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BMW i4: Bringing electric mobility to ‘pleasure in driving’ brand
By Mohammad Zaro, Jordan news
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The BMW i4 is a four-door gran coupé that combines hallmark spaciousness and practicality with the range and sporting ability for which BMW is renowned. The vehicle concept offers a (very BMW) solution to the traditional clash between sportiness and long-distance driving: Efficient drive system technology and intelligent lightweight design.اضافة اعلان
The BMW i4 blends the customary sporting elegance of the brand’s coupés with the comfort of a four-door model and an injection of modern functionality. The stretched proportions and clear use of forms in its body design send out a message of exclusivity and the dynamic flair for which BMW is renowned.
i Blue accents for the largely blanked-off kidney grille, the battery technology in the floor area of the car, and the sporty diffuser elements, which optimize the car’s aerodynamics, highlight BMW’s sustainability-friendly credentials.
Short overhangs, slim pillars, doors with frameless windows, and a roofline that flows smoothly into the rear fit the BMW coupé mold. Slim headlights, available as an option with BMW laser light, and the striking BMW kidney grille with its discreetly integrated camera and ultrasonic and radar sensors, are the defining features of the front end.
The BMW i4 eDrive40 in M Sport specification and the BMW i4 M50 employ their own design features to underscore their performance-focused character. An M Carbon exterior package can be ordered as an option, while model specific M Performance Parts are included in the Genuine BMW Accessory range.
(Photos: Handouts from BMW)
The interior brings a driver-focused cockpit and ambience of premium luxury together with a generously sized, variable-use space. Acoustic glazing, preheating, and pre-conditioning come as standard, as do sport seats and a sports steering wheel.
The transmission selector lever, BMW controller, and function keys are positioned on a control panel in the center console that exudes a modern design. The large tailgate has an automatic opening and closing mechanism as standard. Load compartment capacity is 470-1,290 liters. An electrically extendable and retractable trailer tow hitch is available as an option, and the maximum permissible trailer load is 1,600kg.
The new generation of the iDrive display and control/operation system fitted for the first time in the BMW i4 extends the interaction between driver and vehicle into natural dialogue. It is based on the new BMW Operating System 8 and has been designed with a clear focus on the touchscreen functionality of the BMW Curved Display and spoken communication with the extensively upgraded BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant.
The BMW Curved Display fully digital screen grouping brings together a 12.3-inch information display and a 14.9-inch control display behind a glass surface angled towards the driver. The digital Intelligent Personal Assistant has gained additional skills and uses a new graphic to communicate with the vehicle’s occupants.
The three-zone automatic climate control system fitted as standard in the BMW i4 uses nanofiber filter technology to purify the air inside the car and is now controlled via a touchscreen display. Temperature is adjusted using the intelligently coordinated activation of airflow, seat heating, and steering wheel heating. Remote Software Upgrades keep the car’s software up to date.
The cloud-based navigation system, BMW Maps, ensures fast and precise route planning which also factors in mid-journey stops to charge the battery. The BMW i4 also offers data transmission using 5G.
The standard chassis technology of the BMW i4 has a double-joint spring strut front axle and five-link rear axle with bespoke tuning, lift-related dampers, electromechanical Servotronic steering, an integrated braking system, and rear air suspension. Near-actuator wheel slip limitation optimizes traction and directional stability in all road and weather conditions. This extremely fast-acting and precise system is fitted as standard on the BMW i4 and teams up with electric all-wheel drive for the first time.
(Photos: Handouts from BMW)
This combination gives the BMW i4 M50 exceptional dynamic poise during bursts of speed and under intense lateral acceleration. The drive torque control for both motors reacts faster and with far greater accuracy than would be possible with a transfer case positioned between the axles. The BMW i4 M50 is also equipped with adaptive M suspension with bespoke tuning, variable sport steering, M Sport brakes, and (optionally) 20-inch M light-alloy wheels with mixed size tires.
The BMW i4 is the BMW brand’s first purely electric model focused squarely on driving dynamics from the outset. Two model variants will be available from launch, including the first BMW M car with a locally emission-free drive system. The BMW i4 M50 performance model from BMW M uses one electric motor at the front axle and another at the rear to deliver system output of 544 hp and high intensity driving pleasure and has a range of up to 521km in the WLTP cycle.
