The electric BMW i4 receives a facelift and a new all-wheel drive variant

BMW has presented a slightly revised version of the 4 Series Gran Coupé and its electric version of the i4. In the future, the cars will come to customers with a new design accent and, in the case of the i4, an additional car variant.

So far, the i4 is only available as all-wheel drive in the sporty i4 M50 variant with 400 kW/544 hp, as rear-wheel drive with 250 kW/340 hp (eDrive40) with the same battery pack or with. a small 70.2 kWh energy storage in the 210 kW/286 hp i4 eDrive35. The new drive, the i4 xDrive40, is another all-wheel drive variant.

The fourth drive variant also uses the 83.9 kWh drive battery of the eDrive40 and M50. The system output of the all-wheel drive model is 295 kW/401 hp, and the torque is 600 Nm thanks to the additional electric motor on the front axle (eDrive40: 430 Nm). Spending increases with performance; the range of the new all-wheel drive is between 444 and 548 kilometers according to the WLTP standard, depending on the equipment.

With the facelift, the WLTP ranges of the previous three stock variants also change, probably due to the better aerodynamics of the redesigned front end. The rear-wheel drive can now travel up to 600 km (previously 590 km), the more powerful i4 M50 can travel 522 km (previously 520 km). For the base i4 eDrive35 model, the WLTP range increases from 483 to 500 km.

There is no change when it comes to charging: 11 kW is possible by changing the current of the i4 and the large battery pack can draw a peak power of 205 kW at the corresponding fast charging stations (eDrive35: 180 kW). The battery can be conditioned to the proper temperature before fast charging is stopped to achieve the promised charging time of around 30 minutes to 80 percent under most conditions. The calculation of the long route charging strategy has been improved.

All i4 model ranges are suitable for “Connected Home Charging” in pilot markets. BMW recently introduced this functionality for solar charging and advanced charging with energy company E.On. Later, payment of the improved cost will also be possible on the basis of the electricity tariff agreement.

The front end of the updated i4 features BMW’s new kidney grille designed with a semi-closed face. The surround is available in matt chrome as standard and optionally in high-gloss black. The top model i4 M50 has its own kidney cover design. The compartment below the license plate was opened as another air intake.

Other design modifications include a new design of the LED units in the headlights: daytime running lights and indicators are now arranged vertically, giving the headlights a new look. Adaptive LED headlights with anti-glare matrix or laser-illuminated backlights are available as optional extras.

Inside there are now newly designed wheels as well as a standard two-spoke steering wheel with a polygonal rim. In addition, the number of buttons and controls on the instrument panel has been reduced. Ventilation and air conditioning as well as optional seat and steering wheel heating are now operated via the control screen or via voice control.

Infotainment on the “curved display” uses BMW OS software version 8.5 as standard. This enables, among other things, a new initial screen with performance indicators arranged vertically on one level. Quick access via QuickSelect is intended to enable functions to be selected directly without submenus, according to BMW.

BMW has yet to announce pricing; these should be published at the end of May so far they start at 56,500 euros. The facelifted version of the i4 is scheduled to roll off the assembly line at the Munich plant from July.