This is the new BMW i4: a large four-door electric coupe that is similar in size to the 3 Series. It’s directly targeting the Tesla Model 3 and will be on the roads very soon.
The new EV uses BMW’s CLAR modular cluster architecture, also found under the current 3 Series and several other models, up to the X7 SUV. The i4 measures 4,785 mm, has a 470-liter trunk, and integrates a super-thin lithium-ion battery under the cabin floor with a usable capacity of 81 kWh.
There are two models at launch, with the eDrive40 version featuring BMW’s characteristic rear-wheel-drive design, while the high-performance M50 has an xDrive all-wheel-drive configuration with rear-wheel bias.
The rear-mounted electric motor in the eDrive40 has a power of 335 bhp, claiming 0-62 mph in 5.7 seconds, with a top speed of 118 mph. Perhaps most importantly, the car’s tested range is an impressive 367 miles.
The more powerful M50 variant, which comes in the default M Sport trim, is priced at approx. $90,000. It has a second electric motor on the front axle for a total power of 537 bhp. This means the 0-62 mph time drops to 3.9 seconds, and there’s a top speed of 140 mph. The range decreases to 316 miles. Both vehicles have a maximum charging rate of 200 kW, so the battery can be recharged from 10 to 80 percent in just 31 minutes.
BMW executives have hinted that the range could be expanded to include smaller battery variants, with lower ranges but more affordable starting prices.
However, the i4 has not been a project focused entirely on range and charging technology; BMW has tried to make this a car with as much driving appeal behind the wheel as a 3 Series or 5 Series. As the brand says, it’s about “embracing the full performance repertoire, not just straight-line acceleration.”
The key to this is unique suspension setups for both i4 variants. Rear air suspension comes as standard, while the M50 adds adaptive M dampers. Both versions of the i4 receive a new dynamic stability control system that acts up to 10 times faster than a conventional setup.
BMW claims that the i4’s chassis stiffness and weight distribution (plus a wider track than the 3 Series, front and rear) are paired with precise steering for a solid and complete driving experience that is both appealing in the corners and capable of delivering excellent results.
The sleek shape of the i4 results in a drag coefficient of 0.24Cd, and active aerodynamic elements are part of the package. At the front, the large kidney grille inspired by the Series 4 features flaps at the bottom that open and close. These are adjustable in 10 stages, ranging from completely closed for pure aerodynamic efficiency to fully open to allow cooling of the battery, brakes, and electrical system.
We’ve known the i4’s exterior design for a while, as it was previewed by the almost production-ready Concept i4 in March 2020. However, the full reveal of the car gives us our first look at the interior, which has an entirely new iDrive system.
A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster combines with a 14.9-inch central infotainment screen to create what BMW calls the curved display. It’s integrated into a dashboard that’s similar to the latest 3 Series, and while there’s touchscreen input, the i4 retains a click wheel for easy navigation of the main screen on the move. BMW is also making bold claims about the natural language recognition capabilities of the enhanced voice control software.
As for standard kit, all versions of the i4 will come with a reversing camera, parking assistance, automatic air conditioning, and ambient interior lighting.
M Sport buyers get aerodynamic 18-inch wheels and a sportier body kit with a new rear spoiler, plus Rhombicle Anthracite Aluminum interior trim along with Alcantara/Sensatec upholstery.
The i4 M50 uses the same M Sport exterior and interior styling but also has black leather upholstery along with adaptive M suspension and electric memory seats. BMW’s semi-autonomous Driving Assistant technology is also standard along with wireless phone charging and a head-up display.
