While the world at large is in a holding pattern as the COVID-19 virus is taking center stage in every area of our lives, we have ample time to consider the vehicles that debuted in spite of the cancellation of the Geneva Motor Show. One of these is the new BMW i4 Concept, a new sedan/crossover/coupe from the Bavarian automaker that was released via a live streaming event recently.

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i of the Beholder

Via Motor1

The i4 Concept is designed to take on Tesla Model 3, albeit in BMW’s own ubiquitous “Gran Coupe” 4-door fastback format. Due to enter production next year as the BMW Group's first premium midsize class all-electric model, the production i4 will have a 530-hp electric motor and an 80.0-kWh battery pack.

BMW claims that the i4 will boast a driving range of 372 miles as well as a full complement of high-tech equipment when it goes on sale sometime in 2021. But BMW’s swoopy sedan/coupe with the big grille is not the company’s only upcoming exciting electric offering - that role is left for the innovative new iNext (AKA iX)

Next Crossover

Via BMW

BMW’s flagship electric SUV/crossover promises cutting-edge electric and self-driving features, and BMW itself calls it the “next generation electric car”. The exterior shape does not look revolutionary, but does have a certain understated boldness, according to spy photos and BMW’s own videos showing the camouflaged vehicle going hot weather testing in Africa. What is inescapable, however, is that gargantuan bucktooth BMW grille, a feature that has become de rigueur in almost all upcoming vehicles from the automaker.

Beyond the styling, this crossover is chock full of technology including 5G connectivity and the Level 3 autonomous driving capabilities. This means it will be able to handle steering, acceleration, and braking duties under certain circumstances on its own. Also, BMW’s 5th generation eDrive system is on offer here, producing 530 horsepower in its mightiest guise and a range of close to 400 miles on a single charge. What’s more, the battery is capable of being charged up to 80 percent within 35 minutes. A spy shot of a test mule’s interior shows us a novel set up for BMW with a driver-oriented cockpit highlighted by a large curved display and a polygonal steering wheel.

Electric Grille

Via BMW

These are exciting times for BMW, and although the global health concerns have put a damper on the auto industry’s outlook for the near future, products like the iNext help us dream of brighter days in these dark times. We look forward to seeing how well this next-gen electric car will fare once it’s unleashed upon our highways.

Sources: Carscoops, Car and Driver

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