When talking about luxury electric vehicles, BMW was the last of the German trio to enter the market. The carmaker introduced its first all-electric model, the iX SUV, in India in December last year with the recently launched i4, becoming the second BMW EV to arrive on our shore. As with the iX, the i4 too is a CBU import and is available only in a single fully-loaded variant. Here's what you need to know about BMW's newest EV.
Platform and battery
The i4 is based on a modified version of BMW's existing CLAR platform that also features in the current 3 Series and 4 Series. The modifications include making space to house the battery pack in the sedan's floor. The i4 is offered with a sole 81.5kWh battery pack in India with BMW providing a 3-phase AC charger with the car as part of an introductory offer. The battery also supports DC fast charging at up to 205kW. BMW says the AC charger takes about 8.25 hours to charge the battery from 0-100 per cent. A 50kW DC fast charger meanwhile can top the battery from 10-80 per cent in 83 minutes with the 205kW charger completing the same in 31 minutes.
Styling and interior
i4's overall looks are similar to the new 4 Series Gran Coupe from global markets though it does get some model specific design updates.
Unlike the iX, the i4's styling is not unique to the sedan. The design is in-line with the new 4 Series Gran Coupe in international markets replete with the oversized grille and receding roofline though the i4 does get an enclosed grille and model-specific wheels to help it stand out. Inside too, the dashboard design is shared with the recently revealed 3 Series facelift in global markets including the 14.9-inch touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital instrument screen. We are yet to get the updated 3 Series in India.
Also see: BMW India Confirms 10 Special Edition M, M Sport Models For 2022
Variants and equipment
12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 14.9-inch touchscreen are housed within a single frame.
Unlike in global markets where the i4 is available in more than 1 variant, we only have the sole top-spec eDrive40 variant to opt for. In terms of equipment the variant packs in self-levelling rear air suspension, 3-zone climate control, the aforementioned displays running BMW OS.8 replete with an onboard voice assistant and navigation function, 464W Harman Kardon sound system, hands free parking, wireless phone charging, tyre pressure monitoring and more.
Powertrain and range
The eDrive40 nomenclature means that the car on sale in India is powered by a single electric motor running the rear wheels. BMW says the unit has a peak output of 335 bhp and 430 Nm of torque which despite the car's weight is capable of taking the sedan from 0-100kph in 5.7 seconds. The i4 also has the longest claimed range for an EV in India at up to 590 km on a single charge. We'll have to wait and comment on how that translates on road in Indian driving conditions.
i4 sits on 17-inch alloy wheels as standard; gets air-suspension on the rear axle
International markets also get a more powerful all-wheel drive M50 variant though we'll have to wait and see if BMW will bring this to India in the future.
Price and rivals
Coming to the price, the i4 has an introductory price of Rs 69.90 lakh (ex-showroom, India). This make's it BMW's most affordable EV on sale in India. The model at this time also lacks a distinct rival in its price bracket with the closest electric luxury sedan being the much more expensive Audi e-tron GT.
