Following the recent sales success of the fully electric i4, BMW New Zealand has announced it will introduce the eDrive35 variant as the model’s new entry point later this year.
Pricing for the incoming model is set at $98,900 excluding on-road costs, just over $16k less than the eDrive40.
A lower price means there’s a slight hit to performance, but not by much, with the new entry-level variant producing 210kW and 400Nm of torque from its single rear-mounted electric motor. When it comes to acceleration, the i4 eDrive 35 can reach 100km/h from a standstill in six seconds.
A smaller 66kWh battery features on the model, enabling a maximum driving range of 490km. Charging comes from either AC or DC at up to 11kW and 180kW respectively.
Kiwi customers of any fully electric BMW, including the i4, will receive a free ChargeNow membership as well as a 10 per cent discount on all of the service’s charging stations across New Zealand for the first 24 months. A free wallbox is also included with any purchase of the brand’s EVs.
The i4 eDrive 35 features a host of standard options, such as 18-inch light-alloy wheels, ambient lighting, seat heaters, an automatic opening boot, a digital dashboard and more.
As for standard safety equipment and driver assists, there’s active cruise control, a driving assistant, parking assist, and high-beam assist among other features.
A choice of two no-cost option colours are available, alongside four metallic finishes that each add $1690 to the final price if selected. Both black and cognac interior upholstery options come at no extra cost.
Local deliveries of the BMW i4 eDrive35 are expected in the fourth quarter of 2023.