The rear-wheel drive promises long range, while the M version of the BMW i4 has more power. Engine factories have now revealed the details of the electric coupe.
After the iX electric SUV, BMW is now introducing the i4 compact sedan to the global audience. The electrical equivalent of the Series 3 will launch in November in two basic configurations. They are called the i4 E-Drive 40 and the i4 M50. While the base version is driven by a 250 kW (340 hp) rear-wheel drive, the sporty sibling can fall back on two engines. They put 400 kW of total output (544 hp) on the road. The manufacturer specifies the torque of the E-Drive 40 as 430 Nm; It accelerates the two-ton sedan to 100 kilometers per hour in 5.7 seconds. M50 has 795 Nm and 2.9 seconds data sheet. The weaker i4 variant is allowed to drive 190 kilometers per hour at its peak, while the sporty version of BMW allows 225 kilometers per hour. The base version of the i4 E-Drive 40 costs 58,300 euros, and the M50 starts at 69,900 euros.
i4 E-Drive 40: Range 590 km
BMW is marketing the E-Drive 40 as the group champion. According to WLTP, the 80.7 kWh battery should bring the Grand Coupe 590 kilometers. This information has not been officially confirmed. The memory can be charged nominally at 200 kW, the drawing shows up to 210 kW. This means that the i4 charges faster than the iX, which can manage a maximum of 195 kilowatts. Charging power decreases with charging time, eventually taking 31 minutes for a battery charged at 10 percent to reach 80 percent capacity. This corresponds to an average production of 110 kilowatts. Converting it to kilometers, the E-Drive 40 can drive 164 kilometers after ten minutes in the shaft, and the M50 can cover 140 kilometers. BMW limits the consumption of the standard model from 16 to 20 kWh per 100 km, for the M50 it is from 19 to 24. The battery is 100% green electricity, and it does not contain any rare earths. The manufacturer on its website.
More than a BMW 3 Series
The i4 is larger than its gasoline-powered sibling in many respects. It is eight centimeters longer and four centimeters wider. When it comes to empty weight, the battery hits as expected: 1,840 kg in BMW 320e tableWhile the i4 E-Drive weighs 2125 kg. The M50 weighs more at 2290 kg.
Engineers came up with a number of ideas to prevent dynamic losses due to weight. The actuator’s near-slip limit is standard equipment and is the first time it can be used on an all-wheel drive in the M50. Additionally, a lower center of gravity of 53mm helps with lateral dynamics compared to a conventional third-series.
The i4 has also increased in terms of carrying capacity: unlike the 3 Series (375 liters), the i4 has 470 liters of luggage space, which can be expanded to 1290 liters. A maximum trailer load of 1,600 kg and a roof load of 75 kg provide enough options for loading the i4. You can load the cabin with a maximum of 555 kg.
Heat pump and 40 auxiliary systems
An integrated heating and cooling system that includes a heat pump should also save electricity thanks to sensor-based heat management and create optimal charging conditions. It is standard on both models. This applies to the two screens in the dashboard: BMW has combined a 12.3-inch element and a 14.9-inch screen into one large curved unit. Most of the mechanical keys have fallen off. Recently, you have to operate the air conditioning system using the touch screen.
For an additional cost, the manufacturer offers headlights with laser light and up to 40 assistance systems. This includes active cruise control including traffic light detection, steering and lane assistants. As standard, the i4 offers a rear camera, forward collision warning, power tailgate locking and unlocking, additional heating and sport seats. A three-zone automatic air conditioner is also fitted as standard.
In light of BMW’s announcement, interested parties can expect a long list of extras that the cars can be equipped with. In addition to various leather upholstery and sporty beams, this also includes a sliding glass roof.
