The first-ever BMW i4 now available in Singapore.

Singapore. BMW Asia and Performance Motors Limited today announced the availability of the first-ever BMW i4, a four-door gran coupé that combines spaciousness and practicality with the sporting ability for which BMW is renowned. With a range that guarantees long journeys in comfort, BMW brings locally emission-free driving pleasure to the midsize segment for the first time.

“The BMW i4 is finally here to satisfy the growing appetite for more environmentally friendly vehicles in Singapore,” said Lars Nielsen, Managing Director, BMW Group Asia. “Based on a recent survey we conducted in Singapore, 87% of drivers believe owning electric vehicles (EVs) will contribute to a more desirable and environmentally conscious world by reducing carbon emissions. We completely agree and are on track to make this happen with the i4.

With 22% of the respondents expressing interest in purchasing an EV themselves, I am confident our first all-electric gran coupé will quench their thirst as they look to go green.”

The launch of the first-ever BMW i4 brings electric mobility to the heart of the BMW brand. A premium character beyond that of market rivals is reflected in the high level of development of its drive system and chassis technology, its elegant design, uncompromising standards when it comes to quality of materials and workmanship and the wide variety of individualisation options available. Added to which, the new generation of the BMW iDrive control/operation system and cutting-edge innovations in the area of automated driving and parking systems further enhance the emotional richness of the driving experience.

The first-ever BMW i4 is the BMW brand's first purely electric model focused squarely on driving dynamics from the outset. One model variant will be available from launch. The first-ever BMW i4 eDrive40 combines a 250 kW/340 hp electric motor with classical rear-wheel drive. Its maximum range as per the WLTP cycle is 590 kilometres.

Flexible vehicle architecture, higher level of overall coherence.

In line with the BMW Group's ongoing second phase of transformation towards electric mobility, the development of the first-ever BMW i4 was based on a flexible vehicle architecture devised – from the outset, for the first time – for an all-electric drive system. The compact drive units have an elastic bearing in their respective axle subframes. The extremely slim high-voltage battery has a cell height of just 110 millimetres, is positioned low down in the vehicle floor and has a fixed connection with an aluminium shear panel and the front axle subframe. A centre of gravity up to 53 millimetres lower than that of the BMW 3 Series Sedan, even weight distribution, a torsionally stiff and weight-minimised body and optimised aerodynamics (Cd: 0.24), plus a long wheelbase and wide tracks, provide the perfect recipe for BMW's familiar sporting ability and superb long-distance comfort.

Added to which, the vehicle concept offers a very BMW solution to the traditional clash between sportiness and long-distance ability: Efficient drive system technology and intelligent lightweight design enable smile­inducing dynamics and a long range without the need for disproportionately large and heavy batteries.

The integrated application of all powertrain and chassis components also helps give the first-ever BMW i4 a degree of design coherence its rivals cannot match. The BMW Group's technological expertise and long experience in the development of extremely sporty premium cars imbue the first-ever BMW i4 with dynamic driving abilities extending far beyond the rapid straight-line acceleration typical of a powerful electric car. The result is effortless progress, even in challenging driving conditions, as well as precisely controllable handling.

Model-specific chassis technology and electric all-wheel drive deliver dynamic thrills.

The standard chassis technology of the first-ever BMW i4 comprises a double­joint spring strut front axle and five-link rear axle with bespoke tuning, lift-related dampers, electromechanical Servotronic steering, an integrated braking system and rear air suspension. Near-actuator wheel slip limitation optimises traction and directional stability in all road and weather conditions. This extremely fast-acting and precise system is fitted as standard on the first-ever BMW i4.

Highly integrated and efficient drive system technology.

The fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology in the first-ever BMW i4 comprises drive units which bring together the electric motor, power electronics and transmission within a single housing. This highly integrated electric drive system topology gives a power density of up to 2.14 kW/kg and an exceptionally high efficiency factor.

The motors work according to the principle of an electrically excited synchronous motor. The excitation of the rotor in the first-ever BMW i4 motors is not induced by fixed permanent magnets, but the precisely controlled feed-in of electric energy. The performance characteristics of the motors are defined by their considerable torque – on tap from pull-away and sustained over an extremely wide rev band. The drive system in the first-ever BMW i4 eDrive40 generates peak torque of 430 Nm, giving it a 0 – 100 km/h time of 5.7 seconds.

