Automotive

Electric i4 sedan gnaws its way into BMW's future with gaping maw

Electric i4 sedan gnaws its way into BMW's future with gaping maw
BMW shows a first look at the i4 electric sedan's grille ... and the rest of the car
BMW shows a first look at the i4 electric sedan's grille ... and the rest of the car
View 5 Images
BMW i4 sketch
1/5
BMW i4 sketch
BMW designers did a few alterations at the front, but they left that huge intact
2/5
BMW designers did a few alterations at the front, but they left that huge intact
The i4 is designed to be a sporty 530-hp four-door "gran coupe"
3/5
The i4 is designed to be a sporty 530-hp four-door "gran coupe"
BMW shows a first look at the i4 electric sedan's grille ... and the rest of the car
4/5
BMW shows a first look at the i4 electric sedan's grille ... and the rest of the car
Both the iX and i4 feature prominently in BMW's imminent electrification plans
5/5
Both the iX and i4 feature prominently in BMW's imminent electrification plans
View gallery - 5 images

Stepping its all-electric line forward from the iX SUV, BMW presents a first look at the next potential Tesla sedan rival. The i4 sedan brings plenty of all-electric horsepower and an admirable range, but unfortunately tucks it all behind BMW's now-signature swollen, sagging kidneys — too much grille for any car, especially an all-electric luxury "gran coupe." The i4 will be the next big step toward an electric future that will see a dozen all-electric models roaming around the BMW Group family within about two years.

The production i4 shows some modest evolution from the near-production Concept i4 Gran Coupe BMW showed a year ago. The headlights have been broadened out and the front bumper area cleaned up with a more dealership-ready appearance. Blue accents remain, but the copper finish is replaced with a simpler white. The roof appears a touch less slung-back, lending a taller, more sedan-like profile.

BMW designers did a few alterations at the front, but they left that huge intact
BMW designers did a few alterations at the front, but they left that huge intact

Unfortunately one thing that hasn't changed is the stretched vertical-kidney grille. If anything, it appears even larger, because instead of resting atop a large chin spoiler, it digs right into the lower fascia design. But this is clearly the direction BMW will be going with its "i" electric series for the foreseeable future.

Specs-wise, BMW confirms plans to launch several different variants with ranges up to 300 miles (482 km, EPA). Output will top out at 523 hp, and quickest 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time is estimated at a flat four seconds.

That's all BMW is revealing for now, but it plans to release the full story in the coming weeks ahead of a launch later this year, three months ahead of BMW's original plans.

"We have started the new year with strong momentum and are aiming to return to pre-crisis levels as swiftly as possible – and go even further," said BMW AG chairman Oliver Zipse at BMW Group's annual conference on Wednesday. “We have a clear roadmap for making the transformation of our industry a real competitive advantage for BMW in the coming years: uncompromisingly electric, digital and circular.”

Both the iX and i4 feature prominently in BMW's imminent electrification plans
Both the iX and i4 feature prominently in BMW's imminent electrification plans

The electric zip code on that roadmap will see around 12 all-electric BMW Group models on roadways by 2023. The iX and i4 will be the next new members of that group, joining the BMW i3 and iX3 and Mini SE. Farther down the line, BMW will add all-electric 5 Series, 7 Series and X1 variants, along with an electric Mini Countryman. Mini will eventually transition into a fully electric brand, introducing its last ICE model in 2025 before converting its entire offering to electrics by the early 2030s. BMW expects roughly 50 percent of Group global deliveries to comprise electric vehicles by 2030.

Source: BMW

View gallery - 5 images
10 comments
10 comments
guzmanchinky
They have taken those to an extreme. Great cars but I would hesitate to buy one with that face...
WB
these wannabe pretend grills when non is needed feels so old... just bizarre... why not add a fake exhaust and call it turbo just in case..lol
WB
a face only a mother could love ..get a tesla cleaner better safer faster smarter
Spud Murphy
That front is so ugly, you have to wonder if they made it that way to ensure that they don't sell many, that way they can say "we tried, but no-one wants EVs".
fasteddie2020
BMW seems very committed to what will be knows as the Goring Butt Cheeks School of Design.
Username
The i3 and i8 were a wonderful start. Then they took a hard turn into the ugly zone.
BlueOak
“but unfortunately tucks it all behind BMW's swollen, sagging kidneys”

Somebody had too much fun writing that.

What is it about legacy ICE brands that makes them feel they often must punish electric vehicle design with at least some stinky detailing?

Could they possibly signal any more clearly they’re moving to electric reluctantly, dragging their feet all the way?

Wheels. Why are the electric versions often so flat and ugly? If aerodynamics is the reason, why not use them on ICE models as well?
RFM
"but unfortunately tucks it all behind BMW's now-signature swollen, sagging kidneys — too much grille for any car, especially an all-electric luxury "gran coupe." I couldn't agree more.
ljaques
Truly hideous, Beemer.
These other comments say it all. (Love the goring)
paul04
edsel lives on .