BMW is injecting fresh vigor into its best-selling electric vehicle, the i4, with a series of exciting EV updates for the upcoming model year. The German automaker is clearly doubling down on what electric vehicle enthusiasts crave: more power and extended driving range. The headline act of these enhancements is undoubtedly the new BMW i4 M60 xDrive, a model poised to redefine performance within the i4 family.
Stepping in to replace the already potent i4 M50 xDrive, the new M60 variant takes electric performance to a new echelon. It boasts a sophisticated dual-motor setup, with one electric motor dedicated to each axle, delivering true xDrive all-wheel-drive capability. This powertrain unleashes a formidable combined output of 593 horsepower (442 kilowatts). To put this into perspective, that’s a significant 56 horsepower leap over its predecessor, the i4 M50. Perhaps more impressively, this electric powerhouse generates 50 more horsepower than the BMW M4 CS, the most potent street-legal iteration of the internal combustion engine 4 Series. This comparison underscores BMW’s commitment to making its electric M-badged cars true performance leaders.
The raw power translates into blistering acceleration. BMW states the new i4 M60 xDrive can sprint from a standstill to 62 miles per hour (100 kilometers per hour) in a mere 3.7 seconds. Beyond sheer speed, the M60 xDrive is designed for engaging driving dynamics, characteristic of BMW’s M division. When it comes to range, a fully charged battery is projected to deliver up to 269 miles (433 kilometers) on the WLTP cycle. It’s worth noting that WLTP figures tend to be more optimistic than those from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), for which official numbers are still awaited. Nevertheless, this new flagship promises a compelling blend of electrifying pace and practical range.
| Model Comparison | Horsepower (hp/kW) | 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) | WLTP Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| New BMW i4 M60 xDrive | 593 hp / 442 kW | 3.7 seconds | 269 miles / 433 km |
| Outgoing BMW i4 M50 xDrive | 537 hp / 400 kW | ~3.9 seconds (est.) | (Varies by configuration) |
| BMW M4 CS (Gasoline) | 543 hp / 405 kW | ~3.4 seconds (0-60 mph) | N/A (Gasoline) |
While the BMW i4 M60 xDrive grabs headlines with its power, BMW hasn’t overlooked the broader BMW i4 range. The entry-level versions, specifically the two-wheel drive i4 eDrive35 and i4 eDrive40, are set to receive significant efficiency improvements. This is primarily thanks to the integration of new silicon carbide (SiC) semiconductor components in their drivetrains. These advanced SiC components are known for their superior thermal conductivity and lower energy losses, contributing to an energy consumption reduction of approximately 4.5% compared to the outgoing models. For drivers, this translates directly into more miles per charge.
This technological enhancement yields a tangible range boost of about 13 to 14 miles for these models. Consequently, the BMW i4 eDrive35 will now offer a WLTP driving range of 266 miles. The i4 eDrive40 sees its WLTP figure climb to an impressive 317 miles (510 kilometers) on a full charge. These improvements make the entry-level i4 models even more compelling options for those prioritizing range and efficiency in their electric vehicle choice.
| BMW i4 Model | New WLTP Range | Approx. Range Increase |
|---|---|---|
| i4 eDrive35 | 266 miles | +13 to 14 miles |
| i4 eDrive40 | 317 miles / 510 km | +13 to 14 miles |
Beyond performance and range, BMW is also bolstering owner confidence. Last month, the company increased the warranty coverage for high-voltage batteries across all its EVs in the United States. The warranty now extends to vehicles that are less than eight years old and have accrued less than 100,000 miles, an increase from the previous 80,000-mile limit. During this period, BMW commits to repairing an EV’s high-voltage battery if its capacity drops below 70%, a policy that applies to both new and used vehicles. This enhanced warranty provides greater peace of mind for BMW EV owners.
The rollout of these EV updates is imminent. Production for the updated BMW i4 is scheduled to commence in July, with customer deliveries expected to start shortly thereafter. These latest enhancements build upon previous updates; last year, the four-door EV received a subtle exterior redesign and a minor range boost. The BMW i4 has already proven to be a success story in the U.S., holding the title of BMW’s best-selling EV. In the first quarter of this year alone, 7,125 units were sold, marking a healthy 57% increase year-over-year. It will be interesting to observe how these comprehensive updates further stimulate sales and solidify the i4’s position in the competitive electric vehicle market.
