# BMW i4 Concept Stays Ahead in Style

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2020/10/bmw-i4-concept-stays-ahead-in-style/
- Published: 2020-10-25T23:19:38-04:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

### The BMW Concept i4 represents a look ahead to the BMW i4, slated to enter production in 2021

Especially as the BMW Group’s [first all-electric](https://greenlivingguy.com/2013/08/workers-from-usa-want-their-companies-to-take-more-action-to-protect-the-environment-6/)
model in the premium midsize class. It provides a whole new take on the dynamic 
excellence for which BMW. For BMW that means which is [renowned](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/02/bmw-to-debut-the-all-new-fully-electric-bmw-ix-sports-activity-vehicle/)
and blends a modern, elegantly sporty design. Especially with the spaciousness and
functionality of a four-door Gran Coupe. Then of course and all while generating
zero local emissions.

#### The exterior – electrifying aesthetics

The modern, elegant exterior represents a deliberate counterpoint to the dynamic
flair of the driving experience. The perfectly resolved Gran [Coupe](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/04/bmw-ev-quarterly-report/)
proportions also create an authentic, modern and confident appearance. The long 
wheelbase, fastback roof line and short overhangs form a basic profile. A profile
also brimming with elegance and dynamism.

#### Four Doors

In addition and with its four doors, the BMW [Concept](https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/03/bmw-goes-verifiably-sustainable/)
i4 offers a high level of everyday usability and practicality. However it’s also
got a much larger interior. One that’s bigger than the car’s modern and dynamic 
proportions would immediately suggest.

#### Clear surfaces and aerodynamic details.

Also, expect crisp, smooth lines and taut volumes. All merge into a rich, smoothly
contoured sculpture. Thereby also creating a clear surfacing language. The modern
exterior paint shade Frozen Light Copper reprises a color nuance displayed by the
BMW Vision iNEXT. Finally, it also showcases the interplay of surfaces to visually
stunning effect.

#### Blue elements in the front end, flanks and rear end point to the car’s BMW i origins.

They also shine a spotlight on the signature BMW i icons. I mean Icons that bring
the technology below the surface to the fore. So for example, the kidneys in their
role as an intelligence panel. As well as the moldings in the side skirts concealing
the battery technology. Combined they also diffuse elements in the rear end. All
which fill the design space. A space also vacated by exhaust tailpipes and enhance
aerodynamic efficiency.

#### The front end – the eye-catching face of a new era.

The front-end treatment of the BMW Concept i4 presents the familiar BMW icons in
a new look, lending a visually powerful face to the electric age at BMW. The prominent,
closed-off kidney grille provides a tangible connection between the past and future
of BMW.

#### The BMW icon also gains new functionality: With no combustion engine to require cooling, the grille now serves primarily as an “intelligence panel” housing various sensors.

The grille teases the technology behind the scenes with a special design for this
model. The headlights likewise provide a bridge between the past and the future;
the classical four-eyed front end is reprised here with a very modern and pared-
back interpretation.

#### Two intricate, freestanding LED elements on either side integrate all of the requisite light functions.

Clean surfaces and a small number of crisp lines around the grille create a contemporary
front-end graphic with considerable visual impact. A BMW i-style blue accent in 
the grille surround sets the seal on the front-end [styling](https://greenlivingguy.com/2013/01/christian-serratos-stars-in-new-peta-ad-podcast-interview/).

#### Taking the first steps with the new BMW brand identity.

In the course of the BMW Concept i4 presentation BMW is unveiling the brand’s new
look for the first time. The new logo for communications also provides the basis
for the badge on the BMW Concept i4.

Its two-dimensional and transparent design ensures seamless integration and brings
the special exterior colour shade Frozen Light Copper to even greater prominence.
The concept car not only has the task of looking ahead to the future in terms of
aesthetics, technology and innovation, it also explores the design potential within
our BMW trademark.

#### Striking rear end with aerodynamic features.

The rear of the BMW [Concept i4 sits low over the road](https://greenlivingguy.com/2025/10/norway-ev-charging-roads-a-revolutionary-concept/)
and cuts a broad, horizontally emphasised figure. The surfaces progress across the
rear in a smooth and luxuriant movement, and give it a very modern and calm appearance.
The long, slim L-shaped rear lights continue the theme. Below the rear lights, the
inward-angled surfaces form aerodynamics-enhancing lips and incorporate vertical
air outlets. The verticality of the design here emphasises the car’s sporting stance.
Further down, the rear apron has a forceful presence and enhances aerodynamic efficiency.
Where exhaust tailpipes would once have been found, diffuser elements in BMW i Blue
indicate the presence of a pure-electric drive system and reference the design of
the BMW i Vision Dynamics.

