BMW opens Australian pre-orders for all-electric i4 Gran Coupé

BMW has opened up Australian orders for the first models of its BMW i4 all-electric Gran Coupé, a year ahead of the vehicle’s launch.

From midday on Friday, customers were able to secure one of the first BMW i4s to hit Australian shores, with a $500 deposit, through a dedicated pre-order page. BMW expects to deliver the first vehicles in Australia in the first quarter of 2022.

There is no confirmation yet of the likely retail price, although it could be targeted at around $70,000, similar to Tesla’s Model 3. US media is guessing at a $US50,000 price, which translates to around $64,500, but Australian buyers will need to add various taxes.

Potential customers will be able to choose the particular model when further details are released closer to the local launch. Colours and interior options are all to be confirmed.

“Those who reserve their i4 and place a $500 deposit will have the opportunity to specify their vehicle later this year in coordination with their preferred BMW dealer when more detail is released about the model line-up, specification and equipment offerings,” BMW said in a statement.

The BMW i4 options will include an ‘M Performance’ version, with a maximum power output of 390kW. The performance option will offer zero to 100km/h acceleration in just four seconds and a standard driving range of up to 590km.

While details are yet to be confirmed about what will be offered in Australia, BMW has developed at least two ‘base’ versions of the i4, based on the eDrive35 and eDrive40 platform, which will come with similar driving range, but around 200 to 250 kW of peak power.

The design of the i4 is modelled off BMW’s 4 Series Gran Coupe, with the company emphasising the fact the all-electric model gives the appearance of a true BMW Coupe and “signature BMW dynamics”.

BMW already offers a number of all-electric models, including the i3 hatch launched in 2013 and the iX3 and iX xDrive40 and xDrive50 SUV models, which are expected to commence deliveries sometime this year.

The vehicle will feature an 80kWh battery pack, as BMW aims to match the offerings from Tesla in both power and range.

BMW showed off the i4 model in March, with the German auto giant aiming to meet 50 per cent of its sales with electric models by 2030. BMW plans a full offering of 12 fully electric models by 2023.

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