The Unicorn

In a sea of SUV and crossover-shaped EVs, the new BMW i4 all-electric car takes a different route to offer us a classic three-box shape and dollops of performance in an attractively priced package. Sounds too good to be true so we had to experience it first hand

- Abhik Das

FIRST DRIVE

Talk about going on the offensive and then setting new benchmarks along the way, it’s just the memo that the boffins at BMW received while conceiving the idea of a BMW all-electric sedan, I presume. To summarise that team’s accomplishments, the new BMW i4 is the first luxury all-electric sedan in India but that’s not all, this all-electric i4 also boasts of the highest claimed range in an EV in India as well as a price that’ll possibly make your eyes open wide in awe upon hearing it rather than rolling them in annoyance of the un-affordability. Rs 69.9 lakh ex-showroom, that’s right, not a crore and 69 lakh of your hard-earned cash to drive a piece of electric tech like some of the other recent luxury offerings making it comparatively affordable. And I had to mention this at the very onset to truly appreciate this move where a well-established manufacturer is taking a bold step forward in making all the new tech, all the more accessible.

1. Even though familiar with BMW’s choice of colours, materials and styling, the i4’s cabin leans towards a minimal look and appears as premium as we’ve come to expect from the brand.

2. 12.3inch all-digital instrumentation offers customisable displays, rev counter gets replaced with active power usage while other standard driving info remains.

3. 14.9 inches of infotainment real estate is massive, offers high-quality resolution and the OS is easy to use and navigate through.

4. 17-speaker Harman Kardon audio system takes care of entertainment