BMW Group has delivered on its promise of launching three electric cars for India, which started with the iX and was followed by the Mini Cooper SE, but the i4 is what we were holding our breath for, because, well you just have to look at it — it’s a gorgeous luxury sedan (notchback technically). Launched at Rs 69.9 lakh (ex-showroom) the BMW i4 is creating a new segment in the luxury electric vehicle space altogether.
We’ve already spoken in detail about the styling of the BMW i4, but let’s just go through it briefly. The i4 looks closer to the 4 Series Gran Coupe, especially from the front with its vertical kidney grilles. However, like the iX, the i4’s grille is also closed off, hiding the camera and sensors inside it. Unlike the iX which is underpinned by an all-new platform, the i4 is built on the modular CLAR platform which also underpins the ICE 3 Series. The i4 also receives flush-fitting door handles, and a hockey stick-like element on the lower part of its doors with a blue tinge, further signifying the presence of an electric drivetrain.
The i4 is being offered in two trims globally with varying performance and range levels. However, we are only getting the eDrive40 for now, which is powered by a single electric motor placed on the rear axle, producing 335bhp and 430Nm of torque. This makes it capable of reaching triple digits in just 5.7 seconds, maxing out at an electronically-restricted top speed of 190kmph.
Backing the i4 is an 83.9kWh battery pack, which takes 8.2 hours for a full charge via a 11kW AC three-phase charger, while a 200kW DC fast charging station will fill up the battery in just 31 minutes. The WLTP-claimed range for the i4 stands between 493 to 590km for the eDrive40 variant.
In terms of equipment, the i4 receives BMW Curved Display, which runs on the latest version of the BMW operating system, clubbing the 12.3-inch instrument cluster and the 14.9-inch infotainment system together. It also supports BMW Personal Assistant. Some more equipment includes automatic climate control, powered notchback tailgate, voice commands, software updates, navigation with BMW Maps, Vernasca leather upholstery, reverse assistant, parking assistant and park distance control among others.
With the i4 and the iX, BMW has now solidified its presence in the Indian luxury electric vehicle segment. A battle of the electric luxury sedans awaits us for sure!