In contrast to the beautiful weather yesterday, it was cloudy and rainy for much of the day. Other than a brief excursion for lunch and to mail my voting ballot, I spent the day indoors. Most of my time was devoted to researching all the new BMW models that have been introduced over the past few weeks. The iX3-50 that I have on order was the first of what BMW has signaled will be 40 new models based on their Neue Klasse platform. The new platform will support all-electric, plug-in hybrid, gasoline, diesel, and hydrogen-powered variants. The already announced all-electric models (the only ones of interest to me) include:

• iX3 50: 3 Series SUV and the first Neue Klasse model.
• iX3 40: Less expensive iX3 with a smaller battery and less range.
• iX3 M60: Performance iX3 with a more powerful motor.
• iX3 L: Long-wheelbase iX3 built for China.
• iX4 50: Coupe-style iX3 sibling.
• iX4 40: Less expensive iX4 with a smaller battery and less range.
• iX4 60M: Performance iX4 with a more powerful motor.
• iX5 60: 5 Series SUV, luxury big brother to the iX3.
• i3: 3 Series sedan.
• i3 Touring: 3 Series wagon.
• i3 M60: High-performance sedan with a quad-motor setup.

Despite the onslaught of new models, I think I will be happiest with my initial choice. The iX5 60 is tempting in many ways. It is a more spacious and premium version of the iX3, with even more range but less efficiency. On the other hand, it is even bigger than my eTron, which is already too large for my taste. I find the size of Jeanine’s Q4 eTron to be near perfect and a closer match to the iX3.