tuningblog.eu Your magazine about tuning the car
Photo credit: BMW
With the start signal for the BMW i4, purely electric mobility reaches the core of the BMW brand. As early as November 2021, locally emission-free driving pleasure can be experienced for the first time in the traditional center of the mid-range segment. The BMW i4 presents itself as a four-door Gran Coupé and combines the comfort and practicality of this vehicle concept with the sportiness typical of the brand and an impressive range even on long journeys. Its premium characteristics, which are unique in the competitive environment, are reflected in the high degree of maturity of its drive and chassis technology, its elegant design, uncompromising quality of materials and workmanship, and the wide range of customization options. In addition, the new generation of the BMW iDrive operating system and the latest innovations in the field of automated driving and parking contribute to the emotionally charged driving experience.
the BMW i4 M50
The BMW i4 is the brand's first purely electrically powered model that has been consistently geared towards driving dynamics from the start. There are two model variants to choose from when it is launched, including the first BMW M automobile with locally emission-free drive.
As a performance automobile from BMW M GmbH, the BMW i4 M50, with an electric motor each on the front and rear axles and a system output of 400 kW / 544 hp, ensures particularly intense driving pleasure with a range of up to 510 kilometers determined in the WLTP test cycle. The BMW i4 eDrive40 combines a 250 kW / 340 PS electric motor with classic rear-wheel drive. Its range determined in the WLTP test cycle is up to 590 kilometers.
Flexible vehicle architecture, superior overall harmony.
The development of the BMW i4 is based on the current second phase of the transformation of the BMW Group in the direction of electromobility on a flexible vehicle architecture that was designed for a purely electric drive for the first time from the start. The compact drive units are elastically mounted in the respective axle support. The extremely flat high-voltage battery with a cell height of just 110 millimeters is located deep in the vehicle floor and is firmly connected to an aluminum sliding panel and the front axle carrier. The vehicle's center of gravity, which is up to 3 millimeters lower than that of the BMW 53 Series Sedan, the balanced axle load distribution, the torsionally stiff and weight-optimized body and optimized aerodynamic properties with a CW value of 0,24, together with a long wheelbase and large track widths, provide ideal conditions for Typical BMW sportiness combined with high travel comfort.
In addition, the vehicle concept ensures a brand-typical resolution of the conflict of goals between sportiness and suitability for long journeys. Efficient drive technology and intelligent lightweight construction enable exciting driving dynamics and long ranges even without the use of disproportionately large and heavy batteries.
The integrated application of all drive and chassis components also contributes to the overall vehicle harmony, which is unique in the competitive environment of the BMW i4. Thanks to the BMW Group's technological expertise and long experience in the development of particularly sporty premium automobiles, the BMW i4 achieves driving dynamics that go far beyond the rapid straight acceleration of a powerful electric vehicle and also offers confident forward thrust and precisely controllable handling even in demanding driving situations.
Exciting driving dynamics through model-specific chassis technology and electric all-wheel drive.
The standard chassis technology of the BMW i4 includes a double-joint spring strut front axle and a five-link rear axle with model-specific coordination, stroke-dependent shock absorbers, electromechanical Servotronic steering, an integrated brake system and rear-axle air suspension. Traction and driving stability are optimized under all road and weather conditions by the wheel slip limitation close to the actuator. The particularly fast and precise system is also part of the standard equipment of the BMW i4 and is being used for the first time in conjunction with electric all-wheel drive.
This combination gives the BMW i4 M50 particularly confident driving dynamics during sprint maneuvers and intensive lateral acceleration. The drive torque control of its two motors reacts noticeably faster and with a significantly higher control quality than would be possible with a transfer case arranged between the axles. The BMW i4 M50 is also equipped with a model-specific Adaptive M chassis, variable sports steering, the M sports brake system and optionally up to 20-inch M light alloy wheels including mixed tires.
Highly integrated and efficient drive technology.
The fifth generation of BMW eDrive technology used in the BMW i4 comprises drive units in which the electric motor, power electronics and transmission are combined in a common housing. This highly integrated electrical drive topology leads to a power density of up to 2,14 kW / kg and to a particularly high level of efficiency.
