The BMW i3 nameplate would relate to the electric hatchback until a few days ago, but now BMW has given a new meaning to the i3 — the brand is shutting down production of the hatch this summer, and the i3 is now an all-electric sedan, exclusive to China. The BMW i4 was also launched only recently, so let’s see how the two electric sedans compare on paper.
Design
BMW has used an aggressive rear bumper design for both the electric sedan siblings. It is interesting to note that the i3 has a longer wheelbase than the i4. Image: BMW
There’s only one variant on offer, the BMW i3 eDrive35L, the last letter referring to the 10 cm longer length it has over the regular 3 Series sedan. BMW seems to have standardized the design recipe for its electric models. Like the i4 and iX3, the i3 also gets a closed off kidney grille with a gloss back finish. Its overall design is based on the G20 3 Series design. The i4 differentiates itself with its massive grille which stretches all the way down to the lower air intake and is more than double in size.
Both EVs have aerodynamic wheels. The BMW i3 comes with 19-inch wheels while the BMW i4 offers 18- and 19-inch wheel options on the i4 eDrive40 in the United States. What’s more, the i3 measures longer (191.8 inches) than the i4 (188.5 inches). The i3 also has a longer wheelbase (116.7 inches) than that of the i4 (112.4-inches).
At the rear, the i3 gets the same LED taillamps as the 3 Series. That said, both the i3 and the i4 get an aggressively styled rear bumper, which has been optimised for aero-efficiency.
Interior & Features
The i3 seems to get the same M steering wheel which is also present on the sportier i4 M50. Image: BMW
The interior of the i3 is a big departure from what is offered on the 3 Series. In fact, it’s more in line with the i4, albeit with distinct center console and door trim designs. The digital real estate is identical on the two sedan siblings. The i3 and the i4 both use the curved display panel with a 14.9-inch central touchscreen infotainment and a 12.3-inch digital cockpit.
However, the center console is unique. The BMW i3 has the gear selector stalk behind the steering wheel while the i4 has a proper gear lever. That said, both sedans get the same physical buttons for climate control and drive modes among other functions. What’s interesting is that the i3 seems to get the same M steering wheel which is also present on the i4 M50.
Both sedans are offered with the latest BMW iDrive 8 software which is easier and more intuitive to operate compared to the older generation OS. It also packs faster computing speeds. The i3’s system is compatible with platforms like WeChat, Tencent Small Scene 2.0 and QQ Music which are popular in China. It also supports Apple CarPlay.
Specifications
The i3 eDrive35L is powered by a single rear-axle-mounted electric motor which produces 282 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. It gets a 66.1 kWh battery which delivers a CLTC certified range of 327 miles. The i4 eDrive40 on the other hand makes 335 hp and 317 lb-ft. It comes with a much larger 81.5 kWh battery which provides 301 miles of range on the EPA cycle.
The i4 seems to have a clear performance and range advantage over the i3. Its eDrive40 variant is RWD while the more powerful M50 is AWD.
SpecificationsBMW i3 eDrive35LBMW i4 eDrive40BMW i4 M50Length191.8 inches188.3 inches188.3 inchesWidth (without mirrors)72.6 inches72.9 inches72.9 inchesHeight58.3 inches57.2 inches57.2 inchesWheelbase116.7 inches112.4 inches112.4 inchesMotorSingle (RWD)Single (RWD)Dual (AWD)Power282 hp335 hp536 hpTorque295 lb-ft317 lb-ft586 lb-ftBattery (net capacity)66.1 kWh81.5 kWh81.5 kWhRange (CLTC)327 miles388 miles348 miles0-62 mph6.2 seconds5.7 seconds3.9 secondsTop Speed112 mph113 mph135 mph
Chinese specifications of the BMW i4 & BMW i3
BMW i3 Price & Release Date
BMW fans in China now have two closely matched electric sedan options to choose from within the BMW family. Image: BMW
The BMW i3 eDrive35L is priced at CNY 349,900 (USD 55,180) and will enter the Chinese market in May 2022. The i4 is priced more in the local Chinese market. It costs CNY 449,900 (USD 70,720). It’s unlikely that BMW will offer the i3 sedan in other international markets until the arrival of the second-gen BMW i3 mid-decade, riding on the BMW Neue Klasse Platform.
Featured Image: BMW
Keyword: BMW i3 sedan vs BMW i4 – How they compare