordered one and I'm expecting to have it by the end of the month. In my country we get the "executive version" which is also xDrive30, but without any M package. I ordered mine with the M sport package. It is also very expensive in my country, even with the EV preferred import duties. The Executive version starts at USD69K, and M sport version starts at USD76K. Both versions come standard with the electric seat for the driver (with memory), but for the 360 cameras you have to add a whole package of extras including HUD and iconic grill. Anyway, I drove the demo car (a executive version) for almost 100 miles. It felt very agile and comfortable. The front seats are very nice. I was indecisive because of the back seat space, however I convinced myself that it won't be an issue for now since I barely have any tall passengers in the back. Also, I decided to go for the iX2, since its a newer model, with more technology and connectivity than the others EV's available in my country, and most importantly, I really like the handling and the styling has really grown on me.

[@pauljk5901]

Our iX2 was delivered 10 days ago. We went for Cape York Green Metallic (its a bit different). Absolutely love it. Inside and out.( I've always like the X6 coupe design though. ) Definitely looks even better in the flesh. Drove 50km yesterday in city traffic yesterday and got 14.5 kwh/100km (4.2mi/kwh) Temp 20° (Australia) Happy with that. Interested to hear what you think in 6 months time.

[@alangravy27]

£56k for a mean spec car with a relatively small battery. And its ugly. It appears to be missing a rear wiper?

[@AutoEV]

Thankfully the weather has been kind since taking delivery as I usually hate this style of car without a wiper. Not sure how I will feel in the future!!! The standard spec is poor, I admit, but it really does feel like a quality product, so in fairness, the quality of build, materials, the engineering that you can “feel” does make up for that a little. But I still think it should have electric seats as standard at the very minimum. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment.

[@stache64]

nearly 70000 pounds yet no electric seats! ........classic BMW/mercedes /audi ,and they still wonder why they do not sell more EV's

[@AutoEV]

I can’t argue with you. It should be better equipped as standard.

[@brucehulatt9799]

Agree, it's crazy. They are a £750 option by the looks of it, I can only assume the BMW UK Press team speccing their review cars assumed it would come with them too....

[@chriswatson9700]

Surprise surprise they’re an optional extra 😅

[@David-qs5ii]

So how often do you actually adjust your front seat?

[@chriswatson9700]

@@David-qs5ii quite a lot as me and my wife have different settings

[@ISuperTed]

15:03 - I tried, I really did, but it’s still a Hate-Hate for me on the styling.

[@izo77]

Thank you once more for an interesting and insightful review. Despite all its shortcomings, the iX2 could have drawn my attention, if only if wasn’t an SUV. Or, to be precise, a “coupé SUV”, which is even more absurd. If it had been a regular car it would have won efficiency and range thanks to an aerodynamic profile. Speaking of range-spoiling features, why 20” wheels? You probably lose 10 to 20 % of range compared to 17” wheels. Perhaps the iDrive20 version can be optioned with a reasonable wheel size and not in the “M trim” which burdens you with many not so useful features that make the car even less efficient. One advantage of the iX2 is that it is more compact than the i4, which is too long, thanks to a massive front bonnet with an useless hole underneath. At least BMW can be credited for offering the i4 with 17” wheels, which allow better range and more comfort. Of course there is the same mindboggling array of options and packages, typical of BMW. One example: I wanted a keyless access via touch of the handles, but I didn’t want a touchless access. Yet you can’t have the first without the second, and the second is of course part of a package. This isn’t clearly explained on the website during configuration. And in my case it didn’t help that the salesperson told me one could have keyless access without touchless access. So now I have to push buttons on the key to lock/unlock the car. Where the iX2 trumps the i4 is booth space and the fact that the subwoofer of the Harman Kardon doesn’t impinge on the underfloor storage for the cables. Does the iX2 have a subwoofer by the way? The Harman Kardon is a great sound system in the i4, but it could have dispensed with the subwoofer. Another area where the iX2 outshines the i4 is cabin space, if I understood you correctly. The i4 feels very cramped inside, especially considering the overall size of the car (still this huge front bonnet) and the raised transmission tunnel is uncomfortable for passengers in the middle. The screen of the iX2 seems better integrated into the dashboard than the one in the i4. The manual seats in the iX2 are of course very odd at this price point. In the i4 they are electric and you can option them with lumbar & side support, as well as two memorised positions for the driver seat. Finally, there is range. There the i4 edrive40 is a clear winner, especially if you spec it with reasonable wheels. Same for the charging speed. So the i4 is better suited for longer trips than the iX2, and it seems more composed & comfortable. To sum up, if the iX2 wasn’t a “coupé SUV” and if it had better range, I probably would have chosen it over the i4 in the end.

