EMISSIONS-FREE M
The new i4 brings BMW’s sporting credentials to the battery electric vehicle world
The all-new BMW i4 will launch in New Zealand in the first quarter of next year with two variants – the i4 eDrive40 ($109,900) and the first-ever emissions-free BMW M car – the i4 M50 ($137,900).
The i4 M50 performance model adopts one electric motor at the front axle and another at the rear to deliver a combined system output of 400kW and a range of 510km in the WLTP cycle.
The i4 eDrive40 combines a 250kW electric motor with reardrive and a WLTP range of 590km.
Both variants are manufactured at BMW Group Plant Munich, with sustainability a core focus. Electricity used to produce the vehicle is generated via hydroelectric plants in Bavaria, which is a key aspect of BMW Group’s plan to reduce its CO2 emissions in the production phase by 80 per cent by 2030.
The slim high-voltage battery has a cell height of just 110mm and is positioned low down in the vehicle floor. The centre of gravity is up to 53mm lower than that of the 3 Series sedan.
Both the i4 eDrive40e and M50 models come standard with adaptive M suspension that incorporates bespoke tuning, as well as variable sport steering, M Sport brakes and 19-inch M Light alloy wheels.
Near-actuator wheel slip limitation optimises traction and directional stability. It’s standard on the i4. On the M50, the system teams up with electric all-wheeldrive.
The fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology in the i4 comprises drive units that bring together the electric motor, power electronics and transmission within a single housing.
Demanding a large amount of power for more than 10 seconds in the BMW i4 M50 triggers Sport Boost, which unfurls not only the drive system’s maximum output but also its maximum torque of 795Nm. This enables the BMW M model to sprint from 0-100km/h in 3.9 seconds.
The drive system in the BMW i4 eDrive40 generates peak torque of 430Nm, enabling it to achieve a 0-100km/h time of 5.7 seconds.
The driving experience is accompanied by BMW IconicSounds Electric, which is fitted as standard on both variants. This enables integration of new drive sound variants created as part of BMW’s collaboration with Oscar-winning film and music composer Hans Zimmer.
The i4 is designed around classic BMW coupe proportions: short overhangs, slim pillars, doors with frameless windows and a sloping roofline.
Acoustic glazing, pre-heating and pre-conditioning come as standard, as do sport seats and a sports steering wheel.
The BMW curved display fully digital screen grouping brings together a 12.3-inch information display and a 14.9-inch control display behind a glass surface angled towards the driver. The digital Intelligent Personal Assistant has gained additional skills and uses a new graphic to communicate with the vehicle’s occupants. The transmission selector, BMW iDrive controller and function keys are positioned on a control panel in the centre console. The i4 will join the iX3 and iX SUVs in BMW NZ’s line-up, all designed around fifth-generation eDrive technology. Buyers of these models will also receive a complimentary Generation 3 BMW Wallbox for home or office quick-charging, until June 2022. Customers who purchase their cars through BMW Financial Services also receive $800 towards installation. BMW electric vehicle owners will also receive a ChargeNow membership with a 10 per cent discount on all public charging rates for the first 24 months.