#### The interior – innovation meets minimalism.

The [interior](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/01/bmw-i-ventures-invests-in-y-combinator-alum-heycharge-to-amplify-ev-charging-rollout-at-residential-locations/)
of the BMW Concept i4 focuses on those times when the driver chooses to pilot the
car themselves. To this end, every element in the front of the cabin is trained 
on the driver. The new BMW Curved Display teams up with the steering wheel to reveal
a new take on driver orientation and offers a look ahead to the display in the production
versions of the BMW iNEXT and BMW i4. Here, the presentation surfaces of the information
display and Control Display merge into a single unit inclined towards the driver.

This screen grouping optimises presentation of information and makes the display’s
touch operation more intuitive. Advanced display tech with non-reflective glass 
also removes the need for a shroud to shade the displays and therefore contributes
to an extremely uncluttered and airy cockpit.

#### The BMW Curved Display encompasses a large proportion of the section in front of the driver and above the centre stack, and gives the front area a very modern appearance.

The BMW Concept i4. borderless form exudes quality and sophistication. Almost all
operating functions are integrated into the display as part of an overall approach
centred on reducing the number of haptic controls to the minimum. Even the climate
control system now works by touch control.

#### Focus on the essential.

The front section of the interior around the BMW Curved Display also majors on pared-
back design. The understated use of different materials and the fundamental arrangement
of controls creates a modern yet also luxurious ambience. With this in mind, elements
such as air outlets are integrated almost invisibly into the overall geometry and
concealed behind strong patterns.
Accent strips in warm Gold Bronze blending to 
chrome lend the interior a high-class touch. The central control panel replaces 
a traditional gear lever with a toggle-type shifter. Elements such as the iDrive
Controller and seat memory buttons in the doors are finished in a classy crystal
glass.

#### The cloth/leather combination for the seats – composed of microfibre with line graphics and natural leather tanned using olive leaf – sets a high-quality and sustainable seal on the interior.

The overall result is a clearly structured, bright and airy cabin which brings across
the tranquillity and authority of electric drive systems.

#### Spacious rear compartment.

Rear-seat passengers are greeted by a generously-sized compartment offering levels
of headroom and legroom that exceed expectations of a coupe. Integral head restraints
for the front and rear seats add further to the sporting feel. The cut-out in the
head restraints is a classy detail that references sporty BMW models from the current
line-up.

![BMW Next concept ](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/
07/img_0223.jpg?resize=300%2C225&quality=52&ssl=1)

The rear seats extend the horizontal graphic emerging from the doors to create 
a lounge feel in the rear. Meanwhile, the outer seats reprise the dynamic form of
the front seats, heightening the sporting flavor. They also use very little stitching,
which further emphasizes the clean and modern feel.

![BMW i4 interior](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/
10/4C89B572-8E9F-4397-BCEC-B1458F06A302.jpeg?resize=300%2C169&quality=52&ssl=1)

BMW i4 interior Concept source: BMW i

#### ⏎ Further developed user interface design with Experience Modes.

The screen grouping with new BMW Curved Display provides a digital gateway into 
the electric age at BMW. Look and feel are clearly influenced by the latest electronic
devices and have been made deliberately less “automotive” in nature.

The BMW Concept i4 has considerable visual depth. Overall, the BMW Curved Display
and new presentation approach combine to provide a first-class content-viewing experience.

#### Three different Experience Modes enable users to explore the various facets of the electric drive system and provide a look ahead – in terms of visuals at least – to the next-generation operating system from 2021. The sometimes emphasised visual differentiation between the three Experience Modes (“Core”, “Sport” and “Efficient”) spans everything from how the user experiences the display and graphics to how the interior is presented. Ambient lighting in the dashboard, doors and (indirectly) below the display indicate the technical adjustments taking place.

“Core” mode introduces the driver’s area to an updated interpretation of the four“
widgets” familiar from the display concept of existing models. Here, the graphics
reprise the pattern above the air vents and the Gold Bronze accent colour, consciously
referencing the car’s interior design. In the area where the central display used
to be positioned, a map and widgets now line up alongside one another.

#### The user can navigate around the diagonal widgets using a swipe movement and arrange them intuitively by drag-and-drop. This allows them to adapt the display to their personal preferences.

In “Sport” mode, the “widgets” come closer together and create a focussed view. 
Sideways movements behind the zones are used to show how tight the next corner is,
facilitating anticipatory driving. This form of content presentation also allows
effective peripheral viewing. The right-hand area of the display shows specific 
functions in a similar way to BMW M’s lap timer app.

