BMW Australia has released pricing and specification details for the all-new i4 mid-size sedan, with the all-electric vehicle set to enter showrooms in the first quarter of next year with huge power, long range, divisive styling and cutting-edge technology.
Two variants of 4 Series Gran Coupe-based model are available, with the entry-level eDrive40 priced from $99,900 plus on-road costs, while the M50 commands a $25,000 premium.
The rear-wheel-drive eDrive40 has a single electric motor, which produces 250kW/430Nm, enough to help it sprint from a standstill to 100km/h in 5.7 seconds.
Meanwhile, the all-wheel-drive M50 has two electric motors (front and rear mounted) that combine to develop 400kW/795Nm, enabling a zero-to-100km/h time of 3.9s with overboost.
Both the eDrive40 and M50 are fitted with an 84kWh battery, with the former providing 590km of range (WLTP), while the latter lasts 80km less in between charges.
Charging-wise, aside from regenerative braking, the i4 can use an 11kW AC charger (with a Type 2 plug) to fully replenish its battery capacity in 8.5 hours, while a 200kW DC fast charger (with a CCS port) can take it from 10 to 80 per cent in 31 minutes.
Critically, the new Tesla Model 3 and Polestar 2 rival comes with a five-year subscription to Chargefox’s public EV charging network, which is the largest in Australia.
Standard equipment in the eDrive40 includes sports suspension with adaptive dampers, sports brakes, a body kit, LED headlights, 19-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry and a power-operated tailgate.
Inside, push-button start, a 14.9-inch touchscreen iDrive8 multimedia system, satellite navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, digital radio, a 10-speaker sound system, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a head-up display, a wireless smartphone charger, a sports steering wheel, power-adjustable sports seats, three-zone climate control and ambient lighting feature.
Advanced driver-assist systems extend to autonomous emergency braking, lane-keep and steering assist, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, high-beam assist, blind-spot monitoring, cross-traffic alert, Reversing Assistant, park assist, surround-view cameras and parking sensors.
The M50 also gets metallic paintwork, laser headlights, a rear spoiler, a sunroof, a 16-speaker Harmon Kardon sound system and heated front seats with lumbar support.
Four options packages are available, with the $5800 Visibility Package (metallic paintwork, laser headlights and a sunroof) exclusive to the eDrive40, while the Comfort Package, M Sport Plus Package and Executive Package can be added to either variant, with their pricing and specification varying.
2022 BMW i4 pricing before on-road costs
| Variant | Transmission | Cost |
| eDrive40 | automatic | $99,900 |
| M50 | automatic | $124,900 |
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