BMW has announced a series of model upgrades for summer 2025. In terms of electric cars, this includes the i4, where not only the two rear-wheel drive models become more efficient, but a more powerful top-of-the-range model will also be added to the range.
The two variants, i4 eDrive35 and i4 eDrive40, will be equipped with new power electronics from July 2025. The inverter will switch from pure silicon semiconductors to silicon carbide components. The latest SiC inverter works much more efficiently. It ensures fewer losses (and therefore lower cooling requirements) when converting the direct current from the battery into alternating current for the electric motor.
Lower consumption, more power for the top model
According to BMW, this should reduce the vehicle’s consumption by around 4.5%. Depending on the model and equipment in the individually configured vehicle, this results in up to 22 kilometers more range.
According to WLTP, 428 kilometres of range are now stated for the 35 Series, and 510 kilometres for the 40 Series. However, these values are for the equipment with the highest WLTP consumption. The i4 xDrive40 all-wheel drive model launched in 2024 will probably not benefit from the new SiC semiconductors, as BMW makes no mention of this variant.
The BMW i4 M60 xDrive will also be available from July as the new top model in the series. It replaces the i4 M50 xDrive and offers a 42 kW increase in system output to 442 kW compared to its predecessor. With 3.7 seconds for the standard sprint from standstill to 100 kph, the new 60 is said to be two tenths of a second faster than the previous i4 M50 xDrive. The top speed (electronically limited) is 225 kph.
The BMW website also states that the charging power is up to 205 kW. If you don’t push too much but rather drive economically, a range of up to 551 kilometers according to WLTP should be possible with the new top model. At 72,900 euros (in Germany), the new 60 has become exactly 800 euros more expensive. Prices for other countries will follow.
Warranty upgrade
A voluntary warranty for the high-voltage batteries in all-electric BMW models (new and used) has been in force worldwide since 1 April. The new regulation applies to vehicles up to eight years old or with a maximum mileage of 160,000 kilometers. If the capacity of the high-voltage battery falls below 70% during the warranty period, BMW will remedy the excessive loss of capacity at no additional charge to the customer.
