BMW has finally revealed all the details revolving around its first ever electric Gran Coupe – the BMW i4. Built to offer a sporty driving prowess and a range that also convinces over long journeys with the elegant design, the i4 was also designed to give owners the spaciousness and practicality of a four-door sedan.
Market launch from November 2021
Market launch gets underway in November 2021 with two model variants – the BMW i4 M50 with 544 hp, all-wheel drive and a range of up to 510 km, and the BMW i4 eDrive40 with 340 hp, rear-wheel drive, and a range of up to 590 km.
According to BMW, the i4 is based on a flexible vehicle architecture conceived from the outset for a purely electric drive system. Featuring a long wheelbase and wide tracks, the car was built on a light yet extremely stiff body structure.
BMW i4 M50 gets M goodies
The BMW i4 M50 also features model-specific adaptive M suspension, variable sport steering, M Sport braking system and optional M light-alloy wheels (up to 20-inch).
Featuring Sport Boost for ultra-dynamic power delivery from the two electric motors with peak output and maximum system torque of 795 Nm, the i4 M50 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds, while the i4 eDrive40 which produces 430 Nm does the same in 5.7 seconds.
Charging
As far as charging is concerned, the Combined Charging Unit allows use of DC fast-charging stations with output of up to 200 kW. Range can be increased by as much as 164 kilometres within 10 minutes at stations of this kind.
On the exterior, the i4 features stretched coupé proportions, a flowing roofline, four doors with frameless windows, and a large tailgate. And then, we have the largely blanked-off front end and striking BMW kidney grille with discreetly integrated camera, ultrasonic and radar sensors.
The BMW i4 M50 on the other hand gets bespoke performance-led cues such as M Carbon exterior package and M Performance Parts.
Interior
Inside, the i4 gets acoustic glazing, pre-heating, pre-conditioning, Sport seats, and sports steering wheel as standard. The centre console with modern-design houses the control panel for the gear selector lever, BMW Controller and function keys.
The load compartment capacity of 470 litres can be expanded up to a maximum 1,290 litres.
The i4 also comes with the new generation BMW iDrive control/operation system, with a clear focus on touchscreen functionality of the new BMW Curved Display and natural spoken dialogue using the extensively upgraded BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant.
Latest infotainment system
The fully digital screen grouping of 12.3-inch information display and 14.9-inch control display features advanced graphics and powerful software based on BMW Operating System 8.
Another highlight of the i4 is that around 40 driver assistance functions are available. While Front-collision warning, Speed Limit Info and Lane Departure Warning fitted as standard, optional gizmos include Active Cruise Control with automatic Speed Limit Assist, route monitoring function and (in Germany) reaction to traffic lights. Also available are Driving Assistant Professional including Steering and Lane Control Assistant.
Park Distance Control and Reversing Assist Camera fitted are also fitted as standard.
Malaysia?
That being said, the BMW i4 is on its way to Malaysia as well, with BMW Group Malaysia already registering interests from potential buyers. While there is no indication on which variant would come here, our guess is that it would be the less powerful i4 iDrive e40, because we always get the less happening stuff, don’t we?
