Upcoming BMW i4 electric sedan: 5 things to know

As electric vehicles are now exempted from import and excise duties in Malaysia, a number of car manufacturers are ready to leverage this opportunity. Proton has recently signed a deal with smart Automobile for selling the latter's EVs in the country, while luxury brand BMW is heading towards the launch of its new electric vehicle, the i4, after introducing the iX and iX3. 

Also read: BMW iX vs BMW iX3: Spec-to-spec comparison

BMW Malaysia previewed the fully-electric Gran Coupe in metal for the first time at the recently-organized NEXTGen Malaysia event. However, the automaker neither released the price nor opened the bookings yet. But, it did release some details about the upcoming EV. So, let’s know the model in detail.

An electric version of the 4 Series with exclusive exterior touches

The BMW i4 is a fully-electric equivalent of the fossil fuel-powered 4 Series and thus it looks nearly identical to it. But, it does feature a number of exclusive exterior touches for a unique appearance. First on this list is the blue splashes around the badges, front grille, headlights, side skirts, and rear bumper. 

Further differentiating the EV is a partially shuttered-off kidney grille, a different rear bumper design integrated with a massive diffuser, and the absence of exhaust tips.

The exterior kit will include the M Sport exterior package, BMW Laser Light headlights with LED DRLs, 20-inch BMW Individual alloy wheels, and M Sport brakes with blue callipers.

Against the measuring tape, the EV measures 4,785 mm in length, 1,852 mm in width, 1,448 mm in height, and spans a wheelbase of 2,856 mm.  

Speaking about the colour options, the i4 will be available in three shades - Black Sapphire Metallic, Mineral White Metallic, and M Brooklyn Grey Metallic.

Sole eDrive40 variant with 590 km range

BMW confirmed that the all-new i4 will be available in a single eDrive40 guise in Malaysia, which will be equipped with a single 250 kW power unit pumping out a maximum power output of 340 PS and a peak torque of 430 Nm. The power will be channelled to the rear wheels via a single-speed transmission. 

BMW paired the electric motor with an 83.9-kWh battery pack that offers a WLTP-claimed drive range of 590 km on a full charge. 

On the performance front, the EV takes 5.7 seconds to run from zero to 100 kmph. The top speed is electronically-limited to 190 kmph.

Takes only 31 minutes to charge from 10-80%

With an 11kW BMW i Wallbox, the i4 gets charged from zero to 100% under 8.5 hours. However, the charging speed can be increased with the help of a DC fast charger. The EV supports up to 200 kW DC fast-charging, by which it can charge from 10% to 80% in 31 mins only. With a 10-minute charge, it can run for 164 km. 

It is to be noted that the high voltage battery system is designed to keep a 20% power reserve even when the display shows a zero charge.

Packs innovative and advanced systems 

Inside the i4 cabin, you will get the standard iDrive 8 Operating System paired in a single curved panel housing a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch infotainment unit, The iDrive 8 is the most advanced and innovative iteration of the brand’s onboard technology. It comes with Remote Software Upgrades and 5G connectivity, which keeps it up to date always. 

Plus, the EV also has BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. There is also a Head-up Display projecting important driving data in a convenient, easy-to-read format, three-zone automatic climate control with nanofiber filter technology, 16 speaker Harman Kardon surround system, and a digital seven-channel amplifier.

Extra eyes on the road

The upcoming BMW i4 eDrive40 features driving sensors that are discreetly integrated into the kidney grille design. The sensors are paired with the Driving Assistant Professional that encompasses the following features, so you will be fully focused on the road.

• Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go function
• Lane Change Assistant
• Lane Keeping Assistant with active side collision protection
• Steering and Lane Control Assistant
• Emergency Stop Assistant
• Crossing-traffic Warning at the front
• Evasion Assistant
• Crossroads Warning with city braking function
• Steering and Lane Control Assistant with active lane guidance

Also part of the safety kit is the Parking Assistant with Park Assist, Active Park Distance Control, and Reversing Assistant. 

What are your thoughts on the upcoming BMW i4, let us know in the comments.

Also read: BMW Group clocked new sales records in 2021