BMW i4 – a new look at the electric future of the brand
The BMW i series is all about electricity. In 2013, the company released i3, a year later – i8. The company didn't show much over the next six years, taking something of a hiatus.
But with the new decade, the i-series is starting to come alive. In 2021, the BMW iNEXT electric crossover will be released, and this year the BMW iX3 crossover will go into mass production, but only for the Chinese market.
Also in 2021, the production version of the BMW i4 will be shown. And this is a much more interesting car than the previous models of the i line.
Design
The Bavarians decided to go into experiments. This is immediately visible on the nostrils:
They are ambivalent. On the one hand, this is very strange. On the other hand, it looks very organic. Obviously, this is a matter of habit.
In general, we have already seen the front design in the BMW Concept 4, which was shown six months ago:
Apparently, BMW is preparing us for the future. And the gradually increasing “nostrils” are evidence of this.
However, if in the BMW Concept 4 there is at least some sense from these “nostrils”, then in the i4 it is pure props. The car has a blank panel: the electric motor simply does not need to swallow air through it. Although it still performs a useful function, hiding the sensors of security systems.
Interestingly, the brand logo has been updated:
Very unusual. Matter of habit?
But on the other hand, I can definitely say that the side and rear of the car looks very impressive:
This is a liftback. Body type similar to the Audi A5 Sportback. So if Audi makes an electric version of the A5 Sportback, they will be in direct competition with the i4.
Despite the large distance between the bottom and the lights, the rear does not look too massive, like the BMW X6.
And if, in general, the exterior design of the concept without any special differences will go into the production version, which will be shown in 2021, then the interior will undergo significant changes. More likely. After all, it looks too futuristic:
And, of course, there will be a huge panoramic roof. I wonder if it's right in the database or will it become an option?
At the same time, the car received its own soundtrack. There is the sound of a car in motion, as well as some small sounds such as opening doors. All this was done by the legendary Hans Zimmer.
Iron
The electric power plant produces 390 kW, which is equivalent to 530 hp. with. There are no official figures for the maximum speed, but it is definitely above 200 km / h – that's all that is known at the moment.
Despite the small 80 kWh battery, a full charge will last approximately 435 kilometers on the EPA cycle. But the 600 km declared in November were calculated according to a more gentle WLTP cycle.
Future
The BMW i4 Concept is an illustration of the future of automobiles. Side and rear, this is a relatively familiar BMW. Up front, a radical new approach to exterior design.
The “electric four” will be put on the conveyor next year along with other members of the family. I wonder how much the car will change by this point?
