Now here is the all-electric BMW we’ve been waiting for.
The German automaker known for performance sedans has dabbled in electric vehicles (EVs) a few times, but no one would mistake the BMW i3 for a real alternative to one of Munich’s track-ready family haulers. For that, you’d need the 2022 BMW i4.
The i4 is the first of a series of EVs BMW plans to bring to the U.S. this year and next. BMW is holding back specifics, choosing to do only a partial reveal at this time.
The i4 will likely hit sales floors in the second half of this year. Price is unknown, but it’s reasonable to expect it to command a significant premium over the $41,250 price of the 3 Series sedan – its closest gas-powered analog. We expect to know more in a few weeks when BMW plans to give the press a more thorough look at the car.
BMW i4: What we know
What we do have, for now, is a look at the body and some limited but jaw-dropping performance figures. BMW says several versions of the i4 will be available. The most efficient model will be capable of driving 300 miles on a single charge – still less than the longest-range versions of the Tesla Model S, but higher than most EVs currently for sale. The quickest version, meanwhile, will offer 523 horsepower and a 0 to 60 mph time of around 4 seconds.
The i4 looks like a 4-door cousin of the 4 Series coupe, complete with the big twin-kidney grille and fastback rear. Designers have cleverly highlighted the i4’s electric nature with a low, blue accent line that travels from the front wheel wells all the way to the rear diffuser, where it outlines what would be the tailpipes on a gas-powered car.
BMW has given no glimpse of the car’s interior, but we know the i4 will be the first vehicle to carry the new iDrive 8 infotainment system, which drivers can control with casual speech commands.
