BMW creates all-electric 2022 i4

BMW has taken the wraps off its new i4 pure electric fastback ahead of its arrival in UK showrooms this November. With a range of up to 367 miles between charges, the newbie will provide stiff competition for the Tesla Model 3 and Polestar 2. It shares a body with the 4 Series Gran Coupé that features a range of petrol and diesel combustion engines, also making its debut this month.

The BMW i4 will start at £51,905, offering buyers a choice of two zero-emission powertrains and three trim levels. The basic Sport model is joined by a sportier M Sport version, both of which come with the eDrive40 powertrain.

That gives you the headline 367-mile range, along with a 335bhp electric motor that powers the rear wheels. With that powerplant, 0-62mph takes 5.7 seconds, while the top speed is limited to 118mph.

Alternatively, you can go for the high-performance M50, which uses two electric motors to produce a significant 537bhp. That extends the top speed to 140mph, but it reduces the 0-62mph time to a mere 3.9 seconds and it shortens the range to 316 miles.

Charging times vary depending on the plug you use, but BMW claims fully charging the car from a domestic wallbox will take around eight-and- a-half hours. Plug into “high-power” charging stations and the eDrive40 will take on 102 miles of range in just 10 minutes. The M50 version takes on 87 miles of range in the same timeframe.

Every version of the i4 will come with the latest version of BMW’s iDrive infotainment technology, as well as the Live Cockpit Plus digital cockpit display. A reversing camera, climate control and LED headlights are also standard across the range. M Sport and M50 models are marked out by their sportier styling, including an M Sport spoiler and Aluminium Rhombicle Anthracite trim.

The M Sport trim commands a £1,500 premium over the Sport model, but the M50 version comes in at £63,905 – a full £12,000 more than the base-level version. All three versions of the i4 will arrive in the UK this November.