Posted on 03/19/2021 11:53:32 AM PDT by Red Badger
BMW shows a first look at the i4 electric sedan's grille ... and the rest of the carBMW VIEW 5 IMAGES
Stepping its all-electric line forward from the iX SUV, BMW presents a first look at the next potential Tesla sedan rival. The i4 sedan brings plenty of all-electric horsepower and an admirable range, but unfortunately tucks it all behind BMW's now-signature swollen, sagging kidneys — too much grille for any car, especially an all-electric luxury "gran coupe." The i4 will be the next big step toward an electric future that will see a dozen all-electric models roaming around the BMW Group family within about two years.
The production i4 shows some modest evolution from the near-production Concept i4 Gran Coupe BMW showed a year ago. The headlights have been broadened out and the front bumper area cleaned up with a more dealership-ready appearance. Blue accents remain, but the copper finish is replaced with a simpler white. The roof appears a touch less slung-back, lending a taller, more sedan-like profile.
BMW designers did a few alterations at the front, but they left that huge intactBMW Unfortunately one thing that hasn't changed is the stretched vertical-kidney grille. If anything, it appears even larger, because instead of resting atop a large chin spoiler, it digs right into the lower fascia design. But this is clearly the direction BMW will be going with its "i" electric series for the foreseeable future.
Specs-wise, BMW confirms plans to launch several different variants with ranges up to 300 miles (482 km, EPA). Output will top out at 523 hp, and quickest 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time is estimated at a flat four seconds.
That's all BMW is revealing for now, but it plans to release the full story in the coming weeks ahead of a launch later this year, three months ahead of BMW's original plans.
"We have started the new year with strong momentum and are aiming to return to pre-crisis levels as swiftly as possible – and go even further," said BMW AG chairman Oliver Zipse at BMW Group's annual conference on Wednesday. “We have a clear roadmap for making the transformation of our industry a real competitive advantage for BMW in the coming years: uncompromisingly electric, digital and circular.”
The electric zip code on that roadmap will see around 12 all-electric BMW Group models on roadways by 2023. The iX and i4 will be the next new members of that group, joining the BMW i3 and iX3 and Mini SE. Farther down the line, BMW will add all-electric 5 Series, 7 Series and X1 variants, along with an electric Mini Countryman. Mini will eventually transition into a fully electric brand, introducing its last ICE model in 2025 before converting its entire offering to electrics by the early 2030s. BMW expects roughly 50 percent of Group global deliveries to comprise electric vehicles by 2030.
I do like me some gaping maws.
Looks kinda cool to me.
That’s even uglier than most BMWs.
My first thought was two rabbit’s buck teeth. No offense to AOC. Or Bugs Bunny.
My all time favorite grille was the 1954 Buick with it’s sneering, smug chrome smile. Loved my grandmother’s car.
It does look nice. But since it’s an electric vehicle it doesn’t really need such a gaping maw to help cool the radiator.
Looks racist.
Old comedy line:
“I don’t mean to trouble you,
But I drive a BMW.”
A double Edsel grill.
Why does an all-electric vehicle even NEED a grill?
Just a painted-on representation is enough.
But more than that, what about the sustainability of the design? Is there enough excess capacity on the electric distribution grid to fully charge these vehicles, and so many more like them? Are the battery arrays made of recyclable materials? Are the materials even in sufficient supply to make the vehicles competitive in price?
What are the charging times for this when the power at home is out?
It’s almost like manufacturers are trying to produce the ugliest, extremely unfavorable looking faces on their cars lately. Lexus, MB, BMW, GM all have these nearly obscene oversized grille openings that are aesthetically UN-appealing.
You ask too many questions. Shut up and conform already!
I don’t have a concern about the BMW grille.
I find the Lexus grille to be more obnoxious.
AC.........................
I actually like the Lexus grille!...............
i thought that was where you plug it in.
BMW = Bring More Wampum.
They build very problematic, over-complex and unreliable cars now. I don’t see the logic in buying a luxury car that has a greater chance of stranding you or eating it’s own power train than a 2001 Corolla with a poor maintenance record.
Diesel powered charging stations. ROTFL.
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