Next year BMW will launch one of its most anticipated models on the market: the i4 electric sedan. This model will have to compete against the successful Tesla Model 3 and rivals like Polestar 2 and the future Audi A5 e-Tron. What will be the keys to the new Bavarian sedan?
Seated on the BMW CLAR modular platform, the i4 will be the electric version of the 4 Series Gran Coupe, which will be the fastback variant of the 3 Series. Therefore, we will find a five-door model with a very sporty design. Differentiating itself from the previous versions by details such as the blind grille, the recessed door handles, or the aerodynamic wheels.
Initially, the vehicle will be offered with an 80 kWh capacity battery. This pack will be very thin, which will allow the center of gravity to be lowered without harming habitability. According to what was announced by BMW with the Concept i4 prototype, in its most efficient version, the vehicle will achieve around 380 miles range.
The vehicle will feature the fifth-generation eDrive powertrain, which integrates the electric motor, power electronics, and charging unit. The model will be offered with rear-wheel drive (sDrive40e) or total (xDrive50e), the latter variant reaching power of 530 hp (surpassing the M4, the most performance version of the Series 4) thanks to the use of two electric motors (one per axle). It will do the 0 to 100 km/h in about 4 seconds, with a top speed of 200 km/h.
Although it is still a few months before the presentation of the i4, BMW revealed yesterday the first member of the renewed 4 Series family: the Coupé (the Cabrio convertible and the Gran Coupé are still missing). The new 4 Series Coupe, which could be defined as a two-door version of the 3 Series, shows us some of the definitive elements that the i4 will wear: the optics (both the headlights and the rear lights) will be identical, while the dashboard should be practically the same in both vehicles.
Despite its muscular appearance, many netizens have criticized some details of the design of the i4: the enormous size of its double kidney-shaped grill has been the center of controversy, while the low lateral line has not been well received either. Both features will remain in the i4, although the grill, in this case, will be faired (although it will maintain its striking dimensions).
At 4.77 meters long, the 4 Series Coupe is 6 cm taller than the 3 Series sedan. The i4 for its part is expected to stay at 4.80 meters. In addition to advancements such as optional laser-illuminated headlights (which should also go to the i4), the 4 Series Coupe features gadgets like a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch touchscreen for the system infotainment.
Nor can we lose sight of the tri-zone climate control, the lane departure warning with a lane return assistant, a signal reader, a parking assistant with a reverse maneuvering assistant, etc. As expected, the new model places particular emphasis on electrification, as its M440i xDrive, 420d, and M440d xDrive versions will have 48-volt mild-hybrid technology (thanks to the use of an engine-alternator and an ion battery lithium a gain of 11 hp is achieved and the ECO sticker from the DGT).