Snapshot
- First i4 will arrive early 2022
- M50 features 400kW AWD layout
- Dual-screen interior standard
BMW's first ever i4 has been revealed, due to reach Australian shores in early 2022.
The eDrive 340 model will be accompanied by the i4 M50, the first all-electric M car to appear in BMW’s long-running performance line.
The mid-size electric luxury sedan will rival the Tesla Model 3 in the Australian market, though the BMW is the more expensive.
Pricing
Two BMW i4 models will be available upon the EV’s arrival early next year. The entry-level eDrive40 will carry a price of $99,900 before options and on-road costs. The cheapest Tesla Model 3 is currently priced at $59,990 before on-road costs.
The M50 will be priced at $124,900 before on-road costs. It's a big margin over the top-spec Tesla Model 3 Performance, which recently dropped to $90,900.
Power and performance
Both cars use fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology, with an 84kWh battery capable of 200kW DC charging.
The eDrive40 features a single electric motor sending 250kW/420Nm to the rear wheels, with a range of 590km. The 0-100km/h is achieved in 5.7 seconds.
The M50 instead uses two motors, powering both the front and rear axles for a 400kW/795Nm output and 3.9-second sprint to 100km/h. Range is reduced to 510km per charge.
Plugged into a 200kW charger, battery capacity can be brought from 10 per cent to 80 per cent in just 31 minutes. Ten minutes of fast charging from a 10 per cent battery can yield 164km of range in the eDrive40, or 140km for the M50.
For the Australian market, both models will use adaptive M suspension and 19” wheels as standard.
Features
Standard features on the i4 eDrive40 include:
M Sport Package |
M Sport brakes |
Sport front seats |
12.3” information display |
14.9” control display |
Leather upholstery |
Head-up display |
LED headlights |
Automatic tailgate |
Parking assistant |
Wireless smartphone charging |
DAB+ digital radio |
Smartphone integration |
10-speaker sound system |
Five-year Chargefox subscription |
In addition, the i4 M50 offers:
M Performance tuning |
xDrive AWD system |
Lumbar support |
Laserlight headlights |
Harman Kardon 16-speaker surround sound |
Electric glass roof |
Performance Tyre Package |
M Technology Package |
Rear spoiler |
Metallic paint |
Options
A number of extra packages can be chosen for both cars at an additional cost.
For an extra $5800, the eDrive40-only Visibility Package adds:
Metallic paint |
Electric glass roof |
Laserlight headlights |
The $1500 ($1300 on M50) Comfort Package features:
Heated steering wheel |
Lumbar support (standard on M50) |
Heated front seats (standard on M50) |
Heated rear seats (M50 only) |
The $1700 ($1200 on M50) M Sport Plus Package includes:
Shadowline M lights |
M seatbelts |
M rear spoiler (standard on M50) |
High-gloss Shadowline with extended contents |
Finally the $3600 ($2100 on M50) Executive Package adds:
Tyre pressure monitoring |
Alarm system |
Sun protection glazing |
Harman Kardon surround sound (standard on M50) |
BMW Drive Recorder |
Alpine white is standard paint, though eDrive40 buyers can pay $2000 for:
Black sapphire |
Mineral white |
Sunset orange |
M Portimao blue |
San Remo green |
M Brooklyn grey |
Skyscraper grey |
Priced at $3850 ($1850 for M50), BMW Individual colours are:
Davit grey |
Tanzanite blue |
Aventurine red |
Finally, M50 buyers only can choose BMW Individual frozen M Portimao blue for an extra $4700.
Safety
Safety features on all i4s include:
Active cruise control |
Front collision warning |
Speed limit information |
Lane departure warning |
Steering and lane control assistant |
Surround view |
Remote 3D view |
Availability
Both the BMW i4 eDrive40 and i4 M50 will be available from early 2022.
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