Less performance for this EV but now at a lower cost too.
The 2023 BMW iX already arrived earlier this year at the Chicago Auto Show, so now it’s time for BMW’s more affordable electric vehicle to enter its second model year. The 2023 BMW i4 was announced today, arriving with a new, more affordable eDrive35 to sit below the existing eDrive40 and M50. As expected from the smaller ’35’ numbering, the eDrive35 offers a bit less range and performance at a lower price.
According to BMW’s preliminary specs, this new i4 variant delivers 281 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque from a rear-mounted electric motor. For comparison, the eDrive40 produces 335 hp and 317 lb-ft, while the M50 tops the lineup with 536 hp and 586 lb-ft. BMW says the eDrive35 hits 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, which is only three-tenths slower than the eDrive40. It’s also the same 0-60 time as the base Tesla Model 3.
Under the floor sits a 70.2 kWh battery pack (gross) with a 66 kWh usable capacity that’s smaller than the 81.5 kWh pack used in the more expensive i4 variants. Since it has a smaller capacity, the eDrive35 has a lower range of 260 miles with the standard. Incidentally, that’s only seven miles fewer than the entry-level Tesla will manage from its 60 kWh battery. The eDrive35 charges at up to 180 kW (compared to 200 kW in the upper trims), meaning it should go from 10% to 80% battery in around 32 minutes.
Just because the battery is smaller doesn’t mean the eDrive35 skimps on features. It includes iDrive8 with a 12.3-inch gauge cluster and 14.9-inch touchscreen display. In fact, this more affordable model has the same standard and optional features and equipment as the eDrive40.
BMW
BMW
Pricing for 2023 i4 eDrive35 starts at $51,400 (not including $995 for destination and handling). That means with a $7,500 tax credit factored in, it undercuts the least expensive Tesla Model 3 ($46,990). By comparison, the eDrive40 costs $56,895 for its additional power and 301-mile range. The performance-focused M50 tops the lineup at $63,700 for a 270-mile range and an impressive 3.7-second 0-60 mph time.
BMW will start producing the 2023 i4 at its Group Plant Munich in the fourth quarter of this year. US deliveries will commence in the first quarter of 2023.
