BMW i4

Electricity will dominate the European automotive landscape for decades to come. Manufacturers are already positioning themselves for that future normality. In BMW a new model emerges almost every day, as is the case with the BMW i4. A five-door coupé saloon with a 100% electric approach that will be sold in Spain at the end of 2021 and that was announced at the beginning of the same year.

As its name indicates, the i4 is the electric variant of the new BMW Serie 4. From him it borrows the design, the five-door body and the interior. For everything else it focuses on the ever-expanding BMW electric family. Employs the latest battery-powered mobility technologies, enjoying high performance, almost similar to that offered by the extreme sports variant, the BMW M4. A mid-business cycle update arrives in mid-2024 with slight aesthetic tweaks and better electrical performance.

Technical characteristics of the BMW i4

BMW i4 2024 design

Although aesthetically speaking it is based on the style of the 4 Series, anticipating what the Gran Coupé variant of the same will be like, under the body of the i4 hides a specific modular platform for the house's electric vehicles. It is the same that we can see in other units such as the Bmw iX or BMW iX3. It is characterized by the possibility of mounting two electrical blocks and by positioning the batteries in the lower part.

By size we are talking about a sedan between the BMW Serie 3 and BMW Serie 5. Outwardly, it reaches measures that take it to the 4,78 meters long, 1,85 meters wide and 1,45 meters high. To these dimensions must be added a wheelbase of 2,86 meters. A generous battle that allows you to offer an interior space for a maximum of five passengers.

Three of them are installed in a second row of seats where three adults will be cramped by a too fair shoulder height. The central plaza is impractical or designed mainly for children. As far as load volume is concerned, the BMW i4 offers a trunk with a minimum capacity of 470 liters, expandable to 1.290 liters if the rear bench seat is completely folded down.

Mechanical range and gearboxes of the BMW i4

BMW i4 2024 measurements

The BMW i4 has been conceived to be solely and exclusively electric. It is not the first battery-powered model of the house, since that path was inaugurated some time ago by the little BMW i3. The entire portfolio will revolve around different electrical configurations with disparate combinations of motors and battery sizes.. In terms of load capacity, it opts for a maximum power of 200 kW in direct current and 11 kW in alternating current.

The range starts with i4eDrive35 with a single rear motor with 286 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque. It has the smallest battery of all with 67 kWh of net capacity that allows it to certify 500 kilometers of autonomy. Behind him is the i4 eDrive40 with a maximum power of 340 horsepower and 430 Nm of torque. Mounts a lithium ion battery with 81,1 kWh of useful capacity, providing a estimated electric range of 600 kilometers according to the homologation in the WLTP cycle.

Immediately we find the i4 xDrive with dual motor and 81,1 kWh battery capacity. Power rises to 401 horsepower with a maximum torque of 600 Nm. This unit approves an electric range of 548 kilometers in the WLTP cycle. The most productive of the family is the BMW i4 M50. In this case, two electric motors are chosen. Adding both units creates a maximum power of 544 horsepower and 795 Nm of torque. The battery is the same as in the previous case, offering a Approved autonomy in the WLTP cycle of 522 kilometers.

Equipment of the BMW i4

Although on the outside the i4 borrows much of the design of the Series 4, on the inside it is committed to offering something different. It features a striking double panel structure, instrumentation and multimedia system, which is very reminiscent of the one Mercedes-Benz has been using for years. Added to this advanced set is an excellent quality of finishes and an impeccable adjustment and assembly process.

As is customary at BMW, the equipment range is structured into different levels or finishes, from lowest to highest endowment we find: Standard and M Sport, in addition to the finish specifically developed for the M50. The main differences are noticeable in the load of technology, although there are also clear aesthetic differences, with the sportier finishes being more attractive.

As for equipment, expect a segmented range at different levels. In its maximum splendor the BMW i4 will show off the maximum possible technology. It is worth highlighting elements such as: laser headlights, digital instrument panel, connected services, multimedia system with 12,3-inch touch panel, connectivity for mobile devices, Head-Up Display, and a long list of safety elements and driving assistants .

The BMW i4 on video

The BMW i4 according to Euro NCAP

When it comes to security, in the summer of 2022 the BMW i4 is subjected to the Euro NCAP crash test receiving a rating of four stars out of five possible. A result that has been marked by the low result in the standard driving assistants section, since most are offered as optional. The specific results have been: 87 out of 100 in protection of adult and child passengers, 71 out of 100 in pedestrian vulnerability and 64 out of 100 in driving assistants. These assessments remain valid after the 2024 update as there are no changes to the structure of the vehicle.

Rivals of the BMW i4

More and more brands are targeting electric technology. Many bet that their first battery-powered products have an SUV format, although it is not very advantageous in terms of efficiency. On the contrary, other manufacturers opt for sedans like the i4. Within the premium panorama there are not many in the D segment, where we can only highlight the presence of the Tesla Model 3, the great rival, for the moment, of the German. In addition to it we can add other non-premium units such as Volkswagen ID.4, skoda enyaq, Ford Mustang Mach-e, Hyundai ioniq 5. Different styles and formats that share the same philosophy, to be 100% electric.

Highlight

Benefits
Autonomy
Equipment

To improve

High price
Limited mechanical range
Optional Equipment

BMW i4 price

One of the drawbacks inherent to the electric car lies in its high selling price. The i4 is a battery-powered saloon with great autonomy, technologically advanced and with a high quality finish. All this implies that the final bill skyrockets. The starting price of the BMW i4 is 57.350 euros, without MOVES offers, promotions or assistance plans. This data corresponds to an eDrive35 unit with 286 horses and up to 482 kilometers of autonomy. The most expensive of the family is the i4 M50 with a minimum price of 79.550 euros, without offers or promotions. (Pre-facelift prices for 2024).