The BMW i4 will be a key model to cement BMW’s electrification strategy. After the i3, BMW’s i4 sedan extends the brand’s electric portfolio. The BMW i4 is based on the brand’s most successful model – the 3 series. It is a low-stance 4-door vehicle dimensionally similar to 4-series Grand Coupe. The car rivals the likes of the Polestar 2 and the Tesla Model 3. The BMW i4 comes in two variants – the eDrive 40 model, and M 50. The eDrive 40 model comes with a single-rear mounted electric motor that churns 335 horsepower. The M50 has a motor upfront that helps generate 536 horses. Both models feature an 80.7 kWh battery pack. The rear-drive version has an estimated driving range of approximately 300 miles. The all-wheel-drive i4 offers 245 miles of range.
BMW i4 Performance:
Depending on the model you choose, electrons are fed to either one or both of the motors. The eDrive40 features a single motor on the rear axle, that churns 335 hp. The M50 gets electric motors on both axles that get all-wheel-driven churning a healthy 536 hp and 586 lb-ft of torque. The M50 variant supposedly does a 0-60 in 3.3 seconds. This makes it quicker than an M3 Competition. The rear-wheel-driven i4 runs on a standard set of 18-inchers. You can also opt for 19-inch wheels that come as an optional extra.
The all-wheel-drive M50 comes fitted with either 19-inch or 20-inch rims. The BMW i4 also gets adaptive dampers and a variable-ratio steering system. The i4 M50 delivers immediate and forceful thrust. The BMW i4 weighs more than the M3, but its lower center of gravity helps it go about turns and corners with grace and minimal fuss.
BMW i4 Battery:
The BMW comes with a single-motor, it is rear-wheel driven and the i4 eDrive40 has the ability to cover 300 miles while fully charged. The BMW i4 has a 200 kW charging capacity which can add between 88 and 108 miles in just 10 minutes. It also gets a Level 2 11 kW onboard charger that can charge the battery from 0 to 100 percent in less than 8 hours.
BMW i4 Interior:
The cabin is rich with the availability of a rose gold trim. The car also gets white leather upholstery, and a light wood trim. The layout of the cabin is largely similar to other models in BMW’s lineup. What’s new is that the BMW i4 and iX models feature a massive display that spans across more than half of the dashboard. The i4 gets a coupe like roofline at the rear and gets a standard trunk at the back.
Features:
The i4 features BMW’s latest infotainment system. It is called the Drive 8 and functions via a 14.9-inch touchscreen which comes integrated with the 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. It comes embedded on the huge curved display on the dashboard. The car also has a rotary controller on the center console, and advanced voice commands. The list of features include – Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a Wi-Fi hotspot.
Safety:
The i4 gets standard and optional driver assistance technology which includes – Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking, Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist, Available adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go technology.