BMW have launched what they describe as their first premium all electric car, although that ignores the i3 that came before.
The i4 resembles the 3 Series Gran Coupé in its looks and general size and that’s what most people will consider this car – as an electric 3 Series.
This new EV also heralds another first – the first electric M car in the guise of the i4 M50, which uses two motors, front and rear, to output 544bhp and scintillating performance with zero emissions.
We got to drive the standard i40 eDrive40, the mainstay of the range, on Irish roads during the launch in Kilkenny, although we’ve yet to try the M50.
The i4 40 is available in both Sport and M Sport trim and comes with a single motor in the rear, for classical rear wheel drive. Its 340bhp output is enough to give a 0-100km/h time of 5.7 seconds. Less impressive perhaps is a limited top speed of 190km/h, although that’s purely academic in this country.
A range of up to 590km is claimed under WLTP conditions and this has been achieved by chasing efficiencies rather than just using a massive battery.
During my drive, this was amply demonstrated with an efficiency reading of under 20kW/100km, which is an impressively low figure. Even with some spirited driving, the predicted range didn’t reduce by all that much, so although I didn’t get the chance to properly test the range, the signs are good that it will givea good account of itself.
The performance itself was very impressive, with torque instantly available whenever you needed it and the acceleration continued even as the speed rose. Bear in mind, this was just the standard car. The M50 should be something else again.
Handling was also secure with self levelling rear suspension fitted as standard across the range. Reining in the power isn’t a problem either as the electronics prevent the motor delivering too much torque to the wheels even before the ESP system can intervene.
The result is a very secure, direct drive and with the battery mounted in the floor, reducing the centre of gravity below that of a 3 Series, there’s very little body roll either.
Electric cars are usually silent and while that’s generally a good thing, they lack some drama. In an attempt to bring some of that drama to the party, BMW have teamed up with composer Hans Zimmer, to create a unique sound track to pipe into the cabin when pressing on.
The result is like something from Star Wars and although it’s not the crackle and pop from a highly tuned M car petrol engine, it’s a pleasing enough sound. If you don’t like it, of course it can be switched off.
The i4 also introduces the latest BMW iDrive, Operating System 8. Although I’d need more time with it to really get to know its ins and outs, the graphics are first rate and it seems to be an easy system to use. Voice Control takes a stronger role here and I’m not sure I like the fact that the iDrive controller, so long a part of the system, has been done away with. I’ve always found it to be the much easier than a touch screen so it will be interesting to see if it’s missed or not.
Charging speed is well catered for with a standard capacity of up to 200kW, which offers the potential of up to 165km of range in as little as 10 minutes. Other standard equipment across the range includes 18” wheels, Live Cockpit and LED lights front and rear. The M50 can be specified with up to 20” wheels and comes with revised suspension and anti-roll bar settings, variable sports steering and a front strut brace.
The i4 range starts from €63,565 for the i4 40 in Sport trim and €65,405 in M Sport guise. The full fat i4 M50 comes in at €78,315, which sounds like a lot, but remember you get four wheel drive and M car acceleration with zero local emissions.
We also had the chance to try the brand new, second generation 2 Series Active Tourer, a cross between an estate car and an MPV. It also features the new iDrive operating system and BMW have taken the opportunity to go in a completely new direction for the interior, which is striking.
For instance, the gear selector switch is at the end of a kind of armrest. It works very well, although I doubt there’ll ever be a manual transmission offered.
The chassis is designed from the off for electrified powertrains and there’s a PHEV on the horizon. For now, there’s a range of mild hybrids, two petrol and one diesel.
In truth, the really surprising thing about the Active Tourer is the way it drives. BMW are clearly channelling their front wheel drive expertised gained from Mini as there’s an extraordinary cohesiveness to the way the car goes about its business. There’s real confidence in the way it powers through bends, all while keeping a very comfortable ride. This is a real alternative to the default SUV choice and it starts from €41,225 with Sport, Luxury and M Sport trims on offer.
