Meet the next-generation of BMW’s electric vehicle strategy.

Although its debut event has been cancelled (following the Geneva auto show’s annulment), BMW is still proud to digitally reveal its i4 Concept.

The i4 Concept will become a production vehicle in 2021 and BMW’s most significant electric vehicle effort yet, positioning between the brand’s i3 and i8.

Whereas SUVs and crossovers have become the demand vehicles for most premium brands, BMW has remained true to its sedan heritage with the i4. It features a silhouette which is reminiscent of the brand’s Gran Coupes and seats four passengers.

The most notable front styling detail is a huge vertically orientated kidney grille, which is non-functional, and now merely a decorative element, due to the absence of any requirement for radiator cooling. At the rear, there are generous aero ducts at each corner of the bumper, framed by diffusers.

Aerodynamic efficiency was a huge design goal for the i4 Concept team and as such this BMW rolls a unique alloy wheel design, with low-drag properties.

Powering the i4 is a hugely potent 80 kWh battery system, which also happens to weigh a substantial 550 kg. There is enough energy to produce 390 kW of electric motor power, which gives the i4 significant performance credentials. BMW is claiming a 0-100 kph sprint time of only 4 seconds.

The i4 might be performance-car-fast, but range is where BMW has invested most of its engineering resources with this electric vehicle. Running in ideal conditions, BMW believes i4 will be good for 600 km on a single charge, which puts it at an equivalent standing to the fuel/energy efficiency of an internal-combustion powered 4 Series.

Recharging dynamics depend on what you plug the i4 into. Access to any 150 kW high-energy charger will net you 80% of the battery’s capacity in only 35 minutes.

Elements of the i4 Concept’s futuristic cabin will be refined for the 2021 production version. One curious feature of the interior, is that even this show car version, retains a physical iDrive controller.

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