Expansion of the electric BMW i4 model range in Israel
The BMW i4 eDrive35 is a new entry-level BMW i4 electric liftback with a single electric motor on the rear axle with a capacity of 286 hp and a driving range of 461 km that will be sold in Israel from 2023. This was stated by Delek Motors, an importer of BMW cars in Israel. The expansion of the electric BMW i4 model range in Israel comes at the same time as a significant increase in the price of 2023 models, by an average of 20,000-30,000 shekels, due to an increase in the tax on electric vehicles.
In 2023, the cost of the entry-level BMW i4 eDrive35 starts from 359,900 shekels. Today, it is the cheapest version of the entire i4 model range. The BMW i4 eDrive40 will cost at least 379,900 shekels. The BMW i4 M50 sports sedan will cost about 569,000 shekels.
The BMW i4 is an electric liftback produced by the German automaker BMW which the company calls the Gran Coupe: despite the fact that the liftback is similar to the BMW 3 Series models, it looks more like the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe. The first electric Gran Coupe offers exceptional driving dynamics and a high level of comfort, making it ideal for everyday use. Production of the car at the Munich plant began in November 2021. In 2022, the Israeli market offered the new BMW i4 in two versions: entry-level version with one electric motor on the rear axle, producing 340 hp and top-end version with two motors (one at the front and rear) with a total output of 544 hp.
BMW i4 eDrive35
Exterior
Outwardly, the new version is no different from the entire BMW i4 model range: the same aerodynamic forms, the same air resistance coefficient of 0.24, ensured by the overall shape of the body and by the elaborated details. Due to the battery located under the floor, the center of gravity is shifted 53 mm lower than that of the BMW 3 Series. The fifth door of the liftback is electronically controlled. The standard equipment includes LED headlights. There is an optional BMW Laserlight adaptive lighting with a laser phosphor unit. In order to get more appearance choices, there are M Sport and M Carbon packages, as well as M Performance accessories. The car is 4,783 mm long, 1,852 mm wide and 1,448 mm high. Its wheelbase reaches 2,856 mm. The trunk volume is 470 liters (the maximum volume is 1,290 liters).
Interior and equipment
In Israel, the new BMW i4 eDrive35 is offered in two trim levels. Both feature the BMW Curved Display, which combines two screens: a large 14.9-inch center display with a touchscreen and a 12.3-inch dashboard, which is slightly turned towards the driver. The multimedia system runs on the iDrive8 operating system, has an extension for Apple CarPlay with a wireless connection and an original navigation system.
- Pure is an entry-level version: Faux leather upholstery, power front sports seats with driver memory, LED headlights, automatic high beams, power sunroof, power tailgate, 17-inch wheels, split climate control, engine start button, light and rain sensors, parking sensors, automatic parking system, retaining in memory the last 50 meters driven by the car, adaptive cruise control, autonomous braking, active lane departure control, blind spot monitoring system and much more.
- Tech is an advanced version: The above systems are complemented by M-Sport and Shadow Line design packages, including the M Performance sports steering wheel. In addition, there are exterior and interior lighting package, proximity access, wireless charging pad, HiFi sound system with 10 speakers, 18-inch wheels, IconicSounds overclocking sound system, etc.
Motors and dynamics
The 2023 BMW i4 eDrive35 is equipped with a single electric motor on the rear axle with 286 hp. The electric liftback accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.0 seconds and has a top speed of 190 km/h. This model has received a battery with a useful capacity of 67 kWh (total 70.2 kWh), which allows you to drive up to 460 km without recharging. Please remember that actual driving range may vary depending on speed, driving style, road and weather conditions. For comparison, the i4 eDrive40 and i4 M50 versions are equipped with batteries with a capacity of 81.5 kWh, the range of the i4 eDrive40 is 484 km, while the i4 M50 can drive 434 km on a single charge. The battery can be charged with an AC home charger up to 11kW within just over 7 hours. Despite the new battery, the entry-level version is still compatible with DC fast charging up to 180kW. In practice, this means that it takes about 31-33 minutes to recharge from 10 to 80%.