The motors work on the principle of an energized synchronous machine. Instead of permanently installed permanent magnets, the excitation of the rotor is triggered by the precisely metered supply of electrical energy. Its performance characteristics are characterized by a high torque, which is provided immediately from a standstill and over a particularly wide speed range. In the BMW i4 M50, the Sport Boost is activated for more than ten seconds when the load is particularly high and, in addition to the maximum performance of the drive system, it also mobilizes the maximum system torque of 795 Nm. This means that the BMW M automobile sprints from zero to 3,9 km / h in 100 seconds. The drive of the BMW i4 eDrive40 generates a maximum torque of 430 Nm and accelerates the vehicle to 5,7 km / h in 100 seconds.
The sporty driving experience is accompanied by a model-specific drive sound that provides authentic feedback on the load requirement. In the BMW i4 M50, a particularly energetic sound expression unfolds. The BMW IconicSounds Electric option also enables the integration of new sound variants from a cooperation with the film music composer Hans Zimmer.
Adaptive and individually adjustable recuperation.
Adaptive recuperation makes an additional contribution to increasing the efficiency and range of the BMW i4. The intelligent networking of the drive control makes it possible to match the intensity of the recovery of energy in overrun and braking phases to the traffic situation determined with the help of navigation data and the sensors of the driver assistance systems. For example, when approaching an intersection, the recuperation power can be increased and, at the same time, energy can be fed into the high-voltage battery and the deceleration effect can be used. On the other hand, the coasting function can also be activated on the open road, with which the BMW i4 rolls along without drive torque as soon as the accelerator pedal is released.
Alternatively, in gear D, high, medium or low braking energy recovery can be selected for all traffic situations in the BMW iDrive menu. In gear B, the high recuperation power is automatically activated, which also creates the characteristic one-pedal feeling. The maximum recuperation power is 116 kW in the BMW i4 eDrive40 and 195 kW in the BMW i4 M50.
High-voltage battery with the latest battery cell technology.
The fifth generation of BMW eDrive technology also includes a high-voltage battery with the latest battery cell technology. The gravimetric energy density of the lithium-ion storage unit has been increased by around 3 percent compared to the battery in the current BMW i20. The gross energy content of the high-voltage battery is 83,9 kWh (net energy content: 80,7 kWh).
An integrated heating and cooling system for the interior, the high-voltage battery and the drive, which operates with a particularly efficient heat pump function, is part of the standard equipment of the BMW i4. Predictive thermal management makes it possible to optimize the operating temperature of the high-voltage battery for fast and efficient charging in good time before stopping at a fast charging station.
The Combined Charging Unit (CCU) of the BMW i4 was designed for particularly flexible charging. Direct current can be charged with an output of up to 200 kW. The range can be increased by 10 kilometers (BMW i10 eDrive164i) or 4 kilometers (BMW i40 M140) within 4 minutes with a stop at a high-power charging station and with a battery charge level of 50 percent. The scope of delivery of the BMW i4 in Europe includes the BMW Charging Card, the Flexible Fast Charger for up to 11 kW charging power and a Mode 3 charging cable. With a special tariff system, BMW Charging enables particularly low-cost electricity to be obtained from public charging stations and high-power charging stations.
Design: dynamism, elegance and sustainability made visible.
The BMW i4 combines the sporty elegance characteristic of the brand's coupés with the comfort of a four-door model and modern functionality. The elongated proportions and the clear formal language of its body design signal exclusivity and typical BMW driving dynamics. As signals of sustainability, the largely closed BMW kidney grille, the battery technology in the floor area of the vehicle and the sporty diffuser elements, which ensure optimized aerodynamic properties, are highlighted by accents in BMW i Blue.
Short overhangs, slim pillars, doors with frameless panes and a roofline gently flowing into the rear underline the appearance of the silhouette that is typical of a BMW coupé. Flat headlights, which optionally emit BMW laser light, and the striking BMW kidney grille with its discreetly integrated camera, ultrasound and radar sensors characterize the front view. With their own design features, the BMW i4 eDrive40 in the M Sport model and the BMW i4 M50 underline their performance character. An M Carbon exterior package is available as an option, and model-specific M Performance Parts are offered in the Original BMW Accessories range.
