BMW revealed the stunning i4 Concept, production set to begin in 2021

KUALA LUMPUR: Just a day earlier, BMW pacified the excited audience through live streaming of the i4 unveiling. This newest offering from the German automaker was suppose to the hottest star at the Geneva motor show, which now stands cancelled. So, BMW has finally revealed the i4 Concept. With this, BMW has taken electric drive to the next level of ultimate driving pleasure and luxury. The concept i4 revealed is the preview of BMW i4 that will go into production in 2021.

The BMW i4 is its first all-electric model packed in a premium midsized- class. It gets 4 doors and provides the functionality of a Gran Coupe (It is BMW’s term for a four-door coupe). Beneath the skin of the machine lies BMW’s fifth-generation e-drive technology which shares features with the BMW iX3 SUV. BMW ix3 is set to go on production this year and then next will be BMW i4 and iNext.

The electric motor generates up to 530 hp of power which gives a strong competition to the BMW V8 combustion engine. Headline figures say that BMW i4 being an EV, can spark 0-100km/h in time as low as 4.0 seconds and a top speed 200km/h. Powertrain package also includes a newly designed high-voltage battery which incorporates the latest cell technology. Though the battery is allegedly slim but it weighs around 550 kg. Additionally, the battery has an energy content of around 80 kWh and operative range is estimated to be 600 km. BMW says that its eDrive tech sets new standards in terms of EV range, power density and efficiency.

i4 Concept appears to be a crisp and smooth blend of lines and exterior graphics. The exterior dons a stunning paint shade of Frozen Light Copper which is accentuated by a color nuance. Very prominently, the exterior aesthetics show a playful surface of visually stunning effects. The front fascia gets the kidney grille and it also plays the role of an intelligent panel. Since there is no combustion engine to cool, the grille now serves primarily as an “intelligence panel” also incorporating various sensors. A four-eyed look which is marque’s signature look is very noticeably created with two intricate LED elements on either side. There’s even a new logo you can spot which is very interesting to see. BMW’s famous blue and white propeller badge is now transformed into a new two-dimensional look with the transparent outer ring design.

Meticulous moulding on the side profile of the car has a battery fitted underneath and the diffuser elements are placed in the rear end, very tactfully spacing up the area vacated by the exhaust tail-pipes. Overall, the aerodynamic efficiency has been highly enhanced.

Interior of the car has every element that is set as per the driver. The new BMW Curved Display teams up with the steering wheel for a new take on driver orientation. The “instrument panel” and “center screen” have been merged into a single unit and the non-reflective glass have been placed intelligently. All the operating functions are integrated into the touchscreen display as part of an overall approach, reducing multiple haptic controls. Even the climate control system now works through touch mode.

There are three Experience Modes – Core, Sport, and Efficient which will altogether change the user experience.

BMW says that the visual difference between the three modes explains everything from how the user experiences the display and graphics, to how the interior is presented, combined together with lighting and ambience.

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