As one of the world‘s preeminent luxury automakers, BMW has long been known for building "The Ultimate Driving Machine." Now, the iconic German brand is going electric in a big way, aiming to have 50% of its global sales be EVs by 2030. BMW‘s current electric lineup is spearheaded by three impressive models – the sporty i4 sedan, the luxurious iX SUV, and the opulent i7 flagship. These vehicles combine BMW‘s signature driving dynamics with cutting-edge EV powertrains and a dizzying array of digital technology features.
The Tech Behind BMW‘s EVs
All of BMW‘s new electric vehicles ride on the company‘s latest modular EV architecture which integrates the batteries into the floor for a low center of gravity. BMW‘s Gen5 eDrive technology consists of a high-voltage battery pack, power electronics, and a transmission with the electric motor(s) all contained within a single housing to save weight and space.
The battery packs in BMW‘s EVs use state-of-the-art prismatic lithium-ion cells from CATL and Samsung SDI. The i4 has an 83.9 kWh battery while the iX fits a massive 105.2 kWh pack, the latter enabling up to 324 miles of range on a charge – among the best of any EV SUV. The i7 sedan uses a 101.7-kWh pack for an estimated 300 miles of range. All models support DC fast charging at up to 195 kW, adding 90 miles of range in just 10 minutes in the i4.
The electric motors in BMW‘s EVs are permanently excited synchronous units. Base i4 and iX models use a single motor at the rear axle, while dual-motor all-wheel drive is used in higher-performance versions like the i4 M50, iX M60 and i7 xDrive60. These motors deliver instant torque and nearly silent operation. The i4 M50 produces 536 hp and 586 lb-ft enabling a 0-60 mph time of 3.7 seconds – quicker than an M3 Competition.
BMW iDrive 8 and Autonomous Driving Tech
BMW‘s latest EVs all feature the iDrive 8 infotainment system displayed on a giant curved touchscreen that spans two-thirds of the dashboard. iDrive 8 uses machine learning to adapt to the driver‘s preferences and can receive over-the-air software updates. A digital assistant responds to natural speech commands, there‘s 5G connectivity and augmented reality overlays in the navigation, and the EVs can perform certain functions through a smartphone app.
All BMW EVs come standard with active safety features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and lane keep assist. Stepping up to the optional Driving Assistance Professional package adds an active lane keeping system with side collision avoidance and Evasion Assistant which helps steer around obstacles.
The iX and i7 are available with hands-free driving capability, a Level 2 partially automated system similar to GM‘s Super Cruise. A driver monitoring camera ensures eyes are kept on the road and the vehicle can automatically change lanes with the tap of the turn signal.
BMW i4 – The Electric Sport Sedan
| Spec | i4 eDrive35 | i4 eDrive40 | i4 M50 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power | 281 hp | 335 hp | 536 hp |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft | 317 lb-ft | 586 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph | 5.8 sec | 5.5 sec | 3.7 sec |
| Range | 260 miles | 301 miles | 270 miles |
| Price | $51,400 | $55,400 | $67,300 |
Positioned as an EV alternative to the 4 Series Gran Coupe, the i4 is aimed at Tesla Model 3 and Polestar 2 buyers. The base eDrive35 offers 260 miles of range and a 0-60 time of 5.8 seconds. The mid-level eDrive40 ups power to 335 hp and range to 301 miles. At the top is the performance-oriented M50 with 536 hp and a 0-60 time of just 3.7 seconds.
The i4‘s low, wide stance and near 50/50 weight distribution provide sharp, agile handling. The M50 adds an adaptive M suspension, M Sport brakes, and unique exterior and interior design elements. Inside, a 12.3" digital instrument cluster and 14.9" center touchscreen run iDrive 8. Wireless charging, a head-up display and onboard navigation are standard.
