BMW i4

New 2021 BMW i4: production model on sale in autumn

Final i4 shown ahead of a market debut three months early, in line with BMW's accelerated EV p

BMW has shown the final, production-spec version of its new i4 saloon as it gears up to launch the Tesla Model 3 rival three months ahead of schedule.

"The decision to launch three months early was easy" according to CEO Oliver Zipse, who outlined how BMW is "picking up the pace" with respect to the electrification of its line-up. Full specifications will be announced in the coming weeks.

The i4 will go on sale alongside the i3 electric hatchback, new iX3 mid-sized SUV and iX flagship in BMW's expanding electric line-up. By 2023, the firm will have 12 pure EVs on sale worldwide, with an electric option available in 90% of its current market segments.

The i4's production-spec debut comes as BMW unveils a plan to radically overhaul its approach to electric car development from 2025.

The final i4 stays true to the design of last year's production-previewing concept, and is clearly visually related to the combustion-engined 4 Series which went on sale late last year. The upcoming 4 Series Gran Coupé will be largely identical to the exclusively four-door i4.


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New BMW i4 Gran Coupé revealed (and M Performance model confirmed)

The production version of the new BMW i4 Gran Coupé has been revealed, though the Munich-based brand has opted not to release full details just yet.

Unwrapped at the BMW Group’s annual conference, the new i4 is described as a “fully electric four-door Gran Coupé” which is scheduled to hit initial markets “during the course of 2021”.

BMW has furthermore confirmed the i4 range will include an M Performance model. The i4 is set to be available in “different versions”, covering estimated ranges of “up to 590 km” and with a power output of “up to 390 kW” (matching the peak power figure of 2020's Concept i4).

Equipped with the latter powertrain, the new i4 will be capable of accelerating from zero to 100 km/h in “around 4,0 seconds”. As a reminder, the standard G82-generation M4 makes 353 kW and hits three figures in a claimed 4,2 seconds, while the rear-driven M4 Competition model (an all-paw version will follow soon) generates 375 kW and completes the obligatory sprint in a claimed 3,9 seconds.

 
BMW i4

At the 2021 BMW Group Annual Conference the upcoming BMW i4 was revealed. "With its sporty looks, best in class driving dynamics and zero local emissions, the BMW i4 is a true BMW. It makes the heart of the BMW brand now beat fully electric," said Pieter Nota, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Customer, Brands, Sales.

The BMW i4 is a fully electric 4-door Gran Coupé and will enter the market during the course of 2021, including a BMW M Performance model. Its refined balance of BMW typical sportiness, comfort and sustainable performance are unique in its segment.

The BMW i4 model line will be available in different versions covering ranges of up to 590km (WLTP) and up to 300 miles (EPA). With a power output of up to 390kW / 530HP the BMW i4 can accelerate from zero to 100km/h in around 4 seconds.

 
For some reason, this front grill does not offend me as much as the M3 and M4 front.
Dont get me wrong, I'm not a fan of it, though it is a bit less vulgar than the two M models.
Other than the looks (subjective) it will likely be a good car.
 
We didn’t take a break: BMW insists it got the timing right for electric car push

BMW has timed its shift to electric cars well and its upcoming products will upend the perception that the German carmaker is behind on electrification and could make its stock compete with the likes of Tesla, its top executive said.

"There is a perception that we took a break, but we actually didn't take a break," Chief Executive Oliver Zipse told Reuters as part of a series of boardroom interviews entitled "Delivering Net Zero".

"We waited for the moment when electromobility is really getting into higher volumes."

Carmakers are racing to develop electric cars amid tightening CO2 emission standards in Europe and China and BMW says it expects half of its sales to be fully-electric models by 2030.

 
Zimmer sound for new BMWs

he German music legend is helping BMW with emotional sound for BMW electric cars.

An unintended consequence of electric vehicles is their silence. Although the idea of a vehicle that makes no engine noise might be appealing to urban planners, it creates some significant issues for brands and pedestrians.

People have become accustomed to trusting their acoustic awareness when walking near or crossing roads. Without engine noise, the risk for accidental pedestrian collisions with electric vehicles dramatically increases.

The other problem is the emotional connection that an engine sound signature has. Especially for a brand steeped in performance car history, such as BMW.

In an attempt to manage its transition into a silent future mobility fleet, BMW has contracted one of the world's most celebrated film score composers, to help.

