BMW

i4

BMW Group India launched the BMW i4 electric sedan in the country on May 26, 2022. It’s the third electric vehicle from the Bavarian group, which has already launched the BMW iX electric SUV and the MINI Electric. Launched at an introductory price of Rs. 69.90 lakh, the i4 is the first electric sedan in the premium mid-size sedan space in India. The BMW i4 will also be India's longest-range electric vehicle with a claimed driving range of up to 590 km on a single charge. While at the moment there is not direct rival to the car in the EV space in India, however, given the price point, it will go up against the likes of the MINI Electric, Kia EV6 and Volvo XC40 Recharge.

The i4 is sharp, sporty and comes with all the signature visual traits seen on BMW's electric vehicles. The car is based on the new-generation 4 Series, but the styling has been tweaked with the EV-specific kidney grille, LED headlamps, and blue accents around the BMW badge. The car also comes with L shaped LED taillights. BMW also offers an optional M Aerodynamic Kit with embellishments like sportier bumpers, exclusive 18- or 19-inch M Light Aerodynamic alloy wheels, and other M elements in high gloss shade. The car is offered in three colour options - Mineral White, Black Sapphire, and Skyscraper Grey.

Inside, the BMW i4 comes with Perforated Sensatec upholstery offered in Canberra Beige and Cognac colour schemes. While upfront you get sporty seats the rear bench seat with a 40/20/40 split. The highlight of course is the driver-focused cockpit with the BMW curved display, featuring two screens - a 12.3-inch information display and 14.9-inch control screen - which share a frameless bezel and appear as a single unit. The infotainment system runs the iDrive 8 software and supports over-the-air updates.

Other features include - a wireless charger, wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, and BMW's virtual assistant that allows you to perform several in-car functions with voice commands. It also gets a 17-speaker Harman Kardon surround sound system and a parking assistant with a reverse camera.

The BMW i4 comes with the fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology, featuring an integrated drive unit within a single housing that is powered by an electric motor, single-speed transmission and power electronics. The electric motor can produce 335 bhp and 430 Nm of peak torque and propel the car from 0 to 100 kmph in mere 5.7 seconds. It’s equipped with a slim 110 mm high-voltage, floor-mounted Lithium-Ion battery pack that comes with a capacity of 80.7 kWh. The battery can offer a range of up to 590 km on the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) cycle.

As an introductory offer, BMW is offering the i4 with a complimentary 11 kW wallbox charger with installation. The AC charger can charge the battery from 0 to 100 per cent in 8.25 hours. The i4's battery also supports DC fast charging of both 50 kW and 205 kW. The former can charge the battery from 10 per cent to 80 per cent in 83 minutes, while a mere 18 minutes of charge time will offer a range of up to 100 km. As for the 205 kW DC charger, it can top up the battery from 10 per cent to 80 per cent in 31 minutes, while charging for a mere 10 minutes can offer a range of 164 km.