In the interior, a driver-oriented cockpit and a luxurious premium ambience meet generous and variably usable space. Acoustic glazing, auxiliary heating and air conditioning are part of the standard equipment, as are sports seats and a sports leather steering wheel. The gear selector lever, BMW controller and function buttons are arranged on a modern control panel on the center console. The large tailgate can be opened and closed automatically as standard. The luggage compartment volume is 470 to 1 liters. A towing device that can be swiveled in and out electrically is available as an option. The maximum permissible trailer load is 290 kilograms.
The premium character of the BMW i4 is also underscored by the customization options that are unique in its competitive environment. Driving pleasure and comfort can be achieved with seat heating and seat ventilation, Vernasca leather upholstery and BMW Individual leather upholstery, instrument panels in Sensatec and leather, the M Sport Package Pro, a sliding and tilting glass roof, as well as ambient light and Harman Kardon Enhance the surround sound system.
Premiere for the new generation of the BMW iDrive operating system.
The new generation of the display and control system iDrive, used for the first time in the BMW i4, expands the interaction between driver and vehicle into a natural dialogue. It is based on the new BMW Operating System 8 and was designed with a clear focus on the touch function of the new BMW Curved Display and communication via voice with the extensively enhanced BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. The BMW Curved Display forms a fully digital display network consisting of a 12,3-inch information display and a control display with a screen diagonal of 14,9 inches behind a shared glass surface that is curved towards the driver. The digital personal assistant has additional capabilities and now makes contact with the occupants in the form of a new graphic design.
The standard 3-zone automatic air conditioning of the BMW i4 includes a nanofiber filter for air purification and a new type of control via the touch display. The temperature is controlled via an intelligently coordinated activation of air flow, seat and steering wheel heating. The remote software upgrades keep the vehicle software up-to-date. The cloud-based navigation system BMW Maps ensures fast and precise route planning, which also takes into account intermediate stops for charging. The BMW i4 also offers data transmission using the 5G cellular standard.
Great variety of driver assistance systems.
Around 40 assistance functions for comfortable and safe driving and parking are available as standard or as an option. The highlights include active cruise control with automatic Speed Limit Assist, route control and the traffic light recognition system that can be used in Germany, as well as the steering and lane guidance assistant.
The standard equipment includes the front collision warning, the speed limit info, the lane departure warning, the Park Distance Control and the reversing camera. The Parking Assistant with Reversing Assistant and Parking Assistant Plus including Surround View and Remote 3D View are also optionally available.
Flexible production in the BMW Group plant in Munich, vehicle and battery cell production with 100 percent green electricity, controlled raw material extraction.
The BMW i4 is produced as part of flexible production at the BMW Group plant in Munich on a joint assembly line with plug-in hybrid and combustion engine models. 100 percent green electricity is used for vehicle production as well as for the manufacture of battery cells.
The amount of cobalt and lithium required for the high-voltage batteries is procured by the BMW Group from controlled sources and delivered to the manufacturers of the battery cells. The construction principle of the electric motors makes it possible to dispense with the use of rare earth metals in the rotors of the drives. A high proportion of secondary raw materials and recycling materials also contribute to the resource-saving production of the BMW i4.
Don't worry, of course that was far from being the case when it came to auto / auto tuning. Our magazine still has tens of thousands other tuning reports in stock. Do you want to see them all? Then just click HERE and look around. Or are you particularly interested in everything to do with the manufacturer BMW? Then the following excerpt with other vehicles is definitely the right one.
|
Works vehicle: BMW E36 M3 Compact “Pocket Rocket”!
|
BMW M4 Competition Cabriolet (G83) comes with M xDrive!
|
Soon with 600 PS: BMW confirms the iX M60 Stromer!
|
Tesla Model 3 opponents with 544 hp: the BMW i4 M50 & i4
tuningblog.eu - on the subject of cars, motorcycles, bikes / ATV / scooters & Co., and of course our passion, the Tuning, we keep you up to date and report daily on cool vehicles from all over the world. It's best to subscribe to ours Feed and you will be automatically informed as soon as there is a new post.
