Forum for the entire range of BMW electric vehicles
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
BMW i4 Forum - i430, i440 (G26) EV Forum BMW i4 Forum - M50, eDrive40, eDrive35 (G26) EV Forum

Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      10-16-2020, 09:41 AM   #1
Jason
Administrator
Jason's Avatar
United_States
40317
Rep
21,232
Posts

Drives: F80 M3
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: USA

iTrader: (0)

BMW i4M EV First Sighting [Spy Pics]

BIMMERPOST NEWS
BMW i4M EV First Sighting
88
COMMENTS

Here's the first look at the BMW i4 M, upcoming top-range model for the i4 EV lineup. Compared to the standard i4 spotted so far, the prototype i4M features M mirrors, brakes, as well as a wider track at the rear axle.

BMW i4 M First Look




Here is some recent info on the i4 M, via Autoblog

BMW M put an end to years of rumors by announcing it's developing its first electric car. Based on the upcoming i4, the sedan will pack a serious punch, but it won't give the recently-unveiled M3 a run for its money.

"Next year, we will launch the first battery-electric M car in the performance segment, based on the i4, as something to confirm. Then, we're working on hybrid electrified performance and high-performance cars, but it's too early to disclose which ones it is going to be [sic]," BMW M boss Markus Flasch told CarAdvice.

While the term "performance segment" is ambiguous, CarAdvice added that Flasch differentiated M's performance cars from its high-performance models. The i4-based sedan will be one of the former; cars like the M3 are part of the latter group. Reading between the lines suggests the M-tuned i4 (whose name hasn't been revealed yet) will be on the same rung of the BMW hierarchy as the M340i, rather than in the same arena as the M3. Its performance shouldn't disappoint, however, because even the standard i4 will be seriously quick.

Introduced as a close-to-production concept earlier in 2020, the quickest i4 will boast up to 530 horsepower from two electric motors, and a 0-60-mph time of about four seconds, which is on par with the aforementioned M3. Flasch stopped short of revealing the M variant's specifications, but those are solid numbers to start with.

BMW isn't opposed to the idea of releasing an M3-rivaling sedan that's powered exclusively by batteries, but it's waiting until electric technology improves to jump into the segment. Flasch said his team is looking into it.

"On the high-performance battery-electric technology, there is still some time that we need until technology is ready, and can take on an existing high-performance car, like an M3 or M4. This will take some more time, but we're working on that," he stressed. Other performance brands have said they need to clear similar hurdles.

While EVs are irrefutably quick, M doesn't develop its cars exclusively for straight-line speed. They need to handle at least as well as they accelerate. Cramming a lithium-ion battery pack under a vehicle's passenger compartment lowers its center of gravity, but it adds a tremendous amount of weight that BMW M needs to offset. Furthermore, engineers are looking at ways to substitute the exhaust note, which is a big part of the driving experience.

We'll learn more about M's electrification plans in the coming months. BMW will begin building the standard variant of the i4 in Munich, Germany, in 2021, meaning it will likely arrive in the United States as a 2022 model. It will cleverly be assembled on the same line as diesel-, gasoline- and hybrid-powered cars. Its M-branded counterpart will make its public debut before the end of 2021, so it might not get here until the 2023 model year.

__________________
Check on the Latest BMW News
Become a fan of Bimmerpost Facebook
Follow us on Bimmerpost Twitter
Subscribe to Bimmerpost Youtube Channel
Appreciate 3
spuntyb4051.50
JayFar101.00
      10-16-2020, 09:58 AM   #2
stein_325i
Ring Leader of G8X Haters
stein_325i's Avatar
No_Country
25051
Rep
8,761
Posts

Drives: A Car
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: All-Around

iTrader: (0)

Finally, some competition to Tesla's Model 3. I'm definitely very curious to see how this car will not only balance handling but efficiency.
__________________
Current Garage: 2022 Mercedes-Benz S 580 / 2023 Genesis GV70 2.5T / 2007 Mercedes-Benz E 350 / 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Retired: '95 E36 325i 5MT / '04 E46 330i 6MT / '05 E83 X3 3.0i / '11 E90 335xi / '17 G30 540i / '19 F87 M2C 6MT / '19 MB CLS 53 / '20 MB GLC 300
Appreciate 1
      10-16-2020, 10:00 AM   #3
sikotic
Lieutenant
482
Rep
569
Posts

