New Zealand pricing announced for first-ever BMW i4 ahead of 2022 launch

• All-new fully electric BMW i4 range to arrive in New Zealand in Q1, 2022
• Features fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology with 84kWh high-voltage battery that provisions up to 200kW DC charging
• Launch line-up to comprise BMW i4 eDrive40 and BMW i4 M50 models
• M50 represents first BMW M model with emissions-free drive system
• M model fitted with dual motors producing 400kW/795Nm and xDrive
  all-wheel-drive
• M50 achieves standard sprint time in just 3.9-seconds while offering 510 kilometres of WLTP range
• i4 eDrive40 features single motor producing 250kW/430Nm with rear-wheel-drive, 5.7-second standard sprint time and 590km WLTP range
• High level of standard specification including M Sport Package, Adaptive M suspension, M Sport brakes, Driving Assistant Professional and Leather ‘Vernasca’ upholstery
• Latest BMW model to feature BMW Operating System 8
• Full integration of BMW IconicSounds Electric as part of BMW’s collaboration with legendary composer Hans Zimmer
• Sustainability at heart of manufacturing process
• Both models offered with complimentary ChargeNow membership card and free membership to New Zealand’s largest and fastest public charging network
• BMW i4 eDrive40 competitively priced from $109,900^* between base 420i Gran Coupé M Sport and M440i xDrive Gran Coupé

The all-new BMW i4 will launch in New Zealand in the first quarter of next year with two variants – the i4 eDrive40 and the first-ever emissions-free BMW M car – the i4 M50. 

The BMW i4 M50 performance model adopts one electric motor at the front axle and another at the rear to deliver a combined system output of 400kW and a range of 510 kilometres in the WLTP cycle.

The BMW i4 eDrive40 combines a 250kW electric motor with a classic rear-wheel-drive configuration and offers a WLTP range of 590 kilometres.

Both variants of the all-new BMW i4 will be manufactured at BMW Group Plant Munich with sustainability a core focus.

Electricity used to produce the vehicle in Munich is generated via hydroelectric plants in Bavaria, which is a key aspect of BMW Group’s plan to reduce its CO2 emissions in the production phase by 80 per cent by 2030.

Flexible vehicle architecture, higher level of overall coherence

Development of the BMW i4 was based on a flexible vehicle architecture in line with BMW Group’s transformation towards electric mobility.

This was devised, for the first time, for an all-electric drive system.

Among the highlights of the new electric powertrain are compact drive units that have an elastic bearing in their respective axle subframes.

The extremely slim high-voltage battery has a cell height of just 110 millimetres, is positioned low down in the vehicle floor and has a fixed connection with an aluminium shear panel and the front axle subframe.

A centre of gravity up to 53 millimetres lower than that of the BMW 3 Series Sedan combined with even weight distribution, a torsionally stiff and weight-minimised body, optimised aerodynamics (C_d of 0.24) and wide tracks provide the perfect recipe for BMW’s renowned sporting ability.

In addition, the vehicle concept offers a trademark BMW solution to the traditional trade-off between sportiness and long-distance ability.

This is in the form of an efficient drive system technology and intelligent lightweight design that enables sharp dynamics and a long range without the need for large and heavy batteries.

The integrated application of all powertrain and chassis components also helps provide the BMW i4 a degree of peerless design coherence.

BMW Group’s technological expertise and long experience in the development of dynamic premium cars imbue the BMW i4 with dynamic driving abilities extending far beyond the rapid straight-line acceleration typical of a powerful electric car.

The result is effortless progress, even in challenging driving conditions, as well as precisely controllable handling.

Model-specific chassis technology and electric all-wheel drive

The standard chassis technology of the BMW i4 comprises a double-joint spring strut front axle and five-link rear axle with bespoke tuning, lift-related dampers, electromechanical Servotronic steering and integrated braking system. 

Both the i4 eDrive40e and M50 models for New Zealand come standard with adaptive M suspension that incorporates bespoke tuning, as well as variable sport steering, M Sport brakes and 19-inch M Light alloy wheels.

Near-actuator wheel slip limitation optimises traction and directional stability in all road and weather conditions. This extremely fast-acting and precise system is fitted as standard on the BMW i4.

On the M50 variant, the system teams up with electric all-wheel-drive to deliver exceptional dynamic poise during bursts of speed and under intense lateral acceleration.

The drive torque control for both motors reacts notably faster and with far greater accuracy than would be possible with a transfer case positioned between the axles.

Highly integrated and efficient drive system technology

The fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology in the BMW i4 comprises drive units that bring together the electric motor, power electronics and transmission within a single housing.

