BMW’S electric i4 to ‘redefine’ its class
THE BMW i4 will go into production in 2021 as a Tesla Model 3 rival, the German firm confirmed at the Paris show.
Previewed as a concept at last year’s Frankfurt motor show, the i4 will have a range of up to 435 miles and will “redefine what is possible today for 0-60mph times”, according to BMW chairman Harald Krüger.
The car is set to be based on the 4 Series GT’S structure to enable it to have more space and sportier driving dynamics than the i3 and it will use BMW’S fifth-generation electric powertrain architecture. A variety of battery packs will be offered, offsetting cost against range.
BMW’S head of design, Adrian van Hooydonk, confirmed that the production car will be extremely close to the concept in appearance and hinted that the company’s board has given everyone involved in the project the brief to redefine the benchmarks for the class.
“From a design point of view, it will be especially emotional and appealing inside and out, but it will be true to BMW’S values in every way,” said van Hooydonk. “That means it will be the most dynamic car in its class, partly for how the motors work, but also because it will be lighter than rivals and the focus on ride and handling will be greater.”
The i4 will be one of five pure-electric cars the firm has committed to make by 2021. It will join the i3 (on sale now), Mini Electric (2019), ix3 (2020) and inext (2021) in BMW’S line-up. The company will also have at least 10 plugin hybrids on sale by that date.
However, Krüger said the firm’s electric car plans will then ramp up again between 2022 and 2025, by the end of which he has pledged to have 12 electric vehicles and 25 plug-in hybrids on sale.
“You can see that in 20222025, there will be a quick ramp up that, we think, will reflect the market and which is anyway a necessity to hit the emissions targets we are being set,” he said. “Our strategy is in place to rapidly develop cars for the future.”
A larger i5, previewed by the i Vision Dynamics concept, is expected to be part of the new model launches planned from 2022.