Electric BMW i4 landing early 2022

The first locally emissions-free BMW M variant will headline the all-new BMW i4 line-up, due to arrive in New Zealand in the first quarter of next year. 

The BMW i4 M50 performance model adopts one electric motor at the front axle and another at the rear to deliver a combined system output of 400kW and 795Nm providing 510km range (WLTP).

It can sprint to 100km/h in 3.9 seconds.

Joining the line-up will be the BMW i4 eDrive40 with a 250kW electric motor configured in classical rear-wheel-drive, having 590km range.

Pricing and specifications will be detailed closer to the launch, with the BMW NZ Online Store offering reservations.

Among highlights of the new electric powertrain are compact drive units that have an elastic bearing in their respective axle subframes.

The slim high-voltage 83.9kWh battery has a cell height of 110mm and is positioned low down in the vehicle floor to provide a low centre of gravity and even weight distribution.

Near-actuator wheel slip limitation optimises traction and directional stability in all road and weather conditions, fitted as standard on the BMW i4 and teaming up with electric all-wheel-drive for the first time.

This combination gives the BMW i4 M50 exceptional dynamic poise during bursts of speed and under intense lateral acceleration.

The BMW i4 M50 is equipped with adaptive M suspension that incorporates bespoke tuning, variable sport steering, M Sport brakes and up to 20-inch M light-alloy wheels with mixed-size tyres.

The optional BMW IconicSounds Electric enables integration of new sound variants created as part of BMW’s collaboration with film and music composer Hans Zimmer.

The drive system in the BMW i4 eDrive40 generates 430Nm peak torque, enabling acceleration to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds.

Adaptive recuperation gives the BMW i4’s efficiency and range a boost.

Intelligently connected drive management means the intensity of the brake energy recuperation can be adapted to the road situation, as detected by data from the navigation system and the sensors used by driver assistance systems.

Maximum recuperation power is 116kW in the BMW i4 eDrive40 and 195kW in the BMW i4 M50.

An integrated heating and cooling system for the interior, the high-voltage battery and the drive system – which operates using an exceptionally efficient heat pump function – comes as standard in the BMW i4.

Anticipatory thermal management allows the operating temperature of the high-voltage battery to be optimised ahead of a stop at a fast-charging station, paving the way for rapid and efficient charging.

The Combined Charging Unit (CCU) of the BMW i4 has been designed to enable extremely flexible battery charging, with DC charging possible at up to 200kW.

A high-power charging station can increase the range by up to 164km (BMW i4 eDrive40) and 140km (BMW i4 M50) within 10 minutes from a 10% charge level.

Slim headlights, available as an option with BMW Laserlight, and the striking BMW kidney grille with its discreetly integrated camera in combination with ultrasonic and radar sensors are defining features of the front end.

The BMW i4 eDrive40 in M Sport specification and the BMW i4 M50 employ their own distinctive design features to underscore their performance-focused character.

An M Carbon exterior package can be ordered as an option, while model-specific M Performance Parts are included in the Genuine BMW Accessory range.

The interior brings a driver-focused cockpit and ambience of premium luxury together with a generously sized, variable-use space.

Acoustic glazing, pre-heating and pre-conditioning come as standard, as do sport seats and a sports steering wheel.

The transmission selector lever, BMW Controller and function keys are positioned on a control panel in the centre console.

The large tailgate has an automatic opening and closing mechanism as standard, with load compartment capacity ranges between 470 and 1290 litres.

Individualisation option elements include seat heating and ventilation, Vernasca leather and BMW Individual leather trim variants, Sensatec and leather coverings for the instrument panel, M Sport package Pro, a glass slide/tilt sunroof, ambient lighting and the Harman Kardon Surround Sound System.

The new generation of the iDrive display and control/operation system arefitted for the first time in the BMW i4, extending the interaction between driver and vehicle into natural dialogue.

It is based on the new BMW Operating System 8 and has been designed with a clear focus on the touchscreen functionality of the BMW Curved Display and spoken communication with the upgraded BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant.

The BMW Curved Display fully digital screen grouping brings together a 12.3-inch information display and a 14.9-inch control display.

Three-zone automatic climate control system fitted as standard in the BMW i4 uses nanofibre filter technology to purify the air inside the car and is now controlled via a touchscreen display.

Remote software upgrades keep the car up to date. Cloud-based navigation system BMW Maps ensures fast and precise route planning, factoring in mid-journey stops to charge the battery, while 5G is used for data transmission.

Forty assistance functions are fitted as standard or available as options to provide safe and comfortable driving and parking.

Highlights include Active Cruise Control with automatic Speed Limit Assist, route monitoring and the Steering and Lane Control Assistant.

Front-collision warning, Speed Limit Info, Lane Departure Warning, Park Distance Control and the Reversing Assist Camera are fitted as standard, while Parking Assistant with Reversing Assistant, and Parking Assistant Plus including Surround View and Remote 3D View will also be available.