The automotive industry is facing an increasingly obvious problem: the obesity of its vehicles. However, we could be about to reach a tipping point, as it is beginning to be a major impediment.
current cars have gained so much weight and size that soon the mass limitations associated with the driving licenses of a large part of the world’s countries could become a problem.
And it is that, for example, in Spain a driver with a B card cannot circulate with a vehicle of more than 3500kg. of mma (maximum authorized mass). And new models like the BMW X7 already reach 2480 kg. no occupants or cargo on board.
Safety, luxury and fashion
Many consider that electric cars are to blame for the progressive increase in weight and size as a result of the large batteries that they must carry to propel themselves, as well as their associated systems.
And it is not entirely uncertain, because the difference between the BMW 7 Series with a 6-cylinder combustion engine and the electric i7 is nothing less than 500 kg.
“More comfort now will no longer make you gain more weight. Technologies to achieve comfort are getting smarter»
However, this trend has been widespread for many years and precisely BMW and the 7 Series are a clear example of this. The first generation of this prestigious sedan launched in 1977 weighed 1,470 kg. The current one weighs 2274 kg. in their access versions. That is, 40% more than the original.
But what is the reason for such an increase? The answer is simple: luxury and security.
Over time, vehicles have been gaining electronic systems related to these two aspects. In addition, the necessary requirements for the homologation of vehicles and tests such as those carried out by Euro NCAP have made it necessary to introduce more resistant and heavier elements.
“As the weight increases, it becomes more difficult to provide the security that we wantand to provide the safety we want we have to gain weight again, so it’s a vicious cycle,” says Christoph Fagschlunger, project manager for the new BMW 7 Series.
“Cars were getting heavier even without electrification, with safety regulations and NCAP. And then luxury»admits the German engineer.
But not only that, it also influences a fashion and purchasing trend clearly staged in the SUVswhich have become the clear dominators of the automotive market in the last 10 years.
Inflection point
Some fear that this dangerous trend will continue to increase in the coming years, but Christoph Fagschlungerhas a different opinion about it.
“I don’t think cars will get heavier than they are now, and there are many reasons for that,” says the German engineer. “Let’s see what the future holds, but the size of cars will come to a natural end one day, when they won’t fit in the garage or are unable to turn a street corner. That day is getting closer.”
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The truth is cities, especially older neighborhoods or towns, do not keep pace with the evolution of vehicles and in many cases certain areas are beginning to become an access problem for large models currently on the market.
But Fagschlunger is confident that technological advances will also help reverse the current trend.
“More comfort now will no longer make you gain more weight. Technologies for comfort are getting smarter. You can eliminate road noise with masses around the car, or you can have active road noise cancellation.”
Will he be right and, little by little, the vehicles will begin to lose weight and size? Let’s hope so. And, most likely, the restrictive polluting emissions policies such as the next EURO 7 They will also contribute to this, since weight and volume invariably lead to greater consumption and pollution.
Source: carsales.com
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Photos: BMW Press