BMW i4: First All-Electric Sedan Revealed

BMW's Electrification Push: The i4 and iX

BMW is committed to expanding its electric vehicle offerings, aiming for a lineup of 25 electrified cars by 2025. This year marks significant progress with the introduction of the all-electric iX SUV and the i4 sedan.

i4 Sedan: Performance and Range

The German automaker has now revealed further specifics regarding the i4, its inaugural fully electric sedan, alongside the first official exterior images of the vehicle.

The i4 will boast a maximum power output of 390 kW, equivalent to 530 HP. Acceleration from a standstill to 100 km/h is projected to take just four seconds.

Preliminary testing, conducted by BMW and based on EPA procedures, indicates a potential range of up to 300 miles. This distance is sufficient for a journey from Los Angeles to Las Vegas.

This range mirrors that of the iX and represents a modest increase in horsepower compared to BMW’s new SUV model.

While some competitors, such as Tesla, offer greater ranges, the i4 surpasses the capabilities of comparable all-electric models from Porsche and Audi, like the e-Taycan and e-tron GT, which typically achieve ranges in the lower 200s.

Image Credits: BMW

A "True BMW" Experience

“With its sporty aesthetics, leading driving dynamics, and zero local emissions, the BMW i4 embodies the essence of the BMW brand, now fully electrified,” stated Pieter Nota, a member of the BMW AG Board of Management overseeing Customer, Brands, and Sales.

Currently, pricing information and comprehensive specifications for the i4 remain undisclosed. Further details are anticipated later this year, likely to be unveiled during the summer months.

Development Philosophy

Frank Weber, BMW’s head of development, emphasized the iX’s unique design at a recent press event. He noted, “The iX is purpose built, it’s spectacular and it’s a completely new BMW X product.”

However, Weber also highlighted the demand for a fully electric sport sedan. He explained, “But what people are longing for is to see that we have a sport sedan that is fully electric. [ … ] And the i4 has everything it takes to have a real sporty sedan from BMW that is fully electric.”

A Familiar Form Factor

Unlike the more unconventional i3, BMW’s initial all-electric vehicle, the i4 adopts a conventional four-door sedan configuration. This design includes standard passenger doors, a feature absent in the i3.

This approach is expected to appeal to buyers seeking a sporty and spacious electric car from BMW, aligning with the characteristics of the existing 4-series.

iDrive 8.0: A New Interface

BMW also unveiled the eighth iteration of its iDrive operating system this week. This updated system features a redesigned dashboard layout and visual design, incorporating two curved screens.

The iDrive 8.0 will debut in both the i4 and the iX models, enhancing the user experience.