This highly integrated electric drive system gives a power density of up to 2.14 kW/kg and a high efficiency factor. 

The motors work according to the principle of an electrically excited synchronous motor.

The excitation of the rotor in the BMW i4 motors is not induced by fixed permanent magnets but rather the precisely controlled feed-in of electric energy.

The performance characteristics of the motors are defined by their considerable torque. This is available on tap from pull-away and sustained over an extremely wide rev band.

Demanding a large amount of power for more than 10 seconds in the BMW i4 M50 triggers Sport Boost, which unfurls not only the drive system’s maximum output but also its mighty maximum system torque of 795Nm.

This enables the BMW M model to sprint from 0-100km/h in 3.9 seconds.

The drive system in the BMW i4 eDrive40 generates peak torque of 430Nm, enabling it to achieve a 0-100km/h time of just 5.7 seconds.

The sporty driving experience is accompanied by BMW IconicSounds Electric, which is fitted as standard on both variants. This enables integration of new drive sound variants created as part of BMW’s collaboration with legendary film and music composer Hans Zimmer.

Adaptive and individually adjustable recuperation

Adaptive recuperation gives the efficiency and range of the BMW i4 an additional boost.

In driving position D, a high, medium or low brake energy regeneration setting for all driving situations can be selected in the BMW iDrive menu.

In driving position B, a high level of recuperation is activated automatically, generating the distinctive one-pedal feeling.

Maximum recuperation power is 116kW in the BMW i4 eDrive40 and 195kW in the BMW i4 M50.

High-voltage battery with the latest battery cell technology

Fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology comprises a high-voltage battery with the latest battery cell technology.

The gravimetric energy density of the lithium-ion battery has been increased by around 20 per cent in comparison with the battery in the current BMW i3. The gross energy content of the high-voltage battery is 84kWh.

An integrated heating and cooling system for the interior, the high-voltage battery and the drive system – which operates using an exceptionally efficient heat pump function – comes as standard on the BMW i4.

Anticipatory thermal management allows the operating temperature of the high-voltage battery to be optimised ahead of a stop at a fast-charging station, paving the way for rapid and efficient charging.

The Combined Charging Unit (CCU) of the BMW i4 has been designed to enable extremely flexible battery charging with DC charging possible at up to 200kW.

For example, in a short mid-journey stop at a high-power charging station, the car’s range can be increased by as much as 164 kilometres (BMW i4 eDrive40) and 140 kilometres (BMW i4 M50) within 10 minutes from a 10 per cent charge level.

Design: the visual expression of dynamism, elegance and sustainability

The BMW i4 blends the customary sporting elegance of the BMW brand’s coupés with the comfort of a four-door model and an injection of modern functionality.

The stretched proportions and clear use of forms in its body design send a message of exclusivity and the dynamic flair for which BMW is renowned.

Short overhangs, slim pillars, doors with frameless windows and a roofline that flows smoothly into the rear underscore a silhouette that befits the BMW coupé mould.

Slim headlights, which are fitted as standard with BMW Laserlight on i4 M50 and available as an option for i4 eDrive40, combine with the striking BMW kidney grille to define the front end of the all-new BMW i4.

Distinctive design features that emphasise high performance also feature on both locally delivered BMW i4 models. 

The interior brings a driver-focused cockpit and ambience of premium luxury together with a generously sized, variable-use space.

Acoustic glazing, pre-heating and pre-conditioning come as standard, as do sport seats and a sports steering wheel.

The transmission selector, BMW iDrive controller and function keys are positioned on a control panel in the centre console that exudes modern design.

The large tailgate has an automatic opening and closing mechanism as standard. Load compartment capacity ranges between 470 and 1,290 litres.

The BMW i4 offers class-leading individualisation options that accentuate its premium character.

Elements include seat heating, BMW Individual trim variants, electric glass roof and the premium harman/kardon surround sound system.

Integration of the new generation BMW iDrive control/operation system

The new generation of the iDrive display and control/operation system fitted to the BMW i4 extends the interaction between driver and vehicle into natural dialogue.

It is based on the new BMW Operating System 8 and has been designed with a clear focus on the touchscreen functionality of the BMW curved display and

spoken communication with the upgraded BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant.

The BMW curved display fully digital screen grouping brings together a 12.3-inch information display and a 14.9-inch control display behind a glass surface angled towards the driver. The digital Intelligent Personal Assistant has gained additional skills and uses a new graphic to communicate with the vehicle’s occupants.

The three-zone automatic climate control system fitted as standard in the BMW i4 uses nanofibre filter technology to purify the air inside the car and is now controlled via a touchscreen display.

