BMW i4 eDrive35: the new entry-level model for the electric sedan

BMW has been delivering the i4 since late last year, the model being Bavaria’s first electric car in sedan format. The new range has been well received by the customers, which is why BMW is already planning additional shifts. An additional model variant could bring further increase in demand.

With the i4 eDrive35, BMW is expanding the i4 portfolio. The new version has been available to order in Canada from August, with other markets to follow. The series started with the i4 eDrive40 and i4 M50 models, which are still the only variants in this country.

The new model, which will be available for the first time in Canada, has 210 kW (286 hp) of rear-wheel drive, so it goes from 0 to 100 in 6.0 seconds. No details on top speed yet. The traction battery has a storage capacity of 70.2 kWh for a range of 490 km according to the practical European WLTP standard. The electric car can be charged with its on-board charger for up to 11 kW on alternating current devices (AC) and up to 180 kW at fast public direct current (DC) stations.

The i4 eDrive35 will be produced at the BMW plant in Munich from November. According to the premium manufacturer, with the new model, the proportion of fully electric vehicles in total production will reach 50 percent in 2023.

Until the launch of the i4 eDrive35, the i4 eDrive40 will remain the entry-level model. It costs from 58,300 euros, but has a 250 kW / 340 hp electric motor with rear-wheel drive for acceleration from 0 to 100 km / h in 5.7 seconds. The maximum possible is 190 km/h. The 83.9 kWh battery has a range of 590 kms as per WLTP.

Electric motors on the front and rear axles of the sporty i4 M50 and a system output of 400 kW/544 hp cost at least 69,900.01 euros. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds and ends at 225 km/h. Like the i4 eDrive35 at the bottom, the driving battery has a storage capacity of 83.9 kWh, which is officially enough for 510 kilometers per charge.

Unlike the new basic models launched in Canada, the i4 eDrive40 and i4 M50 can draw up to 200 kW of power at fast charging stations, while slower AC charging is also possible with a maximum of 11 kW.