Spy photographers have caught the 2022 BMW i4 on numerous occasions, but this might be the first sighting of the upcoming M variant. While the car is heavily disguised, it sports a handful of telltale M styling cues including aerodynamic mirror caps and a high-performance braking system with blue calipers. A closer inspection also reveals a rear lip spoiler and extended rear fenders. The latter suggest his particular prototype has a wider rear track.
It remains unclear if there will be any
other changes, but the production model could have modified bumpers to make it
more distinctive. That would probably be a wise idea as electric M models will
eschew the traditional four-tailpipe exhaust system.
There’s no word on specifications at this
point, but BMW has previously said the standard i4 will have an output of
around 523 hp That’s more than the M3 Competition and it
will enable the model to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in approximately
four seconds, before hitting a top speed in excess of 200 km/h.
While the i4 M could be more powerful,
speculation suggests the changes will primarily involve a more aggressive
design and a sportier driving experience. This suggests the model could be more
like an M Performance variant rather than a full-bore M car. Of course, time
will tell. BMW M has been tight-lipped about the upcoming model, but CEO Markus
Flasch recently confirmed its existence and said “Next year we will launch the
first battery-electric M car in the performance segment, based on the i4.”
