BMW announces the first fully electric i4
In March, BWM gave us a teaser of their first-ever fully electric i4. Of course, BWM heads went off to a frenzy as its design looked stunning. The i4 will be a gran coupe and will be made from a set of unique futuristic parts. So being petrol heads or should we say electric heads, we had to find out a bit more about the i4, so this is everything we know about it so far. The BMW i4 will take on rivals such as Tesla Model 3 and Audi e-tron GT. It will comprise of a 528kW electric motor and an 80.0-kWh battery pack. BMW has claimed that the i4 can reach a driving range of 590km, which is impressive for the Germans.
The cabin of the i4 will feature a rose gold trim option, which comes equipped with a white leather upholstery, and light wood trim. The i4 will take inspiration to the brand’s 3-series sedan, meaning that its interior is likely to be very spacious. The i4 will also be the first BMW to feature the brand’s latest infotainment system and connectivity features. BMW has called it the iDrive 8, which will be operated through a 14.9-inch touchscreen which is integrated with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel on a big, curved display on the dashboard. It will offer a rotary controller on the centre console and will be controlled via voice commands. As expected, it will offer Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and 5G mobile capability.
The BMW i4 is set to go into production within this year, with a launch date still to be announced.
Also worth a look: the BMW Glc and the BMW M3.
FAQ
Q: What does the BMW i4 cost in South Africa?
BMW hasn't announced official South African pricing for the i4 yet, but expect it to start around R1,200,000 to R1,500,000 when it launches, putting it in direct competition with the Tesla Model 3 Performance and Audi e-tron GT.
Q: How far can the BMW i4 drive on a single charge?
The BMW i4 offers an impressive 590km driving range thanks to its 80.0-kWh battery pack, which should be more than enough for most South African road trips without range anxiety.
Q: How powerful is the BMW i4 electric motor?
The i4 packs a serious punch with its 528kW electric motor, making it one of the most powerful electric sedans on the market and significantly more potent than most petrol BMWs.
Q: Is the BMW i4 worth buying over a Tesla Model 3?
The i4 offers traditional BMW luxury with rose gold trim and premium materials, plus the familiar iDrive 8 system, making it a compelling alternative to Tesla's more minimalist approach if you prefer classic German engineering.
Q: When will the BMW i4 be available in South Africa?
BMW plans to start i4 production this year globally, but South African availability will likely follow 6 to 12 months later, so expect local deliveries in 2024 at the earliest.
Should You Buy It?
Yes, the BMW i4 looks like a winner if you've got R1,200,000+ to spend on an electric luxury sedan. With 528kW of power, 590km range, and proper BMW interior luxury including that gorgeous rose gold trim, it's shaping up to be the best German electric sedan under R1,500,000 in South Africa. The iDrive 8 system with its massive 14.9-inch screen should finally give Tesla's tech a proper run for its money, while the gran coupe design looks absolutely stunning. If you're torn between this and a Tesla Model 3, go with the i4 if you value traditional luxury and build quality over Tesla's tech-forward minimalism.