Drives: 2020 M340I
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Ca

iTrader: (0)

Please have a liftback and not a normal trunk
Appreciate 11
spuntyb4051.50
stein_325i25051.00
Sportstick4605.50
jmack1231298.50
Mako1545.00
oz555671.00
CP911985.50
DeeKay553.00
      10-16-2020, 10:01 AM   #4
spuntyb
Brigadier General
spuntyb's Avatar
United_States
4052
Rep
4,977
Posts

Drives: 2019 F90 Competition
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: USA

iTrader: (0)

I keep forgetting it will have the grilles. Bold choice for an EV.
__________________
<b>2023 M5C SRG|Aragon || 2018 Macan GTS</b>

2019 F90 Comp MBB|Black (sold)
2018 F80 ZCP TB|SS (sold)
2015 F30 335 AW|CR (sold)
2015 F31 MG|CR (sold)
2011 E90 JB|Oyster (sold)
Appreciate 2
      10-16-2020, 10:05 AM   #5
BimR
Lieutenant
245
Rep
500
Posts

Drives: 2016 328
Join Date: Sep 2020
Location: New York

iTrader: (0)

Does the roof line look more sloping like a GT/coupe or are the camo panels fooling me, which isnt hard 🙄
Appreciate 0
      10-16-2020, 10:06 AM   #6
Al Bundy's Dodge
Captain
No_Country
1625
Rep
898
Posts

Drives: 2018 M2 6MT
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Denver

iTrader: (0)

Definitely interested to see how this plays out. It would be tough to give up a manual transmission, but if I did it would only be for an EV
__________________
2009 328i xDrive 6MT (Retired and I miss her)
2015 335i xDrive 6MT (Retired and I dont miss her)
2018 M2 6MT (Never retiring)
Appreciate 1
therealm3630.00
      10-16-2020, 10:06 AM   #7
Penguino
Lieutenant Colonel
Penguino's Avatar
1604
Rep
1,604
Posts

Drives: A car.
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Here

iTrader: (5)

This is not a Model 3 competitor unless its priced at $40-$50K. This seems to be a $70-$80K car.
__________________
"Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance."
Appreciate 5
      10-16-2020, 10:08 AM   #8
Penguino
Lieutenant Colonel
Penguino's Avatar
1604
Rep
1,604
Posts

Drives: A car.
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Here

iTrader: (5)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Al Bundy's Dodge View Post
Definitely interested to see how this plays out. It would be tough to give up a manual transmission, but if I did it would only be for an EV
I drove an I3 for 2 years and it was a blast. A full size sedan built on BMW i platform would be very interesting.
__________________
"Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance."
Appreciate 3
Vervain396.50
Al Pinã1838.50
      10-16-2020, 10:11 AM   #9
mcliffords65
New Member
2
Rep
6
Posts

Drives: BMW E90 M3
Join Date: Jan 2020
Location: Philadelphia

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2020 BMW X3 M  [0.00]
Anyone else notice the M mirror caps and M-sport brakes!?!?!
Appreciate 1
      10-16-2020, 10:18 AM   #10
MilehighM3
Brigadier General
MilehighM3's Avatar
United_States
910
Rep
3,452
Posts

Drives: Harrop E90 M3
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Colorado Springs

iTrader: (14)

Garage List
2009 E90 M3  [6.50]
Curious to see the final design once they remove the excessive block off panels around the front and rear of the car. This has such great potential!
Appreciate 0
      10-16-2020, 10:57 AM   #11
ParkNuts
First Lieutenant
99
Rep
370
Posts

Drives: 2021 Tesla Model 3 Performance
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Dallas

iTrader: (0)

I love the concept but it's going to look VERY spendy next to a model 3, whose economics are kind of insane to me, given the range and performance vs ~$58k price without full autopilot. I've test driven one and my brother has a tuned 2017 M3. We were blown away with the acceleration. If you're looking at only performance, the Model 3 dwarfs what the M3 does *on the street* But throw in build quality and subjective looks and maybe you can make the jump to an i4M for likely an additional ~$15k. Tough pill to swallow.

