We've been waiting a while for it but BMW is finally giving us some more details of its all-electric i4 saloon.
530hp from a twin-motor setup
The i4, which will go on sale in 2021, will get BMW's fifth generation of electric motors and batteries (helped by the research coming out of BMW's new 'battery competence centre') and Munich is making some pretty impressive claims for its all-electric four-door. How does 530hp and 600km of range grab you?
0-100km/h in 4.0 seconds
BMW says that the i4's batteries "set new standards in terms of power density, efficiency and range" and that the battery pack has been optimised both for space (it's very flat and compact, apparently) and weight - the 80kWh pack weighs around 550kg, not bad for something with that much range and - as BMW puts it - V8 petrol performance. That performance is expected to include a 0-100km/h time of 4.0 seconds and a top speed of more than 200km/h (which is a lot for an electric car - most are limited to around 180km/h).
The i4 will use the same CLAR platform as the 3 Series and next year's new 4 Series, so it will be built in the same factory in Munich as those two.
Controversial styling?
Visually the i4 should follow the form and styling of the new 4 Series, which likely means that it will have the controversial tall, upright, kidney grilles as seen on the recent Frankfurt show concept car. The camouflaged car shown in these images appears to have more subtle, traditional kidney grilles, but a closer inspection shows that the 'big nose' look still likely lies beneath the bin bags and tape.
The batteries and motors that the i4 will use, as part of the fifth generation philosophy, will be modular, and able to be used in either fully-electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles. The i4 will be compatible with ultra-rapid 150kW charging, which will be enough to add 100km of range for every six minutes of charging, or to give an 80 per cent charge, from flat, in around 35 minutes.