After displaying a concept last year, BMW unveiled the final version of the i4. Scheduled to enter the market this year, the sedan will essentially be an electric version of the 3 series with similar style and dimensions. BMW has also announced that it will launch an M Performance version of the i4, also scheduled to launch in 2021.
The i4 looks a lot like a 2021 BMW 3 series model, albeit with slightly cleaner lines, splashes of blue to denote its electric nature and a much larger one (some may say also large) front grille. The company also differentiated the i4 series 3 with different headlight and taillight designs (better, I think). Overall, it’s a more harmonious design, in addition to the strangely large grille.
Gallery: BMW shows its production i4 electric sedan for the first time | 5 pictures
Gallery: BMW shows its production i4 electric sedan for the first time | 5 pictures
BMW did not show the interior of the car and shared only a few of the specifications. As with other recent EVs like Hyundai, the i4 will be available in different configurations with up to 530 horsepower (390kW) from a single engine. This should boost you from 0 to 60 MPH in about four seconds – not in the territory of the Model S Plaid, but still very respectable. (The M Performance version may be faster, but BMW has not revealed any details about this model.) The i4 should have a battery of up to 80 kWh, which should allow for about 300 miles of range.
We also learned earlier this week that the i4 will use a new version of BMW’s iDrive AI software, personal assistant and infotainment platform. This will include BMW’s new 12.3-inch curved display, custom driving modes and infotainment settings, enhanced navigation ETAs and even a system that can anticipate your temperature control needs.
BMW also released more details about its electrification plans, which are modest compared to automakers like GM and Volvo. It plans to sell at least one EV in 90 percent of its markets by 2023 and deliver 2 million EVs by the end of 2025. In 2030, BMW expects half of its new vehicles to be fully electric.
As it stands now, BMW still has few fully electric cars, including the i3, a model we saw for the first time in 2011. Like Honda, BMW has been at the forefront of electric car development, but has long wasted that leadership . The i4 will be a great way to get back on track, given the promising specs and similar popularity of the 3 series. However, your success will depend on the price – hopefully, we’ll know that soon.