2023 i4 Adds A New Base Model As BMW’s Most Affordable EV

    August 5th 2022     Suhail Ajmal

The Bavarian automaker has added a new model to the i4 family. Welcome the entry-level i4 eDrive35, the most affordable EV from BMW, featuring the same i4 styling but with lesser power and a shorter range. The other two models in the lineup include the i4 eDrive40 and the M50.

The power comes from the same single motor powering the rear wheels as available for eDrive40. However, the base eDrive35 uses a 70.2-kWh battery (66 kWh usable power). On the other hand, the eDrive40 gets an 83.9 kWh (81.5 kWh usable) battery. Of course, the lesser model generates lower power than the eDrive40.

BMW claims 281 hp (210 kW) and 295 pound-feet (400 Newton-meters) of torque and a range of 260 miles between charges. For more power and range, you should opt for the i4 eDrive40 creating 335 hp (250 kW) and 317 lb-ft (430 Nm) of torque. It should cover 300 miles after a full charge and accelerate to 60 mph in only 5.8 seconds. Interestingly, the eDrive35 also advertises the same 0-60 mph time.  

Regarding the battery charging, BMW claims the new 2023 i4 can juice up from 10 per cent to 80 per cent in only 32 minutes using a 180-kW fast charger.

Apart from the powertrain, other facilities are pretty much the same as we find in the eDrive40. For example, the one-piece glass contains a 12.3-inch driver info screen and a 14.9-inch center screen for the infotainment. The optional facilities of the eDrive35 are also identical to the eDrive40.

However, if you seek more power and M-specific features, you should opt for the i4 M50. It adds another motor in front and the powertrain churns out up to 536 hp (400 kW). The 0-60 mph sprint time reduces to less than 4 seconds. The only issue with the M50 is the shorter range. It can cover around 245 miles between charges.

Not only does it offer a lower range, but it is also costlier of all. BMW quotes a starting price of $67,295. On the other hand, the eDrive35 goes for $52,395. Both these prices are inclusive of a $995 destination fee. Expect the eDrive35 to hit the dealerships from the start of next year.

Source and Images: Motor1