[@alamraya7002]

Instant torque, instant coffee!

[@keaty1984]

Hi loving the You tube channel.. You reviews are on point.. Can I ask for a recommendation? Looking to buy another run around EV through the company. I'm looking for a smaller car that I can have fun in around £40k .. I've tested the cupra Born, lovely car but I want alittle more power. Going to test the MG4 power next week.. Any more I should check out please? I would love the ionic 5N but can't justify 65k

[@AutoEV]

First of all, thank you for your kind comment. Very much appreciated. Take a look at the Smart #1 Brabus, and also the Volvo EX30. Both extremely good cars, and whilst the Smart Brabus is a little over budget, it might be worth looking at and seeing if there are any deals on it? The MG4 XPower is a good car, but it's not the best MG4. I'd recommend the Trophy Extended Range over that one.

[@keaty1984]

@@AutoEV the only thing that puts me of the Ex30 is No heads up display and then having to look across at your speed.. 9 points already i can't take no chances 😂

[@AutoEV]

Drove the EX30 (albeit briefly) today. It isn’t too bad actually. Plus you do have audible warnings about your speed too. Worth a look I’d say.

[@roberthartley6629]

WLTP 267 and 64.8kWh battery. If it was a Kia or Hyundai I would believe it but for all other cars my first guess is 210 in summer and 180 in winter (I get 190 summer and 160 winter in my Zoe). Since you said 180 miles at 80% that seems about 210 miles. That would give a between-top-up range of about 150 miles. EG 15% to 80%

[@robstacy]

I haven’t missed the iDrive in my ix1 - just use the voice control all the time 👍

[@antster7]

At least the grill looks nice. Now if they can do something about the ix grill....

[@C-L66]

I think I will stick with my e-Niro 4+ thanks, still 4 years warranty left and has everything apart from a powered boot that I want and does 220 miles at 80%, oh and £45k cheaper!

[@honesty_-no9he]

Updated 72kWh LFP MACH-E over this every time.

[@clipsonplextorfield3230]

Battery size is just under what you ecpect. needs to do well over 250km between a charge on the highway, Unsure if this bmw is going to manage it. Charge speed is on point for today but not groung breaking. Anny ev comming out these days that cant get under 30min is compleet garbige on family road vacations. I had my mind set on the Scenic but it seems to charge in 40min 10-80%.. We do 3500-4000km in summer and having to charge 40min every 300km LR or 210km on the ST is unacceptable

[@AutoEV]

I’ll be taking the car for a long drive to Scotland next week, which is just under 350 miles from my house, so it’ll be interesting to see how it performs. It’s all motorway too, so a constant 70mph. The Scenic is a really good car. Don’t rule it out. I’m going to be reviewing the new Peugeot E3008 this week at some point, and that has a huge battery for class. That will be an interesting one to watch.

[@timrothwell33]

Once BMW switch to the Vision Neue Klasse and build BEVs only they will be worth considering (if you can afford them). Until then I know there are better options

[@rcajavus8141]

EVprices need to drop, the market is chocked because people dont want overpriced premium, they want economy. He got a huge discount and thats why all the compromises, or he is crazy. I just purchased new Mokka-e just because it was 22k euro discount, from 42k euro to 19900.