The sporty driving experience is accompanied by a model-specific drive sound delivering authentic feedback to movements of the accelerator. The standard BMW lconicSounds Electric enables integration of new sound variants created as part of a collaboration with film music composer Hans Zimmer.

Adaptive and individually adjustable recuperation.

Adaptive recuperation gives the efficiency and range of the first-ever BMW i4 an additional boost. Intelligently connected drive management means the intensity of the brake energy recuperation can be adapted to the road situation, as detected by data from the navigation system and the sensors used by the driver assistance systems. For example, when approaching a junction, recuperation power can be increased and energy fed into the high-voltage battery while harnessing the deceleration effect. On the open road, meanwhile, the coasting function can cut in resulting in the first-ever BMW i4 "freewheeling" with no drive power whenever the driver eases off the accelerator.

Alternatively, in driving position D, a high, medium or low Brake Energy Regeneration setting for all driving situations can be selected in the BMW iDrive menu. In driving position B, a high level of recuperation is activated automatically, generating the distinctive one-pedal feeling. Maximum recuperation power is 116 kW in the first-ever BMW i4 eDrive40.

High-voltage battery with the latest battery cell technology.

Fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology also comprises a high-voltage battery with the latest battery cell technology. The gravimetric energy density of the lithium-ion battery has been increased by around 20 per cent once more in comparison with the battery in the current BMW i3. The gross energy content of the high-voltage battery is 83.9 kWh (net energy content: 80.7 kWh).

An integrated heating and cooling system for the interior, the high­voltage battery and the drive system – which operates using an exceptionally efficient heat pump function – comes as standard in the first-ever BMW i4. Anticipatory thermal management allows the operating temperature of the high-voltage battery to be optimised ahead of a stop at a fast-charging station, paving the way for rapid and efficient charging.

The Combined Charging Unit (CCU) of the first-ever BMW i4 has been designed to enable extremely flexible battery charging. DC charging is possible at up to 205 kW. For example, in a short mid-journey stop at a high-power charging station, the car's range can be increased by as much as 164 kilometres within 10 minutes from a 10 per cent charge level.

In Singapore, BMW Group Asia is partnering with Shell to offer BMW i4 customers either a comprehensive home or public charging package. For home charging, customers will receive a wall-mounted AC charger with complimentary installation service. For public charging, customers will receive a subscription package of 10,000 kWh for 3 years at Shell Recharge stations with no monthly cap for charging, which is equivalent to 50,000 km of driving range (assuming average energy consumption at 20kWh/100km).

Combining BMW i design and reliability in the convenience of the customer’s home, the wall-mounted AC charger provides a fast way to charge their vehicle at a rate of up to 11kW. Once the vehicle is plugged in, charging begins and will end automatically when the battery is fully charged or has reached the pre-determined level. In addition, the first-ever BMW i4 is compatible with all Type 2 public charging stations that are widely available across the island.

BMW Charging, a mobility service of BMW i, gives drivers access to one of the largest networks of public charging stations located in various office buildings, shopping malls, hotels and industrial parks in Singapore by using an RFID card and the Shell Recharge app that are already enabled for Shell Recharge stations. Payment of the electric current used is made via the Shell Recharge app.

Design: the visual expression of dynamism, elegance and sustainability.

The first-ever BMW i4 blends the customary sporting elegance of the brand's coupes with the comfort of a four-door model and an injection of modern functionality. The stretched proportions and clear use of forms in its body design send out a message of exclusivity and the dynamic flair for which BMW is renowned. And accents in BMW i Blue for the largely blanked-off kidney grille, the battery technology in the floor area of the car and the sporty diffuser elements – which optimise the car's aerodynamics – highlight their sustainability-friendly credentials.

Short overhangs, slim pillars, doors with frameless windows and a roofline that flows smoothly into the rear underscore a silhouette that very much fits the BMW coupe mould. Slim headlights, available as an option with BMW Laserlight, and the striking BMW kidney grille with its discreetly integrated camera, ultrasonic and radar sensors are the defining features of the front end. The first-ever BMW i4 eDrive40 in M Sport specification (optional) employs its own distinctive design features to underscore its performance-focused character. An M Carbon exterior package can be ordered as an option, while model­specific M Performance Parts are included in the Genuine BMW Accessory range.