The man in question is Hans Zimmer. He has composed some of the best accompanying film music in history, including petrolhead Hollywood hits such as Days of Thunder. Most will recognize his music in films such as Gladiator, Pirates of the Caribbean, Interstellar and even The Lion King.

 
WATCH: “Interstellar” maestro brings space age soundtrack to BMW i4, i4M and iX all-electric models

One of the key areas of concern, particularly for petrolheads, when it comes to electric cars is that there’s no thundering soundtrack to engage with in the cabin when you’re really on it. That’s set to change in future as BMW and legendary film score composer Hanz Zimmer embark on a journey to discover how to give an electric car a soul-stirring soundtrack.

Introducing BMW IconicSounds Electric

BMW IconicSounds Electric is said to bring an unmistakable sound portfolio to BMW models powered by a fully electric or plug-in hybrid drive system. The collaboration between composer and curator Hans Zimmer and Renzo Vitale, creative director Sound at the BMW Group, has produced a distinctive driving sound that customers will soon be able to experience in a version developed specially for electric BMW M cars.

“Every BMW has its own character, which is reflected in the sound it makes,” says Zimmer. “So for the electrically driven BMW M models we have developed a driving sound which accentuates their emotional driving experience particularly vividly and ensures their performance can be felt with even greater intensity.”


 
BMW i4

BMW announced the newest additions to the BMW i brand, the i4 eDrive40 and i4 M50 models. The i4 M50 is the first fully-electric performance model to come from BMW M GmbH. The i4 blends the functionality and space of the gran coupe design with the instantaneous power delivery of BMW's latest 5th generation eDrive. Class-leading driving dynamics and long-distance comfort, elegant design, uncompromising workmanship, cutting-edge user-vehicle interface and advanced infotainment and driving assistance technologies all combine to deliver a zero-emissions BMW worthy of the Ultimate Driving Machine moniker.

Power is provided by BMW's latest 5th generation eDrive technology which combines the electric motors, power electronics, charging system and high-voltage battery. The electric motor, power electronics and transmission share one compact housing while the high-voltage battery measures only 4.3-inches in height and is mounted low in the floor of the new i4 for improved vehicle agility.

BMW Group has been producing battery modules and high-voltage batteries since 2013 and this in-house experience shows, with the latest generation of batteries, found in the i4, having a maximum DC fast charging capacity of up to 200 kW and AC Level 2 charging of up to 11 kW.

Sustainability and Reduced Carbon Footprint

Sustainability is an integral part of the development of the new BMW i4, from the sourcing of materials to the production of the i4 itself and to the recycling of its components in the future. Every step of the value chain was carefully looked at to reduce the carbon footprint of the i4 to the absolutely lowest level possible.


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Tesla-challenging BMW i4 revealed, with 400 kW M variant

BMW is taking the fight to the likes of Tesla’s Model 3 with the first-ever i4, which is said to be the company’s most dynamic all-electric car to date. It’s also coming to South Africa, in the first quarter of 2022, along with the iX crossover EV.

The new BMW i4 is built around a flexible vehicle architecture, meaning it uses the combustion-engined 4 Series structure as a starting point. In fact, barring for the blacked out grille, this could very easily be mistaken for the next-generation 4 Series Gran Coupe.

Being BMW’s most driver-focused EV to date, the Bavarian automaker has also created an M variant. This M40 model has a twin-motor all-wheel drive set-up that provides 400 kW and a hearty 795 N.m, and the ability to launch the car from 0-100 km/h in 3,9 seconds.

BMW will also be offering a single-motor rear-wheel drive model called the eDrive40. This one offers 250 kW, 430 N.m and a 0-100 time of 5,7 seconds.

BMW mentions a range of 590 km between charges for the eDrive40 variant and 510 km for the M50, measured on the WLTP cycle. The high-voltage batteries allow for DC charging at up to 200 kW, meaning that when plugged in at a high-voltage station, around 150 km of range can be achieved in just 10 minutes of charging.

 
BMW i4 challenges Tesla Model 3 with 367 mile range

Electric saloon's performance-focused M variant will rival Taycan and Audi E-tron GT

BMW has fully detailed the production version of its new i4 electric saloon, promising up to 536bhp from an M-badged variant and a maximum range of 367 miles.

Based on a specially adapted version of the 3 Series’ CLAR architecture, the i4 is aimed at the Polestar 2 and Tesla Model 3, but in top-spec M50 form it will offer performance that rivals the Porsche Taycan and Audi E-tron GT.

