The BMW i4 will reach US dealers in Q1 2022, starting at $56,395 for the RWD eDrive40 version, and $66,895 for the performance-oriented AWD M50.
BMW finally revealed its second generation of EVs with a new sports sedan, the i4, which is available in two configurations—eDrive40 and the more powerful i4 M50. Both models will compete with the existing Tesla Model 3 and the soon-to-be-launched Audi A4 e-Tron.
The 2022 i4 M50, as presented by BMW, is finished in Portimao Blue and has black carbon fiber add-ons and blacked-out trims. The brand says it will bring the M brand’s typical aggressive look into the futuristic electric sedan. Of course, the front displays the controversial big-mouth grille, similar to the M3 and M5.
The Performance-Focused i4 M50 Hits 62 MPH in 3.9 Seconds
To keep up with the rest of the M models, the i4 M50 has two electric motors, producing a combined output of 536 hp and 586 lb-ft of torque, although only for 10 seconds with the boost function. After that, the combined output drops to 469 hp and 538 lb-ft of torque—still not that bad, right?
BMW employed a high-voltage 83.9-kWh battery pack (81.5-kWh usable) to feed the motors. As a result, the i4 M50 can go 245 miles on battery alone, a number that’s down on the Tesla Model 3.
The driver can charge the battery via an 11-kW home charger, which would take 7.6 hours to complete. In addition, 200-kW public quick-charging is also available, enough to charge the i4 M50 from 10-80% in 30 minutes. The 2022 i4 M50 is comparable to the gas-powered M3 in terms of performance. Notably, it can hit 62 mph in just 3.9 seconds and a 140-mph top speed.
Intelligent AWD System with Torque-Vectoring
BMW focused on better drivability and handling with the i4 M50—the AWD system can optimize traction and handling stability by changing the drive torque, without the need for the traction control system to intervene. Moreover, the brand’s newly-developed near-actuator wheel slip limitation will work in unison with the AWD system to enable the i4 M50 optimized torque in a straight line.
Meanwhile, the regular i4 eDrive40 employs only one electric motor at the rear axle, producing 335 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque. As a result, the 0-62 mph acceleration is 1.8-seconds longer, while the top speed is 118 mph. However, due to the more efficient drivetrain, the i4 eDrive40 has a 300-mile range, making it the better option for most people.
Huge Touchscreen and Almost no Buttons Inside
Inside, the i4 features a massive curved screen, just like in the iX electric crossover. The digital instrument cluster and infotainment system are merged into one unit; the latter features a 14.9-inch display, while a 12.3-inch digital display acts as the instrument cluster. However, you can still shuffle through the driving modes via a physical button near the shift stick. BMW says it has done this to put the performance control in the driver’s hands; nonetheless, this isn’t a thing that most owners will touch frequently, and we’d be happier to see more physical buttons for the audio and climate.
The i4 starts at $55,400 for the eDrive40, and $65,900 for the M50 performance version. A $995 destination fee is mandatory on both models.
The EV will arrive at dealers in North America by the first quarter of 2022. Stay tuned for more updates and information.
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