[GeorgeJ.]

Originally Posted by chrisny

. . . . just seems logical to me that if you're spending this much on a car, the extra $4k to double your distance even if you only need it occasionally is worth it, IMHO. Obviously that's subjective, but I'm just responding to those that have said the Rex goes against the 'city car' principle the car was designed for… just because you only use it in the city/around town 90% of the time, why not add an available feature that lets you take longer trips on occasion as well, if for no other reason than giving you piece of mind during those trips.

It's a fun little car, why wouldn't you want to take it on the occasional day or weekend trip to grandma's or whatever, or even short vacations (that don't require a ton of gear, of course ).. That's all I really meant.

You and I are in the same choir, however the USA rex currently falls short of your range. Given the extra gear the (electric) rex range is around 70 miles vs 83 for the bev. The gas assist is apparently required to offer less range than battery mode so it seems 50-60 miles is about what one can add.

For 95% of my driving the 70 mile range would be fine, it is just the occasional longer weekend travel where additional range would be a real asset. Most here have read Tom Moloughney's well documented exploits. He seems to be getting along fine with his rex and managing trips by stopping for gas every hour. He is a better sport than I, though he does demonstrate what can be done.

If the USA rex could be directed to kick in the assist with 25% SOC as they can across the pond then you could run to the end of the tank and still trundle on to the next gas station. That and the extra half gallon would make this proposition a great deal more palatable for me.

I hope others chime in and join this chorus and that BMW USA will take heed.