[Jason]

BIMMERPOST NEWS

The BMW iX3, the BMW i4 and the BMW iNEXT undergo cold testing in the Arctic Circle

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BMW i4 Specs Summary:

Fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology
Range of over 600 kilometers (373 miles)
0-62mph in 4.0 seconds
Top speed 'over 200 kph' (124 mph)
Will be built in Munich at a BMW factory

Prototypes of the next all-electric models from BMW i are jointly undergoing comprehensive vehicle tests at the winter test centre in Arjeplog – intensive development programme preparing for market launch in 2020 and 2021.

Munich, Germany- March 25, 2019... BMW i is preparing to launch the next generation of solely electrically powered models. Three of the brand’s electric models are currently going through a key phase of their series development process at the BMW Group’s winter test centre in Arjeplog, Sweden. Together with the BMW iX3 already due to go on sale next year, the BMW i4 and the BMW iNEXT, being brought to market in 2021, are also completing an intensive test programme. Within the framework of comprehensive vehicle testing, their drive and suspension components are being put to the test under extreme weather and road conditions. The testing area situated at the edge of the Arctic Circle provides the ideal requirements for this purpose. On the icy surfaces of frozen lakes, on snow and in the bitter cold, the electric motors, the high-voltage batteries and the power electronics of BMW eDrive technology as well as the suspension control systems are demonstrating their high level of performance and reliability.

The latest chapter of the BMW Group electrification strategy will be heralded by a Sports Activity Vehicle. Starting next year, the BMW iX3 will already feature the
fifth generation of BMW eDrive technology for the first time. An exceptionally powerful electric motor and a high-voltage storage unit featuring state-of-the-art battery cell technology facilitate purely electric driving pleasure in a new dimension. With a range of over 400 kilometres* and the possibility to use DC charging stations with a capacity of 150 kW to charge its battery, the first allelectric SAV is ideally suitable for day-to-day use and long-distance travel. The BMW iX3 will be the first model produced for the entire global market by the BMW Brilliance Automotive Joint Venture at the Chinese production location in Shenyang.

The BMW i4 delivers locally emission-free driving pleasure combined with outstanding sportiness. The four-door coupe positioned in the premium midrange segment combines a dynamic design with inspiring performance and a high level of ride comfort. Fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology featured by the BMW i4 facilitates a range of over 600 kilometres*. Moreover, the electric motor’s spontaneous power development can be utilised above all to achieve a dynamic driving experience. The BMW i4 sprints from a standstill to 100 km/h in a mere 4 seconds and reaches a top speed of over 200 km/h. The BMW i4 will be produced at the BMW Munich plant starting 2021.

With the proportions and dimensions of a luxury Sports Activity Vehicle, a fifthgeneration electric drive unit and systems for highly automated driving, the BMW iNEXT embodies the future of driving pleasure in a particularly comprehensive way. As the BMW Group’s future modular construction system, it combines the latest innovations in the areas of design, automated driving, connectivity, electrification and services (D+ACES) defined by the NUMBER ONE > NEXT corporate strategy. BMW eDrive ensures a range exceeding 600 kilometres*.

Furthermore, the car is equipped with the latest connectivity features and designed for Level 3 automated driving. The BMW Group’s new technology
flagship will be produced at the BMW Dingolfing plant as from 2021.

All figures relating to driving performance, consumption, emissions and range are provisional.
The details marked * have already been calculated based on the new WLTP test cycle.

BMW i4, iX3 and iNext Cold Testing

VIDEOS:

[Love_Hounds]

I hope this car ends up being awesome. I'm ready to go electric and I want BMW to get me there.

[psuibmw]

Videos make these vehicles look fun but I doubt they will be much

[tommytexter]

i4 better has RWD mode/drift mode!!! It is so easier to implement it on a all electric dual motors car. Just turn off the front motor. No drive shaft or transmissions worry about.

[Miko M]

Electric is taking over and Combustion engine will die sooner or later.

That's why I am getting G80 MT and will hold onto it as long as I can

[georgere]

Originally Posted by psuibmw

Videos make these vehicles look fun but I doubt they will be much

I drove i8 and loved the electric power, it was so quick, wow. I said right there and then I welcome the new age of driving, just come out with affordable fun cars....

Now, the sound - it was not there but honestly I keep open mind and accept it as innovation and that's how it does thing. I did not mind the lack of exhaust while in i8.

Lack of gearbox, I actually think they might come up with some gear shit there just from seeing how electric is inefficient on high speeds. However, in my testing of i8 I had zero concerns with lack of the stick.

I8 is not i4, i know that. I4 will probably be more in line with model 3. Also i8 has horrible steering. It was probably in comfort mode but boy it felt I was driving my kid toys... I think i4 will have better steering given the tech progress since my test drive.

[ynguldyn]

600km WLTP from the expected 80kWh battery would mean a huge leap in efficiency and a parity with Model 3. No other legacy manufacturer has managed to do that yet. If BMW hits this number, the only thing that could stop it from grabbing a huge chunk of the EV market will be pricing: top level i4 would have to start under $60K to compete with Model 3 AWD, which is the closest match to it.

