BMW i4
| BMW i4 | |
|---|---|
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| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | BMW |
| Also called | BMW i Vision Dynamics |
| Production | 2021 (planned) |
| Assembly | Munich, Germany |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Compact executive car (D) |
| Body style | 4-door fastback |
| Layout | Longitudinal front-engine, rear-wheel-drive[1] |
| Platform | Cluster Architecture (CLAR) |
| Powertrain | |
| Transmission | Single-speed with fixed ratio |
| Battery | 90 or 120 kWh lithium-ion[1] |
| Electric range | 550 or 700 km (340 or 435 miles) WLTP[1][2] |
The BMW i4 is a battery-electric Gran Coupé under development by BMW as part of the BMW i electric vehicle sub-brand, and expected to launch in 2021. The vehicle will be a production version of the BMW i Vision Dynamics concept unveiled at the 2017 Frankfurt Auto Show.
Development and launch
The BMW i4 is based on the all-electric BMW i Vision Dynamics four-door Gran Coupé that first made its debut at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show.[3] It will go into production at the Munich plant in 2021.[4]
In 2018, BMW confirmed the BMW i4 would utilize lightweight construction to make the model attractive in an electric market weighed down by bulky batteries that reduce on-road handling, and promised "standard-busting 0-100 km/h acceleration time".[5]
Specifications
The vehicle is one of the first application of BMW's fifth-generation eDrive system, which will offer a maximum range of between 550 to 700 km (340-435 miles), depending on the model.[2] The eDrive system features a new self-contained electric transaxle that combines the electric motor, the fixed-ratio transmission and the power electronics into a single component. Physically, it is roughly half the size and 40 per cent lighter than the outgoing electric powertrain.[6]
It will use lithium-ion battery cells while riding on a new common rear-wheel architecture (CLAR) that BMW is currently developing.[1] On the all-wheel-drive model, a large electric motor will reside at the rear, while a smaller one only kicks in when the front tires require power.[1]
References
- ^ a b c d e "BMW plans different sized battery cells to preserve design of future models". Autonews. 2018-04-18. Retrieved 2018-04-25.
- ^ a b "New BMW i4 saloon confirmed with 435-mile range". Auto Express. 2018-03-21. Retrieved 2018-03-28.
- ^ "BMW i Vision Dynamics concept-inspired i5 to spark new era of i cars". Autocar. 2017-09-22. Retrieved 2018-03-10.
- ^ "BMW confirms new electric i4 sedan coming to production based on iVision Dynamics concept". Electrek. 2018-03-06. Retrieved 2018-03-10.
- ^ "Paris Motor Show: BMW Confirms New i4 Model on the Way for 2021". The Drive. 2018-10-02. Retrieved 2018-10-02.
- ^ "Here's what's in store for BMW's electrified future". Driving. 2018-06-26. Retrieved 2018-07-08.