BMW i4 facelift (2024 launch): What we expect

Introduced in March 2021, the BMW i4 went on sale in the U.S. in March 2022. The brand’s Tesla Model 3 rival isn’t all that old, but preparations for its facelift have already commenced, with reports claiming the mid-cycle refresh is penciled in for 2024. The new BMW i4 (facelift) could be about a year away from reaching dealers, and here’s our expectations from the renewed electric sedan that we expect to launch as the MY2025 series in the United States.

Design

As BMW’s first EV focused squarely on driving dynamics and positioned in the globally popular mid-size segment, the i4 is a pivotal model for the German automaker in its transition to electric vehicles. Early spy shots from Europe have revealed that the four-door Gran Coupe will receive subtle cosmetic changes with next year’s facelift.

Lightly camouflaged prototypes spotted in Europe have shown the new BMW i4 sporting revised slim headlights that have a familiar shape but new internals. The new daytime running lights seem to feature an inverted, L-shape, a design cue that remind us of Peugeot’s fang-like daytime running lights. These changes offer the car a more aggressive appearance compared to the current i4. The kidney grille appears completely sealed and is expected to showcase a fresh design, while the functional grille in the lower section should receive some subtle updates as well.

To spruce up the side profile, BMW may offer the restyled i4 with new wheels in 18-, 19-, and 20-inch size options. Our rendering (pictured above) previews the various expected changes at the front and on the sides of the new electric sedan.

At the rear, spy shots have indicated the use of new lights on the updated model, although their final design is yet unknown. Rumor has it that the rear lights will feature laser light technology, just like the headlights. Lastly, the color palette should include new options.

Interior

The interior of the facelifted BMW i4 may not have drastic changes. It should feature the BMW Curved Display (including a 12.3-inch driver information display and a 14.9-inch control display) running on the BMW Operating System 9. The new BMW iDrive operating system is based on Android Open Source Project (AOSP) software, not on Linux like the current model’s BMW Operating System 8.5.

The updated BMW iDrive system offers a newly designed home screen, which, along with the carried-over QuickSelect functionality, makes its menu structure similar to consumer electronics devices like smartphones and tablets. Thus, expect an easier and less distractive operation with fewer and quicker inputs. Also expect more essential built-in apps, shorter function update cycles, and enhanced access to BMW ConnectedDrive online services.

In addition to improved electronics, we’re expecting the new BMW i4 to have trim, upholstery, and material revisions.

Specifications

The restyled BMW i4 should continue in eDrive35, eDrive40, xDrive40, and M50 variants, just like the outgoing model.

The eDrive35 and eDrive40 are single-motor RWD variants with 282 hp/295 lb.-ft. and 335 hp/317 lb.-ft. powertrains, respectively. The xDrive40 and M50 variants are dual-motor AWD variants sporting 396 hp/443 lb.-ft. and 536 hp/586 lb.-ft. powertrains, respectively. It’s likely that some of these would come with improved performance in the new i4 range.

The eDrive35 variant should have the familiar 67 kWh battery pack that can accept charging at up to 180 kW and the remaining variants should retain the 81.1 kWh battery pack that supports charging at up to 200 kW. Both units may have a 10-80% DC fast-charging time of approximately 30 minutes. As for AC charging, the peak input could be double that of the outgoing model – 22 kW, leading to a reduced time of around 4 hours. While the current i4 can travel up to 301 miles on a full charge, the new model may have a maximum range of around 315 miles.

Price & Release Date

For the U.S. market, we’re anticipating that the restyled electric sedan will be released as the 2025 BMW i4 during the second half of next year. It will compete with the updated versions of the Polestar 2 and the Tesla Model 3 as well as the upcoming Mercedes CLA Electric, which is expected to debut in late 2024. Prices could start at around USD 53,000.

TopElectricSUV says

With a refreshed design, more intuitive electronics, new colors and materials, and minor enhancements in performance and efficiency, the 2025 BMW i4 should be a decent overall update over the outgoing car. Although the individual changes may not be drastic, when combined, they are expected to result in an appealing high-quality, true luxury option as an alternative to the refreshed Tesla Model 3.

New BMW i4 FAQs

Featured Image: TopElectricSUV’s rendering of the new BMW i4 (2024 release)