The BMW X7 Pickup Truck is Real, Used Electric Car and What Would Hermione Granger Drive? [Ask Nathan]

… A BMW X7 Pickup Truck? Seriously?

Nathan and The Fast Lane Car team are here to answer your (reasonable) questions. Interesting and/or entertaining emails will be posted to this column. If it’s relevant in the automotive universe, there’s a chance we may know something about it. The author’s email address and full name will be omitted – leaving your first name, initials or nickname, your preference. 

We’ve come a long way at TFL – but we never thought we would see a BMX X7 Pickup Truck!
(Photo: TFLcar)

In this week’s Ask Nathan:

  • BMW X7 Pickup Truck 
  • Good Used Electric Car?
  • What would Hermione Granger drive?

The BMX X7 Pickup Truck huling a BMW F 850 GS.
(Photo: BW)

It what’s becoming a consistent topic (luxury pickup trucks), we received an email from a fan about a possible BMW X7 Pickup Truck.

Q: Via Twitter (NathanAdlen@Twitter) Nathan! It’s luxury pick up truck madness I tell you! Now’s there’s photos of a BMW X7 Pickup Truck.

Is this thing for real?

D Mem


(Photo: BMW)

A: It’s real my friend, but it’s a one-off design study/project from BMW vocational trainees. Working in conjunction with the Concept Vehicle Construction and Model Technology divisions at the BMW Munich plant, it was presented a the BMW Motorrad Days.

The trainees managed to pull over 400 lbs of weight from the X7, yet they maintained structural rigidity despite removing a portion of the rear section. Covered in high end wood, the cargo area is 55 inches long and can expand to 79 inches with the tailgate down.

(Photo: BMW)

There are no other numbers available about the BMW X7 pickup truck’s capabilities. Still, it looks perfectly happy holding a 500+lbs BMW F 850 GS bike. The regular X7 is capable of towing up to 5,400 lbs, so the pickup truck version should meet or exceed that number.

(Photo: BMW)

In the wake of rumors about a Lexus pickup truck, a Land Rover pickup truck and very few German pickup trucks out there – why not?

BMW said they have NO plans to put this into production, none. Still, if this is something you want , why not send them a letter?

N


(Photo: Nissan)

The next question comes from a viewer who needs cheap transportation and is considering an electric car.

Q:  Dear Nathan and the rest of the TFLcar crew: I was wondering if you could help me with a car dilema.

I work six miles away from my home. My home is a few miles outside of the heart of New Orleans (I live in Lakewood) and, other than rain, weather is fairly simple here. So, all wheel drive isn’t necessary.

I have a limited budget and was having a hard time with the ethical issues surrounding pollution. We all know electric cars are not perfect, but I feel they are a good alternative. Having no remaining family and only one small dog, I don’t need a ton of space.

Perhaps I should get to the point? I am looking at getting a used electric car, but I need to know if it’s a logical idea, or am I being too idealistic?

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

Wanda, K

Electric cars can be fun to drive too. (Photo: TFLcar)

A: Greetings Wanda!

Thank you so much for your email. Yes, used electric cars can be an excellent choice for short distance commuters. In many cases, given their fairly easy maintenance requirements, (only a few moving parts) they can be thrifty alternatives.

You did not mention your budget, so I’m not sure what level of electric car you’re looking at. Used electric cars range from $8,000 to $50,000 depending on what you’re looking for.

The Nissan Leaf and Mitsubishi iMiEV are (usually) on the less expensive side. Chevy’s Bolt and the Tesla Model 3 are at the mid-level. There are also plug-in hybrids which give you the best of both worlds. If you’re every thinking of a longer drive, that might be a consideration.

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Over time, electric cars’ batteries lose their capacity for maximum storage. Simply put, their range drops. Older electric cars, like the original Nissan Leaf, may only have 30 or 40 miles range. Usually, that’s why they are so inexpensive.
  • Make sure the tires are in good shape. Electric cars tend to burn the front tires when abused.
  • Home charging: You can charge an electric car using 110v, but it takes a long time. If you need your car ready in a shorter time, a proper in-home charger will help. A 220v Level 2 charger can cost between $500 to $2,000 depending on the company. Have a look at Chargepoint for example.

Best of luck!

N


The last question comes from a young fan who’s a Harry Potter enthusiasts.

Q: Hello Mr. Adlen. I am writing from Alberta B.C. and I am a huge Harry Potter fan.

I just finished Grade 3 and I’m off to California, USA to visit family soon. We are going to Universal Studios to see the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. I am so excited!

We were talking about my favorite character, Hermione Granger. We were wondering about what she would be like at my mother’s age. My mother is 40.

My question to you is, what do you think she and Ron (her husband) drive?

I know it’s weird question. But you did answer the same question about Harry Potter.

Thank you Mr. Adlen!

Macy Macaroni

A: Hello Macy Macaroni!

Thank you for the email!

That’s an even tougher question than the Harry Potter one I received.
Hermione is a more complex type of driver I suspect. She multitasks, she does not like being late and, I think, she likes to make a subtle statement.

They have kids and Ron has a big family, so something roomy and logical would be a good idea… maybe something suitable for Muggles and wizards/witches alike?

Humm… it’s a tough choice.

2020 Toyota Highlander (Photo: Toyota)

I think Hermione would drive a Toyota Highlander Hybrid. It’s extremely logical, comfortable and somewhat environmentally friendly. Lots of House Elfs could fit in the boot too.

Ron? I think he would drive something fun that could still hold three or four people. According to the Harry Potter Fan Zone, “Ron also obtained a Muggle driving licence, but placed a Confundus Charm on the driving instructor to do so.

2019 MINI Clubman (Photo: MINI)

I think he would drive a something like a Mini Cooper Clubman.

Truly delighted to hear that you’re going to Wizarding World of Harry Potter! I recommend getting there early and splurging on a proper wand at
Ollivanders later on.

Have a blast!

N

Speaking of good cars for the Harry Potter devoted. I think a Jeep would be ideal for Luna Lovegood!

From day one, The Fast Lane Car has made it our policy to answer as many questions and comments as we can. We get thousands of emails and comments and feel that, as part of a tight-knit automotive community, having an open dialogue with you keeps things fresh and exciting.Got a question for Nathan? Drop him a line at: asknathan@tflcar.com.