BMW is Willing to Pay to Attract Customers from Other EV Brands

Chris Teague
by Chris Teague

Tesla might not be the most dominant EV maker in the world, but it’s on top of the market here in the United States. Legacy automakers like Ford and General Motors are in the hunt, but so far, no one has been able to topple Tesla’s top spot. BMW is hoping to take some of the shine off of Tesla’s crown with a new incentive that gives buyers a $1,000 discount to buy one of its new EVs.


Cars Direct reported that the BMW 2024 BEV Conquest Program includes several other brands, including Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Polestar, Porsche, Rivian, and Lucid. Ford Mustang Mach-E and VW ID.4 owners can also take advantage of the deal. BMW will pay owners of those brands $1,000 to switch to an i4, i5, or iX, though the discount only applies to specific models from most brands. Importantly, buyers don’t have to trade their current EV in to take advantage of the deal.


BMW already offers a $7,500 credit for leasing the i4 sedan, which can be combined with the conquest incentive. Cars Direct noted that the iX also comes with a significant discount of up to $9,900 in lease cash. That said, BMW’s EVs are not cheap, so the incentives should be a welcome move for hopeful buyers. While not currently eligible for federal tax credits, BMW’s EVs can be leased to receive the $7,500 discount others get.


The German automaker is far from the only one offering discounts and incentives to bolster EV demand. Kia recently announced $5,000 off the brand-new EV9, and General Motors has discounted some of its models that lost federal tax credit eligibility. At the same time, automakers like Ford have reported that hybrid sales are up in recent months, demonstrating that buyers want fuel economy benefits but don’t want to pay the higher price for an all-electric model.


[Image: BMW]


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Chris Teague
Chris Teague

Chris grew up in, under, and around cars, but took the long way around to becoming an automotive writer. After a career in technology consulting and a trip through business school, Chris began writing about the automotive industry as a way to reconnect with his passion and get behind the wheel of a new car every week. He focuses on taking complex industry stories and making them digestible by any reader. Just don’t expect him to stay away from high-mileage Porsches.

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  • AZFelix AZFelix on Mar 06, 2024

    This $1000 EV discount coupon is also available in a high-performance version made with weight saving carbon fiber and embossed with an 'M' logo. The exclusive package option is available with any new BMW EV for only $1500 (+tax) .

  • Kcflyer Kcflyer on Mar 06, 2024

    Wouldn't it be cheaper to make them less ugly?

    • Dr Mindbender Dr Mindbender on Mar 07, 2024

      LOLOLOL that's one of the funniest/truest comments I've read.


  • Jeff I don't believe that a teenager should have a brand new vehicle nor should they be driving a really old vehicle. Most teenagers will not fully appreciate being given a brand new vehicle and need to learn that there is a responsibility to owing and driving a vehicle. An older vehicle especially one that is very old lacks the safety equipment that newer ones have.
  • Dale It's not for me but it looks nice for someone else.
  • Ted VoGhost, I am looking for 350-400 mile range with 5 minute full recharging that is available like today’s gas stations. My personal threshold has more to do with recharge availability and times than the 350 mile range. I’d be ready to switch at a dependable 250 mile range and 10 minute charge times.
  • V8fairy I am starting to see some red emerging on the roads lately. We also have a lot of used import Toyota Aquas and some of them are in really cool colours, like orange, electric blue and bright yellow. What I really miss is colourful interiors, I'd love a bordello red crushed velvet interior, that'd sell me on an EV
  • Ted Bryant Agree with Mikey.Manual. Any manual transmission car. 1) can't text-and-drive, 2) forces driver to pay attention, 3) perfect security because most thieves can't drive stick, 4) fun to drive, 5) friends won't drive the car (they can't drive stick), 6) compression start -- never get stuck, and 7) will always be able to drive any vehicle anywhere. Did this for both kids -- after a couple weeks of complaining, they finally got to it, and now only drive manual. And they are both great drivers. But their friends do poke them for driving stick -- "oh neat - a manual. do you bake your own bread and sew your own clothes too..."
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