BMW gives the i4 a facelift and a new all-wheel-drive model

The new drive system is the i4 xDrive40. Until now, the i4 has only been available as an all-wheel-drive model in the decidedly sporty i4 M50 variant with 400 kW of power – or as a rear-wheel-drive model with 250 kW of power (eDrive 40) with the same battery or the 210 kW i4 eDrive35 with a smaller 70.2 kWh battery. You can read our review of the i4 eDrive 35.

The new, fourth drive variant also utilises the 83.9 kWh battery of the eDrive40 and M50. The system output of the all-wheel drive is 295 kW, and the torque is 600 Nm due to the second electric motor on the front axle (eDrive40: 430 Nm). However, consumption increases with power and torque, so the range of the all-wheel-drive vehicle is between 444 and 548 kilometres, according to WLTP, depending on the equipment.

The WLTP ranges of the three known drive variants will also change with the facelift – presumably due to the slightly modified aerodynamics of the redesigned front section. The rear-wheel drive model with the same size battery can travel up to 600 kilometres (previously a maximum of 590 kilometres). In comparison, the more powerful i4 M50 (with wider tyres) has a maximum WLTP range of 522 kilometres (previously a maximum of 520 kilometres). For the base model i4 eDrive35, the WLTP range has increased from 483 to 500 kilometres.

When it comes to charging, the new i4 xDrive40 is similar to the familiar models: 11 kW is possible with alternating current, and the i4 versions with the large battery can charge with a peak of 205 kW at correspondingly powerful fast charging stations (eDrive35: 180 kW). The battery can be preconditioned to the optimum temperature before fast charging stops to achieve the promised charging time of around 30 minutes under as many conditions as possible. Additionally, all model variants of the BMW i4 are suitable for ‘Connected Home Charging’ in initial pilot markets. BMW recently introduced this function for solar and load-optimised charging together with E.ON.

The design changes are quickly explained: The basic shape of the BMW kidney grille at the front remains the same, but the design of the black cover has changed. Previously, the surface was completely closed, and the black high-gloss surface had numerous indentations to create a pattern. In future, only the part of the BMW kidney grille around and above the licence plate will be closed, but with a smooth surface and a pattern like the kidney grille of the BMW iX – the top model i4 M50 has its own kidney grille design. The section below the licence plate has been opened up as an additional air intake. The contour of the kidney grille is finished in matt chrome as standard and is optionally available in high-gloss black.

Other modifications to the design include the new structure of the LED units in the headlights themselves. The daytime running lights and indicators are now arranged vertically, giving the headlights a fresh look. Adaptive LED headlights with glare-free matrix high beams or new tail lights with laser light are optional extras.

There are also targeted revisions inside, such as redesigned steering wheels like the standard two-spoke steering wheel with polygonal rim. The number of buttons and controls on the instrument panel has also been reduced. In the future, the ventilation, air conditioning, and the optional seat and steering wheel heating will be operated via the Control Display or voice control.

The infotainment on the Curved Display is factory-fitted with the BMW OS 8.5 software version, which offers features including a new entry screen with vertically arranged function icons on one level. According to BMW, quickSelect access will be used to select functions directly without submenus.

BMW has not yet announced prices but will do so at the end of May. The revised version of the i4 will be produced at the Munich plant starting in July.

bmwgroup.com