BMW teases i4 electric sedan with new images and details; BMW M Performance version to follow
BMW shows off its first all electric sports sedan - the i4 Gran Coupe with up to 590km (366mi) WLTP range
BMW has teased exterior images of the new i4 Gran Coupe EV at its annual conference in Munich, Germany overnight. The automaker is drawing out the launch, with full technical specifications and interior images to be released over the next few weeks.
BMW promises up to 590km (366mi) WLTP range, power up to 390 kW (530PS) as well as a BMW Motorsport version (eventually). We can expect the i4 Gran Coupe to compete against a range of vehicles in the competitive sports sedan class, from Tesla’s Model 3, Model S and Polestar 2 at the more affordable end, to the Porsche Taycan and Audi E-Tron GT when BMW announces an i4 Gran Coupe M Performance.
Broadly sharing most of the design details from the concept i4, the usual “toning down” has taken place, with less futuristic headlights to satisfy various legal and cost constraints, conventional side mirrors and smaller wheels.
The large “grille” remains, along with vertical front intakes, slim, broad taillights and BMW’s signature Hofmeister kink on the rear doors. We like it; though it lacks the “wow” effect of the concept i4, proportions are sound, and the design details are contemporary. One thing though; please lose the blue highlights BMW!
The BMW Concept i4 vs. the production i4:
The BMW concept i4
The BMW i4 Gran Coupe
The i4 will be built on BMW’s flexible and modular CLuster ARchitecture (CLAR) platform, on which the iX3 and iX SUVs are based. Notably, BMW will produce the i4 Gran Coupe on the same production lines as petrol and diesel models, thanks to a massive €200 million retooling of the Munich assembly plant.
Most manufacturers—including BMW—are focusing on the development of crossovers and SUVs based on their next generation electric architectures, so it’s great to see Munich also prioritising an all-electric sports saloon.
As mentioned, further technical details and imagery is expected to be launched over the next few weeks. While BMW has yet to reveal pricing and launch timing, we can expect the i4 to follow the iX SUV to market in early 2022.
Images: BMW AG