The new i4 is likely to be the German marque’s fully-electric alternative to its popular 3-Series saloons. It is expected to hit international markets in 2021 and take on the Tesla Model 3.
In March this year, BMW made a virtual premiere of its Concept i4 – a fully-electric 4-door ‘Gran Coupe’ – that previews what is to become the production-spec of i4, the fifth model of the automaker’s ‘i’ electric sub-brand. In the words of Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the automaker’s Board of Management, “the i4 is just as fascinating and fast as it looks”. He made two things clear: first, the design of the concept is quite close to the actual series car; and second, buyers will never have to compromise between driving pleasure and sustainable mobility. “Every BMW will drive like a true BMW”, he said.
Here are some interesting facts about this electric car. The new i4 is going to be the first-ever fully-electric car from BMW to underpin a chassis that is also shared by a conventional (ICE) model – the BMW 4-Series Gran Coupe. In other words, underneath this electric car is a modified iteration of the CLAR platform that holds up the majority of BMW’s line-up including the latest 3-Series (G20). The car will go into production at the carmaker’s state-of-the-art facility in Munich along with its other ICE sibling model ranges. This shows that electric cars are no more niche products, from a manufacturing perspective.
The Concept i4 is powered by the fifth-generation BMW e-Drive Technology that consists of an 80 kWh battery pack and a single electric motor capable of producing 395 kW (530 bhp). This assures the car a thrilling performance with 0-100 kmph in just 4 seconds and a driving range of up to 600 kms, based on the new WLTP test cycle. The manufacturer says that the batteries are extremely slim and lightweight, adding just 550 kgs to the car’s weight. It also claims that the electric motor will not use any rare earth minerals. The development and production of the e-drive and battery cell research are all done in-house. The latest e-drive system supports up to 150 kW DC fast charging, which means the electric coupe can be charged to 80 percent in 35 minutes or six minutes for a range of 100 km.
In terms of styling, the Concept i4 has evoked mixed reaction among car fans for being either fascinatingly futuristic or plain quirky. However, the big front grille, slim headlamps, sharp silhouette, and blue accents all across definitely stands out. Large curvy and low-glare screens and airy interiors set new standards for the ‘i’ range. An updated iDrive controller is found on the centre console. Both the e-drive system, design and styling, and features of the concept are more or less destined for the production version of the i4 intact.
Lastly, you will be amused to know that famous music composer Hans Zimmer has developed the BMW Concept i4’s “own visionary and unique sound” to make up for the absence of any engine or exhaust note – something that buyers would like to feel in a performance-oriented BMW!
