The New BMW i4 Release Date, Engine, Specs – BMW’s i4 all-electric sedan is critical to the company’s growing lineup of electric vehicles. It looks like a 4-Series Grand Coupe, but it is powered by a battery and has excellent handling and ride quality. Two different types of I4 are available: The single-motor rear-drive eDrive40 has a maximum output of 335 hp and is as tame. The EPA estimates that its range will be 300 miles. This is reduced to 245 miles with the all-wheel-drive i4 M50’s 536 horsepower. The latter is comparable to the M3 in handling and ride comfort.
The M50 can go from 0 – 60 mph in 3.3 seconds, which is 0.2 seconds faster than the M3 Competition, and it can go from 0 to 70 mph in 2.0 seconds, which is 0.7 seconds more quickly than the Bimmer. It’s a fun and stylish sedan with a smooth ride and sports-sedan-like handling, but the steering doesn’t have the feedback we like from other M cars. The i4 is an excellent vehicle for everyday use when you’re not making acceleration sprints to tone your abs.
The New BMW i4
The New BMW i4 Redesign
Known as a “Gran Coupe” in the BMW lineup, this four-door coupe model has a trunk that lifts up and to the side. The BMW i4’s design is conventional; it has the same form and proportions as the 4 Series Gran Coupe and doesn’t draw attention to the fact that it’s an electric vehicle. Blue highlights on the model-specific grille, around the BMW logo, around the rocker panels, and on the rear bumper distinguish the base i4 from a 4 Series. Since there is no internal explosion engine, the grille serves no practical purpose; yet, BMW claims it included it on the i4 to keep it looking like the rest of the family. The usual size of the wheels is 18 inches, and you can upgrade to 19 inches if you want.
BMW will provide a wide range of appealing hues, but our test vehicle’s Frozen Portimao Blue Metallic was quickly the most eye-catching. This color will also be offered on the M3 and M4. Cerium Grey accents, gloss black bumpers, blue brake calipers, 19-inch wheels (with 20s optional), an M-specific spoiler, and plenty of M badging set apart the sportier M50 variant. If you like the design of the current BMW 4 Series, you will enjoy the i4.
The New BMW i4 Interior
Interior
BMW’s information and infotainment systems in the final production-spec 2024 i4 could use some work, given that the DSC now works 10x faster than combustion engine-powered vehicles. The digital instrument cluster and the curved infotainment display are examples of how streamlined technology may be in an EV. There are rumors that the i4 will have two different types of regenerative braking, so the driver can switch between driving with only one pedal and stopping the usual way.
The BMW i4 and the 4-Series are based on the same 3-Series platform. This indicates the luxury EV will have the same amount of inside space as the tiny luxury sedan it markets simultaneously. The Porsche Taycan’s cabin is noticeably smaller, so the BMW i4 will likely have more space. Still, this is conjecture, and we won’t know if the BMW i4 is roomier than the Tesla Model S until we test drive one.
The New BMW i4 Release Date
Engine
At the introduction, two i4 models will be available: the eDrive40 and the insanely fast M50. One electric motor mounted on the eDrive40’s rear axle generates 335 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque. We could not test the base engine, but BMW claims it can go from 0 – 60 mph in 5.5 seconds, with a maximum speed of 118 mph. Based on what we know about the M50, we think the eDrive40 will also perform very well for its buyers.
Intriguing as to how the complete M model will function. We got our first taste of the M50’s neck-snapping acceleration and can attest that it’s a good option for any buyer looking for a sports car. These models use a pair of electric motors, one in the back and one up front, to send a combined 536 horsepower and 586 pound-feet of torque to all four wheels. You’re right; that’s significantly more strength than an M4 rifle provides. Furthermore, it takes only 3.7 seconds to go from 0 to 60 miles per hour, making it a tenth faster than the rear-drive M4 and only 0.3 seconds slower than the xDrive version. The i4 outshines the M4 in its eagerness because of the instantaneous power provided by its electric motors.
The battery pack in both the i4 and the i4S has a gross capacity of 83.9 kWh and a net capacity of 81.5 kWh. As a result, the single-motor eDrive40 has an estimated range of 300 miles, while the dual-motor M50 can travel just about 245 miles before running out of juice. Although the EPA has not yet cast its final ratings, we may expect them to be conservative because German automakers are known for their reliability. While the Model 3 series does not provide a direct competitor to the i4, the Tesla may be had with a more excellent range (up to 353 miles) and a faster 0–60 time (as low as 3.1 seconds). The 2024 i4 can charge at a maximum rate of 200 kW when connected to a DC fast charger. BMW claims a DC charge can take just 31 minutes, getting the battery to 80 percent, whereas an order using the 11 kW Level 2 home charger takes 8.25 hours.
The New BMW i4 Price
The New BMW i4 Release Date and Price
Although BMW has not offered a configurator with detailed pricing information, the base MSRP for the i4 is attractive. Including the $995 destination charge, the base price of an eDrive40 is $55,400 (before applicable federal tax credits and incentives). Despite having a starting price of $43,490, Model 3 Standard Range Plus buyers may no longer take advantage of tax benefits. This model won’t be released until about the middle of 2023.
The base price of the 2024 i4 M50 is $65,900, making it less expensive than the M4. BMW’s extensive list of optional extras would typically cause this price to skyrocket, but when you include the tax credit, you’re not too far off the Model 3 Performance’s starting price of $57,990.