The BMW i4 eDrive40 combines a 340 hp electric motor with classical rear-wheel drive. Its maximum range as per the WLTP cycle is 590km.
The fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology in the BMW i4 comprises drive units which bring together the electric motor, power electronics, and transmission within a single housing. This highly integrated electric drive system topology gives a power density of up to 2.14 kW/kg and an exceptionally high efficiency factor.
(Photos: Handouts from BMW)
The motors work according to the principle of an electrically excited synchronous motor. The excitation of the rotor in the BMW i4 motors is not induced by fixed permanent magnets, but the precisely controlled feed-in of electric energy. The performance characteristics of the motors are defined by their considerable torque — on tap from pull-away and sustained over an extremely wide rev band.
Demanding a large amount of power for more than 10 seconds in the BMW i4 M50 triggers Sport Boost, which unfurls not only the drive system’s maximum output but also maximum system torque of 795 Nm. This enables the BMW M model to sprint from 0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds.
The drive system in the BMW i4 eDrive40 generates peak torque of 430 Nm, giving it a 0-100 km/h time of 5.7 seconds.
The sporty driving experience is accompanied by a model-specific drive sound delivering authentic feedback to movements of the accelerator. This gives the BMW i4 M50 an energy-charged soundtrack. Plus, the optional BMW Iconic Sounds Electric enables integration of new sound variants created as part of a collaboration with film music composer Hans Zimmer.
(Photos: Handouts from BMW)
Adaptive recuperation gives the efficiency and range of the BMW i4 an additional boost. Intelligently connected drive management means the intensity of the brake energy recuperation can be adapted to the road situation, as detected by data from the navigation system and the sensors used by the driver assistance systems.
For example, when approaching a junction, recuperation power can be increased, and energy fed into the high-voltage battery while harnessing the deceleration effect. On the open road, meanwhile, the coasting function can cut into the i4 “freewheeling” with no drive power whenever the driver eases off the accelerator.
Alternatively, in driving position D, a high, medium, or low Brake Energy Regeneration setting for all driving situations can be selected in the BMW iDrive menu. In driving position B, a high level of recuperation is activated automatically, generating the distinctive one-pedal feeling.
Fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology also comprises a high-voltage battery with the latest battery cell technology. The gravimetric energy density of the lithium-ion battery has been increased by around 20 percent once more in comparison with the battery in the current BMW i3. The gross energy content of the high-voltage battery is 83.9 kWh.
An integrated heating and cooling system for the interior, the high-voltage battery, and the drive system — which operates using an exceptionally efficient heat pump function — comes as standard in the BMW i4. Anticipatory thermal management allows the operating temperature of the high-voltage battery to be optimized ahead of a stop at a fast-charging station, paving the way for rapid and efficient charging.
(Photos: Handouts from BMW)
The Combined Charging Unit (CCU) of the BMW i4 has been designed to enable extremely flexible battery charging. DC charging is possible at up to 205 kW. For example, in a short mid-journey stop at a high-power charging station, the car’s range can be increased by as much as 164km (BMW i4 eDrive40) and 140km (BMW i4 M50) within 10 minutes from a 10 percent charge level.
Some 40 assistance functions are fitted as standard or available as options to provide safe and comfortable driving and parking.
Highlights include Active Cruise Control with automatic Speed Limit Assist, route monitoring, the traffic light detection function, the Steering and Lane Control Assistant, Distance Control, and the Reversing Assist Camera.
Available as options are Parking Assistant with Reversing Assistant and Parking Assistant Plus, including Surround View and Remote 3D View.
With the arrival of the BMW i4, emission-free driving pleasure will come to the core of the midsize segment for the first time from November 2021 in Europe and later in 2021 for the rest of the world.
