BMW i4

The initial i Vision Dynamics concept debuted at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show,[3] and was built on the flexible CLAR platform rather than a carbon-fibre structure as with the contemporary i3 and i8 electric models.[4] The production version was announced at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show as the BMW i4.[5] A second concept, designed as 85% production ready, was unveiled in March 2020.[6]

An investment of about €200 million in the Munich plant was made in preparation for the 2021 series production as it is built on the same assembly line as cars with combustion engines and plug-in hybrids.[7] While 90% of the existing production equipment in the body shop were incorporated into the production process of the i4,[8] several new systems were required mainly for the floor assembly and rear structure as the electric drive and high-voltage battery are different from conventional architectures.[9] The plant was closed for six weeks to convert more than 1000 robots in the body shop and assembly area to prepare it for the assembly of the i4. The electric motor is assembled in Dingolfing.[10]

At the 2018 Paris Motor Show, BMW confirmed the i4 would utilize lightweight construction to make the model attractive in an electric market weighed down by bulky batteries that reduce on-road handling.[11] The engineers ensured "the spontaneous power delivery of the electric motor is combined with precisely controllable handling in every situation". An i4-specific damper design helps to "[reduce] the dipping movements of the body" under acceleration, while the "actuator-related wheel slip limitation" stability control system has been fitted to aid traction and more quickly detect and react to wheel slip.[12] Other factors that helped the i4 in terms of driving dynamics includes dimensions like wheelbase, track widths, model-specific camber values, large wheels, Servotronic power steering, as well as the high torsional rigidity along with the low centre of gravity and weight distribution.[13]

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  BMW i Vision Dynamics (2017)
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  BMW Concept i4 (2020)

The production model is based on the modular CLAR platform to keep costs low and volume-production attainable,[14] and it is described as a battery-powered G20 3 Series.[15][16]

The electric drive component of the BMW i4, its charging unit and high-voltage battery are all developed in-house by the BMW Group. A notable technical feature of the i4's powertrain concerns its packaging. The electric motor, transmission and power electronics are all contained in a single component, which allows for a higher efficiency of energy conversion.[17]

The fifth-generation eDrive system supports up to 150 kW DC fast charging. The 80 kWh battery pack, which weighs roughly 550 kg (1,213 lb), can be charged to 80 percent in 35 minutes or six minutes for a range of 100 km (62 mi).[18] The design of the high-voltage battery is characterized by its extremely flat design and optimized energy density.[19]

All models feature the new BMW Curved Display that combines the 12.3-inch instrument cluster and 14.9-inch infotainment system with a redesigned touch interface within a single unit. The system includes an updated "Hey BMW" voice-controlled assistant and the iDrive controller is also retained on the centre console.[14] The driving sounds are co-developed with Academy Award winner Hans Zimmer.[20]

The model planned to be introduced at launch is the i440 with a single-motor, rear-wheel-drive layout. Additional power and range models will be available.[21] The M-branded i4 M50 with a dual-motor xDrive all-wheel system will be the first battery-electric vehicle by BMW's motorsport division.[22] The base model i435 will arrive at a later date.[23]

• BMW i Vision Dynamics press release
• BMW i Vision Dynamics UK website