The famous German manufacturer is taking the prestige electric car (EV) upmarket with the i4 model. Available around the end of 2021, the i4 is the first all-electric premium car from the BMW Group. This latest EV is targeted at the traditional heart of the mid-size saloon segment.
The i4
With a coupé-like styling and the traditional long bonnet look, the combination of sportiness merges with long-distance ability thanks to an efficient drive system technology and intelligent lightweight design. This is achieved without the need for overly large and heavy batteries because the car has been conceived from the ground up as a purely electric vehicle. The i4 features the latest generation of the iDrive system, plus cutting-edge innovations in the areas of automated driving and parking assistance.
The Technology
Beneath its four-door gran-coupé body style, it boasts fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology incorporating the latest power electronics, charging technology and high-voltage battery as well as the highly integrated electric motors that enable strong performance; this combined with everyday usability and long-distance capabilities.
Key to this is the BMW ‘iDrive Operating System’ which puts the user experience first and foremost advancing the interaction between driver and vehicle into the digital future. Operating System 8, we learn, helps give the BMW i4 all the tools needed to serve as an intelligent and proactive automotive partner in any situation. The intuitive, multimodal operation becomes a dialogue between the user and their car that seeks to tailor all the functions controlled via BMW iDrive precisely to the driver’s needs and
The Drive
BMW insist that the i4 offers both a captivating drive and class-leading levels of technology. Equipped with electric motors at both the front and rear axle with a combined maximum output of 544hp and M-specific chassis technology, it promises exceptional performance while achieving a range of up to 316 miles (official figure). Different models will have different range and performance figures.
The BMW i4 will be available in three different model variants from launch, including the first ever BMW M car with all-electric drive. The BMW i4 M50 is a performance model from BMW M. Delivering the same extreme driving enjoyment as its internal combustion siblings, it the classic M formula of agility, dynamism and precision to the world of electric mobility.
The Interior
The interior of this executive express merges the clear design language and modern premium ambience we are becoming used to, with an extremely driver-focused cockpit design. The dashboard features a slim and low instrument panel, which provides the perfect stage for the latest version of the fully-digital display grouping.
The innovative BMW Curved Display brings the information display behind the steering wheel and the control display of the BMW iDrive control/operation system together, into a frameless, single-piece glass surface angled towards the driver. The 12.3” information display and 14.9” control display effectively merge into a single driver-focused unit.
Equipment standard to all versions includes a reversing camera, Parking Assistant, automatic air conditioning, ambient lighting and LED lights front and back. A host of options are also available, enabling customers to personalise their i4 to their own individual requirements. The rest of the interior design is likewise geared towards providing a highly involved driving experience. The BMW i4 is fitted as standard with sport seats and a sports steering wheel with multifunction buttons. Electric cars take another giant step forward.
New and used BMW cars are available to import from the UK through the MHH International comprehensive system.
