BMW i4 returns to NZ with single variant

BMW New Zealand will reintroduce the fully electric i4 Gran Coupé to its local lineup later this year, offering a single variant with enhanced specification and improved efficiency.

The updated BMW i4 eDrive40 is priced at $124,900 and features a considerable increase in standard equipment compared to its predecessor. Customer deliveries are expected by the end of 2025.

Silicon carbide technology boosts range

The revised i4 incorporates silicon carbide semiconductor components in its power electronics, reducing energy consumption by around 4.5% on average. This efficiency improvement extends the vehicle’s WLTP range to 542km – an increase of 22km over the previous model.

The electric drivetrain remains unchanged, featuring BMW’s fifth-generation eDrive technology with an 80.5kWh high-voltage battery and rear-mounted synchronous electric motor. Power output is 250kW with 430Nm of torque, enabling 0-100km/h acceleration in 5.6 seconds.

DC fast charging capability reaches 205kW, allowing 10-80% charging in 30 minutes, while AC charging at 11kW takes 8.5 hours for a full charge.

Enhanced specification and design updates

The new i4 eDrive40 includes significantly more standard equipment than before. New additions include an electric glass sunroof, seat heating for driver and front passenger, lumbar support, and M Shadowline exterior styling with extended contents.

Interior updates feature a flat-bottomed M leather steering wheel with 12 o’clock marker and revised climate control operation. The cabin also benefits from enhanced natural lighting through the standard electric sunroof.

Exterior styling changes include a new kidney grille with diamond textured surface and updated headlights featuring vertical daytime running light structures. Standard LED headlights are fitted unless the Enhancement Package is specified, which includes Adaptive LED units with blue elements.

Equipment packages and options

BMW offers two main equipment packages for the i4 eDrive40. The Enhancement Package ($5500) adds metallic paintwork, CraftedClarity glass interior elements, Adaptive LED headlights, and a harman/kardon surround sound system.

The M Sport Pro package ($2000) includes M Sport brakes in red, M Lights Shadowline, M seat belts, and an M rear spoiler in high-gloss black. This package must be specified alongside the Enhancement Package.

Paint options range from standard Alpine White to BMW Individual Frozen finishes priced up to $10,200. Multiple leather upholstery options are available at no additional cost, while wheel choices include 19-inch standard fitments and optional 20-inch BMW Individual aerodynamic wheels for $2500.

The streamlined single-variant approach represents a shift from BMW’s previous i4 strategy, focusing on delivering enhanced value through increased standard specification rather than multiple trim levels.