The BMW i4, fourth model in the German carmaker’s electric BMW i sub-brand, can now be pre-booked in Malaysia. It was first shown in the country at NEXTGen Malaysia in January this year. The retail price starts from RM389,800 (without insurance) with an Extended Warranty & Service Package included. For those who use BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia’s financing plan, monthly instalments can start from RM4,306 (terms and conditions apply).
Customers can choose from Black Sapphire, Mineral White and Dravit Grey for exterior colours which will be supplemented with Sanremo Green, M Portimao Blue and M Brooklyn Grey later in the year. Interior upholstering is available in Black, Mocha and Tacora Red Leather Vernasca.
The new i4, which went on sale in Europe in late 2021, is part of a comprehensive product offensive by the BMW Group in the field of models with electrified drive. The company currently has the biggest range of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models and by next year, it expects to have 25 models with electrified drive on sale.
Designed by a team led by Kai Langer, Head of BMW i Design, the i4 is the brand’s first Gran Coupe with electric drive in the classic rear-wheel drive layout. The smoothly contoured panels with a clear surfacing language incorporate aerodynamic details that are vital to keeping wind resistance low, particularly for a BEV.
The powertrain is a 5th generation BMW eDrive system which has an electric motor that can generate a maximum output of 250 kW (340 ps) with peak torque of 430 Nm. This gives it a capability of 0 to 100 km/h within a claimed 5.7 seconds.
The eDrive system has a Combined Charging Unit (CCU) with a built-in 4 kW voltage transformer for flexible battery charging. Recharging can be done a domestic power socket, a BMW i Wallbox or DC fast chargers. Depending on the power source, charging time can be 31 minutes (from 10% to 80%) or up to 8.25 hours. A fully charged lithium-ion battery pack will provide up to 590 kms of range, depending on driving conditions.
The version officially imported by BMW Group Malaysia is the i4 eDrive40 M Sport which is equipped with the M Sport package. This has the M Aerodynamics exterior with M High-gloss Shadow Line, 19-inch M Aerodynamic Wheels 860 M Bicolour with staggered widths, and M Sport brakes. Standard on the i4 are BMW Laserlights with Automatic High-beam Control.
The cabin, appointed with Aluminium Rhombicle Anthracite Interior Trim, also has the BMW M treatment with the M Anthracite Headliner, M Leather-wrapped Steering Wheel, while the instrument panel is in Sensatec. Functional features include variable sports steering, electric seat adjuster with memory function, Interior and Exterior Mirror Package, as well as automatic air conditioning.
For entertainment, information and connectivity, the i4 eDrive40 M Sport has the BMW Live Cockpit Professional and BMW ConnectedDrive Services as standard. Additionally, there’s also BMW Connected Package Professional, Intelligent Emergency Call, Teleservices, Smartphone Integration, and a 17-speaker Harman Kardon surround system.
“Sheer Electric Driving Pleasure with a modern, striking yet elegant silhouette – we are thrilled to bring to Malaysia the First-Ever BMW i4 eDrive40 M Sport that retains the hallmark design characteristics of a contemporary four-door BMW Gran Coupe, while also exemplifying the exceptional sporting prowess and efficiency that the fifth-generation BMW eDrive is capable of delivering,” said Hans de Visser, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia.
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