2021 BMW i4 Has The Tesla Model 3 In Its Sights
The Tesla Model 3 continues to be the best-selling premium vehicle in the United States, but BMW is preparing to fire back with their upcoming i4.
Recently caught undergoing hot weather testing, the model is essentially an electric version of the 4-Series Gran Coupe. However, the cars aren't exactly the same as the i4 adopts a fully enclosed grille which will likely echo the one used on the iX3 and iNext concepts.
(https://images.carscoops.com/2019/08/5092d682-2021-bmw-i4-5.jpg)
Moving further back, the car has slender headlights and a sculpted hood. We can also see flowing bodywork and fake door handles. The decoys reside above the actual door handles and it appears owners will need to stick their fingers inside a small recess to open the doors. The setup seems a bit odd, especially when retractable door handles are becoming more common.
Putting that aside, the i4 has a sloping roof which flows into a rear liftgate. The model also has an integrated rear spoiler and a curvaceous rear bumper with fake exhaust tips.
(https://images.carscoops.com/2019/08/9816d3cf-2021-bmw-i4-9.jpg)
More notably, the i4 has an increased ride height that gives the car a bit of a Volvo S60 Cross Country vibe. We can also see what appears to be an aluminum support or bracket underneath the side skirts.
While the exterior styling will be unique, previous spy photos have shown the cabin will largely carryover from the 3-Series. This means we can expect a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch infotainment system.
BMW hasn't said much about the i4, but the company has previously referred to the model as a four-door coupe that will compete in the premium midrange segment. The car will go into production in 2021 and be able to accelerate from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 4.0 seconds. It will also have a top speed in excess of 124 mph (200 km/h). More importantly, BMW has confirmed the electric vehicle will have a range in excess of 373 miles (600 km) in the WLTP test cycle.
Link: https://www.carscoops.com/2019/08/2021-bmw-i4-has-the-tesla-model-3-in-its-sights/
EVs are slowly creeping into usable long-range vehicles, which has always been my biggest complaint/issue. 350+ miles? Hell yeah, we're gettin' somewhere.
That range comes with hella asterisks. It would be more like 250 miles 6 months out of the year in the UP
And the skateboard platform design is sucking all the potential beauty and flexibility EVs promised
Im not with it!!!
Quote from: 12,000 RPM on August 11, 2019, 12:19:56 PM
That range comes with hella asterisks. It would be more like 250 miles 6 months out of the year in the UP
And the skateboard platform design is sucking all the potential beauty and flexibility EVs promised
Im not with it!!!
Well yeah. But. It's slowly getting there.
Well, it's not currently on fire, so that's a good start.
2021, maybe available in 2020 as 2021 model. My lease for the Bolt would be up by then, could be another option.
Car and Driver says starting price likely around 50 thousand in the U.S. which generally in BMW speak means around 60 thousand for those on the lot. I think if they do keep the price in the low 50s, it could be a real player. Is the tax break still around for new EVs?
I kinda dig it, except for those dumb fake exhausts.
Make it a wagon, please, BMW.
Quote from: veeman on August 13, 2019, 01:04:27 PM
Car and Driver says starting price likely around 50 thousand in the U.S. which generally in BMW speak means around 60 thousand for those on the lot. I think if they do keep the price in the low 50s, it could be a real player. Is the tax break still around for new EVs?
Tax break is based on how many EVs the manufacturer has sold. Tesla and Chevy have used up their $7500 tax credit. Chevy Bolts now get $3750, not sure is Tesla is the same or if they've used up that tier too, which would put them at a $1250 credit or something like that.
So it depends on how many EVs BMW has sold. I assume they're still at the $7500 level for a little while longer.
Quote from: CaminoRacer on August 13, 2019, 02:37:55 PM
Tax break is based on how many EVs the manufacturer has sold. Tesla and Chevy have used up their $7500 tax credit. Chevy Bolts now get $3750, not sure is Tesla is the same or if they've used up that tier too, which would put them at a $1250 credit or something like that.
So it depends on how many EVs BMW has sold. I assume they're still at the $7500 level for a little while longer.
OK cool so Trump didn't axe that. Yet. I know he's wanted to in the past.
Quote from: Laconian on August 13, 2019, 01:54:33 PM
Make it a wagon, please, BMW.
Its the new 3 GT my friend.
Quote from: CaminoRacer on August 13, 2019, 02:37:55 PM
Tax break is based on how many EVs the manufacturer has sold. Tesla and Chevy have used up their $7500 tax credit. Chevy Bolts now get $3750, not sure is Tesla is the same or if they've used up that tier too, which would put them at a $1250 credit or something like that.
So it depends on how many EVs BMW has sold. I assume they're still at the $7500 level for a little while longer.
Tesla rebate is down to $1875 and will end completely at the end of 2019. GM is one quarter behind, so their rebate will drop to $1875 at the end of Q3 and end at the end of Q1 2020.
Quote from: Laconian on August 13, 2019, 01:54:33 PM
Make it a wagon, please, BMW.
So you want it to fail too, huh? :lol: