As part of the balance sheet presentation, BMW showed its most important new product alongside the iX: the BMW i4 (vehicle is not yet for sale, homologation pending²). For the first time, customers can now choose a purely electric alternative outside of the small car or SUV segment.
Alternatively, because the BMW i4 is closely related to the 4 Series Gran Coupé and thus also to the 3 Series. However, it was completely turned inside out for the battery-electric drive.
New batteries, good use of space
The current generation of electrochemical battery storage can be found in the underbody. BMW is already in the fifth generation of this technology, so they have a corresponding amount of know-how for a space-saving package in handling the cells. In this way, the flat silhouette can be maintained with sufficient foot space and good range.
Because the BMW i4 is powered by at least one battery with a net capacity of 80 kWh. However, based on the Gen5 battery, a variant with 106 kWh is also available, at least for the BMW iX. According to reports, it will at least optionally make it into one of the top models of the BMW i4.
This is marked by a BMW M Performance model. His name: BMW i4 M50. It is driven by one motor per axle, with an output of 390 kW and 530 PS. This means that the electric Gran Coupé will sprint to 100 km / h in four seconds.
Well-known nomenclature, tired of performance
Will the large battery also be available for the rear-wheel drive entry-level model with a good 200 kW and 272 hp? The competition at least offers the option of such a “range king”.
In general, the concept of the BMW i4 is surprisingly strictly aimed at the Tesla Model 3. At least as far as the technical data is concerned. With the new BMW iDrive 8 you also want to be at eye level when it comes to infotainment. Only when it comes to driving behavior do you want to clearly outperform the competitors from California.
Because with the BMW i4, the Munich-based company wants to raise the driving dynamics of electrically powered vehicles to a completely new dimension. Not least to make the switch attractive to real BMW fans. (Text: fm, tv | Images: manufacturer)