The BMW i4 is Munich’s latest addition to the electrified ‘i’ family, but it isn’t here just yet, in fact it’s only slated to arrive sometime in late 2021 and possibly longer than that. However, the brand has dropped a few photographs and a few key facts on its drivetrain.
The Bavarians say the drivetrain in the i4 “sets new standards in terms of power density, efficiency and range.” They continue to say that their newly developed the electric motor, power electronics, charging unit and high-voltage battery forms their fifth-generation eDrive technology and will be in service in creations such as the iX3 and iNEXT.
The i4’s power figure is rated at 390kW which is roughly what BMWs 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engines are producing in models like the M850i or X5 M50i. Furthermore, it claims a range of approximately 600km when measured on the NEDC cycle. BMW goes to on say that the i4 accomplishes the century sprint in just 4.0 seconds and has a top speed of more than 200km/h.
Feeding the motor is an 80kWh battery pack described by its makers as the latest in battery cell technology and is characterised by its “extremely flat design”. The energy storage pack is said to tip the scales at just 550kg. In comparison, the battery pack in the Long Range variant of the Tesla Model 3 weighs 480kg.
The i4 is said to come with a next-generation charger that’s designed for a charging capacity of 150kW. At that rate, the battery pack can be replenished to 80 percent in just 35minutes. BMW reckons that’s roughly six minutes for a range of a 100km.
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