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by psuibmw

Videos make these vehicles look fun but I doubt they will be much

Just as a marketing video showing an X3, 4 Series, and X7 playing in the snow would probably also make those vehicles look very enjoyable, and yet they wouldn't necessarily be so in a typical day-to-day driving situation either. These are everyday vehicles designed with luxury first, after all.

At any rate, it is unlikely the transition from ICE to EV is going to make these any less fun. In fact, the instant torque might very well amp the fun factor up a notch.

[ecaedus]

Originally Posted by ynguldyn

600km WLTP from the expected 80kWh battery would mean a huge leap in efficiency and a parity with Model 3. No other legacy manufacturer has managed to do that yet. If BMW hits this number, the only thing that could stop it from grabbing a huge chunk of the EV market will be pricing: top level i4 would have to start under $60K to compete with Model 3 AWD, which is the closest match to it.

yep that'd be awesome if the EPA range and price is close to Model 3. 2020 is gonna be the year legacy manufactures start to take EVs seriously, the more competition the better

[///M TOWN]

Wunderbar.

I need a smaller car that Is easily to park in the city with good range.

BMW please add something smaller with xDrive to the list and fast track it to market.

[///M TOWN]

Originally Posted by ecaedus

yep that'd be awesome if the EPA range and price is close to Model 3. 2020 is gonna be the year legacy manufactures start to take EVs seriously, the more competition the better

I seriously doubt BMW will touch Tesla on price or ability for the money.

Tesla's Model Y will really hurt them if they don't know that already.

[BMW-ALPINA]

So sad to see that the i4 have been changed from the sexy 4-doors coupe concept to this 5-door hatchback 3-series GT look-a-like. What a disappointment.

[ecaedus]

Originally Posted by ///M TOWN.

I seriously doubt BMW will touch Tesla on price or ability for the money.

Tesla's Model Y will really hurt them if they don't know that already.

I think for BMW, after the fiasco that is the i3 and i8, really needs to put its best feet forward with this new wave of BEVs. this is the perfect chance to stop the onslaught of model 3 taking away sales from the regular 3 series, with model Y on the horizon this needs to happen sooner than later.

the last thing BMW wants to do now is pushing out a new generation of lame, overpriced and uncompetitive BEVs with the Model 3 and Y in full production rate and other legacy manufactures hot on its tail.

i4 can probably get away with charging a couple of grands more than model 3 while having a little bit less range, it's a BMW after all and with a much better build quality, i'm sure people will fall for it.

it's the iX3 that i'm worried about. to me it's nothing but a engine -> battery swap on a regular X3. i'm curious to see how it'll compare to the model Y

[ynguldyn]

Originally Posted by BMW-ALPINA

So sad to see that the i4 have been changed from the sexy 4-doors coupe concept to this 5-door hatchback 3-series GT look-a-like. What a disappointment.

That was clear at the moment we learned that the G2x range would not have separate GT and GC models.

[///M TOWN]

Originally Posted by ecaedus

I think for BMW, after the fiasco that is the i3 and i8, really needs to put its best feet forward with this new wave of BEVs. this is the perfect chance to stop the onslaught of model 3 taking away sales from the regular 3 series, with model Y on the horizon this needs to happen sooner than later.

the last thing BMW wants to do now is pushing out a new generation of lame, overpriced and uncompetitive BEVs with the Model 3 and Y in full production rate and other legacy manufactures hot on its tail.

i4 can probably get away with charging a couple of grands more than model 3 while having a little bit less range, it's a BMW after all and with a much better build quality, i'm sure people will fall for it.

it's the iX3 that i'm worried about. to me it's nothing but a engine -> battery swap on a regular X3. i'm curious to see how it'll compare to the model Y

The Model 3 comes with a Full Glass Roof with 220 miles of range for $35k (usd) and adds partial premium interior with 240 miles range for 2k (usd) more.

The minute Tesla adds a good lease they will completely steal a majority of the industry's sales, until there is something similarly available for the same price.

The Model Y is an even bigger problem for BMW and the rest of the entire car industry.

It's really alarming to see how slow BMW truly is... Where is the 330e PHEV?

[cfm56d7b]

I think i4 has the biggest potential to succeed as a pure electric vehicle. So many unknowns at the present time: styling - will it appeal to core buying segment, range, network of super chargers.

[ynguldyn]

Originally Posted by ///M TOWN.

It's really alarming to see how slow BMW truly is... Where is the 330e PHEV?

Europe - in a couple of months, US - 2020.

[M3 Adjuster]

just cold weather marketing... nothing to see here...

what... I was supposed to say testing...? oops..

[M3 Adjuster]

Originally Posted by psuibmw

Videos make these vehicles look fun but I doubt they will be much

Even a cafeteria tray is fun in the snow...

[psuibmw]

Originally Posted by M3 Adjuster

Even a cafeteria tray is fun in the snow...

:

[///M TOWN]

Originally Posted by ynguldyn

Europe - in a couple of months, US - 2020.

It sure will be a great addition to the current 3er sedan lineup.

[CP911]

Proportions of the i4 look spot-on perfect. I bet this looks better than any of the ugly cars being made by Tesla, including the new Y. Should be majorly functional and practical as well with the lift-back design. Very excited to see the final product.

And who said BMW is done with wagons in the US??? (Looking at you, iNext!).