The success of the BMW i3 in the premium electric car segment for nearly a decade has made this German manufacturer continue to boost the development of other EVs. Now via the fifth generation eDrive EV platform, the BMW i4 2022 is officially introduced as their newest electric sedan and the iX, a crossover-SUV that BMW calls SAV.
Both the i4 and iX are BMW's latest attempts to expand their electrification product line in order to achieve their goal of 50% of sales by 2030 coming from electric cars.
Even these two models were officially introduced at the 2021 Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung (IAA) event in Munich, Germany. Interestingly, the BMW Group Indonesia has also confirmed that it will bring electric cars to Indonesia in early 2022.
BMW i4 First Bloody Electric Sedan M Sport
This fully electric sedan with a gran coupe style comes in two variants, namely the i4 eDrive40 as the entry variant and the i4 M50 which is the fast version.
Speaking of design, you could say it's almost exactly the same as the BMW i4 Concept car that was shown in early March last year.
Still using a fairly large grille that BMW calls the Intelligence Panel, this component functions as the home of many sensors.
The BMW i4 itself actually takes the basis of the 4 Series Gran Coupe G26, with modifications in several parts to accommodate a large battery. Because of this, the matter of control and suspension is one of the biggest strengths of this car.
David Ferrufino as Project Leader of the BMW i4 also gave his comments regarding the driving experience in the new electric sedan.
“BMW i4 is a multi-talented car because it is able to offer a high sense of sporty driving combined with a new air suspension that provides comfort. The high opening tailgate features make it easier to access the luggage space, if the second row seats are folded it provides an extra 1290 liters of space," said David.
He also gave an explanation regarding how BMW has overcome the problem of silent BEV cars, and the impact this has on drivers who want sound as part of their driving satisfaction.
According to him, the BMW i4 is designed to provide an answer to this problem, because it includes two important things because they are also related to pedestrian safety and a sense of driving.
"We believe this is a strategic step in which BMW produces a distinctive sound for each of its electric vehicles, considering that sound is good for the emotions of the driver but also for the safety of other road users. BMW works with composer Hans Zimmer to get the best sound that represents BMW. Starting from the moment you open the door , accelerate, until deceleration, "concluded David
BMW i4 2022 specifications
The BMW i4 eDrive 40 carries rear-wheel drive whose power comes from a single electric motor mounted under the trunk.
The battery is 81.5 kWh and with the help of the electric motor it can generate power up to 340 PS with a maximum torque of 430 Nm. Mileage in one charge is claimed to be up to 587 kilometers (km).
Unlike the eDrive40, the BMW i4 M50 version uses all-wheel drive via two electric motors at the front and rear.
The battery also measures 81.5 Kwh, but is channeled to each of the electric motors to produce 258 PS front and 313 PS rear so that the total reaches 544 PS and maximum torque of 794 Nm.
Because it uses two electric motors, no doubt the i4 M50 accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds. BMW also claims that in one check, the M50 variant can run as far as 511 kilometers. Meanwhile, the eDrive40 has to settle for 5.7 seconds.
Luxurious and Modern Interior
Regarding the interior, the i4, like other BMW models, focuses on the operation of features and the touch screen towards the driver, or better known as driver-oriented. Almost all operating functions are integrated into one large panel which is then divided into two parts.
The i-drive infotainment system has a dimension of 12.3 which functions to manage entertainment and navigation matters and supports Apple Carplay and Android Auto. Meanwhile, the 13.9-inch screen is an instrument panel that has more functions and can manage most of the features in the car.
The interior of the i4 eDrive40 and M50 versions are not far apart because they are only distinguished by the choice of trim and color play including the shape of the seats, where the i4 eDrive40 has standard model seats, while the i4 M50 adopts seats like those of the M3 and M4.
BMW's advanced technology is also present, such as active cruise control with stop & go function, speed limit assist, and Driving Assistance Professional which relies on the front camera, front radar, side radar which supports steering and lane control assistant operations.
