[skwark]

This month's AutoExpress has the cover feature and several pages devoted to pitting the two cars against each other (just like every other review you've read!). I won't paste pictures because copyright (and they usually post shorter versions online a few days after publication anyway)... However the spoiler alert is they are very evenly matched but have their own identity and credit to the reviewer for not simply comparing spec for spec, which in real-world use has less value, except for range... the M3 pips the P2 by half a star, largely down to a softer ride and the charging network. Not bad for their first EV with such a strong competitor dominating the market as it stands.

It's a balanced and fair review. Unlike What Car who are really not a fan in their latest video version of the same face-off! The reviewer has a clear bias for the M3 and is largely at odds with other reviews, even when compared to his first sole P2 test-drive, he seems to be far more critical. Can't win them all!

New BMW X3 previewed in this week’s Auto Express | Auto Express

In Auto Express magazine this week we have exclusive images of the new BMW X3 and reveal the hottest cars coming in 2023

www.autoexpress.co.uk

 

[polerad]

Did they test with the Performance Pack suspension?
I’m hoping the regular suspension and 19” wheels makes for a smoother ride that equalizes the two for that parameter.

Else seems with Tesla you get range and charging. With Polestar you get a more traditional and upscale (IMO) interior and exterior design. To each their own!

 

[skwark]

Did they test with the Performance Pack suspension?
I’m hoping the regular suspension and 19” wheels makes for a smoother ride that equalizes the two for that parameter.

Else seems with Tesla you get range and charging. With Polestar you get a more traditional and upscale (IMO) interior and exterior design. To each their own!

Yes it had the Performance pack as do nearly all review cars...though What Car said they adjusted theirs so fair play for at least trying to get it on the best set up. Agree only seen one chap drive on the standard set-up but still said it was firm, that's a characteristic of the car. Some also noted the suspension can be noisy (others say how quiet it is) so might be luck of draw.

 

[Tricky6]

Watched a CarWow review which did a real 0-60 test and indicated it was actually faster than their test of a M3 LR at 4.1 seconds. But then I saw another review indicating the M3 LR could do it in 3.3 seconds!? All feels a little academic, other than pub bragging rights. I had a 2003 BMW M3 many years ago (0-60 in 4.8 seconds) and concluded it was far too fast anyway (as did my driving license) ;-) https://www.carwow.co.uk/polestar/2

 

[ProfessorCook]

Car and Driver got 4.1 seconds, too.

 

[Joel S.]

Car and Driver got 4.1 seconds, too.

C&D recently stopped excluding the rollout in their 0-60 times, so them getting 4.1 is pretty significant because that's more real world (still in optimized conditions, but still). They got the same time out of the Tesla M3 Long Range AWD.
We're Making a Slight Change to Our Acceleration-Testing Procedure (caranddriver.com)

 

[Tricky6]

What I love is that if you went back 15 years in time and said you could buy a pure electric family car that could do 0-60 in 4 seconds and had a range of "cough, cough", 250 miles all for £45k (-ish, the same actual price as my M3 at the time, ignoring inflation!) no one would have believed you...

Anyway, I don't have one yet and am a bit jealous. To be frank I've never seen one in the flesh but not like we're travelling anywhere right now is it!?

My BMW 330e (on a 25k miles/year contract. Ha, what a waste!?) has 2/3rd of a tank left and hasn't been topped up since mid December. Over which I've traveled a massive 500 miles, 420 on electric. Home->supermarket->home, odd trip somewhere important. Rinse and repeat!?

Maybe we'll need to live with my wife's Passat GTE estate (good for the dog!) until lock down finishes. Doesn't seem much point getting a new car to sit on the drive.