BMW Concept i4
The shape of (many) things to come….
Bigger power, bigger grille, this concept is all things impressive and set for production next year. With a 270-mile range and the first all-electric four-door Gran Coupe, the i4 is what the future is all about. With unique styling, the use of an intelligence panel and a large, curved display, the i4 has a presence unlike any other. Packed with power and chock full of innovation, see what electrification and BMW has to offer. Introducing the first-ever electric Gran Coupe— it’s the shape of (many) things to come!
Futuristic lookWith artistry and sustainability, this Gran Coupe is truly sculpted for the future! It is accented by blue design elements, exclusively styled wheels and a reimagined BMW Roundel. It boasts perfectly balanced Gran Coupe proportions and embodies a confident, modern design. That design is brought forth in a large closed-off double kidney grille, a fastback roofline and slim taillights. Clean contours round out this concept’s look, and is a true expression of the future. Perhaps the most noticeable features, though, besides the mammoth kidney-shaped grille, is the glass roof and curved digital display in the interior.
In general, the inside boasts an elegant cockpit, ergonomically curved display and luxurious glass crystal controls. Seats have a modern feel brought forth with sustainability produced materials. A full-length Panorama glass roof elicits a feeling of calm in what is an open and airy interior. The inside is also highlighted by a soundscape exclusive to BMW and created by world-renowned composer Hans Zimmer.
Power packed!
The i4 Concept, which features BMW’s current fifth-generation eDrive powertrain, uses a single electric motor that is capable of producing 530 horsepower! Electricity comes from an 80 kWh battery, which can propel the concept to 62 mph in just 4.0 seconds. In general, this Concept has a range of 270 miles and a WLTP range of 373 miles. It is uncertain whether this will change once the Concept goes into production.
The i4 will use BMW’s new Generation 5 battery packs, which are much smaller than the Generation 3 and 4 packs used in the company’s current EVs. These batteries are also much stronger, meaning they can handle fast-charging situations.
The modes have it….
BMW will incorporate three different modes into the vehicle’s display called “Experience Modes.” This type of setup previews the next-generation operating system it will use in vehicles beginning next year. The three modes are Core, Sport and Efficient and function just as their name makes clear. In Core, a tweaked version of BMW’s current arrangement where users can navigate the diagonal widgets, swipe movements are used to access and arrange them as needed. Sport mode brings the widgets closer together for a focused view and also makes room for performance items such as a lap timer. Efficient mode centers on communication and how well the car is using its available power.
Where/how it’s built….
The i4 will be manufactured at BMW’s main plant in Munich, Germany, with the factory undergoing about $222 million in upgrades. It is hoped that BMW will have a million EVs on the road by the end of 2021. This is all part of the automaker’s big launch of 25 new electrified vehicles by 2023.
The i4 will ride on modular architecture that will be shared with other EVs. Due to this, the new electric drive unit, which packages the motor, transmission and electronics in one housing, can be mounted at the front or rear axles — or both — to provide front, rear or all wheel drive as needed for the specific vehicle type. The i4 will use the same underpinnings as the new 3 Series sedan and upcoming 4 Series models. This allows BMW to not only offer gas-only, plug-in hybrid and fully electric models on the same platform, but produce them on the same line as well. This serves to streamline the manufacturing process overall. The i4 will be part of a four-car onslaught of electric vehicles that BMW plans to introduce between now and the end of 2021.
The cost of the Concept i4 is expected to start somewhere near $50,000.
Staying connected
It is expected that the Concept will be chock full of the latest in technology and infotainment, including a large touchscreen system with gesture-operated controls and a fully digital gauge cluster. The i4 is sure to inherit what BMW presents currently, which is Apple CarPlay capability, a Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless phone charging and various audio-system upgrades.
Competitive warranty
The i4 will be presented with BMW’s current warranty specifics, including coverage of its battery components, likely for eight years or 100,000 miles. In addition, there will be a limited warranty that covers 4 years or 50,000 miles, a powertrain warranty that covers 4 years or 50,000 miles, hybrid components covered for 8 years or 100,000 miles and complimentary maintenance covered for 3 years or 36,000 miles.
BMW is no stranger to electrified models, and this Concept i4 is sure to bolster its portfolio even further! This four-door will compete with rivals such as the Tesla Model 3 and the Audi e-tron GT. With full details forthcoming, this all-electric sedan is truly the shape of many things to come. It will enter production in 2021 and truly brings pure electrification to the BMW brand. With a dynamic design that is both clean and elegant, the Gran Coupe is the new, electric dimension of the Ultimate Driving Machine!