BMW welcomes the first-ever i4
There is no doubt that an electric wave is upon us, and BMW has made sure that they are ready for it. If it is not the iX that will be keeping us intrigued, then it will be the highly anticipated i4.
The i4 will be introduced as a four-door gran coupé and will combine this vehicle concept’s hallmark spaciousness and practicality. The i4 will be the brand’s first purely electric vehicle that focuses on driving dynamics from the outside. At launch, only one variant will be available and will be the first BMW M car with a locally emission-free drive system. The BMW i4 M50 performance model will use one electric motor at the front axle and another at the rear. It’s set to produce a power output of 400kW and will be able to cover a range of up to 510 kilometres.
In line with BMW’s ongoing second phase of transformation towards electric mobility, the i4 will be based on flexible vehicle architecture, and will for the first time ever, feature an all-electric drive system. The extremely slim high-voltage battery will have a cell height of just 110 millimetres and will be positioned low down in the vehicle’s floor. The standard chassis technology of the BMW i4 will consist of a double-joint spring strut front axle and five-link rear axle with bespoke tuning, lift-related dampers, electromechanical Servotronic steering, an integrated braking system, and rear air suspension.
Design-wise, the i4 will get a sporty but elegant coupe design. Its proportions will be stretched and will feature the infamous kidney grille. Short overhangs, slim pillars, doors with frameless windows, and a roofline will flow smoothly into the rear and will underscore a silhouette that fits into the BMW coupé mould. Slim headlights will be available with the optional BMW Laserlight. The striking kidney grille will feature an integrated camera, as well as ultrasonic and radar sensors. The BMW i4 M50 will employ its own distinctive design and will get a more performance-based character. The M Carbon package will be available as an option, while the model-specific M Performance Parts are included in the Genuine BMW Accessory range.
The interior will get a driver-focused cockpit, with a hint of premium luxury altogether. The cabin will come standard with pre-heating and pre-conditioning, sports seats, and a sports steering wheel. The transmission select lever, BMW Controller, and function keys are all positioned on a control panel in the centre console. The tailgate will feature an automatic opening and closing mechanism. The BMW i4 will offer individual options for those looking to be different from the rest and perhaps want their own character. This will include, Vernasca leather and BMW Individual leather trim variants, Sensatec and leather coverings for the instrument panel, the M Sport package Pro, a glass slide/tilt sunroof, ambient lighting, and a very premium Harman Kardon Surround Sound System
The latest generation of the iDrive display and control/operation system will be fitted for the first time in the BMW i4, allowing for better interaction between the driver and the vehicle. It will be based on the new BMW Operating System 8 and has been designed with a clear focus on the touchscreen functionality of the BMW Curved Display. The BMW Curved Display will bring together a 12.3-inch information display and a 14.9-inch control display.
