The BMW Concept i4 Is Convincing In Every Way

• New electric sedan will offer an EPA-rated 435-km of range.
• Its 80kWh battery pack will power a single motor, good for 530-horsepower.
• The i4 is beautifully styled, with the possible exception of the front grille.

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The wait for the for the official introduction of the BMW Concept i4 has been a long one if mostly because BMW launched itself headfirst into its “i” family of electrified vehicles with no updates for years. The Concept i4 is the next chapter in BMW’s electrification plans and it looks very convincing.

Physically, the BMW Concept i4 Gran Coupé is every bit an elegant 4-door “coupe” we’ve come to expect from the company. The profile, albeit very attractive, is conservative and very much clashes with the now familiar oversized kidney grille. BMW is well aware of the less-than-enthusiastic reception its new face has received and provides an explanation in their press release, should you be curious.

The interior is eye catching if mostly for the minimalism and the contrasting bronze accents. As well, the slim BMW Curved Display, which stretches from nearly from driver to passenger, is the main gateway to nearly all controls – the only switchgear in the cabin is a small familiar-looking iDrive pod with a few buttons. BMW explains how spacious the entire car is, especially in the rear, with its lounge-like presentation.

For us driving fanatics, BMW has us covered, The BMW Concept i4 “takes electric drive to the core of the BMW brand and heralds a new era in Sheer Driving Pleasure,” in BMW’s own words. The fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology packs a 530-horsepower punch from its single electric motor which will launch the i4 to 100 km/h in 4 seconds. There are three Experience Modes (“Core”, “Sport” and “Efficient”) which impacts everything from mechanicals to the user experience. The range provided by the 80kWh battery pack if of 600 km (WLTP), or about 435 km (EPA.)

The BMW Concept i4 is the first BMW to introduce the company’s brand identity. Going forward, the BMW iX3 goes into production later this year, but won’t come to North America. Production of the i4 begins in 2021 at the BMW Group’s main plant in Munich. The BMW iNEXT will also launch right around the same time.

Source: BMW