“Efficient” mode debuts an “Assisted Driving View”, which shows the driver what 
the car’s sensors are detecting. This Experience Mode opens up deeper insights into
the car’s technology, such as how it communicates with its surroundings. In the 
BMW Concept i4, the focus here is on anticipatory and efficient driving, and key
information for efficient driving is incorporated. The right-hand area of the display
shows additional vehicle information, such as the charge level and range.

#### The sound of the BMW Concept i4.

The BMW Concept i4 is not only characterised by its individual design, but also 
by its own visionary and unique sound. It was developed under the brand name of 
BMW IconicSounds Electric by world renowned composer Hans Zimmer together with BMW
Sound Designer Renzo Vitale. BMW IconicSounds Electric aims to emotionalise BMW’s
electric vehicles and make them audible using individual sound worlds. The sound
of the BMW Concept i4 achieves this to perfection – it combines BMW’s past and future.
It gives the driver the feeling that there are no limits of expression.

The sound is manifold, surprising and it provides a sense of lightness and transparency.
The sound worlds of the BMW Concept i4 range from the driving sounds in “Core” mode
to the more intense and pronounced sounds of “Sport” mode. Also included are the
sounds of the door opening and the starting scenario.

#### The technology as earmarked for the upcoming BMW i4.

Fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology is a defining [feature](https://greenlivingguy.com/2015/01/bmw-i3-debut-featuring-katie-couric-and-bryant-gumbel/)
of the BMW i4. So therefore it’s also of future electric mobility. 

##### One which will be introduced in a number of electrically powered BMW vehicles. I mean such as the BMW iNEXT and BMW i4.

The electric motor, power electronics, charging unit and high-voltage battery using
fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology. For all are all-new developments enabling
the BMW Group to take another significant step forward. Especially in the field 
of electrified drive systems. The electric motor is also developed for the BMW i4.
For it generates maximum output of up to 390 kW/530 hp. Thereby being an electric
motor which ranks it alongside a current BMW V8 combustion engine. Its instantaneous
power delivery gives the BMW i4 standout performance. All attributes and exceptional
efficiency.

#### Fifth Generation E Motor

The fifth generation of BMW eDrive also brings a newly designed high-voltage battery.
That’s with the very latest battery cell technology. The version of the battery 
developed for the BMW i4 impresses. All with its extremely slim construction and
optimized energy density.

For it weighs roughly 550 kilograms. Yet it has an energy content of around 80 kWh.
Also it achieves an estimated EPA range of 270 miles / WLTP range of 600 km.

All in all, fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology setting new standards. Especially
and in terms of power density. Furthermore, efficiency and range in locally emission-
free driving.

#### Series production of the new BMW i4.⏎ Series production of the new BMW i4 will begin in 2021 at the BMW Group’s main plant in Munich. This means that, in the future, combustion-engined vehicles, plug-in hybrids and all- electric vehicles will be manufactured on the same assembly line in Munich.

Integrating the BMW i4 into the existing production system represents a challenging
task for Plant Munich. The body concept of the [BMW i4](https://greenlivingguy.com/2026/07/filtro-vivo-the-innovative-plant-wall-concept/)
differs from the architectures of the vehicle models produced at the plant to date.
That’s due to the need to accommodate its high-voltage battery. Approximately 90
per cent of the existing production equipment in the body shop can be incorporated
into the process.

##### A separate new piece of equipment will be fitted in the assembly. For it halls for installation of the high-voltage battery. That’s when the battery needs to be fitted in the car from below.

A particular challenge in the conversion/installation process are the crowded structures
of the assembly halls. Working within these tight confines, old machinery is removed
and new equipment installed in a six-week period. This requires long-term planning
and precise implementation.

The company is investing a total of around 200 million euros in Plant Munich to 
bring series production of the BMW i4 to fruition.

Source: BMW Group [www.bmwgroup.com](http://www.bmwgroup.com)Facebook: [http://www.facebook.com/BMWGroup](http://www.facebook.com/BMWGroup)
Twitter: [http://twitter.com/BMWGroup](http://twitter.com/BMWGroup)YouTube: [http://www.youtube.com/BMWGroupView](http://www.youtube.com/BMWGroupView)
Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/bmwgroup](https://www.instagram.com/bmwgroup)
LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/company/bmwgroup/](https://www.linkedin.com/company/bmwgroup/)
Corporate Communications

##### 󠀁[http://www.bmwgroup.com](http://www.bmwgroup.com)󠁿⏎ Press release March 3, 2020, The BMW Group is opening a new chapter in its history with the unveiling of a pure- electric Gran Coupe. The BMW Concept i4 takes electric drive to the core of the BMW brand and heralds a new era in Sheer Driving Pleasure.

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 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
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