What we know!
New semiconductor components for the inverter improve efficiency and increase the i4’s range estimate by about 5 percent. This is definitely worth noting for an electric sedan that is already amazing! Also, heading into the 2026 model year, the range-topping i4 M50 will turn into the i4 M60, getting an additional 56 hp for a whopping 592!
The way it works is that the updated i4’s inverter will utilize new silicon-carbide semiconductor components, which BMW has said will reduce energy consumption by about 5 percent. This saved energy equates to about 14 miles of additional range from a full charge.
Currently, the rear-drive eDrive40 gets an estimated 301 miles of range from a full charge, and the AWD xDrive40 gets an estimated 307 miles when equipped with 18-inch wheels. According to EPA estimates, the current range-topping M50 earns just 245 miles.
In addition to efficiency comes enhanced performance, with the M50 that served as the flagship trim for the previous four model years now gone and replaced with the new i4 M60.
Above its extended range, the i4 M60 is poised to jump from 0-60 mph in just 3.7 seconds, 0.2 seconds faster than the i4 M50. The vehicle’s total speed is unchanged at 225 km/h.
With this update to range and power also comes some subtle exterior revisions. Those include new grille designs, different LED headlight signatures, new alloy wheels and additional paint colors. The vehicle also received the option of Laserlight rear lights in the style of the M4 CSL.
Within the cabin is a new steering wheel, reduced physical buttons and controls on the instrument panel, new interior trim elements and CraftedClarity glass applications as well as ambient lighting as standard.
These updates, which follow a minor facelift that was unveiled in April, 2024, are on tap for the 2026 model year, with pricing and official range figures released closer to the on-sale date. Europe will see these updates this summer, while the U.S. production will not begin until sometime in July. The updated model still hasn’t arrived in Australia, with a BMW Australia
spokesperson noting, “Any updates regarding the BMW i4 line-up for Australia will be announced in due course.”
It follows a rich history, because when introduced in September, 2023, as the only i4 variant priced below the Luxury Car Tax threshold, the eDrive 35 became BMW’s top-selling premium auto brand for the first time in 11 years.
As EV sales continue to increase each year, this i4 is surely one for the books! More power, more range, and exterior and interior updates to boot, this model for 2026 is surely going the distance. Reserve yours today!