It will be available initially in rear-driven 335bhp eDrive40 and 536bhp M50 xDrive forms. The M50 employs a 255bhp motor on the front axle and a 308bhp motor on the rear axle. Combined torque is put at 586lb ft, compared with 317lb ft for the eDrive40.

The M50 also gets a unique Sport Boost function that can be used to liberate the full power output for around 10 seconds when driven in Sport mode. With this activated, the M50 can do 0-62mph in 3.9sec. The eDrive40 can complete the same sprint in 5.7sec.

The i4 stores its reserves in a floor-mounted 80.7kWh lithium ion battery pack, which is claimed to be 30% more power-dense than that used by today’s i3 supermini.

It can charge at rates of up to 210kW to gain up to 102 miles of range in just 10 minutes. What’s more, adjustable regenerative braking can top up the battery at rates of up to 195kW in the M50 and 116kW in the eDrive40.

 
First drive: BMW i4 M50 xDrive prototype review

We sample BMW's first electric saloon in M Performance guise, with Porsche Taycan levels of performance

The M50 delivers exceptional performance and is genuinely captivating to drive, with the sort of handling traits that enthusiast drivers will appreciate, along with outstanding levels of ride refinement.

With a big battery, an energy-recuperation system that contributes handsomely to its range and high-power charging capability, it promises to prove a very creditable alternative to BMW’s traditional offerings when UK sales open in September.

BMW i4 M50 xDrive prototype specifications

Engine Two asynchronous electric motors Battery 400V, 80.7kWh, liquid-cooled, lithium ion Power 536bhp (in Sport Boost mode) Torque 586lb ft (in Sport Boost mode) Gearbox Single-speed, direct drive 0-62mph 3.9sec Top speed 140mph Economy 2.6-3.3 miles per kWh Range 317 miles CO2, tax band 0g/km, 1% Rivals Telsa Model 3, Porsche Taycan, Mercedes-Benz EQE


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BMW I4 And IX Revealed Coming South Africa In 2022

BMW has fully announced the first-ever i4 and iX EV’s and both will be available in South Africa in the first quarter of 2022.

The BMW i4

The i4 four-door gran coupé will be available with a choice of powertrains choices but the press release for South Africa makes no mention of anything else but the range-topping i4 M50 version. That suggests we will only be getting that variant that packs all-wheel-drive. It gets an electric motor on each axle with a total output of 536 hp (400 kW). When you need a large amount of power, the car will trigger Sport Boost which unfurls not only the drive system’s maximum output but also the maximum system torque of 795 Nm. This enables the BMW M model to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds. The range is up to a respectable 510 km in the WLTP cycle.

The BMW i4 model in South Africa is supplied complete with the BMW Charging Card, a Flexible Fast Charger for charging at up to 11 kW and a mode 2 charging cable.

Inside, there is a 12.3-inch information display and 14.9-inch control screen that share a frameless bezel to appear like a single entity. The infotainment system runs the iDrive 8 software and supports over-the-air updates.

 
For some reason, this front grill does not offend me as much as the M3 and M4 front.
Dont get me wrong, I'm not a fan of it, though it is a bit less vulgar than the two M models.
Other than the looks (subjective) it will likely be a good car.
The problem with this grill vs the M3 and M4 is that this one is literally just for looks.
On the M3 and M4 it was required to get more air into the system, now I can only assume its to keep an identity going.
 
New 2021 BMW i4 makes UK debut ahead of autumn sales

Final i4 shown at Goodwood ahead of a market launch three months early, in line with BMW's accelerated EV plans

BMW has revealed the final, production-spec version of its new i4 saloon to the UK public for the first time at this year's Goodwood festival of speed, as it gears up to launch the Tesla Model 3 rival three months ahead of schedule.

"The decision to launch three months early was easy," according to CEO Oliver Zipse, who outlined how BMW is "picking up the pace" with respect to the electrification of its line-up. Full specifications will be announced in the coming weeks.

The i4 will go on sale alongside the i3 electric hatchback, new iX3 mid-sized SUV and iX flagship in BMW's expanding electric line-up. By 2023, the firm will have 12 pure EVs on sale worldwide, with an electric option available in 90% of its current market segments.

The i4's production-spec debut comes as BMW unveils a plan to radically overhaul its approach to electric car development from 2025.


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