FUN FACT
The i4 is the first electric sedan from a heritage German car maker
Good
BMW DNA design, luxurious sporty interior, powerful electric powertrain
BAD
The high price of the highly equipped models
AUTHOR’S RATING
9/10
BODY TYPE
C segment sedan
ENGINE: eDrive40
83.9 KWh lithium-ion battery, 2 electric permanent magnet AC synchronous motors
TRANSMISMISSION
Single speed Automatic all-wheel drive, electronic selection
ENGINE POWER
Horse Power: 544hp / Torque: 795NM
TOP SPEED
Km/h: 225
0 to 100km/h : 3.9
Electric Range WLTP Range510km
DIMENSIONS
Length: 4783mm
Width: 1852mm
Height: 1448mm
Wheelbase: 2856mm
Weight: 2290kg
PRICE
Not announced yet
Read more in Drive
The BMW i4 blends the customary sporting elegance of the brand’s coupés with the comfort of a four-door model and an injection of modern functionality. The stretched proportions and clear use of forms in its body design send out a message of exclusivity and the dynamic flair for which BMW is renowned.
i Blue accents for the largely blanked-off kidney grille, the battery technology in the floor area of the car, and the sporty diffuser elements, which optimize the car’s aerodynamics, highlight BMW’s sustainability-friendly credentials.
Short overhangs, slim pillars, doors with frameless windows, and a roofline that flows smoothly into the rear fit the BMW coupé mold. Slim headlights, available as an option with BMW laser light, and the striking BMW kidney grille with its discreetly integrated camera and ultrasonic and radar sensors, are the defining features of the front end.
The BMW i4 eDrive40 in M Sport specification and the BMW i4 M50 employ their own design features to underscore their performance-focused character. An M Carbon exterior package can be ordered as an option, while model specific M Performance Parts are included in the Genuine BMW Accessory range.
(Photos: Handouts from BMW)
The interior brings a driver-focused cockpit and ambience of premium luxury together with a generously sized, variable-use space. Acoustic glazing, preheating, and pre-conditioning come as standard, as do sport seats and a sports steering wheel.
The transmission selector lever, BMW controller, and function keys are positioned on a control panel in the center console that exudes a modern design. The large tailgate has an automatic opening and closing mechanism as standard. Load compartment capacity is 470-1,290 liters. An electrically extendable and retractable trailer tow hitch is available as an option, and the maximum permissible trailer load is 1,600kg.
The new generation of the iDrive display and control/operation system fitted for the first time in the BMW i4 extends the interaction between driver and vehicle into natural dialogue. It is based on the new BMW Operating System 8 and has been designed with a clear focus on the touchscreen functionality of the BMW Curved Display and spoken communication with the extensively upgraded BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant.
The BMW Curved Display fully digital screen grouping brings together a 12.3-inch information display and a 14.9-inch control display behind a glass surface angled towards the driver. The digital Intelligent Personal Assistant has gained additional skills and uses a new graphic to communicate with the vehicle’s occupants.
The three-zone automatic climate control system fitted as standard in the BMW i4 uses nanofiber filter technology to purify the air inside the car and is now controlled via a touchscreen display. Temperature is adjusted using the intelligently coordinated activation of airflow, seat heating, and steering wheel heating. Remote Software Upgrades keep the car’s software up to date.
The cloud-based navigation system, BMW Maps, ensures fast and precise route planning which also factors in mid-journey stops to charge the battery. The BMW i4 also offers data transmission using 5G.
The standard chassis technology of the BMW i4 has a double-joint spring strut front axle and five-link rear axle with bespoke tuning, lift-related dampers, electromechanical Servotronic steering, an integrated braking system, and rear air suspension. Near-actuator wheel slip limitation optimizes traction and directional stability in all road and weather conditions. This extremely fast-acting and precise system is fitted as standard on the BMW i4 and teams up with electric all-wheel drive for the first time.
(Photos: Handouts from BMW)
This combination gives the BMW i4 M50 exceptional dynamic poise during bursts of speed and under intense lateral acceleration. The drive torque control for both motors reacts faster and with far greater accuracy than would be possible with a transfer case positioned between the axles. The BMW i4 M50 is also equipped with adaptive M suspension with bespoke tuning, variable sport steering, M Sport brakes, and (optionally) 20-inch M light-alloy wheels with mixed size tires.
The BMW i4 is the BMW brand’s first purely electric model focused squarely on driving dynamics from the outset. Two model variants will be available from launch, including the first BMW M car with a locally emission-free drive system. The BMW i4 M50 performance model from BMW M uses one electric motor at the front axle and another at the rear to deliver system output of 544 hp and high intensity driving pleasure and has a range of up to 521km in the WLTP cycle.
The BMW i4 eDrive40 combines a 340 hp electric motor with classical rear-wheel drive. Its maximum range as per the WLTP cycle is 590km.
The fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology in the BMW i4 comprises drive units which bring together the electric motor, power electronics, and transmission within a single housing. This highly integrated electric drive system topology gives a power density of up to 2.14 kW/kg and an exceptionally high efficiency factor.
(Photos: Handouts from BMW)
The motors work according to the principle of an electrically excited synchronous motor. The excitation of the rotor in the BMW i4 motors is not induced by fixed permanent magnets, but the precisely controlled feed-in of electric energy. The performance characteristics of the motors are defined by their considerable torque — on tap from pull-away and sustained over an extremely wide rev band.
Demanding a large amount of power for more than 10 seconds in the BMW i4 M50 triggers Sport Boost, which unfurls not only the drive system’s maximum output but also maximum system torque of 795 Nm. This enables the BMW M model to sprint from 0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds.
The drive system in the BMW i4 eDrive40 generates peak torque of 430 Nm, giving it a 0-100 km/h time of 5.7 seconds.
The sporty driving experience is accompanied by a model-specific drive sound delivering authentic feedback to movements of the accelerator. This gives the BMW i4 M50 an energy-charged soundtrack. Plus, the optional BMW Iconic Sounds Electric enables integration of new sound variants created as part of a collaboration with film music composer Hans Zimmer.
(Photos: Handouts from BMW)
Adaptive recuperation gives the efficiency and range of the BMW i4 an additional boost. Intelligently connected drive management means the intensity of the brake energy recuperation can be adapted to the road situation, as detected by data from the navigation system and the sensors used by the driver assistance systems.
For example, when approaching a junction, recuperation power can be increased, and energy fed into the high-voltage battery while harnessing the deceleration effect. On the open road, meanwhile, the coasting function can cut into the i4 “freewheeling” with no drive power whenever the driver eases off the accelerator.
Alternatively, in driving position D, a high, medium, or low Brake Energy Regeneration setting for all driving situations can be selected in the BMW iDrive menu. In driving position B, a high level of recuperation is activated automatically, generating the distinctive one-pedal feeling.
Fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology also comprises a high-voltage battery with the latest battery cell technology. The gravimetric energy density of the lithium-ion battery has been increased by around 20 percent once more in comparison with the battery in the current BMW i3. The gross energy content of the high-voltage battery is 83.9 kWh.
An integrated heating and cooling system for the interior, the high-voltage battery, and the drive system — which operates using an exceptionally efficient heat pump function — comes as standard in the BMW i4. Anticipatory thermal management allows the operating temperature of the high-voltage battery to be optimized ahead of a stop at a fast-charging station, paving the way for rapid and efficient charging.
(Photos: Handouts from BMW)
The Combined Charging Unit (CCU) of the BMW i4 has been designed to enable extremely flexible battery charging. DC charging is possible at up to 205 kW. For example, in a short mid-journey stop at a high-power charging station, the car’s range can be increased by as much as 164km (BMW i4 eDrive40) and 140km (BMW i4 M50) within 10 minutes from a 10 percent charge level.
Some 40 assistance functions are fitted as standard or available as options to provide safe and comfortable driving and parking.
Highlights include Active Cruise Control with automatic Speed Limit Assist, route monitoring, the traffic light detection function, the Steering and Lane Control Assistant, Distance Control, and the Reversing Assist Camera.
Available as options are Parking Assistant with Reversing Assistant and Parking Assistant Plus, including Surround View and Remote 3D View.
With the arrival of the BMW i4, emission-free driving pleasure will come to the core of the midsize segment for the first time from November 2021 in Europe and later in 2021 for the rest of the world.
FUN FACT
The i4 is the first electric sedan from a heritage German car maker
Good
BMW DNA design, luxurious sporty interior, powerful electric powertrain
BAD
The high price of the highly equipped models
AUTHOR’S RATING
9/10
BODY TYPE
C segment sedan
ENGINE: eDrive40
83.9 KWh lithium-ion battery, 2 electric permanent magnet AC synchronous motors
TRANSMISMISSION
Single speed Automatic all-wheel drive, electronic selection
ENGINE POWER
Horse Power: 544hp / Torque: 795NM
TOP SPEED
Km/h: 225
0 to 100km/h : 3.9
Electric Range WLTP Range510km
DIMENSIONS
Length: 4783mm
Width: 1852mm
Height: 1448mm
Wheelbase: 2856mm
Weight: 2290kg
PRICE
Not announced yet
Read more in Drive
