While it’s easy to mistake it for a 4 Series Gran Coupe with a battery, the i4 is so much more than a mere EV conversion.

Beneath its sleek silhouette lies a purpose-built electric platform that stakes its claim as a true driver’s car.

Does It Drive Like A BMW?

BMW went back to the drawing board for the i4, tweaking the floor, suspension, and even the seats to fit the electric drivetrain seamlessly. 

The eDrive35 comes with 282bhp and 400Nm of torque, giving you a century sprint time of six seconds flat.

It’s quick, and the steering is accurate, but it’s also a bit too… sterile. Even switching to the sportier settings doesn’t add the kind of visceral connection BMW enthusiasts might crave.

You will definitely round the corner the same way a 4 Series can, but will you have a smile on your face afterwards?

BMW’s one-pedal driving system is a mixed bag too. While the regenerative braking system delivers up to 265bhp of deceleration, it puts a lot of responsibility on your right foot. You can switch to the brake pedal, but the pedal itself is sharp and lacks progressive feedback.

Ironically, sticking to one-pedal mode often feels smoother and more intuitive, even if it takes some getting used to.

Something About Its Range…

The i4 eDrive35 has an interesting range conundrum. On paper BMW claims it can do 483km, but in my testing I could only irk out a theoretical maximum of 320km, even with careful driving. Once you drop past 70%, the range plummets quite drastically, so have a charger handy on your commute route.

On that note, the i4 supports up to 180kW charging, meaning you can go from flat to 80% in about 35 minutes. Just enough time for a coffee and a sandwich.  

Modern, But Not Overwhelming  

The BMW i4 greets you with a cabin that’s unmistakably BMW; refined, snug, and generally well built.

The frameless doors are a lovely touch, adding a hint of coupe elegance. The dual curved screens offer crisp graphics and deep integration with your smartphone. 

However, BMW has ditched many of its physical shortcut buttons in favour of touch controls, so adjusting driver aids or other settings on the fly can feel more distracting than intuitive.  

The seats are another area where function slightly outweighs form. They’re comfortable and supportive, but the leather feels a bit too firm, and you might wish for bigger bolsters when taking on sharp corners.  

Despite its coupe-like silhouette, the i4 offers a 470-litre boot, expandable to 1,290 litres with the seats folded flat. It beats the Tesla Model 3 and Polestar 2 in sheer cargo space, but don’t expect luxury for rear-seat passengers.

The floor isn’t flat, thanks to the central tunnel housing the EV’s cabling, and foot space can feel a little tight.  

The Sweet Spot Of Electric Driving

The BMW i4 eDrive35 might not have the headline-grabbing performance of the M50, but it doesn’t need to. It’s a car that excels where it matters most – everyday usability, driving pleasure, and that quintessential BMW charm.  

It’s not trying to be a spaceship; it’s just a proper BMW with an electric heart.

Technical Specifications

BMW i4 eDrive35 M Sport

Engine: Single Electric Motor
Drivetrain: Rear-Wheel Drive
Power: 210 kW (282 bhp)
Torque: 400 Nm
Gearbox: Single-Speed (A)
0-100km/h: 6 seconds (claimed)
Top Speed: 190 km/h
Battery Capacity: 67.1 kWh
Drive Range: 483 km (claimed)
Energy Consumption: 5.15 km/kWh (claimed)

Price: S$328,888 with COE (accurate at the time of this article)

Contact: Performance Motors / Eurokars Auto

Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)

Read more automotive news at AutoApp, or check out our latest videos on Ignition Labs TV and on TikTok!

Seems like it was just yesterday that we reviewed the G87-generation hip-to-be-square BMW M2. Actually, it kinda was. And here we are with the LCI G87 BMW M2, the quickest LCI that we know of for a BMW.

The worldwide launch is scheduled for August 2024, and the M2 LCI will be built alongside the LCI 2 Series Coupe at the BMW Group Plant in San Luis Potosí, Mexico.

The engine remains the same three-litre turbocharged inline six-cylinder, but power goes up, from 453hp for the pre-LCI, to 480hp. Torque for the optional six-speed manual version remains at 550Nm but the standard eight-speed automatic gearbox gets an additional 50Nm to 600Nm of torque.

Two single-scroll turbos, direct injection, VALVETRONIC and Double-VANOS, along with a closed-deck block with the reinforced crankcase, forged crankshaft, wire-arc iron coating-sprayed cylinder bores and 3D-printed core for the cylinder head let this engine make its heady numbers.

For the purists out there, BMW has not fiddled with that which is so endearing about the M2 – rear-wheel drive only.

The century sprint is dispatched in 4.2- and 4.0 seconds for the manual and automatic respectively, while top speed is electronically limited to 250km/h. Specify the optional M Driver’s Package and that too takes a bump to 285km/h.

An M-specific cooling system ensures the powertrain components maintain an optimal operating temperature even under heavy loads. The oil circuit is also designed to handle extremely dynamic driving situations. A map-controlled oil pump ensures reliable oil supply even under extreme longitudinal and lateral acceleration.

