BMW is expanding its electric car range with the new i4 – a model that looks to directly compete with the Tesla Model 3.
While previously unveiled, BMW remained tight-lipped on the model’s performance and technical details but they’ve now been revealed in full.
Essentially an electric version of the upcoming BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe, it promises a mix of sportiness and long-distance ability. It arrives with two versions – the eDrive40 and M50, with the latter being the first time BMW’s performance ‘M’ division has worked on an EV.
Let’s begin with the eDrive40, which is available in Sport and M Sport trims. Here, it combines an 80.7kWh battery with a 335bhp electric motor that sends power to the rear wheels. BMW says this model is capable of an impressive 367 mile range, while can reach 0-60mph in 5.5 seconds.
Next up is the flagship M50, which combines an electric motor at each axle for a combined 537bhp and enables a 0-60mph time of just 3.7 seconds as well as a claimed 316 miles between charges. The twin electric motors also means it’s all-wheel-drive, while a ‘Sport Boost’ function allows additional performance to be unlocked. It’s also accompanied by an ‘M-specific soundtrack’ that’s been developed with legendary German composer Hanz Zimmer.
Both variants are also equipped with 200KW DC rapid charging capability, which is said to allow for 102 miles of charge to be added in just 10 minutes. All i4s in the UK will also gain a ‘BMW charging’ card that enables easier public charging and reduced charging costs.
BMW is promising ‘superb dynamic performance’ that ‘distinguishes it from other electric vehicles in its segment’, while the M50 model gets a bespoke adaptive sports suspension setup and performance brakes as standard. A battery positioned as far down to the floor as possible and a low centre of gravity aim to improve the car's agility, despite the increased weight of the car’s batteries.
The new i4 is also accompanied with the brand’s latest iDrive operating system, with the model getting a new curved display not yet seen on a BMW, which joins a large digital dials system with a large media system. These measure 12.3 and 14.9 inches respectively. The brand’s familiar rotary controller that can also be used to operate the touchscreen remains, though.
The BMW i4 is set to be launched in the UK in November at the same time as the flagship electric iX SUV, Prices start from £51,905 for the eDrive40 model in Sport trim, or £53,405 in M Sport grade. The flagship M50 model costs from £63,905.
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