[ted99]

Recent announcement by BMW that the CLAR platform is to be revised from the 2021 model year forward to allow for underfloor batteries in lieu of the under-seat location for current PHEV's.

The reasons are for

1) increased battery size,
2) increased fuel tank size from the current 10 gal, and
3) to restore trunk size.

They clearly state that the upcoming i4 and it's ICE grand coupe will have this. I wonder if the 2021 LCI 530e also get this change? There are reports that the current-production 2020 530e models have all of the electronics expected to be in the LCI and only minor cosmetic changes are expected.

It would be great if this new CLAR platform with it's capability of having a PHEV battery with a 30 mi EPA range is in the 530e LCI. I'm sure BMW will want to closely hold this info. It would kill the prospect of my purchasing another 2020 530e. I would wait.

I like my current 2020 530e so much, I may buy another one when my 330e lease tolls at the end of June. It serves for 90% of my local driving on EV power and is almost as good as having a full EV for a lot less money than anything other than Tesla Model 3.

A 30 mi EPA EV range would be good for 100% of my local use and a complete substitute of a full EV, with the extra weight of a 250 mi battery instead allocated to an ICE for long trips.