Business Day - Motor News

Electric i4 promises typical BMW sporty performanc­e

- Motor News Reporter/AFP Relaxnews

BMW’s mid-range segment is getting the electric treatment: the i4 Gran Coupé will launch in 2021, powered by the company’s fifthgener­ation eDrive technology, the carmaker said.

The BMW iX3 and iNext will have the same architectu­re when they’re released. However, the i4 will benefit further from advanced battery cell tech that enhances the performanc­e and boosts the drive range to about 600km.

According to the company, the model is expected to set “new standards in sporty performanc­e”. The specially tuned electric motor delivers an output of 395kW, making its power comparable with BMWs powered by V8 petrol engines.

Visually, the model checks all the design requiremen­ts to be categorise­d as a four-door coupé while also incorporat­ing BMW’s characteri­stic “i”-line aesthetic. Only a teaser image of the model covered in camouflage has been published so far.

BMW says its first purely electrical­ly powered model for the premium mid-range combines driving dynamics, sporty and elegant design, premium quality and the spacious comfort and functional­ity of a four-door Gran Coupé with local emissions-free mobility.

“Irrespecti­ve of the type of drive selected, all current and future models feature hallmark brand driving pleasure as part of their specific characteri­stics,” says a BMW spokespers­on.

In terms of global electrific­ation goals, BMW plans to have 25 electric vehicles in its portfolio by 2023.

The fully electric BMW i4 coupé will be available in 2021, after the launch of the iX3 in 2020 and iNext in 2021.

 ??  ?? BMW’s electric Gran Coupé will reach the market in 2021.
BMW’s electric Gran Coupé will reach the market in 2021.

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