New images have come to light showing the interior of the all-electric 600km range BMWi4, which is planned for production by the German carmaker in 2021.
BMW is planning a major expansion of its e-car portfolio over the next few years, a key component is this coupe-like sedan, which it is readying its Munich car plant for with a €200 million ($A320 million) upgrade.
BMW previously released images of the camouflaged prototype of the i4 last month as it was going winter trial testing in the Artic Circle along with the new BMW iX3 and iNEXT.
This prototype of the new i4 shows an exterior design that is not unlike that of the 4 Series Gran Coupe – the front differs somewhat but the dashing roofline is quite familiar.
While some may find this comforting – the i3’s funky styling can be a deterrent for conservative drivers – one would hope that the i4’s interior at least would convey a sense of the future of electromobility.
However, the interior images of the prototype are disappointingly mundane – with its digital instrument display and the infotainment screen directly next to it, it does not look much different to other current combustion BMW models.
Perhaps BMW is leaving all the futuristic styling for its level 3 autonomous BMW iNEXT, which it is planning to begin making in 2021.
The i4 will use BMW’s highly adaptable CLAR platform which is designed to accommodate combustion, plug-in hybrid, and pure-electric powertrains, and will reportedly be offered with with 60 and 80 kWh battery packs, offering up to 600km range.
Both a rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive option will be made available for purchase, with the post powerful variant hinted to accelerate from 0-100 km/hr in just over four seconds.
In addition to the i4 and iNEXT (which it is planning to build at its Dingolfing plant), BMW is also developing the iX3 which it is planning to release on the market as soon as next year.
The iX3 “SAV” (sports activity vehicle) will feature BMW’s fifth generation e-drive tech, have 400km range and the ability to charge at a rate of up to 150kW.
It will be produced for a global market by BMW’s JV “Brilliance Automotive” in Shenyang, China.
Bridie Schmidt is lead reporter for The Driven, sister site of Renew Economy. She specialises in writing about new technology and has been writing about electric vehicles for two years. She has a keen interest in the role that zero emissions transport has to play in sustainability and is co-organiser of the Northern Rivers Electric Vehicle Forum.