[@themathiasP]

I got to choose a new company car last year. Went for a Volvo XC40. They did a major upgrade to the car in terms of range, ... and it just had the best options for me compared to how much I had to pay for it. I remember watching your video on it and it pushed into the Volvo because you spoke highly about it. I got it last week and it is such a joy to drive with. Love the options on it. Never had such luxury before. This BMW would have been on my radar if I had the option last year. The BMW i4 just was not for me. Too much of a sport car and the IX1 just did not appeal to me.

[@AutoEV]

First of all, glad our video helped you decide on the Volvo. I do love the XC40. Great car. The iX2 is a bigger car in the rear, but I do think the Volvo is a more stylish looking car. Let us know how you get on with it.

[@mdshovel]

I've had the XC40 EV Twin for 2 years - brilliant car but next lease likely to be the Renault Scenic EV

[@AutoEV]

The Scenic is superb. Just works so well as a family car. Good choice for your next set of wheels.

[@mdshovel]

@@AutoEV All the Sal Sac lease prices took a major hike in May. The Volvo would be £125pm dearer than now, and £150pm more than the Scenic .. that's a whole holiday! My other major influence is comfort and Google Maps. And I watched all your videos on all of them.

[@ISuperTed]

@@mdshovelYeah, I noticed that on my scheme. I found out a whole raft of manufacturers had reduced their discounts and also the poor residuals for most EV’s continue to increase lease prices.

[@jbmaru]

I thought the next Megane for you would be the Ioniq 5N :D

[@AutoEV]

If only…….😭😭😭

[@XENONEZZ2]

The range on this makes it a no go .....think what you'd be getting mid winter that's the acid test for me. I'm waiting for the new Audi Q6 E-tron to be reviewed... it's stated max range is 380 miles.... knocking 100 off for cold weather makes it a possible purchase. Time, reviews and test drives will tell..!!.

[@paulhammond5599]

Standard equipment certainly poor for the price and where is the rear wiper lol

[@AutoEV]

Can’t disagree with your statement.

[@GraemeLeRoux]

First thought: The best thing about the interior is that you can’t see the front grill…’ugly’ is being *really* kind.

[@barryh9653]

That's just a NO for me. The only BMW EV I had any interest in was the i3. They should never have stopped it's production!

[@Petelmrg]

The looks have grown on me since you last had one - unfortunately like a malignant wart; BMW please hurry up with those new concepts!

[@coldfire30]

Really like the iX2 and it is on my shortlist for my new car also. Unfortunatelly there are almost no reviews for the more affordable eDrive20 avialable on YT. It is always the iX30.

[@AutoEV]

The eDrive20 deliveries don’t start until this summer, hence why the reviews (and my car) are all xDrive30s.

[@coldfire30]

@@AutoEV Thanks for the feedback, enjoy the car 😀

[@simonjackson1571]

Nice kitchen.

[@AutoEV]

Thank you 😊

[@PhilEdgarYoutube]

Audi Q8 every day of the week for me.

[@michaellord2844]

Poor styling, competitive market and costly. Hmmmm be interesting to see how many of these are sold.

[@CoxJul]

Typical BMW spec-building from an already elevated price. BMWs used to look elegant, nowadays they look clunky... drop the grille! Oh no they can't because they're compromised ICE.

[@richardhinder]

Appearance - if it matters, and it does to many people - suggests a far too close association with carbon fuelled BMWs. That is not a good look.

[@AutoEV]

Interesting. So you think it’s a bad thing being the same as the ICE car? You’d rather they did what Mercedes do and offer a different EV model to sit alongside? Interesting viewpoint. Thank you for watching and sharing your thoughts.

[@steffenjensen9350]

Nice guy,,,, wrong car ;)

[@AutoEV]

Thank you......(but I am starting to REALLY like the car!!! Thankfully it drives much better than it looks!)

[@Rombitekti]

Sorry to say, on the outside I think that's one of the ugliest things on the road. The two-tone interior is very nice though. iX1 was on my shortlist, but in the end I didn't feel quite right getting an BMW, so maybe I'm not the target audience...

[@AutoEV]

No, you’re entitled to your opinion, so no need to apologise. It’s why we ask for your feedback. What made you feel that a BMW wasn’t right for you (if you don’t mind me asking of course)? Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment though.

