This previews the production of i4 next year.
The BMW Concept 4 showed off the next-generation 4Series when it was unveiled last year in Frankfurt. Now, the Concept i4 shows what the production-spec i4 will look like in 2021. It’s an all-electric 4 Series Gran Coupe.
This grille isn’t just an BMWornamental item you love or hate. BMW will use the grille as an “intelligence panel”, where sensors can be contained, even though it isn’t actually being used for a regular grille function. Although the automaker has not explained what this means, it is likely that it will be some type of cover as having too many sensors exposed to the grille could make it very costly in the event of an accident. BMW says it is a teaser of what will be on the production model.
Many of the details you see in this concept are subtle nods to what to expect from the future i4. Although the overall styling is almost production-ready, the faux exhaust outlets at rear with their diffuser-styled blue outline looks a lot more modern than it does in the concept, they are unlikely to be production-bound. The interior will likely not be as minimalistic and airy as the one we see, but BMW intends to keep the i4 driver-focused. This large, curved display will be used to show off the brand’s future displays, both for the iNext and the i4. It also features low-glare screens that block out outside light.
BMW’s snazzy display features three modes that the automaker calls Experience Models. BMW claims this concept car is a preview of the next-generation operating systems it will use in its vehicles next year. These three modes, Core, Sport, or Efficient, work exactly as they sound. Core is a modified version of BMW’s current layout. Users can use swipe movements to navigate the diagonal widgets and arrange them as they need. Sport mode allows for more focused viewing and makes it possible to add performance items like a lap timer. Efficient mode is about communication and how the car uses its power.
BMW claims that the i4 Concept is powered by a single electric motor, capable of producing 530 horsepower (395 kilowatts). The i4 Concept can reach speeds of 62 mph (100 km/h), using an 80 kWh battery. This battery can be charged in 4.0 seconds. The i4 Concept’s estimated EPA range is 270 miles, and the WLTP range is 373 miles. BMW believes these numbers will translate to the production i4 unchanged.