BMW i4


The BMW i4 is an all-electric four-door fastback styled sedan under development by German automobile manufacturer BMW, which was first unveiled as a concept car named i Vision Dynamics at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show. Marketed as a four-door "Gran Coupé", it is the fifth model of the electric BMW i sub-brand with sales commencing in 2021.

Development and launch

The initial i Vision Dynamics concept debuted at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show, and was built on the flexible CLAR platform rather than a carbon-fibre structure as with the contemporary i3 and i8 electric models. The production version was announced at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show as the BMW i4. A second concept, designed as 85% production ready, was unveiled in March 2020.
At the 2018 Paris Motor Show, BMW confirmed the i4 would utilize lightweight construction to make the model attractive in an electric market weighed down by bulky batteries that reduce on-road handling. An investment of about in the Munich plant was made in preparation for the 2021 series production as it is built on the same assembly line as cars with combustion engines and plug-in hybrids. However, 10 percent of the production line is unique to the i4, especially the machinery involved in building the rear crash structure and integration of the high-voltage battery pack into the production process. The plant was closed for six weeks to convert more than 1000 robots in the body shop and assembly area. The i4’s electric motor is assembled in Dingolfing.

Specifications

The production model is based on the modular CLAR platform to keep costs low and volume-production attainable, and it is described as a battery-powered G20 3 Series.
The electric drive component of the BMW i4, its charging unit and high-voltage battery are all developed in-house by the BMW Group. A notable technical feature of the i4's powertrain concerns its packaging. The electric motor, transmission and power electronics are all contained in a single component, which allows for a higher efficiency of energy conversion.
The fifth-generation eDrive system supports up to 150 kW DC fast charging. The 80 kWh battery pack, which weighs roughly, can be charged to 80 percent in 35 minutes or six minutes for a range of. The design of the high-voltage battery is characterized by its extremely flat design and optimized energy density.

Equipment

All models feature the BMW Curved Display that combines the instrument cluster and infotainment system with a redesigned touch interface within a single unit. An updated iDrive controller is also retained on the centre console. The driving sounds are co-developed with Academy Award winner Hans Zimmer.

Models

The model planned to be introduced at launch is the sDrive80 with a single-motor, rear-wheel-drive layout. Additional power and range models will be available.
ModelYearsNet capacityPowerTorque0–100 km/h Top speedRange
BMW i4 sDrive802021–80 kWhTBA4.0 seconds+ EPA
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