BMW unveiled the series design of the BMW i4 in March as part of its digital annual press conference and now they have come up with its pricing and specification levels, which goes on sale in November. As the first all-electric Gran Coupé, the BMW i4 combines next-level performance with modern comforts to deliver a truly outstanding driving experience. It is aimed squarely at the Tesla Model 3.
BMW i4 is offered with two powertrain options: eDrive40 and M50. The longer-range eDrive40 configuration is accompanied by a single motor and rear-wheel drive, whereas the performance-oriented M50 variant is featured with dual motors. The eDrive40 is the less powerful of the two, but it has a greater estimated range, while the M50 version is targeted at the EV owner who is willing to give up some range in order to have quicker acceleration and sportier performance, as well as standard all-wheel drive.
The BMW i4 is 4.7 metres long, 1.8 metres wide, and 1.4 metres high with a wheelbase of 2.8 metres.
Battery Specifications of BMW i4
The gran coupes’ astounding power comes from the fifth generation of BMW’s eDrive technology, with the electric motor, power electronics and one-speed transmission all contemporaneously under a single hood. The brand new generation of lithium-ion batteries feature an ultimate DC fast charging capacity of up to 200 kW and AC Level 2 charging of up to 11 kW. The battery packs are situated in the floor, resulting in the i4’s centre of gravity being 33 mm for the BMW i4 M50 variant and 53 mm for the BMW i4 eDrive40 variant. The high-voltage 83.9 kWh battery is highlighted with four modules, 72 cells in each and three 12-cell modules.
Engine And Performance of BMW i4
The exceptional driving system generated by the coupling of the efficient drivetrain concept, lightweight construction, aerodynamic design and a powerful high-voltage battery, allows the BMW i4 eDrive40 to reach up to 589 kilometers. Likewise, other innovative technologies, such as brake energy recovery, help to prolong the range and diminish energy consumption to less than 16.5 kW/h.
The most powerful variant available in the BMW i4 first all-electric Gran Coupé achieves 544 hp. Equipped with two powerful BMW M eDrive electric motors and a set of M-specific features, the BMW i4 M50 gets to 100 km / hr in just 3.9 seconds. It offers 164 km of range with 10 minutes of charging. A model-specific damper technology will ensure that the catapult-like acceleration is a stimulating yet controlled driving. With optimised aerodynamics and a balanced weight distribution, will enable a high level of agility and precision. It is then further increased by the fine tuning of the drive and suspension components.
The rapid charge rate of an EV depends on the charger used and the maximum charging power the EV can handle. For 50 kW DC charging point we can charge the BMW i4 eDrive40 in 71 min, thus providing a range of 280 km/h. With a 100 kW DC charging point we can charge it under 42 min, thus providing a range of 470 km/h. When we take a charge point of 150 kW into consideration, it takes around 32 min to completely charge the vehicle and in return provide a range of 580 km/h. The 175 kW and 350 kW points take 32 min and 30 min respectively to provide a range of 620 km/h and 660 km/h.
Interior And Exterior Highlights of BMW i4
The BMW i4 has a spacious cabin, featuring ventilated seats, ambient lighting, automatic climate control, leather upholstery, a Harman Kardon sound system, and a multifunctional steering wheel. The i4 has a traditional shift lever on the center console. Surrounding it are a number of physical controls for vehicle drive modes, often used driver assist systems and the infotainment system. The 12.3 inch digital instrument panel and 14.9 inch touchscreen are joined within the housing that BMW calls the Curved Display. The touch screen will also operate BMW’s latest iDrive 8 operating system, which the automaker says provides additional BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant functionality. Sandwiched between the control panel and the giant touchscreen are a volume knob and cluster of media buttons. BMW will also improve smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing navigation information from each service to display in both the instrument panel and the head-up display.
BMW’s new front-end acts as a dominant feature on the i4. BMW also uses the twin-kidney grille to improve the finishing and vehicle optimization. Swept-back covers over the standard LED headlights, the concave scoops along the doors, and the vent behind the front wheel that carries down and along the door sills are other prominent exterior illuminations. BMW have also applied their signature rear roof pillar with a forward bend and it meets the side-window glass with much extravaganza.
The BMW i4 starts at ₹ 41.8 lakhs including destination charges, for the rear-wheel-drive eDrive40 models and ₹ 50 lakhs for the more powerful and performance oriented all-wheel-drive M50.
“The BMW Group has ambitious plans for 2021. We have started the new year with strong momentum and are aiming to return to pre-crisis levels as swiftly as possible and go even further,” said Oliver Zipse, chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG. “We have a clear roadmap for making the transformation of our industry a real competitive advantage for BMW in the coming years: uncompromisingly electric, digital and circular.”
