It was written in the sky that the recent price cuts of Tesla models and, above all, the return of the long-range Model 3 AWD would turn the entire automotive industry upside down. BMW does not admit it, but it is clear that the addition of a new version for its electric i4 has a direct link with the Model 3 offer. BMW i4 xDrive40 2024 basically takes the basics of a eDrive40 ordinary and adds a second motor to give it four-wheel drive.
A mix between an eDrive40 and an M50
Until now, the only i4 in the lineup to offer four-wheel drive was the high-performance M50 version. Although this model provides its owner with thrills and, above all, accelerations comparable to those of a Tesla Model 3 Performance, its price was not exactly accessible to everyone.
This new version therefore tries to correct the situation by mixing the components of an eDrive40 and an M50. For example, its battery is the same as an M50, with a usable capacity of 81.5 kilowatt hours. However, its power and torque are much lower, coming in at 396 horsepower (instead of 526) and 443 lb-ft (instead of 586). This allows the vehicle to offer a much more interesting autonomy, or 494 kilometers according to EPA estimates. The BMW i4 xDrive40 therefore offers 129 kilometers more autonomy than an M50 and 10 kilometers more than an eDrive40 equipped with 18-inch rims. However, this figure is lower than that of a long-range Tesla Model 3 (534 kilometers).
A prize to take on Tesla
It is especially when we observe the price of the xDrive40 that we see how BMW is directly targeting Tesla with this model. The builder is asking for $69,900, before freight and PDI of $2,095. However, unlike the Model 3 which is eligible for the $12,000 government rebate, the BMW is not. This is a strange strategy from the Bavarian manufacturer. BMW could have taken advantage of this model to really compete with Tesla in terms of discounts.
The 2024 BMW i4 xDrive40 will arrive at dealerships nationwide by the end of the year. By then, we’ll have tested it to give you its impressions.
Conclusion
The Tesla effect is being felt and although some major manufacturers do not admit it, it is obvious that the very aggressive attitude of the Texan manufacturer and its ability to deliver quickly give its competitors cold sweats.
The good news in all this is that it stimulates the market and forces the big manufacturers to arrive, too, with tempting offers. The 2024 i4 xDrive40 is the perfect example. Too bad, however, that BMW does not seize the force of government rebates to really capture a share of our market.
