What's all this about?

After revealing it in concept form about this time last year, now we've got our fist full look at the BMW i4 Gran Coupe electric vehicle (EV). Predictably, it doesn't look massively different from the concept version, while it also sports BMW's new and questionable trademark of massive kidney grilles (even though they're not grilles at all on a car with no combustion engine). But we have to say, it looks pretty nice other than that. The rear wheels appear as if they're sticking out past the arches a bit, but otherwise it's much as you'd imagine an all-electric, four-door version of the 4 Series Coupe would look like. Sure you still want that straightforward 330d as much any more?

I am, actually, as it has a far nicer face. Still, any extra technical details from BMW on the i4?

Not as yet. Having already told us that it should handle as well as it goes and that there will be models in the launch range with up to 366 miles of single-charge range or even 530hp, it's interesting that BMW confirms one of the variants will go under the M Performance moniker. That may well be the 530hp i4 already mentioned, but it's the first time we've had explicit mention of the hallowed letter 'M' with a BMW EV. Even if it's 'only' M Performance at this stage.

Apart from that, we don't know much else that's new, although BMW assures us more information is coming as the car's launch is now not too far away. So over to Pieter Nota, member of the board of management of BMW AG responsible for Customer, Brands and Sales, who said of the reveal of the i4 at the company's Group Annual Conference 2021: "With its sporty looks, best in class driving dynamics and zero local emissions, the BMW i4 is a true BMW. It makes the heart of the BMW brand now beat fully electric."

Matt Robinson - 17 Mar 2021