DESIGN
Take a quick glance at the i4 and what do you see? Most likely it will remind you of a 3 Series, heartland of the BMW range. On closer inspection the blue design accents on grille and rear diffuser are visual pointers to the i4’s all-electric technology, the dramatic roofline is more coupé-like, and the large double kidney grille is more assertive. But the message is clear: this is BMW’s zero-emissions future in a compact, sporting four-door form. Like the 3 Series and 4 Series, the i4 Gran Coupé is based on a modified version of the CLAR platform and will be built on the same production lines. However, it is taller than its combustion-engine stablemates due to the need to accommodate a large, powerful battery low in the chassis. PERFORMANCE
The i4 will be available with a choice of drivetrains, from a 530hp all-wheel drive i4 M flagship that will dismiss the 0-62mph benchmark in around 4 seconds, to a rear-drive model of lesser performance (but potentially an equally impressive range). BMW claims the i4 will have a range of up to 363 miles (WLTP rated) with an 80kWh battery pack. This can be charged at up to 150 kW, providing up to 80 percent of the car's driving range in just 35 minutes. It’s likely that as well as offering a choice of rear- and all-wheel drive, the i4 will be available with a choice of battery sizes. TECHNOLOGY
The i4’s eDrive system is built around a modular system featuring the electric motor, transmission and power electronics in a single housing, making it adaptable to different models and power outputs. BMW has also revealed that the i4 will feature model specific damper technology, ensuring that the instant acceleration that’s a characteristic of electric power is ‘a stimulating yet controlled driving experience’. From the originators of the Ultimate Driving Machine we’d expect no less. No safety features have been announced yet, but electric power makes it a natural fit with the latest in semi-autonomous driver aids. 