Visually, M-specific design features cater to functional requirements of cooling air routing and aerodynamic balance and aesthetics. A large, horizontal BMW kidney grille and the three-section split lower air intake optimise cooling of the powertrain components and brakes.

M2-specific LED headlights contain a single circular projector each that generates both low beam and high beam. U-shaped light guides serve as both the daytime driving lights and turn indicators.

Available as options are Adaptive LED Headlights with BMW Selective Beam non-dazzling High Beam Assistant and M lights Shadowline with dark inlays.

This LCI M2 can also be ordered as an option with an M Carbon roof that not only reduces the car’s weight by around six kilograms but also increases agility by lowering its centre of gravity.

The rear apron of the new BMW M2 features a noticeable diffuser. Dual twin-tailpipes, now finished in black as standard, add to the visual and aural theatrics at the rear.

A choice of three solid colours, five metallic shades and six BMW Individual paint finishes will be available to customers. These include the new Sao Paulo Yellow solid, Fire Red metallic, Portimao Blue metallic and Skyscraper Grey metallic colourways. Step up to the BMW Individual paint finishes and pick between Java Green, Voodoo Blue, Grigio Telesto and Twilight Purple.

19-inch and 20-inch M light-alloy rims in double-spoke design and with a Jet Black finish as standard equipment feature front and rear respectively, and give the M2 a purposeful stance.

They’re also optionally available in Silver and can be combined with track tyres if the optional M Race Track package is specified.

On the inside, the standard-fitted M leather steering wheel now has a flat-bottomed rim and modified spokes. It sports a red centre marker in the 12 o’clock position, gearshift paddles and two M buttons for selecting individual configurations.

An M Alcantara steering wheel is now also available as an option in the same design. A heating function is offered as an option for both steering wheel variants.

The M Sport seats in Vernasca leather can also be optionally ordered in a red/black bi-colour variant.

Optional M Carbon bucket seats can be specified in conjunction with the M Race Track package or as an individual option, and features surfaces in Merino leather, multi-way electric adjustment, removable head restraints and a facility for adding a multi-point harness.

M-specific content in the BMW Curved Display and optional BMW Head-Up Display further enhances the M2’s sports car aura. A 12.3-inch information display and a 14.9-inch control display feature BMW Operating System 8.5.

The interior trim elements in the instrument panel and centre console come as standard in Dark Graphite matt. Interior trim elements in Aluminium Rhombicle Anthracite, M Carbon Fibre or new Fine Brushed Aluminium are available as an option.

Standard equipment includes adaptive M suspension, M Servotronic steering, M Compound brakes, and M Traction Control.

Also fitted as standard are three-zone automatic climate control, ambient lighting, a HiFi speaker system, a wireless charging tray and the BMW Live Cockpit Plus with BMW Maps navigation system, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Standard driving features include front collision warning, Cruise Control with brake function, Speed Limit Info function with no-overtaking indicator, Lane Departure Warning and Park Distance Control with sensors at the front and rear.

Optional features include Driving Assistant, Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go function and Parking Assistant with Reversing Assistant, as are Comfort Access, sunroof, Harman Kardon Surround Sound System, BMW Head-Up Display and BMW Live Cockpit Professional with Augmented View.

More details to come later this year. Stay tuned.

Photo Credits: BMW

Read more automotive news at AutoApp, or check out our latest videos on Ignition Labs TV and on TikTok!

Life Cycle Impulse or LCI is BMW-speak for mid-cycle refresh or facelift. That’s what’s happened here with the G42 BMW 2 Series Coupe, set for market launch in August 2024.

Five engine variants will be available from launch, with Singapore specifications yet to be confirmed.

The 218i, 220i and 230i coupes all sport two-litre inline four-cylinder turbocharged engines with 156hp and 250Nm of torque, 184hp and 300Nm of torque, and 245hp and 400Nm of torque respectively sent to the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.

These outputs see the 218i, 220i and 230i dispatch the century sprint in 8.7 seconds, 7.5 seconds, and 5.9 seconds, and on to a top speed of 224km/h, 236km/h, and 250km/h respectively.

There will also be a hot-version M240i xDrive with a three-litre turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine with a healthy 374hp and 500Nm of torque being channelled to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

0-100km/h is dusted off in just 4.3 seconds, and on to an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h.

There will also be a 220d diesel version with 190hp and 400Nm of torque, but this variant is unlikely to hit our shores.

All variants of the LCI 2 Series Coupe will come fitted with the M Sport Package as standard, which includes extra-large air intakes at the front, more prominent side skirts, a distinct rear apron with vertical reflectors and a diffuser-like insert, and M Sport suspension.

M high-gloss Shadow Line is now also part of the standard equipment. An optional M Pro Sport Package complements the dynamic exterior design with M Shadow Line lights, an M rear spoiler in sapphire black and the M high-gloss Shadow Line with extended features.

There will also be an M sport brake system with red-painted brake callipers and M seat belts, in addition to new paint colours consisting of two solid and five metallic, light alloy rims, steering wheels and seat upholstery to add a modern touch on the outside and inside.

BMW Operating System 8.5 features on the inside and brings tech in this junior coupe up to date. The system comprises a 12.3-inch Information Display and a 14.9-inch Control Display.

