All electric BMW i4 M50 claims Simola Hillclimb record ahead of launch

Ahead of its official introduction into South Africa, the BMW i4 M50 has revealed its performance-oriented pedigree at the prestigious Simola Hillclimb by setting the elctric vehicle record.

The all-electric BMW i4, which is based on the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe, is the first full electric model from BMW that places driving dynamics at the forefront.

This emission free drive system impressed at the Simola Hillclimb, thanks to its ability to swiftly depart the start line, courtesy of the standard xDrive all-wheel-drive system and rapid acceleration thanks to a 400kW and 795Nm powerplant.

The BMWi4 M50 competed in the newly formed Class A8 for hybrid and electric vehicles and progressively improved on its time, dipping below the significant 50-second mark on Saturday afternoon and further improving to 49.231 seconds in Sunday’s Top Ten Shootout in the Road and Supercar class to claim the Simola Hillclimb’s electric vehicle record.

The BMW i4 is a four-door gran coupe that combines the hallmarks of spaciousness and practicality with the sporting ability for which BMW is renowned and a range that allows for long distance travel.

The BMW i4 M50 utilises the first fully electric BMW xDrive system. Like all BMW iX vehicles, power is courtesy of an engine on both the front and rear axles, which creates an axle-parallel all-wheel drive without a mechanical connection between the front and rear wheels. Interaction between the two engines is optimised by a unique drive torque control system that ensures the ideal form of power delivery in every situation.

When pulling away and accelerating, the desired torque is distributed between both engines by the CCU to provide optimal traction. In addition to the road friction values and driver input, the electric BMW xDrive and actuator contiguous wheel slip limitation also take into account environmental parameters such as wind, uphill or downhill gradients and dynamic axle-load distribution in order to provide more weight and better power delivery to the rear axle during acceleration.

Modern yet classic design

The BMW i4 blends the customary sporting elegance of the brand’s coupes with the comfort of a four-door model and an injection of modern functionality. BMW i blue accents on the largely blanked off kidney grille, the battery technology in the floor area of the car and sporty diffuser elements, which optimise the car’s aerodynamics, highlight their sustainable credentials.

Short overhangs, slim pillars, doors with frameless windows and a roofline that flows smoothly into the rear create a silhouette that fits the BMW coupe mould. The front end is defined by slim headlights, which are available with BMW Laserlight and the striking BMW kidney grille with its discreetly integrated camera, ultrasonic and radar sensors.

Inside story

The interior features a driver-focused cockpit and ambience of premium luxury while sport seats and a sports steering wheel come standard. The transmission selector lever, BMW controller and function keys are positioned on a control panel in the centre console that exudes modern design. The new generation iDrive display and control system creates a natural dialogue between vehicle and driver. Based on the new BMW Operating System 8, it has been designed with a clear focus on the touchscreen functionality of the BMW Curved display. This display combines a 12.3-inch information display and a 14.9-inch control display behind a glass surface angled towards the driver.

40 assistance functions are fitted as standard or available as options to provide safe and comfortable driving and parking, including Active Cruise Control with automatic speed limit assist, route monitoring and steering and lane control assistant.

Green manufacturing

The BMWi4 is produced as part of a flexible manufacturing set-up at the BMW plant in Munich. 100 percent green energy is used for both vehicle production and the manufacturing of battery cells.