[@Rombitekti]

​@@AutoEV Frankly, it was mostly the image of BMW drivers here in Finland. True or false, it's not the best possible image. Also, I ended up with an option I really, really like, which is the latest iteration of Polestar 2. Your comprehensive review of P2 was one factor, and after the first 7500 kilometres, I couldn't be much happier with my choice.

[@AutoEV]

Good choice with the Polestar 2. I’m just back from driving the new Polestar 3 and 4. Can’t tell you anything about them due to their embargoes, but you shouldn’t have too long to wait!! Thanks again.

[@mikegipson1224]

Unfiortunately BMW electric are way overweight prob at least 500kg more than an equivalent sized Tesla or even EGMP based car. Oh and as for the price well BMW have never been reasonable but they are taking the pee big time with all of their BEV - maybe not a surprise as BMW CEO in Germany seems to think that Hydrogen is still the way to go - for BMW's sake lets hope the M Divisions boss takes over from him and pushes BEV all the way! And I suspect no Frunk/Froot? Taking all of that and the lack of most the kit it's missing it's probably worth around £40K at most...

[@grahamstarkey9202]

HOW MUCH, stopped watching when you gave the price and read the list of extras. To me this is another sticking plaster project from a legacy automaker that needs ice in order to survive, which I understand but definitely not for me. Love the channel.

[@Koulis_]

BMW have a perceived quality but are no longer an engineering company in the way they were, their reliability and problems with engine design and quality is worse than average these days. In the US their reputation is a bit like how they used to perceive Lucas back in the day; poorly. They have taken over from Ford in terms of their ubiquity but the prices are way too high. BMW are a legacy brand that are living off their past and people still seem to be willing to accept that they are a premium brand, Rolls Royce and Mercedes were premium brands but now shareholders and investors dictate how car companies make cars. Still, if you're happy with it and are lucky enough to absorb the extortionate costs then I hope you enjoy it.

[@xkr510]

What was the brown powdered stuff mixed with water from the kettle? That’s one ugly vehicle, sorry.

[@roberthartley6629]

Azera but I knew what you meant. :-)

[@roberthartley6629]

I see a lot of BMW EVs passing the private school during school run. Every time I see one with that grille I think. Ohh how embarrassingly ugly.

[@barryh9653]

Any BMW other than the i3 is a dreadful error!

[@ewadge]

Love the channel. Hate the car.

[@AutoEV]

Thank you, and give it time! It does grow on you, I promise! And it drives way better than it looks if that helps!!

[@clipsonplextorfield3230]

Wy buy car on not a dedicated platform that is overpriced and not a little bit... There beter looking evs and far better stats

[@stevemccarthy1973]

Sorry, I love BMW’s of old but the new generation, especially the EV’s , are grossly overpriced. I appreciate premium build quality but not at such a premium price.

[@derrick021]

seriously ? 30 seconds of my time to watch you make some low quality beverage ?

[@AutoEV]

If I’d made my coffee with a French press it would have taken longer. I thought you’d have preferred the quicker option…….😉

[@stuartmarshall7099]

BMW's car design of recent years is 🤢🤢🤢

[@chas9183]

Ridiculous price …..way out of reach of most people, you would do better review cars that most folks could afford

[@AutoEV]

We have to give a broad church here. I do understand what you are saying though, and because the Megane was a less expensive car, I went upwards for this one. It’s also dependent on what manufacturer can provide us with a car for this period, and on this occasion it was BMW. And as the iX2 is their newest product, it made sense. But perhaps next time I’ll go smaller and less expensive? Anyway, thank you for watching and taking the time to comment. It’s appreciated.

[@pauljk5901]

It's not that expensive! Lotus, Ferrari, Aston to name a few.

[@XENONEZZ2]

​That's beside the point...most people can't afford those cars either. Just because there's something else ridiculously expensive doesn't justify lower priced but still out of reach cars....EV​'s are simply overpriced at the moment because it's new tech and as always early adoptors pay through the nose, it's always been like that.@@pauljk5901

[@reginaldgoligher9783]

jn