The new all-electric 2022 BMW i4 has been detailed for Australia, ahead of the first deliveries arriving during the first quarter of 2022 (January to March).
UPDATE, 24/08/22 – BMW Australia has increased the before on-road pricing of the flagship i4 M50 xDrive by $5000 as part of a wider range price rise.
“BMW constantly reviews its pricing structure throughout the year, taking into consideration a number of different factors,” said a BMW Australia spokesperson.
“However, we always aim to ensure our products remain appropriately positioned and represent a competitive pricing proposition in the market for our customers.”
A pair of variants will launch initially – the eDrive40 and M50 – with prices to start a smidge under $100,000 before on-road costs.
Between 510 and 590 kilometres of WLTP-certified range will be offered depending on variant, with both versions featuring an 84kWh battery that allows up to 200kW DC fast charging.
The BMW i4 will launch with the new BMW Operating System 8 infotainment interface, and both variants will come with a complimentary five-year subscription to fast DC and ultra-rapid chargers on the ChargeFox network.
Pricing
- 2022 BMW i4 eDrive40: $99,990
- 2022 BMW i4 M50: $129,900 (+$5000)
Prices include GST and LCT but exclude on-road costs.
Engines
All versions feature BMW’s fifth-generation drive units that combine the electric motor, power electronics and transmission within a single housing.
The ‘entry-level’ BMW i4 eDrive40 is powered by a 250kW/430Nm electric motor mounted to the rear axle. Claimed 0-100 time is 5.7 seconds.
Meanwhile, the i4 M50 gets a dual-motor setup, one for each axle, with system outputs quoted at 400kW and 795Nm.
BMW claims the M Performance version of the i4 can accelerate from 0-100 in just 3.9 seconds.
Economy
BMW claims the i4 eDrive40 is capable of 16-20kWh/100km, good for a combined WLTP-certified driving range of 590 kilometres per charge.
The higher-powered i4 M50 uses 19-24kWh/100km, and range is reduced to a claimed 510km.
Both models feature an 84kWh lithium-ion battery pack capable of DC charging at up to 200kW.
Using that maximum charge capacity, the eDrive40 can replenish 164km of range in just 10 minutes, while the M50 gets around 140km in the same time.
It’ll take 31 minutes to charge from 10 to 80 per cent with a 200kW fast charger.
With a 50kW DC public charger, both versions will charge from 0 to 80 per cent in 1 hour 30 minutes.
Buyers who install the i Wallbox Plus in their home can charge their i4 in as little as 8 hours 30 minutes (0-100 per cent) at a rate of 11kW using three-phase AC charging.
Finally, a domestic charge cable will take 46 hours to charge from 0 to 100 per cent at a rate of 1.8kW.
Dimensions
The BMW i4 measures 4783mm long, 1852mm wide and 1448mm tall according to the company’s European spec sheet, with a 2856mm wheelbase.
In eDrive40 guise (EU spec), the i4 weighs in at 2050kg unladen (DIN) and offers luggage capacity of between 470 and 1290 litres.
The M50 is heavier at 2215kg unladen (DIN).
Servicing and Warranty
BMW covers its range with a three-year, unlimited-kilometre new vehicle warranty.
The i4 can be had with a four-year, unlimited-kilometre Service Inclusive Basic package for $1240, or a six-year, unlimited-kilometre package for $1765. BMW also offers Service Inclusive+ packages.
Safety
The 2022 BMW i4 is yet to be crash tested by ANCAP or Euro NCAP, as has its 4 Series Gran Coupe sibling.
While the two-door 4 Series Coupe managed five stars in 2019 testing, the differences in dimensions and drivetrain mean it’s not as simple as carrying the crash test data across to the new EV.
Australian models get the following features as standard:
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Forward collision warning
- Lane-keep assist
- Speed limit recognition
- Lane departure warning
- High-beam assist
- Driving Assistant Professional
- Adaptive cruise control with stop/go
- Steering and Lane Control Assistant (semi-autonomous mode)
- Evasion Aid
- Front cross-traffic alert
- Parking Assistant Plus
- incl. 360-degree cameras
Standard Equipment
BMW i4 eDrive40 highlights:
- 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-inch M Light Alloy Wheels
- Sport seats for driver and front passenger
- BMW head-up display
- LED headlights incl. High Beam Assistant
- Automatic tailgate
- Electric seat adjustment
- Ambient light
- Galvanic embellishers for controls
- Storage compartment package
- Through-loading system
- Live Cockpit Professional
- Connected Package Professional
- Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- HiFi Loudspeaker System, 10 speakers
- Wireless charging
- DAB+ digital radio
- BMW IconicSounds Electric
- Chargefox 5 year unlimited charging
- Model 2 Domestic charger
- Model 3 Public charging cable
The BMW i4 M50 adds the following:
- M Performance tuning and elements
- xDrive
- Lumbar support
- Seat heating, front
- BMW Laserlight
- harman/kardon surround sound system, 16 speakers
- Glass roof, electric
- 19-inch M light alloy wheels with performance tyres
- M Technology Package
- M Rear Spoiler
- Metallic paintwork
Numerous options and packages will be offered in Australia, including:
Visibility Package: $5800 (eDrive40)
- Metallic paint (excl. BMW Individual)
- Electric glass roof
- BMW Laserlight
Comfort Package: $1500 (eDrive40), $1300 (M50)
- Heated steering wheel
- Lumbar support (eDrive40)
- Heated front seats (eDrive40)
- Heated front/rear seats (M50)
M Sport Plus Package: $1700 (eDrive40), $1200 (M50)
- M Lights Shadowline (darkened)
- M seat belts
- M rear spoiler (eDrive40)
- M high-gloss Shadowline with extended contents
Executive Package: $3600 (eDrive40), $2100 (M50)
- Tyre pressure monitoring
- Alarm system
- Sun protection glazing
- harmon/kardon surround sound (eDrive40)
- BMW Drive Recorder
Colours
Click the images for the full gallery
MORE: 2022 BMW i4 detailed
