BMW i4: New Entry-Level Model for the Electric Sedan

The German brand introduces the new BMW i4 eDrive35 with a smaller battery, an electric sedan at a more accessible price coming soon to France.

Available since spring 2022, the BMW i4 is the brand’s first electric sedan. But it remained quite costly, with the more affordable eDrive40 version priced at €59,950 (€59,700 at launch). As for its most powerful M50 xDrive variant, it requires a minimum of €73,750. Initially, this version was priced at €71,650.

A More Modest BMW i4

This is how BMW introduces a new entry-level version. This model is called the eDrive35. It features the same motor as the SUV iX3, specifically the 210 kW (286 hp) unit with a maximum torque of 400 Nm. The performance is only slightly lower than that of the eDrive40, with a 0-100 km/h acceleration in 6 seconds (vs 5.7 s). However, its top speed remains unknown.

The other major change in this electric sedan is an unprecedented battery. It has a gross capacity of 70.2 kWh and a net capacity of 66 kWh. According to BMW, the range would be around 490 kilometers, slightly below the 542 km provided by the larger battery. Nevertheless, this BMW i4 eDrive35e retains very fast charging capabilities.

With a peak charging power of 180 kW (compared to 205 kW), it can go from 10% to 80% in 32 minutes. The German manufacturer estimates that it will be possible to recover 160 km of range in 10 minutes. As for its onboard AC charger, it delivers up to 11 kW in three-phase power.

A Price Under €55,000 for the i4?

The advantage of this new BMW i4 eDrive35 will be to lower the entry price. With lower power (recall: 340 hp on eDrive40) and a smaller battery, it could fall below €55,000. This version debuts in North America today but will indeed arrive in France, as the brand states.

However, will BMW take the opportunity to increase the higher-end version? The i4 eDrive40e did not see significant price hikes despite inflation and remains priced below €60,000 to take advantage of the €2,000 bonus.

As for the eDrive 35, it positions the BMW i4 as a direct competitor to the Tesla Model 3. The American electric sedan currently starts at €53,490 for the rear-wheel-drive version with a range of 510 km.

Also read: Hyundai Ioniq 6: the electric sedan with over 600 km of range