The i4 eDrive40 will put the legendary 5 Series into retirement.
BMW Malaysia has just introduced the BMW i4 eDrive40 which is a proper looking replacement fro the current 5 Series, but without a firm selling price for Malaysia. However, there has been speculations on the internet that it would be priced between RM350.000 to RM370,000 which slots it right where the current BMW 530e PHEV (priced right now at RM334,353) is sitting.
Meanwhile, this BMW i4 eDrive40 blends the customary sporting elegance of BMW coupés with the comfort of a four-door model just like with the BMW 6 GT (which is priced right now at RM430,800), which is further complemented with modern functionality and efficiency.
The stretched proportions gives this sedan a length of 4,785 mm, width of 1,852 mm, height of 1,448 mm, as well as a 2,856 mm wheelbase. Short overhangs, slim pillars, sculpted surfaces with precise swage lines, doors with frameless windows and a roofline that flows smoothly into the rear underscore a contemporary silhouette that very much fits the BMW coupé mould.
The front features a BMW kidney grille with accents in BMW i Blue, which is largely closed off as a small cooling requirement of the electric drive components, and is equipped with discreetly integrated camera, ultrasonic and radar sensors for driver assistance systems.
The front is complete with slender full LED headlights. BMW Laserlight is also available as an option. The aerodynamic wheels designed exclusively for the First-Ever BMW i4 eDrive40 have aluminium inserts that combine lightweight design with optimised lines, helping to extend the vehicles’ electric range.
While an exhaust system is not required, the lower section of the rear apron is used to improve aerodynamics, featuring rear diffusers with a sporty design that highlight the presence of an electric drive system. The result is a cd drag coefficient of 0.24.
Electric drive delivers dynamic thrills.
The BMW i4 eDrive40 has a classic rear-wheel drive layout and is fitted with a current-excited synchronous motor positioned on the rear axle. It generates a maximum output of 340hp and a peak torque of 430Nm. current-excited synchronous motors are particularly lightweight and compact as well as highly efficient. This efficiency combines with a battery that is positioned in the vehicle floor and has a gross capacity of 83.9 kWh (80.7 kWh net). The result is a claimed range of up to 590 kilometres (WLTP).
The Gran Coupé can reach a top speed of 190km/h. Meanwhile, a century sprint can be achieved in 5.7 seconds. The combined electric power consumption is measured between 19.1 – 16.1 kWh/100 km based on the WLTP cycle.
The vehicle also benefits from a wide track on the front and rear axles, wheel sizes of up to 19 inches, model-specific wheel camber settings on the five-link rear suspension and a balanced axle load distribution.
Further enhancing the stability, agility and dynamism of the BMW i4 eDrive40 is the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system which includes the Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Antilock Braking System (ABS), Automatic Stability Control (ASC). Other advanced driving stability systems include near actuator wheel slip limitation (ARB), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Dynamic Brake Control (DBC), Hill Descent Control (HDC), trailer stability control and Performance Control.
The fifth-generation BMW eDrive system allows for use in combination with the latest charging technology. The Combined Charging Unit (CCU) of the First-Ever BMW i4 eDrive40 with built-in 4 kW voltage transformer has been designed to enable extremely flexible battery charging.
Connecting the high-voltage battery to a domestic power socket or a Wallbox allows it to be fed with AC power from both single-phase and three-phase mains connections at a charging rate of up to 11 kW.
Using this method, the First-Ever BMW i4 eDrive40 can recharge its battery from totally empty to 100 percent in a claimed 8.5 hours. Meanwhile at a DC fast charging station with 200 kW, the high-voltage battery can be charged from 10 percent to 80 percent in a claimed 31 minutes.
The interior fuses a clear, open design language with a new slim and low instrument panel. The new BMW Curved Display brings together the information display behind the steering wheel and the control display of the BMW iDrive control/operation system into a frameless, single-piece glass surface angled towards the driver.
The 12.3-inch information display and 14.9-inch control display effectively merge into a single driver-focused unit based on the new BMW Operating System 8, further complemented by a Head-Up Display that equips the vehicle as standard. Physical control elements such as buttons and controls are minimized, while the extensively upgraded BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant comes with a new visualization that makes interaction more natural.
The BMW i4 eDrive40 is equipped with a Harman Kardon surround system, complete with 16 speakers and digital seven-channel amplifier.
Driving assistance systems in the First-Ever BMW i4 eDrive40 include the Driving Assistant that offers Lane Change Warning, Crossing-traffic Warning at the rear, Rear Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning with active lane return, Front Collision Warning with brake intervention, Rear Collision Prevention as well as the manual Speed Limit Assist and Speed Limit Info.
This fully electric Gran Coupé is also equipped with the Driving Assistant Professional that includes Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go function, Steering and Lane Control Assistant, Emergency Stop Assistant, automatic Speed Limit Assist, Lane Change Assistant, Lane Keeping Assistant with active side collision protection, Crossing-traffic Warning at the front, Evasion Assistant, Crossroads Warning with city braking function, Steering and Lane Control Assistant with active lane guidance, traffic light recognition and Wrong-way Warning.
Available also is the Parking Assistant with Park Assist, including end-on parking spaces and exiting from parking spaces, Active Park Distance Control, lateral parking aid and Reversing Assistant.
The BMW i4 eDrive40 is available in Black Sapphire Metallic, Mineral White Metallic, and M Brooklyn Grey Metallic.
Owners of the First-Ever BMW i4 eDrive40 will receive the complete BMW Group Malaysia Premium Ownership experience which includes:
• BMW 5-Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service Programme
• BMW 8-Year / 160,000 km Battery Warranty (whichever comes first)
• BMW Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline
• The BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App – BMW Privileges Card
• BMW Service Online
For further information, please log on to www.bmw.com.my.
