Nearly a decade has elapsed since BMW brought two of its early electric trial cars to South African shores.
Back in 2013, the automaker shipped over examples of the Active E (based on the E82 coupé) and the Mini E (based on the R56) to spark enthusiasm. The prototypes were not for sale, of course, but were availed to media and other stakeholders for awareness purposes.
Recalling a jaunt in the battery-powered Mini E, which was left-hand drive, brings back fond memories. The instantaneous acceleration was entertaining, but a limited range and packaging constraints (the battery took up the whole rear section) made it clear there was still plenty of development to go. Also worth remembering that a year before, BMW launched the Active Hybrid versions of the 3-Series (F30) and 5-Series (F10).
But it was in 2015 that the story really got interesting, when it officially launched its all-electric sub-brand denoted by a lower-case “i” – spearheaded by the egg-shaped i3 and futuristic i8. Reception from the press and public seemed positive. While these products broke away from the traditional mould of BMW, they would unlock the door to a different, progressive group.
BMW recently took the wraps off the i4 in production form. It is scheduled to arrive on our shores in the first quarter of 2022. The four-door coupé will also be offered in high-performance flavour with an M-badge: you are looking at the M50 derivative, promising a sharper edge over the standard eDrive40 model.
Aesthetically, the M50 echoes many of the styling cues seen on the full-fat, engine-powered M3 and M4 siblings. Note the aerodynamic side mirrors and aggressive body-kit. As for the controversial grille? Its presence here is good indication that the firm is sticking to its guns, despite the backlash.
The i4 rides on a new platform built from the ground up for electrification. Because the slim battery pack sits under the floor, it has a lower centre of gravity than a conventional 3-Series. The automaker promises athletic handling characteristics without a trade-off in comfort.
To that end, it features air suspension at the rear, while all-wheel drive is part of the mix, with a pair of electric motors powering the front and hind axles. Total system output is 400kW and 795Nm, with a claimed 0-100km/h sprint time of 3.9 seconds.
A single-speed automatic transmission facilitates proceedings. The automaker describes the acoustic personality of the i4 as “electrically charged” and an optional Iconic Sounds Electric package ups the ante, developed by film music composer Hans Zimmer.
Purported range on a full charge is 510km. A fast-charging function could see a 140km boost in as little as 10 minutes. Inside, the i4 is BMW business as usual: straight lines, neat placement of switchgear and typically driver-centric. The model debuts a new format of the iDrive interface, with a greater emphasis on control via spoken communication with what BMW calls its intelligent personal assistant.
The curved display taking centre stage is operated by touch. But the traditional rotary controller is still there. As many as 40 driver assistance systems feature as standard, such as adaptive cruise control as well as the steering and lane control assistant, allowing semi-autonomous driving.
Local pricing is yet to be confirmed.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.