The BMW i4 is a sophisticated electric vehicle designed as a Gran Coupe. The i4 has been produced since 2021 as an option for BMW’s performance-loving drivers. The elegant sedan is a successful blend of BMW’s high design sense and EV criteria that make it a formidable option in the highly competitive EV market. The i4 is the German automaker’s first all-electric variant in the popular 4-Series, with the i4 relying on an electric powertrain instead of a gasoline engine. Designed as a performance EV, the i4 wants to compete with electric sedans like the Tesla Model 3 in terms of driving range, design, and technology.
BMW has chosen to play it safe with the i4’s design by following the current styling of the 4-Series Gran Coupe. The i4 won't be BMW’s flagship EV model, with the i3 occupying that position. Unfortunately, the i3 didn't do well in the market, especially in North America, mostly because American drivers aren't sold on owning or driving hatchbacks. This is a gap that Tesla instantly filled by offering the Model 3, which sports a more traditional look and boasts better performance. With the i4, BMW did some research and built the EV on the same platform as its successful Gran Coupe series, making it hard for BMW lovers to look away.
The BMW i4 is available in two trim levels – i4 eDrive40 and i4 M50. When driving under ideal conditions, the i4 eDrive40 offers up to 301 miles of range, while the i4 M50 comes with a driving range of up to 270 miles. The i4 comes with a battery capacity of up to 81 kWh. While it's been established that the i4 is an EV of remarkable design, how many charging options are available? Given that the world still isn't densely populated with charging stations, EVs are expected to have multiple charging options. BMW runs a charging program that caters to the needs of the automaker’s EVs. This program called BMW Charging enables drivers to conveniently charge their EVs at home or in public areas using different methods.
BMW Offers Three Charging Options
BMW builds its electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles to be compatible with three charging preferences, namely, Level 1, Level 2, and DC Fast Charging. At home, drivers can use the BMW Wallbox, a Level 2 charger, for easy charging. The Wallbox can be installed in the garage and offers speedy charging whenever needed. Drivers using this method can charge their cars from 0 to 100 percent in under 10 hours. Alternatively, drivers can use the Flexible Fast Charger that comes with every purchase of the BMW i4. It's a portable device designed to function with any 120V or 240V outlet, enabling charging on the go. When plugged into a 240V outlet, the fast charger can get the EV from 0 to 100 percent within 10 hours.
To reward its customers, BMW also offers two years of complimentary 30-minute charging sessions with Electrify America, a company that currently owns the biggest open DC fast-charging network in the U.S. As per BMW, a 10-minute charge with a DC fast charger can provide 108 miles of range to the i4 eDrive40 and 88 miles to the i4 M50. With three charging options at their disposal, BMW i4 owners will be able to easily top up their EV battery both at home and on the road.
Source: BMW