BMW i4: The Electric Future is Here

“Certified Fresh” out of Munich. It’s so fresh that it’s not even available for sale yet, but unlike concept cars that may never be produced; the New BMW i4 was unwrapped in its preproduction form 2 days ago (17th of March, 2021). When a car gets to preproduction, it means that everything about design, engineering, manufacturing and marketing has been sorted and the factory is ready to start churning out the new car. It will take something colossal to stop you from getting your hands on one of them. In contrast, when you are shown a concept car, it exists to whet your appetite and test the waters. It’s not a promise, it’s a bait. Don’t hold your breath. However, every once in a while, a car makes the treacherous journey from concept, through what the industry experts call “development hell”, all the way to actual mass production: usually losing some of its futuristic charms to things like practicality and manufacturability.

The BMW i4 is an all-new, all-electric, 4-door Gran Coupe that will come to a dealership near you later this year. It is based on the i Vision Dynamics concept car which debuted at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show.

When petrolheads like me see the term “i4” what usually comes to mind is “inline 4 cylinder”  but we live in strange and unique times, call it a transition period; where things don’t mean what they meant and what was once rad is now considered bad. But this is not like that. The i4 looks set to be a lot of fun. You know you are in for it when Germans start using words like “emotional” with an engineering product. We expect that from “Di Italians” not “Ze Germanz”. However, when you see the car, you would understand. It is such a beautiful piece of modernist automotive art with fantastic surfacing and exquisite details here and there. It’s got nice shallow creases along the doors and fenders with a skin that feels taut giving the car an athletic appearance. The blue highlights around the iconic “kidney grilles”, the vents on the side and the rear diffuser scream “ELECTRIC!” In case you missed it from the closed front grille and absent exhaust pipes. The twin headlights look predatory and just about ready to eat up the road and everything on it. And this isn’t all bark and no bite; there will be models with up to 530 Horsepower on tap with estimated range of 590Km according to the WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure). With the instantaneous and intense acceleration of the electric drivetrain (0 – 100kmph in around 4 seconds) this car will slap the back of your head and then hug you for driving hard. Since it will be rear wheel drive (or all wheel drive for the top of the line M version) you will be able to go sideways and test how much G-force your spirit can handle, just make sure your seatbelt is fastened.

While much isn’t known about the interior, BMW is not known to mess up on that front so we can expect something exquisite and futuristic.

In conclusion, I really like this car not just because of how it looks but for what it stands for. It symbolises BMW’s full commitment to climate-friendly excitement behind the wheel guaranteeing Sheer Driving Pleasure for now and in the future.

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