Live fuller for longer
Search
Close this search box.
Advertisement

Man And Machine

Font Size:

Man And Machine
As the Sapphire Black BMW M235i Gran Coupe weaved its way through the slalom course and turned the corner to the roundabout of orange cones, it slipped and did a bit of a glide before the onboard system corrected things and sent it roaring on its intended trajectory and towards the finish point.
I wonder how much longer this sort of duel between man and machine will continue as artificial intelligence and autonomous vehicles take control of how we get from point to point.
The advantage my generation of baby boomers has is the ability to understand what it’s like to feel the throb of an internal combustion engine and the roar of cylinders firing as rubber hit the road.
As car companies try to rationalise climate change, sustainability and the environmental impact of petrol engines on the world, the needle is sweeping away from the loud sounds of muscle cars and diesel rattles to the silent whoosh of electric vehicles gliding by.
Add to this, autonomous vehicles and artificial intelligence and connectivity in and between vehicles and soon the car may just be a functional mode of transportation. Only a select few would have the interest or the means to maintain a car with an engine.
Advertisement
But the BMW M Experience Day over the weekend also afforded us a glimpse into the future.
Man And Machine
BMW i4 M50
The launch of the BMW i4 M50 electric vehicle marked the German brand’s entry into the electric era for performance cars. While it doesn’t have the grunt of an engine, it does its best to emulate the brands slogan “Sheer driving pleasure”.
The Brooklyn grey car delivered a 0-100kmh sprint in warp speed, under 4 seconds. But it’s the manner of delivery that is engaging. Many EVs are fast but devoid of much emotion. With the i4 M50, the accompanying soundtrack and the instant torque snapping into action makes for quite the experience.
For subsequent generations, there may be few opportunities to enjoy this, but, then again, there may not be the desire to do so.
Join Kannan Chandran behind the wheel of the BMW M as he drives through the course.
How long will we enjoy even this aspect of motoring? The Boomer generation may yet enjoy it, and should participate in the evolution of motoring.

Also read:

Tips For Staying Safe Online
Lifestyle

Tips For Staying Safe Online

Be on your guard when you’re online to prevent getting caught up in the dark side of the Internet. Here are some helpful tips to keep you from getting entangled in the nasty side of the Net. 

Make-up tips for mature skin
Lifestyle

Make-up tips for mature skin

Put your best face forward as you enter your 60s. Avoid these make-up mistakes and learn how you can achieve that flattering look with these tips.

Kannan Chandran

Kannan Chandran has enjoyed a journey that has taken him from print to digital, and words to visuals. Every rock tells a story and under every rock is a deeper narrative.

Share This Article

Explore More
Advertisement
Recommended
Upcoming Events
Jalan-Jalan Kakis - MacRitchie Prunus Trail
Must-Do - Hopelessly Devoted: A Celebration of Olivia Newton-John
Advertisement

About Us

We’re a community created by silvers for silvers, brought together by a sense of curiosity and desire to live the next phase of our lives with joy and purpose. Expect useful tips and uncommon wisdom to enjoy living fuller for longer.

Follow Us

Get the latest stories!

By clicking Subscribe, I consent to the Terms and Privacy Policy to receive emails about the latest in entertainment, travel, food, culture, active ageing and living fuller in retirement!