2022 BMW i4 revealed
The Tesla Model 3 has gained new competition as BWM reveal the new i4. This brand new electric model comes with some impressive performance and surprisingly, it is on its way to South Africa. Although it will take its time getting here, arriving in the first quarter of 2022.
The BMW i4 is an electric 4 Series.
This is usually where we would discuss what makes this new stand out but, despite its great looks, it doesn’t. The i4 takes the standard BMW 4 Series as a base and doesn’t stray very far. The grille is blocked out because EVs don’t need one. An array of sensors and cameras hiding behind there instead. But other than that, it’s a 4 Series through and through.
The cabin follows the same idea as the exterior with many of the 4 Series coming through. The BMW i4 does get the latest Drive display system that sets it apart. This includes massive digital displays – a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch infotainment screen. To go with them, an improved Intelligent Personal Assistant and new graphics will be able to communicate more clearly with the occupants.
It’s an electric BWM, of course, it comes with a decent tech package. Owners will benefit from cloud-based navigation, over-the-air software updates and semi-autonomous driving to name a few.
Two motor options, all with impressive electric performance.
There are two variants at launch, a single-motor eDrive40 and a dual-motor M40. The BWM i4 eDrive40 puts 250 kW and 430 Nm through the rear wheels to get from zero to 100 km/h in just 5.7 seconds. Drive at a more normal pace and the claimed range is 590 km.
With two motors, the BMW i4 M40 has all-wheel drive with 400 kW and 795 Nm. With more power comes less range but much quicker acceleration times. BMW claim a range of 510 km, but throw rage out the window and this i4 can reach 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds. That’s only 0.8 seconds slower than the Tesla Model 3.
While pricing will only be revealed closer to the launch date, we can already tell that the number will scare us.
Source: BMW Group
