BMW New Zealand confirms i4 pricing ahead of 2022 arrival – Stuff.co.nz

BMW New Zealand has confirmed local pricing for the two i4 models due here in Q1 2022, the i4 eDrive40 and i4 M50.

The lesser of the two, the eDrive40, will kick off from $109,900, right between the base ICE 420i Gran Coupe and the M440i Gran Coupe. It uses a single electric motor on the rear axle to generate 250kW/430Nm, hitting 100kmh in 5.7 seconds, along with a WLTP-rated range of 590km.

Stepping up to the M50, the M divisions first production electric vehicle, pushes price to $137,900. It also adds another motor to the front axle for all-wheel drive and a peak power output of 400kW/795Nm. Range takes a hit as a result, but its still a respectable 520km. Sprinting to 100kmh takes 3.9 seconds.

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The new BMW i4 is due here in early 2022 with a sharp price tag.

Compare those figures to the 375kW/650Nm M4 Competition, which costs $168,900 and has now been relegated to second-in-command of the 4 Series. Officially, both the M4 and i4 M50 take the same amount of time to get to the open road speed limit, largely due to the weight of the batteries offsetting the instant torque and AWD grip of the EV.

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Purists will probably prefer the soundtrack of the M4, but its hard to ignore the price gulf of around $35k. Youre getting M4-or-better performance for less than the price of an M340i Sedan.

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This is the i4 M50, the M divisions first all-electric production car and the new king of the 4 Series.

Meanwhile, the eDrive40 is about three grand more than the 330i Sedan, and should offer substantially better performance than the 190kW/400Nm turbocharged four-cylinder.

However, comparisons will be drawn with the Tesla Model 3 range. The i4 currently doesnt have anything as cheap as the $66,990 Model 3 Standard Range Plus, which also qualifies for the Clean Car Discount rebate of $8625.

In fact, every Model 3 is cheaper than the i4 eDrive40, as the Model 3 Performance currently starts at $95,900. BMW has almost certainly left space for cheaper models in the future though.

Damien O'Carroll/Stuff

The biggest competition is this, the Tesla Model 3. And off the bat, Tesla wins in value.

Both i4 models get lift-related suspension dampers and rear air springs, while the M50 adds a performance chassis with adaptive dampers, anti-roll bars and variable sports steering.

BMW has given the two EVs the same 80.7kWh battery, which can charge at rates up to 210kW. Charging at full speed for ten minutes nets up to 164km of range. Improvements to regeneration under braking means the system can claw back up to 195kW in the M50 and 116kW in the eDrive40.

The exterior looks largely the same as other four-door 4 Series models, although the kidney grille isnt functional in a traditional sense, instead holding an array of radars and sensors.

Inside is a new, curved display running the latest iDrive 8 operating system, which spans half the length of the dashboard. It comprises a 12.3-inch driver's display on one side and a 14.9-inch touchscreen for various infotainment/air-conditioning controls on the other. Sports seats are standard, and there are plenty of blue accents to remind you this is an EV.

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BMW New Zealand confirms i4 pricing ahead of 2022 arrival - Stuff.co.nz