The latest iterations of the all-electric BMW i4 and the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé are set to further cement their distinctive presence in the market with new design enhancements and the introduction of the latest digital capabilities.
Inside, both models feature the BMW Curved Display which integrates the latest version of the BMW iDrive with QuickSelect, based on BMW Operating System 8.5. This revised setup offers an optional Augmented View for the BMW Maps navigation system, enhancing functionality and user interaction. The cabin experience has been refined with new steering wheel designs, fresh interior trim elements and contemporary seat coverings, further elevating the luxurious feel of these models.
Production of the new BMW i4 and BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé is set to continue at BMW’s home plant in Munich, which is currently undergoing significant investment which will see the facility transition exclusively to all-electric models in future. The global market launch of both models will commence in July 2024, with key markets including the USA, Germany, UK and China.
BMW i4: successful, trailblazing model with flexible drive system architecture.
The world premiere of the BMW i4 in 2021 established purely electric mobility at the core of the BMW brand. The i4 was the first premium model in the midsize class and brought the brand’s signature design, material & build quality, individualisation and intuitive operation together with locally emission-free mobility.
In addition, the unmatched overall design coherence of the BMW i4 continues to elevate it above all its rivals. Its sophisticated chassis technology – tuned precisely to the vehicle concept and the performance characteristics of the all-electric drive system – delivers an engaging driving experience in the unmistakable style of the BMW brand. The BMW Group’s technological expertise and decades of experience in the development of sporty premium cars come to the fore in the integrated application of all powertrain and chassis control systems – and instil the BMW i4 with sublime poise and assurance. Extremely dynamic acceleration manoeuvres are executed with exceptional traction and directional stability, while the car’s precisely controllable handling up to the limit heightens its agility and cornering dynamics. High levels of ride, vibration and acoustic comfort enhance driving pleasure over long distances.
With its overall concept focused on delivering compelling all-electric driving pleasure, the BMW i4 has spearheaded the BMW Group’s electric offensive. It was the company’s most successful electric vehicle in 2023, selling more than 83,000 units worldwide. And most recently, the all-electric variants of the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé accounted for around two-thirds of its overall sales. The BMW i4 has also acted as the driving force behind the transformation of BMW M GmbH into a provider of electric mobility; the range-topping BMW i4 M50 xDrive was the highest-selling BMW M model in both 2022 and 2023.
The success of the BMW i4 in Europe also played a major role in helping the BMW Group to lower its fleet CO2 emissions once again in 2023. The company’s provisional figure of 102.1 g/km in the WLTP cycle was well below the European Union’s target of 128.5 g/km. This equates to a 2.8 per cent reduction in fleet CO2 emissions compared to 2022.
The popularity of the BMW i4 also represents an endorsement of the BMW Group’s “technology-open” approach in the current ramp-up phase of electric mobility. The all-electric gran coupé was developed based on a flexible drive system architecture. Similar vehicle concepts now also enable BMW 7 Series, BMW 5 Series, BMW X1, BMW X2 and BMW X3 model variants with combustion engines, plug-in hybrid systems and all-electric drive to be offered alongside one another.
New design for the BMW kidney grille, headlights and rear lights.
The BMW i4 and BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé feature a refreshed design that brings additional visual impact to the brand’s signature brand features. The surround of the BMW kidney grille is now finished in matt chrome. Due to the low cooling requirement of the electric drive system, the BMW kidney grille of the new BMW i4 has a fully enclosed upper section, which sits below a Black high-gloss surface topped by a matt-silver honeycomb pattern. The air intakes on the combustion-engine versions of the new BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé have a mesh structure with surfaces now painted in matt Quartz Silver.
As well as a front apron with large side air intakes, BMW i4 and BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé models in M Sport specification also include a diffuser element in the lower section of the rear bumper, which is now painted in high-gloss Black. In addition, the exhaust tailpipes integrated into the rear apron on the left and right of the combustion-engine models have grown from 90 millimetres to 100 millimetres in diameter. Like the BMW kidney grille surround, if the optional M high-gloss Shadowline is specified, they are finished in Black high-gloss. Customers can also choose to order their cars with the M Sport Pro pack and M Carbon exterior pack.
The visually and functionally upgraded headlights also play their part in the modern appearance of the front end. The new structure of their LED units creates a focused look, with the low and high beam being generated from a single LED module. A pair of vertical and subtly arrow-shaped LED units house the side light, daytime driving light and turn signal indicator functions. If the optional Comfort Access is fitted, the new headlights generate a Welcome Light Animation once the driver and vehicle key come within three metres of the car.
Options include Adaptive LED Headlights with blue inlays, non-dazzling matrix high beam, urban lights and a cornering light function. The prism structure of the LED units for the urban lights provides a striking contrast against the uniform illumination of the daytime driving light units.
Where customers choose the optional Adaptive LED Headlights on the new BMW i4 and new BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé, their vehicle will also be fitted with highly expressive Laserlight rear lights. This model-specific version of an innovative lighting effect employs a technology first seen in the BMW M4 CSL. Laser diodes each illuminate a fibre optic bundle giving the rear units an intricate light graphic, creating an exclusive light design at the rear of these newly revised models.
New interior accents target progressive sporting appeal.
The modifications to the interior of the new BMW i4 and new BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé are focused on digitalisation and achieving a sharper sporting profile. The upgraded BMW iDrive with QuickSelect enables a further reduction in the number of buttons and controls in the cockpit. The functions of the automatic climate control system and – if fitted – seat and steering wheel heating can now be operated by touch via the BMW Curved Display or by voice command with the help of the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. New adjustment controls for the air vent grilles in the centre of the instrument panel and on the driver’s and front passenger side of the cockpit allow the airflow direction to be adjusted using rotating and tilting movements.
M Sport and M Performance models see the black seat surfaces fitted in new M Performtex. This innovative covering combines high material quality and a sporty design with low weight and a sustainability-optimised production approach. Sports derivatives of the new BMW i4 and new BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé are fitted as standard with sport seats in Sensatec perforated. Vernasca leather trim with decorative quilting is available as an option and is also newly available in a bi-colour Black/Red variant. BMW Individual Merino leather trim in three colours can also be specified as an option.
All-electric BMW i4 M50 xDrive
Two highly integrated drive units bringing together an electric motor, power electronics and transmission within a single housing help the BMW i4 M50 xDrive to top the output rankings. The electric motor driving the rear wheels generates peak output of 313 hp, while the unit at the front axle produces 258 hp. Together they create an electric all-wheel-drive system which is controlled quickly and precisely to ensure effortless progress in any driving situation. The fully variable system means power can always be distributed to optimum effect – from highly efficient pure rear-wheel drive through to an all-wheel-drive set-up that maximises traction.
A specially designed boost function is available to the driver in SPORT mode to initiate dynamic power delivery from both electric motors. This increases maximum combined output by 68 hp to 544 hp for over 10 seconds, at the same time as boosting maximum combined torque by 65 Nm (48 lb-ft) to 795 Nm (586 lb-ft). Activating the Sport Boost function enables the BMW i4 M50 xDrive to sprint from rest to 62 mph in just 3.9 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 140 mph.
