It’s just easier to sell some cars than others. BMW is surely banking to prove the point with its 2021 i4, a hotly awaited all-electric four-door sedan slated to hit dealership showrooms next year. Based on BMW’s most famous model, the 3 Series, this first-ever purely electric Gran Coupe from the German manufacturer has been designed to give the Tesla Model 3 a run for its money, along with the Audi e-tron GT and other rivals in the mid-size EV sedan category.
Electric vehicle enthusiasts and BMW fans alike are bound to be struck by the new generation EV’s affordability, along with its streamlined styling, high-tech interior trimmings, and a promised hp and driving range that handily competes with the rest in its class.
To find out what’s best about the upcoming BMW i4, let’s take a look at some of the boast-worthy components that should make the new release a dream to sell in the showroom.
What’s Under the Hood of the i4?
BMW is promising an electric motor packing 530 horsepower, 600 lb-ft of torque, an acceleration of 0 to 100km/h in 4.0 seconds, and a top speed of 199 km/h. The juice coming from the 80kWh battery pack provides a 150-kilowatt charging capacity that can offer up to 80% of the vehicle’s driving range in just 35 minutes. The German manufacturer is also suggesting a driving range of nearly 599 kilometres on a full battery, although the EPA range here in North America will likely be less due to different testing standards on this side of the pond.
Regardless, BMW promises to maximize both performance and range with systems tucked away beneath the i4’s oversized twin grilles, referred to as intelligence panels with cooling a redundant feature in EVs. Those taking automotive sales training are bound to be intrigued by some of the other goodies hiding behind those panels, including numerous sensors for advanced safety features.
What’s Can Students in Automotive Sales Training Expect the Car to Look Like?
While some critics have expressed displeasure over the look of the car’s massive twin-kidney grille, the i4’s sleek exterior has otherwise received plenty of praise for staying true to BMW’s classic aerodynamic styling while offering modern notes to embrace the electrified era. Some reviews also compliment BMW’s design efforts to make this i4 looks less awkward in appearance than many of its competitors.
What’s Cool About the Cabin?
Likely to be as spacious as BMW’s flagship 3 Series sedan, the i4’s interior is all about attention to detail. The cockpit exudes sleek modern appeal, featuring rose gold trim, white leather upholstery, and light wood finishes.
Anyone interested in auto careers is sure to be impressed by the i4’s connectivity and infotainment interface, starting with a uniquely sophisticated curved display offering touchscreen capability. The i4 will also likely follow the BMW standard of Apple CarPlay capability, a Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless phone charging, and a range of audio system upgrades.
What Does the i4 Sound Like?
There’s nothing more anticlimactic to a car lover than flooring a car in sports mode and getting a golf-cart whirr in response. To handle this inescapable Achilles’ heel of the EV concept, the folks at BMW seem to have adopted the policy: “When you can’t produce a vroom, give them Hans Zimmer!”
BMW has once again collaborated with the world-renowned composer to create “Limen,” a unique soundscape designed especially for the i4 that ranges between a core sound to a sports mode sound. Door opening and starting sounds are also included.
You can hear it for yourself in this short video:
Other Noteworthy Selling Points?
The i4 is looking to be remarkably affordable compared with BMW’s first electrified options. This is due in part to the fact that it will sit on the same CLAR architecture the company uses for the upcoming line of regular internal combustion 4 Series models, making production easier and cheaper. Contributing to its affordability is the automaker’s decision to use the fifth generation of the company’s eDrive system, which uses smaller, more efficient motors.
With all of the exciting changes brought to light in the 2021 i4, BMW appears poised to be a major player in the future of the EV market!
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