Buzz
After a hiatus, BMW re-enters the electric vehicle market, having been a pioneer for many years. Previously, they introduced the i3 as their first all-electric model, followed by the i8 with a hybrid engine. Recently, BMW not only showcased and released the iX, a stunning electric SUV, but also welcomed the arrival of the i4. With its sedan style and sporty design, the i4 can be considered the electric version of the 4 Gran Coupe series. This is also the first time BMW has an all-electric M high-performance model.In the Thai market, the BMW i4 is offered in three variants, including two i4 eDrive40 models and the i4 M50, similar to those available in the U.S. Additionally, there is the i4 eDrive35 M Sport variant, which I encountered at the exhibition. It provides a more balanced option for customers who may not require extreme specifications but still want to enjoy the high-performance M features.
The BMW i4 eDrive35 M Sport is equipped with an electric motor of 210 kW or 286 horsepower, with a maximum torque of 400 Nm. The car accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6 seconds. According to WLTP standards, the car can cover a distance of 483 km on a single charge. For the standard version, the car can travel up to 590 km. Although not overly impressive, the maximum range of nearly 600 km is quite decent for an electric sedan like the i4.
In terms of charging speed, there is a plethora of options available. BMW provides various charging options, from home charging to public charging, and of course, they also sell home fast chargers and portable fast chargers if customers have the need. The BMW i4 can charge from 10 to 80% in just 31 minutes with a charging power of up to 205 kW. With this charging system, a 10-minute charge gives the car a range of 164 km. At home, using the BMW Wallbox 11 kW charger, the full charging time is 8.25 hours.
In terms of design, the i4 clearly showcases itself as an electric sedan, targeting a younger, sportier audience. The car features a sharply tapered rear end, resembling the 4-series Gran Coupe with 4 doors and 4 seats. The car comes in color options of white, black, blue, and gray. The gray color looks very beautiful and eye-catching.
From the front, the car makes a striking impression with a kidney-shaped glossy black grille of immense proportions, contrasting elegantly with the body color. Instead of numerous openings for air intake in the cooling system, the flat grille creates a seamlessly beautiful appearance. Inside, there are sensor systems to enhance the vehicle's intelligent safety features.
The front headlights of the car are designed in an oval shape, tapering sharply at both ends. Inside, the BMW LED lighting system is featured, though not the most advanced laser type. The graphics of the LED strip for daytime positioning share the design language with the rest of the car.
Moving to the side profile, being a Gran Coupe, we observe the roof gradually sloping towards the rear, creating a visually appealing sporty stance. The eye-catching element on the car's side is the set of 18-inch M wheels. In my opinion, both the size and the pattern of these wheels are decent but not overly impressive. The side is also equipped with additional air vents to enhance aerodynamics.
The rear design of the car is elegantly simple, avoiding an overly aggressive look, highlighted by a gracefully curved LED taillight graphics. The BMW logo on this i4 version features a blue-accented border, incorporating a discreetly hidden camera. On both sides of the rear, there are sizable diffuser elements, adding a sporty touch even though the car lacks exhaust pipes, a non-essential feature for a pure electric sedan like the i4.
Inside the car, you'll find two large screens dedicated to information and entertainment. These curved displays, made from a single glass panel, include a 12.3' information screen and a 14.9' central entertainment screen. Of course, the car adopts the latest iDrive 8 system, supporting Level 2 and 3 autonomous driving. The interior is adorned with leather in various areas, including the leather seats. The version I slipped into features black leather interior, but there's also an option for a red color.
Within the car's interior, there's an ambient lighting system that can switch colors according to preferences. Green-accented trim pieces are strategically placed to create focal points and differentiate the interior, reflecting the color scheme of an electric vehicle, such as on the gear lever. The car also features the BMW IconicSounds simulated sound system with various modes to exhilarate the driver during operation.
The i4 is BMW's development on the 8th generation electric vehicle platform, sharing its foundation with the iX. After a brief pause since the introduction of the i3 and i8, BMW is now more dedicated to electric vehicle development. The German automaker is currently working on electric versions of the 5-Series and 7-Series for future releases. The BMW i4 eDrive35 M Sport variant is available in the Thai market with a price of nearly 3.9 million Baht, equivalent to approximately 2.7 billion VND.
