BMW introduced a 3rd variant to its all-electric i4 vary in the present day – the eDrive35. As a lower-performance, single motor EV, the eDrive35 will arrive as probably the most inexpensive choice of certainly one of BMW’s lowest-priced EVs. At just some thousand {dollars} lower than its eDrive40 sibling, we will’t assist however marvel if this automobile is critical? You’ll be able to study extra under and determine for your self.
The BMW i4 is a flagship mannequin for the German automaker because it slowly however certainly transitions into an all-electric vary of autos (properly… 50% by 2030). Preliminary i4 deliveries started within the fall of 2021 and have included two totally different variations of the compact sedan – the eDrive40 and M50.
The mannequin has since been joined by the iX SUV and its divisive entrance finish, which might be adopted by the a lot pricier i7 sedan, set to ship within the US earlier than the tip of 2022. Though BMW has additionally promised to ship a brand new electrified model of the X1 to reach as its most inexpensive EV, the i4 at present holds the cut price crown.
Now, BMW has launched a 3rd variation of the i4 with an MSRP under the earlier pricing basement with its eDrive40. Right here’s the i4 eDrive35.
BMW i4 eDrive35 coming in Q1 of 2023 with 260-mile vary
BMW formally launched its latest and lowest-priced model of the i4 in a press launch in the present day, sharing some specs and pricing US shoppers can anticipate to see.
Based on the automaker, the most recent model of the EV options the identical Gen5 eDrive powertrain expertise discovered inside its i4 siblings in addition to the iX. Nevertheless, the BMW i4 eDrive35 incorporates a smaller 70.2 kWh battery pack that gives 66 kWh web vitality.
The result’s decrease estimated vary, particularly in comparison with the eDrive40 and its 81 kWh pack. The eDrive35 will even ship considerably much less horsepower and torque in comparison with each different fashions and barely decrease acceleration than its single-motor counterpart within the eDrive40.
Right here’s a side-by-side comparability of all three i4 choices:
| BMW i4 variant | eDrive35 | eDrive40 | M50 |
| Powertrain | Single-motor | Single-motor | Twin-motor |
| Battery pack | 70.2 kWh | 81 kWh | 81 kWh |
| Horsepower | 281 HP | 335 HP | 536 HP |
| Torque | 295 lb.-ft | 317 lb.-ft | 586 lb.-ft |
| Acceleration (0-60 mph) | 5.8 seconds | 5.5 seconds | 3.7 seconds |
| Est. Vary | 261 miles | 282-301 miles | 227-271 miles |
| Beginning MSRP* | $52,395 | $56,895 | $68,295 |
The final distinction you’ll discover is beginning MSRP. The i4 eDrive35 might be BMW’s most inexpensive EV choice within the US, however even with vacation spot and dealing with, it solely prices $4,500 lower than the eDrive40.
Based on BMW, manufacturing of the i4 eDrive35 is anticipated to start in Munich in This fall of this 12 months adopted by US deliveries in Q1 of 2023.
Electrek’s Take
It’s by no means unhealthy information after we hear of a brand new and extra inexpensive EV trim, however on this occasion, I’m scratching my head a bit.
The i4 is already BMW’s “inexpensive” EV choice, and its two present variations are spaced out in value fairly properly in my view, primarily based on what you get performance-wise. I drove the M50 for per week and located it to be utterly sufficient, however to me it felt like a automobile designed to assist loyal BMW drivers transition to an EV.
It drove like a combustion automotive to me with its lack of true one-pedal driving and creeping any time you took your foot off the accelerator. Some folks in all probability like that, however I personally don’t. Anyhow, I digress.
We have already got the single-motor BMW i4 eDrive40, one other completely sufficient choice priced simply over $55k. Completely positive. So why introduce a 3rd choice with barely decrease specs for $4,500 much less? When you’re over $50K, does that $4,500 actually make that huge of a distinction?
Beneath the proposed invoice to broaden federal tax credit within the US, the brand new i4 discovered fall under the $55k cutoff for EV sedans and qualify, however BMW has already mentioned this EV might be inbuilt Germany, which might subsequently disqualify it for the total tax credit score.
Personally, I’d spring for the eDrive40 only for the added vary. The higher efficiency would merely be a bonus. Did BMW have a bunch of additional smaller battery packs mendacity round and assume, “what the hell, let’s throw collectively a 3rd choice?”
Extra choices are often higher for shoppers, particularly when they’re cheaper, however this new mannequin feels half-baked and pointless to me. I’d reasonably see these efforts going right into a BMW mannequin priced within the $35-$40K vary. Maybe we’ll see that within the iX1.