Temperature is adjusted using the intelligently coordinated activation of airflow, seat heating and steering wheel heating.

Remote Software Upgrades keep the car’s software constantly up to date, while the BMW Connected Drive Store allows customers to download vehicle upgrades that can be fully functional within minutes. 

Wide variety of driver assistance systems

Forty assistance functions are fitted as standard or available as options to provide safe and comfortable driving and parking. Highlights include Steering and Lane Control Assistant, Active Cruise Control and Speed Limit Assist.

Standard fitment technology and safety features include: Front-collision warning, Speed Limit Info, Lane Departure Warning, Park Distance Control, Reversing Assistant and Parking Assistant Plus including Surround View and Remote 3D View.

Flexible and sustainable manufacturing at BMW Group Plant Munich

The BMW i4 is produced as part of a flexible manufacturing production process at BMW Group Plant Munich on an assembly line shared with models with combustion engines and plug-in hybrid drive systems.

One hundred per cent green energy is used for both vehicle production and the manufacture of battery cells.

The BMW Group procures the cobalt and lithium required for these high-voltage batteries from controlled sources and then delivers it to the battery cell suppliers.

The design principle for the electric motors allows the use of rare earth metals to be avoided in the drive system rotors. A high proportion of secondary raw materials and recycled materials helps to reduce the quantities of resources used in production of the BMW i4.

The all-new BMW i4 and the ChargeNow network in New Zealand

All new BMW electric vehicle owners will receive a free ChargeNow membership card and free membership.

BMW electric vehicle owners will also receive a 10% discount on all charging sessions used in the ChargeNow charging network for the first 24 months.

BMW i4 eDrive40 and M50 pricing*

BMW i4 eDrive40                                         $109,900*

BMW i4 M50                                                 $137,900*

*Recommended Retail Pricing is shown and includes GST, but excludes on-road and delivery costs. Customers are advised to contact their nearest BMW dealer for all pricing enquiries.

BMW i4 eDrive40:

Standard specification highlights:

• Current-excited synchronous motor, rear
• 84 kWh high-voltage battery unit
  • 250kW
  • 430Nm
  • 0-100km/h 5.7s
  • Max range (WLTP) = 590km

• M Sport Package
• Adaptive M Suspension
• Comfort Access System
• M Sport Brakes
• Driving Assistant Professional
• Parking Assistant Plus
• Leather 'Vernasca' Upholstery
• Instrument panel in Sensatec
• 19” M Light Alloy Wheels
• Sport seats for driver and front passenger 
• Seat heating, front
• BMW Head-up Display
• LED headlights incl. High Beam Assistant
• Automatic tailgate operation
• Electric seat adjustment
• Ambient light
• Galvanic embellishers for controls
• Storage compartment package
• Through-loading system
• Live Cockpit Professional
• Connected Package Professional
• Smartphone Integration
• HiFi Loudspeaker System, 10 speakers
• Wireless Charging
• DAB+ digital radio
• BMW IconicSounds Electric
• ChargeNow membership
• Model 2 Domestic charger
• Model 3 Public charging cable

BMW i4 M50:

Standard specification highlights (in addition to eDrive40):

• Two current-excited synchronous motors, front and rear
• 84 kWh high-voltage battery unit
  • 400kW
  • 795Nm
  • 0-100km/h 3.9s
  • Max range (WLTP) = 510km

• M Performance tuning and elements
• xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive system
• Lumbar support
• BMW Laserlight
• harman/kardon surround sound system, 16 speakers
• Glass roof, electric
• 19” M light alloy wheels with performance tyres
• M Technology Package
• M Rear Spoiler
• Metallic paintwork

Option packages

BMW i4 – Technical Data

BMW i4 – Charging Data

- ENDS -

The BMW Group

With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. The BMW Group production network comprises 31 production and assembly facilities in 15 countries; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2020, the BMW Group sold over 2.3 million passenger vehicles and more than 169,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2019 was € 7.118 billion on revenues amounting to € 104.210 billion. As of 31 December 2019, the BMW Group had a workforce of 126,016 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy.

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BMW Group New Zealand

With its 10 BMW Dealerships and 6 MINI dealerships, BMW Group New Zealand is one of the country’s leading premium automotive brands. BMW Group New Zealand outperformed the industry with BMW and MINI registering a cumulative total of 2,255 units in 2020, ending the year as the #1 premium car brand in the country.

The all-new BMW Store is set to further bolster the success of the Group within the local market, providing customers with a fast and efficient way to secure new vehicles online.

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