BMW has revealed more details on the all-electric i4 that debuted in March 2021. The mid-size sedan is scheduled to go on sale in November 2021 (depending on the market) with two model variants: i4 eDrive40 (RWD) and i4 M50 (AWD); the latter is billed as the “first purely electric performance car from BMW M GmbH”. An entry-level (eDrive35) variant might join the lineup at a later date, but there’s no official word on that yet.
Alright, let’s go over the technical stuff of the i4 eDrive40. This one packs a single rear motor that develops 250 kW (340 metric hp) and 430 Nm (317 lb-ft) of torque. The lithium-ion battery pack has a net capacity of 80.7 kWh, which is claimed to offer a WLTP range of up to 590 km (367 mi). As for the official performance figures, the eDrive40 is claimed to sprint from 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.7 seconds and on to a limited top speed of 190 km/h (118 mph).
The i4 M50 on the other side packs two electric motors, one at each axle, offering a combined 400 kW (544 metric hp) and 795 Nm (586 lb-ft) of torque. The lithium-ion battery pack here is also of a 80.7 kWh net capacity, but understandably, is claimed to offer a WLTP range of up to 510 km (317 mi), which I think is not bad at all. BMW claims a 0-100 km/h (62 mph) sprint time of 3.9 seconds and a limited top speed of 225 km/h (140 mph).
The battery pack can accept a max DC charging rate of up to 200 kW. Recharging from 10% to 80% SoC is claimed to take 31 minutes at a DC fast charging station.
Both models contain a generous amount of aluminium, but since we are talking about BEVs, they weigh over 2 tons. The i4 eDrive40 weighs (unladen) 2,050 kg (4,519 lbs) while its M sibling weighs 165 kg (364 lbs) more.
As for the dimensions, the i4 measures 4,783 mm long, 1,852 mm wide and 1,448 mm tall. It boasts a wheelbase of 2,856 mm.
Rear-axle air suspension with automatic self-leveling is optional on both models. The i4 M50 gets model-specific adaptive M suspension, variable sport steering, M Sport braking system and optional M light-alloy wheels (up to 20-inch). Download the technical specifications sheet here.
Features in the cabin include a 12.3-inch driver display, a 14.9-inch central display, 3-zone climate control, sports seats with memory function (standard in M50), Intelligent Personal Assistant, and around 40 driver assistance functions. As always, the options list is big which also includes a 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. Download the 53-page full information sheet here.
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