BMW is proud to announce the newest additions to the BMW i brand, the i4 eDrive40 and i4 M50 models. The i4 M50 is the first fully-electric performance model to come from BMW M GmbH. The i4 blends the functionality and space of the gran coupe design with the instantaneous power delivery of BMW’s latest 5th generation eDrive. Class-leading driving dynamics and long-distance comfort, elegant design, uncompromising workmanship, cutting-edge user-vehicle interface, and advanced infotainment, and driving assistance technologies all combine to deliver a zero-emissions BMW worthy of the Ultimate Driving Machine moniker.
Power is provided by BMW’s latest 5th generation eDrive technology which combines electric motors, power electronics, a charging system, and a high-voltage battery. The electric motor, power electronics, and transmission share one compact housing while the high-voltage battery measures only 4.3-inches in height. In addition, it sits low on the floor of the new i4 for the best vehicle agility.
BMW Group has been producing battery modules and high-voltage batteries since 2013 and this in-house experience shows, with the latest generation of batteries, found in the i4, having a maximum DC fast-charging capacity of up to 200 kW and AC Level 2 charging of up to 11 kW.
Sustainability and Reduced Carbon Footprint
Sustainability is an integral part of the development of the new BMW i4, from the sourcing of materials to the production of the i4 itself and to the recycling of its components in the future. Every step of the value chain carefully looks to reduce the carbon footprint of the i4 to the absolutely lowest level possible.
Steps taken by the BMW Group include commitments from all battery cell suppliers for 5thgeneration BMW eDrive technology to only use electricity from renewable sources. The aluminum electric motor cases are from purely green energy. The i4’s production at BMW Group Plant in Munich uses only local hydroelectric power.
The electric motors for the BMW i4 do not use rare earth materials. That allows the BMW Group to not be reliant on their availability. The proportion of secondary aluminum used in the i4 helps to make manufacturing more sustainable. Targeted use of recycling methods for this high-grade lightweight metal can lead to a substantial reduction in the energy-intensive use of primary aluminum, which also generates high levels of CO2emissions when conventional manufacturing techniques are employed. Besides this, recycled plastics are used in many i4 components.
Electric All-Wheel Drive, Wheel Slip Limitation and Launch Control
With an electric motor at both ends, the new i4 M50 features an electric all-wheel-drive system. It increases traction in all road conditions and can optimize traction and handling stability. All by adjusting the drive torque, without the need for traction control intervention.
The fully variable system can choose the exact split. From the highly efficient pure rear-wheel drive to all-wheel-drive for maximum traction. Normally, drive power relies solely on the i4 M50’s rear wheels to increase its efficiency and range. At higher levels of lateral acceleration or in response to wheel-slip, the motor acting on the front wheels assumes drive power. It delivers to optimize driving dynamics and directional stability.
The BMW-developed near-actuator wheel slip limitation. In combination with the electric all-wheel drive, enables the car to maintain optimum traction in a straight line. Especially for the instantaneous power delivery of electric motors, this traction control system integrates into motor management. This eliminates the long signal paths to the control unit for the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control). Meaning that the corrective inputs apply up to ten times faster than in conventional systems.
Near-actuator wheel slip limitation is fitted on both the rear-wheel-drive BMW i4 eDrive40 and the all-wheel-drive BMW i4 M50. The near-actuator wheel slip limitation brings the advantages of rear-wheel drive to the world of electric mobility. That’s in the BMW i4 eDrive40. Whereas the BMW i4 M50 it is set up for optimum, rear distribution of drive torque between the two axles.
Integrated Braking System
The integrated braking system helps to eliminate unwanted pedal feedback during brake regeneration. It enables Brake Energy Regeneration at a maximum rate of 195 kW on the i4 M50 and 116 kW on the i4 eDrive40, thereby boosting efficiency and range. Thanks to the cutting-edge technology, the brake activation, brake booster and braking control functions are in a compact module.
Drivers trigger the brake pressure using an electric actuator. That’s an operating principle that generates pressure more dynamically and ensures significantly faster and more precise interventions. That’s from the driving stability control system. The braking system generates stopping power. It’s precise to the driver’s inputs while producing a consistent pedal feel. In addition, it’s unimpaired by any pulsing as a result of wet road surfaces. Also, significant lateral acceleration, or high brake temperatures.
Exterior Design
The BMW i4 combines the hallmark sporting aesthetic of the brand’s coupés with the comfort of a four-door car. There are elegant proportions of the new BMW i4. For example, the short overhangs, slim pillars, doors with frameless windows, and a roofline.
At the heart of the front end stands the striking, BMW kidney grille, which is largely blocked off due to the small amount of cooling air required by the electric drive components. Moreover, depending on the specification, the car’s front camera joins by ultrasonic and radar sensors. BMW integrates them discreetly into the surface of the kidney grille. The front bumper of the BMW i4 also has only a small number of openings. These include the air curtains positioned towards its outer edges, which direct air efficiently past the wheels. Clear modern design surfaces cover the front end. almost entirely in body color, precise lines and black inlays.
