2022 BMW i4 Launched
BMW's new i4 line-up includes its first electric M car – the i4 M50. Prices start at £51,905...
BMW calls the new i4 a 'statement vehicle' – it's the first all-electric premium BMW aimed at the traditional midsize segment. Due for launch in the UK in November 2021, the i4 uses a four-door gran coupé body style and offers a range of up to 367-miles. Three different models will be available at launch, including the first ever BMW M car with all-electric drive – the i4 M50.
The entry-level models, the i4 eDrive40 Sport and i4 eDrive40 M Sport, offer a 340hp (317lb ft torque) electric motor with rear-wheel drive and a range of up to 367-miles. Both specifications include 18-inch alloy wheels and the Live Cockpit, plus standard equipment such as a reversing camera, Parking Assistant, automatic air conditioning, ambient lighting, LED lights front and back and acoustic protection for pedestrians. The range-topping i4 M50 boasts 544hp (586lb ft torque) – the first ever fully-electric BMW M model – is powered by a 190kW electric motor at the front axle and a 230kW version at the rear. A specially designed boost function can be activated on demand that brings the M model’s high-performance character to the fore. This enables the system to deliver a maximum power for over ten seconds. The burst of speed is accompanied by an M-specific soundtrack which was composed in collaboration with Hans Zimmer. With Sport Boost enabled, the i4 M50 will travel from 0 to 62mph in just 3.9-seconds. Top speed is limited to 140mph. The M50's range is stated as up to 316-miles.
The i4 boasts flexible charging options. Its Combined Charging Unit allows use of DC high-power charging stations with an output of up to 200kW. Range of up to 102-miles (i4 eDrive40) and 87-miles (i4 M50) can be delivered within a 10-minute charging stop at stations of this kind. BMW Charging solution, subscription-free access to ‘bp pulse’ and ‘IONITY Plus’ packages are available for i4 customers for the first year of ownership.
The new i4, which will be built at Plant Munich, features the latest generation of the iDrive system, plus cutting-edge innovations in the areas of automated driving and parking assistance much like the iX also featured in these pages. The BMW iDrive and Operating System 8 also feature.
In the UK, amongst the various differences between models, i4 eDrive40 Sport customers can choose either 17-inch or 18-inch alloy wheels with a double spoke design, while the i4 M50 comes with an M-specific rear spoiler and the choice between either 18-inch M wheels or 19-inch M light double spoke alloy wheels. The BMW i4 is priced from £51,905 (i4 M50 £63,905) and due for UK launch in November.