The standard ambient lighting also includes new waterfall lighting integrated into the covers of the central air vents, whose colour and brightness can be adjusted to suit individual preferences, with nine colour schemes to choose from.

An M leather steering wheel is standard fit, as are sports seats for the driver and front passenger. Bucket-like M sport seats will be available as an optional extra.

More details to come in due course.

Photo Credits: BMW

Read more automotive news at AutoApp, or check out our latest videos on Ignition Labs TV and on TikTok!

BMW has just lifted the veil on the latest upgrades to its all-electric i4 and the 4 Series Gran Coupe. At the forefront of this new wave of design, both models boast a redesigned front grille, with the i4 featuring a fresh mesh pattern.

This grille, surrounded by standard matt chrome or an optional gloss black, is accompanied by new headlights. These can now be upgraded to adaptive units with a matrix high beam, echoing the rear design of the BMW M4 CSL.

For those who wish to make an even bolder statement, BMW now offers the cars in new Cape York metallic and Fire Red metallic, alongside new 19-inch M aerodynamic wheels and 20-inch BMW Individual aerodynamic wheels.

Inside, the cabins of both models have seen significant enhancements. Standard features now include a sleek two-spoke steering wheel with illuminated multifunction buttons.

For those who crave a sportier touch, an M leather steering wheel with three spokes and a flat-bottomed rim is available.

BMW has also transitioned to its Operating System 8.5. This move sees a redesigned instrument panel that reduces button clutter, opting instead for a more streamlined gear selector and physical rotary controls for adjusting the air conditioning vents.

Ambient lighting now comes standard across both models, enhanced by contour lighting around the newly designed central seam vents, adding a touch of elegance and modernity to the driving experience.

Variants

The BMW i4 now has a new xDrive40 variant to its lineup, boasting a robust 396bhp and all-wheel drive. This addition promises a dynamic driving experience that’s both powerful and precise, and fills the gap between the i4 eDrive 35 and i4 m50.

Meanwhile, the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe continues to offer a variety of engines, all linked to an 8-speed ZF transmission.

These range from the efficient 181bhp 2.0-litre engine in the BMW 420i Gran Coupe to the more vigorous 241bhp 2.0-litre engine in the BMW 430i xDrive Gran Coupe.

The standout remains the 430i xDrive Gran Coupe with a 368bhp 3.0-litre engine that delivers 500Nm of torque, allowing it to dash the century sprint in a mere 4.7 seconds.

Read more automotive news at AutoApp, or check out our latest videos on Ignition Labs TV and on TikTok!

The G22 and G23 BMW 4 Series coupe and convertible respectively have gotten a mid-cycle refresh, or Life Cycle Impulse in BMW-speak. Market launch is expected to be in March 2024.

Both coupe and convertible receive slim LED headlights, and the large kidney grille continues its appearance here. The headlights themselves are visually and functionally upgraded.

The side lights, daytime running lights (DRLs) and turn signal indicators are vertically arranged. Cars equipped with Comfort Access will have a new Welcome Light Animation.

Adaptive LED headlights with matrix beam, urban lights and exclusive BMW M4 CSL-esque Laserlight rear lights can be ordered as options. M Shadowline lights are also optionally available as part of the M Sport Package Pro.

Design element changes in the rear end see the 4 Series’ width emphasised even more. An optional M Sport package includes a black diffuser and larger 100mm tailpipes.

Two new paint colours, New Cape York Metallic and Fire Red Metallic, have been added to the range of shades. If that’s not enough, pick from an extensive selection of BMW Individual paint colours and BMW Individual special paint finishes.

Three new 19-inch alloy rims are also optionally available, as is an M Carbon exterior package and a wide selection of BMW M Performance Parts.

On the inside, both coupe and convertible receive newly-designed steering wheels. Both the standard and M leather steering wheels feature flat bottoms.

BMW Curved Display is also here, and features Operating System 9 or iDrive 9. The number of buttons and controls in the cockpit is further reduced as a result.

The standard-fit sports seats are covered in Sensatec perforated material. Optional Vernasca leather trim with decorative quilting is now offered in bi-colour Black/Red. BMW Individual Merino leather is also available in three colours.

However, if leather is not your thing, M Perfomtex is available as a sustainable alternative for the 4 Series Coupe. High-quality velour-type material in Black is available exclusively for cars fitted with the M Sport package, and for M Performance models.

Underhood, three petrol and three diesel engines will be available from launch. Singapore will likely receive the petrol engines only. The M Performance models will enjoy a six-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with an output of 374hp for the M440i.

Two four-cylinder engines will also be available with 184hp in the 420i and 245hp in the 430i. xDrive all-wheel drive will be standard in the 430i and M440i. A 48V mild hybrid system will come as standard in the M440i, and all engines get an eight-speed automatic Steptronic Sport transmission.

Production of the G22 & G23 LCI 4 Series will continue at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing, which also produces the 8 Series and M4.

Photo Credits: BMW

Read more automotive news at AutoApp, or check out our latest videos on Ignition Labs TV!