BMW has quite the EV mountain to climb, but that excites me. I expect them to rise to the occasion given enough development time.
Appreciate 0
      10-16-2020, 11:00 AM   #12
Onlybimmers
New Member
Onlybimmers's Avatar
United_States
21
Rep
28
Posts

Drives: f30, e92
Join Date: Aug 2020
Location: New Jersey

iTrader: (0)

Not a fan of Tesla. BMW having an EV gets me to consider it down the road but I'd wait on a 3 or 5 series EV. Will definitely be excited to see how it drives.
Appreciate 0
      10-16-2020, 11:01 AM   #13
Dog Face Pony Soldier
2006 TIME Person Of The Year
Dog Face Pony Soldier's Avatar
United_States
9720
Rep
6,445
Posts

Drives: M Sport 335i
Join Date: May 2013
Location: North Jersey

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2014 335i  [9.74]
I'm repeating myself but BMW is a luxury brand; and Tesla is simply not a luxury brand. OF COURSE a BMW would be more expensive than a comparably-sized Tesla. It's weird to me that people would assume otherwise.
__________________
Appreciate 5
      10-16-2020, 11:03 AM   #14
Mako
(Sold) '00 M Roadster '06 M Coupe '16 M3 '20 X3MC
1545
Rep
2,587
Posts

Drives: '23 M3 comp
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Chicago suburbs

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by sikotic View Post
Please have a liftback and not a normal trunk
Based on these shots it looks like a normal trunk which is a shame.

Quote:
Originally Posted by BimR View Post
Does the roof line look more sloping like a GT/coupe or are the camo panels fooling me, which isnt hard 🙄
Looks like a cross of a GC and GT to me

Quote:
Originally Posted by Penguino View Post
This is not a Model 3 competitor unless its priced at $40-$50K. This seems to be a $70-$80K car.
I am guessing it will compete with model 3 in straight line but beat it for handling and for sure materials and interior which is how they will justify a large price gap. It's not like BMW is going to make $10,000 more profit than Tesla. They put some of that increased pricing into the car. I could never buy a Tesla just because the inside looks like a $25,000 car.
Appreciate 1
AlexFL7833.00
      10-16-2020, 11:08 AM   #15
Dog Face Pony Soldier
2006 TIME Person Of The Year
Dog Face Pony Soldier's Avatar
United_States
9720
Rep
6,445
Posts

Drives: M Sport 335i
Join Date: May 2013
Location: North Jersey

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2014 335i  [9.74]
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jason View Post
[the i4M] adds a tremendous amount of weight that BMW M needs to [compensate for]
Sounds to me like BMW would need to go up a step on the braking system to maintain similar capabilities. So if this is the M340i equivalent, then to maintain similar braking performance with adding "a tremendous amount or weight" then it should have standard M3 brakes at the very least.
__________________
Appreciate 0
      10-16-2020, 11:47 AM   #16
JustChris
General
JustChris's Avatar
No_Country
17426
Rep
25,089
Posts

Drives: Tesla MYRWD
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: UK

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Penguino View Post
This is not a Model 3 competitor unless its priced at $40-$50K. This seems to be a $70-$80K car.
Depends though as if you ramp up the performance battery option of the T3 it is pricey. But I agree with you, BMW have advised this will be near M performance and priced accordingly. U.K. that might mean up to £7k mark.
__________________
My car made front page of Bimmerpost
Appreciate 0
      10-16-2020, 11:52 AM   #17
RinconHeat
Private
238
Rep
93
Posts

Drives: 2020 M2 Competition
Join Date: Jun 2020
Location: Virginia, USA

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
I really want to be excited for this but I'll be honest that I'm very concerned about the exterior styling. I'm hopeful they'll manufacture an electric M2 that remains small and agile and concurrently respects BMW design heritage. How bad ass would an E30 design descendant be in electric format? There's so much they could do with the car now that mechanical components won't figure into the design (packaging as opposed to styling).
Appreciate 1
stein_325i25051.00
      10-16-2020, 12:16 PM   #18
Nahlem
Captain
Nahlem's Avatar
Sweden
1144
Rep
890
Posts

