Explore the BMW i4 and 4 Series Gran Coupé

The BMW i4 and 4 Series Gran Coupé were already pioneers in the premium midsize class as far as aesthetic appeal, driving pleasure, electrification and digitalisation were concerned and now these two models are building on their unique status in the marketplace with targeted upgrades in all these areas.

The all-electric BMW i4 will continue to deliver locally emission-free mobility in the brand’s hallmark style with the addition of the fourth variant to its line-up.

Like the versions of the new BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé powered by a combustion engine, the i4 underscores its sporting elegance with a precisely modified design. New exterior paint finishes and light-alloy wheels, particularly striking light sources for the headlights and the Laserlight rear lights now available as an option accentuate the bold visual impact of the two models.

The interior of both models is differentiated by the BMW Curved Display which acts as the ideal stage for the latest evolution of BMW iDrive with QuickSelect, based on BMW Operating System 8.5. An updated instrument panel and new steering wheel variants, interior trim elements and seat coverings bring modern touches to the premium ambience of all the new model variants.

BMW i4, a trailblazing model with flexible drive system architecture

The world premiere of the BMW i4 in 2021 established pure electric mobility at the core of the BMW brand. The i4 was the first  premium model in the midsize class and brought the brands signature qualities in the areas of design, material and build quality, individualisation and intuitive operation together with locally emission-free mobility.

Sophisticated chassis technology, tuned precisely to the vehicle concept and the performance characteristics of the all-electric drive system, delivers an emotionally engaging driving experience in the unmistakable style of the BMW brand and to date this model has been a major driving force behind the transformation of BMW M into a provider of electric mobility. The popularity of the BMW i4 also represents an endorsement of the BMW Group’s technology open approach in the current ramp-up phase of electric mobility. The all-electric gran coupé was developed on the basis of a flexible drive system architecture and similar vehicle concepts now also enabling the BMW 7 Series, 5 Series, X1 and X2 model variants with combustion engines, plug-in hybrid systems and all electric drive to be offered alongside one another.

Subtle exterior improvements

Elegantly stretched proportions and clearly sculpted surfaces give the BMW i4 and BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé an aura of exclusivity. Their distinctive positioning within the BMW 4 series range stems from the combination of the sporting aesthetic for which the brand’s coupés are renowned and the practicality of a four-door model and is also reflected in their exterior design. Now carefully conceived modifications, new exterior paint finishes and light alloy wheels spotlight the cars athletic appeal and style to even more striking effect.

Slim headlights and a vertically arranged BMW kidney grille dropping deep towards the road headline the front and a refreshed design adds additional visual impact to these signature brand features. The selection of optional alloy wheels features attractive new additions.

Interior updates

The interior has been updated, too, with the help of new steering wheels, seat surfaces and interior trim elements. Standard specification now also includes ambient lighting and the interior and exterior mirror package. The options list has also been restructured to enable particularly targeted individualisation.

Modifications to the interior focused on digitalisation and achieving a sharper sporting profile. The upgraded BMW iDrive with Quick Select enables a further reduction in the number of buttons and controls in the cockpit. For example, the functions of the automatic climate control system can now be operated by touch via the BMW Curved Display or by voice command with the help of BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant.

Black seat surfaces in new M Performtex embody the sense of progressive sporting appeal and form part of the M Sport package. This innovative velour covering combines high quality materials and a sporty design with low weight and a sustainable production method.

Both models now come standard with a two-spoke steering wheel with polygonal rim and illuminated multifunction buttons. M Sport models feature a M leather steering wheel in three-spoke design with a flat-bottomed rim. 

New interior trim elements in dark graphite matt feature as standard, helping to create a premium ambience.

Display, operating system and connectivity

The latest generation of BMW iDrive display and control with QuickSelect based on BMW Operating System 8.5 opens up a new way of intuitively controlling vehicle functions and accessing digital services. With the digital BMW Curved Display screen grouping and the expanded capabilities of the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, the driver-centric cockpit has been geared squarely to operation using touch control and natural language.

The BMW iDrive QuickSelect feature paves the way for an improved menu structure that takes its cue from consumer electronic devices, allowing the driver to navigate to functions directly from the newly arranged home screen without having to enter submenus.

Powertrain and charging technology

The flexible drive system architecture allows 4 Series models to be combined with both all-electric drive systems and highly efficient combustion engines. As a result, the BMW i4 and BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé are available in a wide spread of variants powered by the latest BMW eDrive technology, petrol engines or diesel units. These models transfer their power to the road via classical rear wheel drive or xDrive.

The new BMW i4 xDrive 40 utilises one highly integrated electric drive unit on the front and rear axles allowing it to accelerate from 0-100km/h in 5.1 seconds. The high voltage battery is rated at 81.1kWh enabling a range of up to 548km.

The rear-driven BMW i4 eDrive40 boasts  a maximum output of 250kW while the BMW i4 eDrive35 offers 210kW

The highly efficient petrol and diesel engines available for the new BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé, featuring BMW TwinPower Turbo technology and electrification in the form of 48V mild hybrid technology, deliver an exceptional blend of sporting driving pleasure and fuel economy. As well as the six-cylinder in-line engine in the M Performance model, customers can choose from a pair of four-cylinder petrol engines developing 135kW in the new BMW 420i Gran Coupé and 180kW in the new BMW 430i xDrive Gran Coupé.

The 210kW six-cylinder in-line diesel engine in the new BMW 430d xDrive Gran Coupé teams up with 48V mild hybrid technology as does the four-cylinder diesel engine producing a maximum 140kW in the BMW 420d.

Two highly integrated drive units bringing together an electric motor, power electronics and transmission within a single housing help the BMW i4 M50 xDrive to top the output rankings. The electric motor driving the rear wheels generates 230kW, while the unit on the front axle produces 190kW. Together they create an electric all-wheel drive system which is controlled quickly and precisely to ensure effortless progress in any driving situation.

Displaying an appetite for revs and smooth running from straight-six units made popular by BMW, developing 275kW and 500Nm, the petrol engine powering the BMW M440i xDrive Gran Coupé has all the tools to deliver a captivating performance experience.

Local availability

The global market launch of the BMW i4 and BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé will get underway in July 2024. The South African launch date and local specification is yet to be confirmed.