BMW NZ announces pricing of all-new i4 electric sedan

The BMW i4 eDrive40 and i4 M50 (above) will be in New Zealand in 2022. Photos: BMW

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. 

The i4 M50 is the first emissions free M vehicle.

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 percent by 2030. 

The i4 eDrive40 is priced from $109,900 while the i4 M50 is $137,900. Both models offered with complimentary ChargeNow membership card and free membership to New Zealand’s largest and fastest public charging network

The BMW i4 M50 has a range of 510km.

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 (Cd of 0.24) and wide tracks provide the perfect recipe for BMW’s renowned sporting ability.