We just recently caught our first glimpse of what appeared to be the i4 M, back in October. We know to expect an i4 M thanks to BMW themselves having confirmed its existence. “Next year we will launch the first battery-electric M car in the performance segment, based on the i4,” said BMW M chief executive Markus Flasch.
This prototype, like the one from two
months ago, also appears to boast a wider track with extended fenders, sporty
front bumper, sporty mirror caps, rear boot lid spoiler and blue M Sport
calipers. The wheels however are smaller, but that’s probably because of the
conditions outside (winter tires).
The only thing that worries us regarding
the i4 and i4 M’s styling is the fact that it may have been taken down several
notches from what we first saw with the BMW Concept i4. In reality, the i4 and
all of its derivatives may very well look just like a regular 4-Series, and
that’s both good and bad, depending on your view of the matter.
Now, he could be referring to overall
performance and not just acceleration. The German carmaker said that the i4
will put down around 523 HP, which should help it match any V8-powered
sibling when it comes to sprinting off the line. A 0-60 time of around 4
seconds is to be expected. As for the i4 M, we’re just guessing but there just
has to be more power, right? Otherwise what’s the point of giving it the M
moniker? It’s only by giving the i4 M upwards of 600 HP that BMW could hope to
take away the M8 Competition’s title of fastest-accelerating Bimmer ever, with
its 0-60 time of 3 seconds flat.
Here’s to hoping ‘M’ won’t end up standing
for “just additional aero performance” in BMW EVs, similar to how ‘Turbo’ now
pretty much stands for “flagship spec” when it comes to Porsche EVs.