BMW iX – The High-Tech Electric SUV
| Spec | iX xDrive50 | iX M60 |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 516 hp | 532 hp |
| Torque | 564 lb-ft | 749 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph | 4.4 sec | 3.6 sec |
| Range | 324 miles | 288 miles |
| Price | $84,100 | $108,900 |
While the iX‘s polarizing exterior design may not be for everyone, its bleeding-edge technology and spacious, lounge-like interior undoubtedly impress. Two models are offered: the xDrive50 with 516 hp and 324 miles of range, and the performance-oriented M60 with 532 hp and a 0-60 time of 3.6 seconds.
The iX‘s cabin is dominated by the same sweeping curved display as the i4, here measuring over 27". A panoramic LED "Sky Lounge" roof, soft-close doors, and a Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system are among the many luxurious options. The flagship iX M60 offers 21" wheels, bespoke interior trim, and nearly every tech option as standard.
As BMW‘s technology showcase, the iX offers the most advanced driver assists outside of the i7, including hands-free driving with automatic lane changes. An enhanced parking assistant lets the vehicle autonomously park itself without a driver inside. BMW‘s Digital Key turns your smartphone into a key. A 195 kW 350A DC fast charger can add 90 miles of range in 10 minutes.
BMW i7 – The Electric Luxury Flagship
| Spec | i7 xDrive60 |
|---|---|
| Power | 536 hp |
| Torque | 549 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph | 4.5 sec |
| Range | 300 miles |
| Price | $119,300 |
Sitting at the top of BMW‘s electric lineup is the opulent i7 sedan. Essentially an EV version of the redesigned 7 Series, the i7 stretches over 17 feet long. Dual motors producing 536 hp enable a 0-60 mph sprint in 4.5 seconds. The 101.7-kWh battery provides an estimated 300 miles of range.
The i7‘s incredibly lavish cabin is trimmed in rich leather, open-pore wood, stainless steel, and etched glass. A massive 31" 8K rear seat entertainment screen with built-in Amazon Fire TV headlines the tech. The i7 features power-adjustable rear seats with massage functions, a panoramic LED roof, doors that automatically open and close, and an exquisite Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system.
Of course, the i7 comes packed with BMW‘s latest iDrive 8 infotainment system, 5G connectivity, and a full range of sophisticated driver assists. The Driving Assistance Professional package enables hands-free driving on highways at speeds up to 85 mph. An enhanced parking assistant allows the i7 to autonomously park in both parallel and perpendicular spots.
BMW‘s Electrified Future
BMW‘s EVs have been gaining traction, with sales more than doubling in the first nine months of 2022 versus 2021. The automaker sold 128,196 EVs through Q3 2022, representing over 11% of the brand‘s total sales. The iX SUV and i4 sedan lead the charge, with the i7 luxury sedan recently joining the lineup.
With a bold target for half of its global sales to be EVs by 2030, BMW is investing heavily in electrification:
- $1.7B EV factory in South Carolina to build at least six EV models
- $1.2B expansion of EV production capacity in China
- $1.3B to increase battery and electric motor production in Germany
More BMW EVs are on the horizon, including an electric 5 Series sedan (i5), electric versions of the X1 (iX1) and X3 (iX3) crossovers, and a new 3 Series-sized electric sedan potentially called the i3. An electric BMW M2 performance coupe is also rumored. Further out, the Neue Klasse EV platform arrives in 2025 and will underpin the next-generation of EVs.
BMW‘s EV strategy sets it apart from rivals like Mercedes-Benz and Audi. While those brands have launched standalone EV models like the Mercedes EQS and Audi e-tron GT, BMW is electrifying its traditional vehicle lineup. This allows the automaker to hedge its bets and offer both EV and gas versions of most models as the market transitions to electric.
BMW still has a long way to go to catch up to EV leader Tesla, which aims to sell around 1.4 million vehicles in 2022. But with its quickly expanding EV lineup, big electrification investments, and the strength of its brand, BMW is well-positioned for success as the auto industry shifts to electric power. Car buyers now have compelling EV options that deliver BMW‘s signature blend of performance, technology and luxury.
