BMW launches new i4 top model with more power

BMW has announced a series of model upgrades for summer 2025. In terms of electric cars, this includes the i4, where not only will the two rear-wheel drive models become more efficient, but a more powerful top-of-the-range model will also be added to the range.

The two variants i4 eDrive35 and i4 eDrive40 will be equipped with new power electronics from July 2025: The inverter will switch from pure silicon semiconductors to silicon carbide components. The new SiC inverter works much more efficiently and ensures fewer losses (and therefore lower cooling requirements) when converting the direct current from the battery into alternating current for the electric motor. According to BMW, this should reduce the vehicle’s consumption by around 4.5 per cent. Depending on the model and equipment in the individually configured vehicle, this results in up to 22 kilometres more range.

BMW expressed itself somewhat confusingly in the information on the new range. For example, 428 kilometres according to WLTP are stated for the 35 Series and 510 kilometres for the 40 Series. However, these are the values for the equipment with the highest WLTP consumption, which in the case of the i4 eDrive40 improves from 493 to the same 510 kilometres. How the increase in range affects the previously possible maximum of 590 kilometres for the most economical version of the i4 eDrive40 is not mentioned in the press release. The i4 xDrive40 all-wheel drive model launched in 2024 will probably not benefit from the new SiC semiconductors, as BMW makes no mention of this variant.

The BMW i4 M60 xDrive will also be available from July as the new top model in the series. This replaces the i4 M50 xDrive (here is the report from our first drive) and offers a 42 kW increase in system output to 442 kW compared to its predecessor. With 3.7 seconds for the standard sprint from standstill to 100 kph, the new 60 is said to be two tenths of a second faster than the ‘old’ i4 M50 xDrive.

BMW has not yet published any pictures of the new top model or further details in the press release. The BMW website also states that the charging power is up to 205 kW and that the two electric motors of the all-wheel drive (200 kW at the front and 250 kW at the rear) can develop a maximum torque of 795 Nm – so there is no change here. The top speed (electronically limited) is 225 kph. If you don’t push it to the limit, but rather drive economically, a range of up to 551 kilometres according to WLTP should be possible. At 72,900 euros, the new 60 has become exactly 800 euros more expensive.

A voluntary warranty for the high-voltage batteries in all-electric BMW models (new and used) has been in force worldwide since 1 April. The new regulation applies up to a vehicle age of eight years or a maximum mileage of 160,000 kilometres. If the capacity of the high-voltage battery falls below 70 per cent during the warranty period, BMW will remedy the excessive loss of capacity free of charge for customers.

There will be another small change to the Munich-based company’s electric models from the summer for the large iX SUV model: ‘BMW Individual Frozen Pure Grey metallic’ will be part of the optional range for the iX as a new exterior paint finish.

bmwgroup.com