driven: electrified bmw i range to lead the charge

Image: Alex Shahini

driven: electrified bmw i range to lead the charge

Image: Alex Shahini

driven: electrified bmw i range to lead the charge

Image: Alex Shahini

driven: electrified bmw i range to lead the charge

Image: Alex Shahini

driven: electrified bmw i range to lead the charge

Image: Alex Shahini

driven: electrified bmw i range to lead the charge

Image: Alex Shahini

driven: electrified bmw i range to lead the charge

Image: Alex Shahini

driven: electrified bmw i range to lead the charge

Image: Alex Shahini

driven: electrified bmw i range to lead the charge

Image: Alex Shahini

driven: electrified bmw i range to lead the charge

Image: Alex Shahini

The automotive world is changing with or without South Africa which is why the conclusive electrified BMW i range has now touched down on local soil. We spent time behind the wheel of the BMW iX3, BMW i4 M50 and the BMW iX to better understand the purpose these models serve in the Bavarian automakers lineup.

driven: electrified bmw i range to lead the charge

Image: Alex Shahini

A new dawn is upon Munich

After a century of producing vehicles powered by the internal combustion engine, BMW’s electrified branch was born to signal a shift into the next milestone of mobility. This was first ushered in by their first generation of i vehicles; the i3 and the plug-in hybrid i8 which have since both been discontinued after their product life cycle ran its course.

Over the decade, BMW has been gearing up for an electric takeover with the portfolio in their i sub-brand entering the mainstream as technologies have become more accessible with expedited development. Now, the Bavarian brand has amassed a collection of battery-electric vehicles which it has officially introduced into our market and hopes will shift buyer perception in the premium categories of which they contest.

driven: electrified bmw i range to lead the charge

Image: Alex Shahini

What is on offer in the electrified BMW i range? 

Moving fearlessly forward as an intended volume product in the electrified lineup is the BMW iX3, which looks-like and drives like its ICE counterparts. The familiar BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe now has an electric doppelgänger in the potent i4 M50. This model signals the first true M product which doesn’t boast aural exhaust sound as we have come to expect from the most powerful letter in the world but commendable dynamics that rival its fossil fuelled counterparts nonetheless. Last but not least is the flagship BMW iX, which is a completely new platform and intends to serve as a plush, stately SUV with impressive real-world range.

driven: electrified bmw i range to lead the charge

Image: Alex Shahini

The first thing that becomes apparent with the battery electric vehicles in the updated electrified BMW i range is that they only share the same form of propulsion with each other. As with the rest of BMWs conclusive range of mobility, each vehicle has been created with a specific function and target audience in mind.

The BMW X3 has served as a SUV staple since its inception, offering utility and premium mobility into one well-rounded package. The iX3 is no different, which is why the exterior hasn’t deviated too far from the shape of its ICE counterpart, one that is built off-of the existing G01 third generation model which has been in the market for some time. It may be a humdrum model that is fit for purpose which is why this it will expectedly be the model that will carry the i brand forward in South Africa for the time being. Powering solely the rear wheels is a 210 kW electric motor which is capable of 400 N.m of torque. This gives the R1 290 000 electric SUV the ability to sprint to 100 km/h in 6,8 seconds and its 74 kWh battery can provide as much as 460 km of range according to the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP).

driven: electrified bmw i range to lead the charge

Image: Alex Shahini

For anything more exciting, there is the i4 M50 which has its Gen5 electric drivetrain packaged into the bodywork of an existing 4 Series Gran Coupe. This means that expected M performance accompanies family practicality in a product that is priced to compete with premium performance sedans at R1 600 000. This is the first M badged model in the electrified BMW i range which means that it requires substantial performance for prospective buyers. Dual motors and all-wheel xDrive mean that the 400 kW and 795 N.m sedan can sprint to 100 km/h in breakneck speed with a claimed time of 3,9 seconds. WLTP also states that the sedan, with its 83,9 kWh battery, is capable of 510 km of range – more than sufficient for short and long distance journeys.

driven: electrified bmw i range to lead the charge

Image: Alex Shahini

This is the same powertrain which propels the flagship BMW iX forward, a model we have already gotten to grips with. The commodious SUV is available in either xDrive40 or xDrive50 flavour with the former capable of 240 kW and 630 N.m while the latter is good for 385 kW and 765 N.m. The 2,5 ton mass of the xDrive50 can accelerate to 100 km/h in 4,6 seconds while pricing starts at R1 700 000 and R2 225 500 respectively. Out of the three newcomers, the iX and i4 both include BMW’s latest next generation cockpit and BMW Operating System 8 while the iX3 features the existing interior layout from its facelifted ICE counterpart.

driven: electrified bmw i range to lead the charge

Image: Alex Shahini

The new BMW Gen5 scalable system

The latest Gen5 highly integrated drive unit is the first all-electric xDrive system to be offered on a BMW. The system output is capable of 385 kW combining a 190 kW front axle electric motor with a 230 kW rear axle electric motor. The overall number adds up to 420 kW as opposed to the stated power figures and this is accredited to powertrain losses.

driven: electrified bmw i range to lead the charge

Image: Alex Shahini

A secondary focus for the new scalable and modular system which will accompany future models is production sustainability. BMW has created the Gen5 system with the intention of also reducing the reliance on rare-earth metals for the production of batteries and electric motors; a recurring theme in electrification which is still as damaging to the environment as conventional vehicles in terms of carbon output.

driven: electrified bmw i range to lead the charge

Image: Alex Shahini

The Gen5 scalable system available on models in the electrified BMW i range has been designed to offer impressive traction and directional stability complements of a near-actuator wheel slip control system. In the case of the i4, the lower centre of gravity also enables the sedan to offer improved handling characteristics. The platform also offers a modular system for all future BMW Group BEV products, something we can expect to see in the near future.

Will the Rosslyn plant adapt production for electrification

Speaking of which, BMW South Africa has been lobbying for the local government to embrace the changing trend that will inevitably require the Rosslyn plant to start adapting for electrification in the near future after the EU had voted to ban all new ICE powered vehicle sales by 2035.

driven: electrified bmw i range to lead the charge

Image: Alex Shahini

driven: electrified bmw i range to lead the charge

Image: Alex Shahini

That is because 90% of vehicles produced at their South African plant are vehicles exported to the European market which, year-on-year, is embracing an influx of battery powered vehicles. Closer to home, the Bavarian automaker intends on 10% of their annual sales being part of the electrified BMW i range within the coming years and the new electrified BMW i range will lead the charge.

Driven reviews on each model to follow.

Photos: Alex Shahini (@alexshahini)

Keyword: DRIVEN: Electrified BMW i range to lead the charge

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