BMW has introduced the i4 eDrive35, a new entry level, single-motor version of the brand’s all-electric sedan with a smaller battery and a smaller price for the American market.
The i4 eDrive35 joins the BMW lineup alongside the i4 eDrive40 and the i4 M50. The latter two models are endowed with an 81.5 kWh (net) battery pack, while the new model gets a modest 66 kWh net battery pack.
That means that the i4 eDrive35, when equipped with the standard 18-inch aero wheels, gets an estimated manufacturer range of up to 260 miles (418 km). As you’d expect, that’s less range than the i4 eDrive40, which can go up to 310 miles (484 km) on a charge and the i4 M50, which can go up to 270 miles (434 km) on a charge.
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Despite the smaller battery, the new model can still make use of DC fast charging, at a rate of up to 180 kW. That means that owners can expect to go from 10 to 80 percent charge in just 32 minutes.
The new model works on the same Gen5 eDrive powertrain technology as the rest of the i4 model lineup, but receives just one electric motor. It sends 281 hp (210 kW/285 PS) and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) of torque to the rear wheels, allowing it to reach 60 mph (96 km/h) in just 5.8 seconds.
Although the i4 eDrive40 also uses just one motor to power the rear wheels, it makes 335 hp (250 kW/340 PS). The i4 M50, meanwhile, combines a 255 hp (190 kW/259 PS) motor up front with a 308 hp (230 kW/312 PS) rear motor. Together, they combine to deliver up to 536 hp (400 kW/543 PS) of all-wheel-drive propulsion.
Whereas i4 eDrive35 drivers will have to give up some range and performance, they don’t need to make any sacrifices in terms of in-car tech. BMW’s dramatic curved display will unite a 12.3-inch infotainment screen with a 14.9-inch instrument display in the vehicle. Standard and optional equipment, meanwhile, will be identical to those in the i4 eDrive40.
Production of the new i4 eDrive35 will begin in the fourth quarter of 2022 at BMW’s plant in Munich and the first examples are set to start arriving in the U.S. first quarter of 2023. Prices for the new model start at $52,395, whereas the i4 eDrive40 starts at $56,395 and the i4 M50 starts at $66,895 (all prices include $995 destination fee).
