The facelifted BMW i4 has just made its debut, alongside the internal-combustion engine (ICE)-powered 4 Series Gran Coupe. Bringing not just an updated design inside and out, the new i4 also introduces a new variant to its global lineup.
On the outside, the BMW i4 facelift sports a redesigned BMW kidney grille which features a surface that is half-enclosed with a mesh structure, similar to what is seen on the brand’s recent models like the iX SUV. The grille is surrounded by matt chrome as standard and can be opted for with black high gloss as an option.
Also new here are the newly designed Adaptive LED headlights. The turn signal lights, daytime running lights (DRLs), and side lights are now aligned vertically, rather than the cup-shaped units found in the pre-facelifted model. BMW is also introducing two new exterior colour options to the i4, namely Cape York metallic and Fire Red metallic.
The revamped BMW i4 range is available in four powertrain options. Topping the lineup is the BMW i4 M50 xDrive that features a dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) setup, pushing out 544 hp (metric) and 795 Nm. This enables the all-electric four-door coupe to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds, and achieve a WLTP-rated range of 522 km.
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There are also the BMW i4 eDrive40 and i4 eDrive35 variants that feature single-motor rear-wheel drive (RWD) setups pushing out 340 hp (metric) and 286 hp (metric) each. The all-electric WLTP range for the two variants is rated at 600 km and 500 km each.
Joining the global BMW i4 lineup is the new xDrive40 variant, featuring a dual-motor AWD setup that delivers 401 hp (metric) and 600 Nm. Its century sprint time is rated at 5.1 seconds and is able to carry you as far as 548 km (WLTP) on a single charge.
Charging the BMW i4 can be done via DC charging at a maximum rate of 205 kW. The entry-level eDrive35 variant is the only exception, featuring a maximum DC charging rate of 180 kW. AC charging can be done across the range at a maximum rate of 11 kW.
The facelifted BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe on the other is offered in a total of five variants. Sitting at the top of the range is the BMW M440i xDrive Gran Coupe.
The M440i xDrive Gran Coupe is powered by a 3.0-litre 6-cylinder petrol engine 48V mild hybrid (MHEV) powertrain, churning out a system output of 374 hp (metric) and 500 Nm. Paired with an 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission, power is sent to all four wheels.
BMW is also offering two other petrol engine options with the 4 Series Gran Coupe, namely the 420i Gran Coupe and the 430i xDrive Gran Coupe. Featuring 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-4 engines each, power is sent to the rear wheels only on the former, and all four wheels on the latter via the German marque’s xDrive AWD system.
Also mated to an 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission, the BMW 420i Gran Coupe produces 184 hp (metric) and 300 Nm. The 430i xDrive Gran Coupe makes 246 hp (metric) and 400 Nm.
Completing the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe lineup are two diesel options, featuring the brand’s 48V MHEV technology. The two said variants are namely the 420d Gran Coupe and the 430d xDrivce Gran Coupe. Both variants are powered by a 2.0-litre inline-4 and a 3.0-litre inline-6 diesel engine, producing 190 hp (metric) and 286 hp (metric) each.
Moving inside, all variants of the facelifted BMW i4 and 4 Series Gran Coupe feature the BMW Curved Display, running on the BMW Operating System 8.5. Also here as standard is the BMW Live Cockpit Plus.
Newly added to the updated BMW i4 and 4 Series Gran Coupe is the newly designed two-spoke steering wheel with a flat-bottom and illuminated multifunction buttons. There is also the optional M leather steering wheel with a three-spoke design and a flat-bottomed rim. This sportier-looking steering wheel is designed with a centre marking in the 12 o’clock position.
The 4 Series Gran Coupe lineup gets paddle shifters behind the steering wheel as standard too. BMW has swapped out the traditional gear knob for a tiny crystal-like gear selector in the new i4 and 4 Series Gran Coupe, just like the brand’s more recent models.
BMW has reduced the number of buttons and controls on the updated BMW i4’s instrument panel. The ventilation and climate control functions and optional seat and steering wheel heating can now be operated by touch via the control display, by voice command and – in the case of the ventilation – using the new adjustment controls for the air vents. Also thrown in is the ambient lighting with additional contour lighting integrated around the new central aircon vents.
Production of the BMW i4 and 4 Series Gran Coupe facelift will take place at the BMW Group Plant in Munich. It will be making its worldwide market launch in July this year, with its main markets being the USA, Germany, Great Britain, and China.
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