The interior brings a driver-focused cockpit and ambience of premium luxury together with a generously sized, variable-use space. Acoustic glazing and pre-conditioning come as standard, as do sport seats and a sports steering wheel. The transmission selector lever, BMW Controller and function keys are positioned on a control panel in the centre console that exudes modern design. The large tailgate has an automatic opening and closing mechanism as standard. Load compartment capacity is 470 – 1,290 litres.

The first-ever BMW i4 offers class-leading individualisation options which accentuate its premium character. Seat ventilation, Vernasca leather (standard) and BMW Individual leather trim variants, Sensatec and leather coverings for the instrument panel, a glass slide/tilt sunroof, ambient lighting (standard) and the Harman Kardon Surround Sound System all play their part in enhancing driving pleasure and comfort.

Premiere for a new generation of the BMW iDrive control/operation system.

The new generation of the iDrive display and control/operation system fitted for the first time in the first-ever BMW i4 extends the interaction between driver and vehicle into natural dialogue. It is based on the new BMW Operating System 8 and has been designed with a clear focus on the touchscreen functionality of the BMW Curved Display and spoken communication with the extensively upgraded BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. The BMW Curved Display fully digital screen grouping brings together a 12.3-inch information display and a 14.9-inch control display behind a glass surface angled towards the driver. The digital Intelligent Personal Assistant has gained additional skills and uses a new graphic to communicate with the vehicle's occupants.

The three-zone automatic climate control system fitted as standard in the first-ever BMW i4 uses nanofibre filter technology to purify the air inside the car and is now controlled via a touchscreen display. Temperature is adjusted using the intelligently coordinated activation of airflow. Remote Software Upgrades keep the car's software up to date.

Wide variety of driver assistance systems.

Some 40 assistance functions are fitted as standard or available as options to provide safe and comfortable driving and parking. Highlights include Active Cruise Control with automatic Speed Limit Assist, route monitoring and the Steering and Lane Control Assistant.

Front-collision warning, Speed Limit Info, Lane Departure Warning, Park Distance Control and the Reversing Assist Camera and Parking Assistant with Reversing Assistant are fitted as standard. Parking Assistant Plus including Surround View and Remote 3D View is available as an option.

Flexible manufacturing at BMW Group Plant Munich, vehicle and battery cell production using 100 per cent green energy, controlled procurement of raw materials.

The first-ever BMW i4 is produced as part of a flexible manufacturing set-up at BMW Group Plant Munich on an assembly line shared with models with combustion engines and plug-in hybrid drive systems. 100 per cent green energy is used for both vehicle production and the manufacture of battery cells.

The BMW Group procures the cobalt and lithium required for these high­voltage batteries from controlled sources and then delivers it to the battery cell suppliers. The design principle for the electric motors allows the use of rare earth metals to be avoided in the drive system rotors. A high proportion of secondary raw materials and recycled materials helps to reduce the quantities of resources used in production of the first-ever BMW i4.

The first-ever BMW i4 is now available for viewing at the Performance Motors Limited showroom.

Additional information enclosed:

1. The first-ever BMW i4 price.
2. The first-ever BMW i4 specifications.

For more insights into EV perceptions among ASEAN drivers, please refer to this white paper commissioned by the BMW Group in Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand: https://bit.ly/PerceptionsofEVs_ASEAN

-End-

1. The first-ever BMW i4 price.

2. The first-ever BMW i4 specifications.

Vehicle Category

Drive Type / Body Style: Battery electric vehicle (BEV) / Gran Coupé

Power Unit

Drive concept: Electric drive, transmission of the electric motor’s drive torque to the rear wheels.

Max system output: 250 kW / 340 hp at 8,000 – 17,000 rpm.

Max system torque: 430 Nm at 0 – 5,000 rpm.

Type of transmission: Automatic transmission, single-speed with fixed ratio.

Electric Motor

Motor technology: Fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology: electrically excited synchronous motor, power electronics and single-speed transmission sharing the same housing, generator function for recuperating energy.

High-voltage Battery

Storage technology: Lithium-ion.

Installation: Underfloor.

Voltage: 398.5 V.

Battery capacity: 210.6 Ah.

Performance
Acceleration (0 – 100 km/h): 5.7 seconds.
Top speed (electronically limited): 190 km/h.

Electric Power Consumption / Range

Electric power consumption: 19.7 kWh/100km.

Range (WLTP): 493 – 590 km.