Now in the Philippines: The BMW i4 is an all-electric Gran Coupe primed to change the way you drive

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January 19, 2024

SMC Asia Car Distributors Corp, the official importer and distributor of BMW in the Philippines, presents the first-all electric premium sedan aimed at the traditional core of the midsize segment. 

The BMW i4 eDrive35 is a four-door gran coupé that combines this vehicle concept's hallmark spaciousness and practicality with the sporting ability for which BMW is renowned and a range that also convinces over long journeys. A premium character beyond that of market rivals is reflected in the high level of development of its drive system and chassis technology, its elegant design, and uncompromising standards when it comes to quality of materials and workmanship. Added to which, the new generation of the BMW iDrive control/operation system and cutting-edge innovations in driver assistance and parking systems further enhance the emotional richness of the driving experience. 

The BMW i4 eDrive35 is the first BMW model in the Philippines that comes with BMW ConnectedDrive.

The visual expression of dynamism, elegance, and sustainability.

The i4's body design communicates a sense of exclusivity and dynamic flair through its stretched proportions and clear use of forms. The defining features on the front end include BMW LED headlights and the striking BMW kidney grille. Short overhangs, slim pillars, frameless windows, and a seamlessly flowing roofline into the rear underscore the model's silhouette, aligning perfectly with the BMW coupé mold.

Furthermore, sustainability-friendly credentials are emphasized through accents in BMW i Blue for the kidney grille, the incorporation of battery technology in the car's floor area, and sporty diffuser elements optimizing aerodynamics. The side of the vehicle highlights exterior line aluminum with a satin finish, complemented by 19” aerodynamic wheels styled in 855 bicolor with mixed tires.

In terms of color options, the BMW i4 eDrive35 offers three choices: Alpine White, Black Sapphire, and Skyscraper Grey.

Premium ambience with individual style. 

The BMW i4 seamlessly combines the customary sporting elegance found in the brand's coupés with the comfort inherent in a four-door model, enhanced by modern functionality. Inside, the driver-focused cockpit and luxurious ambiance converge with a generously sized, variable-use space. Standard features include acoustic glazing, pre-heating, and pre-conditioning, complemented by sport seats and a sports steering wheel.

The center console hosts the transmission selector lever, BMW Controller, and function keys, storage shelf for wireless charging, all contributing to a modern yet functional design aesthetic. 

Sport seats for both the driver and front passenger feature Sensatec perforated upholstery in either Black or Tacora Red, accentuated by aluminum mesh interior trim finishers that add a stylish touch to the overall design. Enhancing the driving experience, a model-specific drive sound provides authentic feedback to accelerator movements, giving the BMW i4 eDrive35 an energy-charged soundtrack. Furthermore, the integration of BMW IconicSounds Electric introduces new sound variants developed in collaboration with film music composer Hans Zimmer.

In the rear, the large tailgate boasts an automatic opening and closing mechanism as a standard feature, providing convenient access to the 470 to 1,290 liters of load compartment capacity.

A new generation of the BMW iDrive control/operation system.

The BMW i4 showcases an advanced iDrive display and control system that promotes a seamless interaction between the driver and the vehicle. This is achieved through touchscreen functionality and an upgraded voice-controlled BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. The Widescreen Display, which combines a 12.3-inch information display and a 14.9-inch control display, enhances the overall user experience.

In addition to these features, the BMW i4 comes equipped with a cloud-based BMW Maps navigation system, ensuring efficient route planning that considers charging stops. The BMW i4 eDrive35 further supports 5G data transmission, enhancing connectivity on the go.

Comfort is elevated with the inclusion of the BMW HiFi Loudspeaker System, providing high-quality audio throughout the vehicle. Meanwhile, standard features include smartphone integration and a three-zone automatic climate control system featuring nanofiber filter technology. Together, these elements contribute to a comprehensive and sophisticated driving experience in the BMW i4.

BMW ConnectedDrive arrives in the Philippines.

Starting with the BMW i4 eDrive35, select BMW models coming in 2024 will include BMW ConnectedDrive, offering enhanced connectivity and convenience. With the BMW ConnectedDrive, BMW customers will enjoy the availability of the MyBMW App which enables remote control of vehicle functions and accessing vital vehicle information to ensure users remain informed and in control by simply using a smartphone. The host of services that come with this feature also include Remote Software Update to facilitate wireless software updates. These features, along with numerous other exciting capabilities, converge to create a technologically advanced driving experience.

Model-specific chassis technology and electric rear-wheel drive deliver dynamic thrills.

The BMW i4 boasts advanced chassis technology, including a specially designed front and rear axle, custom tuning, and integrated braking for optimal traction and stability. Its quick and precise system enhances performance during acceleration and turns, offering exceptional dynamic capabilities with electric rear-wheel drive.

Highly integrated and efficient drive system technology.

The BMW i4 is focused squarely on driving dynamics from the outset. The BMW i4 eDrive35 (electric power consumption combined: 18.7 —15.8 kWh/100 km in the WLTP cycle) combines a 286 hp electric motor with classical rear-wheel drive. Its range as per the WLTP cycle is 406 to 483 kilometers.

The BMW i4 features advanced fifth generation eDrive technology, integrating the electric motor, power electronics, and transmission for efficient performance. Its electric motors employ electrically excited synchronous motor principles, delivering substantial torque of 400 Nm and enabling the BMW i4 eDrive35 to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.0 seconds. The car's adaptive recuperation system enhances efficiency by adjusting brake energy recuperation based on real-time data, and the high-voltage battery incorporates the latest cell technology with an integrated heating and cooling system for optimal performance, including anticipatory thermal management for efficient fast charging.

Variety of driver assistance systems.

Assistance functions are fitted as standard to provide safe and comfortable driving and parking. The Reversing Assist Camera and the Parking Assistant with Reversing Assistant are fitted as standard. 

The BMW i4 eDrive35 retails for Php 4,490,000 and comes with a 5-year comprehensive BMW Warranty, a 6-year BMW Service Inclusive package, an 8-year high voltage battery warranty, and a BMW Wallbox charger that will be installed by a BMW i partner in the customer’s home.

About the Author

Randolph de Leon
Randy is a person with disability (PWD), a partially-blinded person with only his left eye functioning. Since childhood, the automobile has always been his passion, and is able to express it through photography and most recently, through writing as well. Outside the motoring beat, Randy spends time manning the media aspect of his business which he co-founded with his sister/college classmate. It's called Dragonlight Wellness and Solutions, a multi-business venture centering on improving peoples' lives through earning.