First Emissions-Free BMW M Car Headlining New i4 Line-Up
The first locally emissions-free BMW M model will headline the all-new BMW i4 line-up in Q1, 2022.
The BMW i4 M50 performance model adopts one electric motor at the front axle and another at the rear to deliver system output of 400kW and high-intensity driving pleasure with a range of 510 kilometres in the WLTP cycle.
The BMW i4 eDrive40 will join the local line-up next year and combine a 250kW electric motor with a classical rear-wheel-drive configuration. Its maximum range as per the WLTP cycle is 590 kilometres.
Both models will launch in Australia during the first quarter of 2022.
Flexible vehicle architecture, higher level of overall coherence
In line with BMW Group’s ongoing second phase of transformation towards electric mobility, the development of the BMW i4 was based on a flexible vehicle architecture.
This was devised – from the outset, for the first time – for an all-electric drive system.
Among the highlights of the new electric powertrain are compact drive units that have an elastic bearing in their respective axle subframes.
The extremely slim high-voltage battery has a cell height of just 110 millimetres, is positioned low down in the vehicle floor and has a fixed connection with an aluminium shear panel and the front axle subframe.
A centre of gravity up to 53 millimetres lower than that of the BMW 3 Series Sedan, even weight distribution, a torsionally stiff and weight-minimised body and optimised aerodynamics (Cd of 0.24), plus a long wheelbase and wide tracks, provide the perfect recipe for BMW’s familiar sporting ability.
In addition, the vehicle concept offers a trademark BMW solution to the traditional clash between sportiness and long-distance ability. This is in the form of an efficient drive system technology and intelligent lightweight design that enables sharp dynamics and a long range without the need for disproportionately large and heavy batteries.
The integrated application of all powertrain and chassis components also helps provide the BMW i4 a degree of design coherence its rivals cannot match.
BMW Group’s technological expertise and long experience in the development of extremely sporty premium cars imbue the BMW i4 with dynamic driving abilities extending far beyond the rapid straight-line acceleration typical of a powerful electric car.
The result is effortless progress, even in challenging driving conditions, as well as precisely controllable handling.
Model-specific chassis technology and electric all-wheel drive deliver dynamic thrills
The standard chassis technology of the BMW i4 comprises a double-joint spring strut front axle and five-link rear axle with bespoke tuning, lift-related dampers, electromechanical Servotronic steering, an integrated braking system and rear air suspension.
Near-actuator wheel slip limitation optimises traction and directional stability in all road and weather conditions. This extremely fast-acting and precise system is fitted as standard on the BMW i4 and teams 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 drive torque control for both motors reacts notably faster and with far greater accuracy than would be possible with a transfer case positioned between the axles.
The BMW i4 M50 is also 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.
Highly integrated and efficient drive system technology
The fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology in the BMW i4 comprises drive units which bring together the electric motor, power electronics and transmission within a single housing.
This highly integrated electric drive system topology gives a power density of up to 2.14 kW/kg and an exceptionally high efficiency factor.
The motors work according to the principle of an electrically excited synchronous motor. The excitation of the rotor in the BMW i4 motors is not induced by fixed permanent magnets but rather the precisely controlled feed-in of electric energy.
The performance characteristics of the motors are defined by their considerable torque. This is available on tap from pull-away and sustained over an extremely wide rev band.
Demanding a large amount of power for more than 10 seconds in the BMW i4 M50 triggers Sport Boost, which unfurls not only the drive system’s maximum output but also maximum system torque of 795Nm.
This enables the BMW M model to sprint from 0-100km/h in a blistering 3.9 seconds.
The drive system in the BMW i4 eDrive40 generates peak torque of 430Nm, providing it a 0-100km/h time of just 5.7 seconds.
The sporty driving experience is accompanied by a model-specific drive sound delivering authentic feedback to movements of the accelerator. This gives the BMW i4 M50 an energy-charged soundtrack.
The optional BMW IconicSounds Electric enables integration of new sound variants created as part of BMW’s collaboration with legendary film and music composer Hans Zimmer.
Adaptive and individually adjustable recuperation
Adaptive recuperation gives the efficiency and range of the BMW i4 an additional boost.
In driving position D, a high, medium or low Brake Energy Regeneration setting for all driving situations can be selected in the BMW iDrive menu.
In driving position B, a high level of recuperation is activated automatically, generating the distinctive one-pedal feeling. Maximum recuperation power is 116kW in the BMW i4 eDrive40 and 195kW in the BMW i4 M50.
High-voltage battery with the latest battery cell technology
Fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology comprises a high-voltage battery with the latest battery cell technology.
The gravimetric energy density of the lithium-ion battery has been increased by around 20 per cent once more in comparison with the battery in the current BMW i3. The gross energy content of the high-voltage battery is 83.9kWh.
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. DC charging is possible at up to 200kW.
For example, in a short mid-journey stop at a high-power charging station, the car’s range can be increased by as much as 164 kilometres (BMW i4 eDrive40) and 140 kilometres (BMW i4 M50) within 10 minutes from a 10 per cent charge level.
Design: the visual expression of dynamism, elegance and sustainability
The BMW i4 blends the customary sporting elegance of the BMW brand’s coupés with the comfort of a four-door model and an injection of modern functionality.
The stretched proportions and clear use of forms in its body design send out a message of exclusivity and the dynamic flair for which BMW is renowned.
Additionally, accents in BMW i Blue for the largely blanked-off kidney grille, the battery technology in the floor area of the car and the sporty diffuser elements – which optimise the car’s aerodynamics – highlight their sustainability-friendly credentials.
Short overhangs, slim pillars, doors with frameless windows and a roofline that flows smoothly into the rear underscore a silhouette that befits the BMW coupé mould.
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 the 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 will be available 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 that exudes modern design.
The large tailgate has an automatic opening and closing mechanism as standard. Load compartment capacity ranges between 470 and 1,290 litres.
The BMW i4 offers class-leading individualisation options which accentuate its premium character.
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.
Premiere of the new generation BMW iDrive control/operation system
The new generation of the iDrive display and control/operation system fitted for the first time in the BMW i4 extends 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 extensively 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 behind a glass surface angled towards the driver. The digital Intelligent Personal Assistant has gained additional skills and uses a new graphic to communicate with the vehicle’s occupants.
The 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.
Temperature is adjusted using the intelligently coordinated activation of airflow, seat heating and steering wheel heating.
Remote Software Upgrades keep the car’s software up to date. The cloud-based navigation system BMW Maps ensures fast and precise route planning which also factors in mid-journey stops to charge the battery. The BMW i4 also offers data transmission using 5G.
Wide variety of driver assistance systems
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.
Flexible manufacturing at BMW Group Plant Munich, vehicle and battery cell production using 100 per cent green energy, controlled procurement of raw materials
The BMW i4 is produced as part of a flexible manufacturing set-up at BMW Group Plant Munich on an assembly line shared with models with combustion engines and plug-in hybrid drive systems.
One hundred per cent green energy is used for both vehicle production and the manufacture of battery cells.
The BMW Group procures the cobalt and lithium required for these high-voltage batteries from controlled sources and then delivers it to the battery cell suppliers.
The design principle for the electric motors allows the use of rare earth metals to be avoided in the drive system rotors. A high proportion of secondary raw materials and recycled materials helps to reduce the quantities of resources used in production of the BMW i4.
BMW Australia will announce local specification and pricing detail for the all-new i4 ahead of its local market introduction.