Drives: None atm
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Sweden

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2022 BMW i4 m50  [10.00]
OMG Yes yes !! Gimme Gimme!!!!!!
__________________
Current Car: Bicycle

Former Car:BMW i4 M50 Brooklyn Grey (MY22)| BMW i3s BEV (MY19)|Former Car: BMW X1 20d x-drive (MY16)|BMW m235i (MY14)|Former Car: BMW 120d (MY12)|Former Car: Volvo C30 T5 R-Design (MY08)|Former Car: Volvo C70 T5 (MY06)|Former Car: Volvo S40 2.0T(MY1999)
Appreciate 0
      10-16-2020, 12:23 PM   #19
Encanto
Colonel
Encanto's Avatar
United_States
1161
Rep
2,180
Posts

Drives: 2021 X3 M40i
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Ohio

iTrader: (1)

So the i4 will have an M version that is designed to not be faster than the M3/M4, on par with an M340i, as expensive as the Tesla Model S Long Range, when a Tesla Model 3 Performance is faster than all of them for much less.

BMW needs to get rid of these clowns running this freaking circus.
Appreciate 2
Pinkoboe226.50
      10-16-2020, 12:26 PM   #20
Sportstick
Major General
Sportstick's Avatar
4606
Rep
5,980
Posts

Drives: '15 228i and '24 X3 sDrive30i
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Southwest USA

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mako View Post
Based on these shots it looks like a normal trunk which is a shame...Looks like a cross of a GC and GT to me
I am somewhat confident it is a hatch. I start with concluding that for a car so similar to current G generation vehicles, they did not create a unique door and aperture. No bang for that buck. The i4 is most likely the new 4 Series Gran Coupe body, which was designed to replace the current GC but also enlarged to provide some of that the discontinued GT offered.

Take a look at the rear pillar on the i4 rear door (not camo'd like the C pillar of the vehicle). See how it slopes rearward down from the roof to the door rear edge cutline? That is a very different door glass design than the sedan for this generation. There is no pillar above the cutline on the sedan. The cutline on the sedan continues straight up over the rear wheel. You can see through the camo that the i4 cutline gets to about the 11 o'clock position of the rear wheel and then turns up.

This it looks much more like what a GC would do and that is a hatchback.
Attached Images
  
__________________
2015 228i 6MT/Track Handling/Tech/Cold/Premium/Lighting/Driver Assistance/KCDesign Strut Brace/M2 LCAs/Rogue SSK/BBS SR/PS4S/ER Chargepipe/AA Intercooler/Dinan Shockware/MPerformance Spoiler/Black Grilles/Xpel Ultimate PPF & Prime XR+ Tint/Adam's Ceramic/no CDV
2024 X3 sDrive30i/MSport/Premium/Dynamic Handling/Shadowline/Parking/Xpel Prime XR Plus/Weathertech Cargo Liner
Appreciate 0
      10-16-2020, 12:30 PM   #21
stein_325i
Ring Leader of G8X Haters
stein_325i's Avatar
No_Country
25051
Rep
8,761
Posts

Drives: A Car
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: All-Around

iTrader: (0)

This couldn't come sooner, Tesla just updated the Model 3 today, who knows what other updates they'll bring out by the time the i4 makes it to dealers.
__________________
Current Garage: 2022 Mercedes-Benz S 580 / 2023 Genesis GV70 2.5T / 2007 Mercedes-Benz E 350 / 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Retired: '95 E36 325i 5MT / '04 E46 330i 6MT / '05 E83 X3 3.0i / '11 E90 335xi / '17 G30 540i / '19 F87 M2C 6MT / '19 MB CLS 53 / '20 MB GLC 300
Appreciate 0
      10-16-2020, 12:33 PM   #22
BMthusiast
Captain
BMthusiast's Avatar
United_States
769
Rep
640
Posts

Drives: BSM F80 M-DCT
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: Los Angeles

iTrader: (0)

"Furthermore, engineers are looking at ways to substitute the exhaust note, which is a big part of the driving experience."

Yes, BMW!! The only way I purchase a full EV is if there's artificial engine sound akin to an ICE.
__________________
///Meant-to-be-sent
Appreciate 1
Germanauto9665.50
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 02:01 AM.




bmw
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST