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However, until now, the iX3 launch failed to make too many waves, with the BEV X3 version SUV resulting in a disappointing offer in almost every respect. Next up in BMW’s electric plans is the i4 sedan, the battery-powered version of the brand’s 4 Series model that should be a direct competitor to both the Tesla Model 3 and the Porsche Taycan.
In news that is sure to lift your spirits a bit, we now learn that an M version of the next model is much closer than anyone thought. Markus Flasch, CEO of BMW M, revealed the i4 M schedule during a discussion with Australian media ahead of yesterday’s launch of the M3 and M4.
However, don’t get your hopes up too much. According to carsales.com.au, Flasch was quick to add that the 2021 BMW i4 M would only be a “high-performance car” and not a “high-performance car.” In other words, if you think about the difference between the BMW M340i and the full-fledged M3, this i4 M would be the equivalent of the former, and therefore carry the nickname of Performance.
Judging from Flash’s position, it seems that BMW M is mirroring Ferrari’s position of stating that battery technology is not yet advanced enough to equip its vehicles without a major dent in its spirit. He doesn’t rule out the idea of a full battery-powered Model M, he just says we’ll have to wait a bit longer for that to happen.
The CEO of BMW M seems to think that the weight of a BEV would seriously hamper the handling of such a car, despite the fact that both the Porsche Taycan and Tesla Model 3 have proven to be more than just a sporting rival. ICE vehicles around a track.
But even if we won’t have complete M cars with electric powertrains any time soon, Markus Flasch confirmed once again that hybrid powertrains are expected, though he didn’t mention any particular models.
Little by little, electric power is making its way onto BMW’s lineup of high-performance vehicles, with the first of these apparently set to launch sometime next year. The specs of the i4 M Performance remain a mystery, but judging by everything the BMW M CEO said, we should expect something similar but inferior to those of the recently introduced M3 and M4.
