BMW has just pulled a bold move in the Australian electric vehicle market. Instead of expanding its popular i4 Gran Coupé lineup, it has done the exact opposite, consolidating the range into a single, compelling variant set to land Down Under by the end of 2025. Forget choice paralysis; the German automaker is betting everything on one highly specified model: the enhanced BMW i4 eDrive35. And honestly, after looking at the spec sheet, it’s a brilliant strategy that gives buyers exactly what they want, right out of the box.
The i4 has already proven to be a hit with Aussie drivers, racking up 3,340 registrations since its debut in early 2022. Tellingly, the eDrive35 variant, only introduced in late 2023, has accounted for a staggering 2,523 of those sales, proving it’s the undisputed sweet spot in the range. BMW has clearly been paying attention, deciding to scrap the other models and pour all its efforts into making the crowd favourite even better. It’s a move that transforms the eDrive35 from the ‘entry-level’ choice into the definitive i4 experience Downunder.
Dressed to Thrill: M Sport Now Comes Standard
The most significant and visually impactful change is the inclusion of the M Sport Package as standard equipment. Previously a costly option, this addition fundamentally changes the i4’s road presence. The package brings a variant-specific front apron, aggressive side skirts, and a purposeful rear bumper with an integrated diffuser element, giving the sleek Gran Coupé body a more authoritative and athletic stance. This is complemented by a redesigned BMW kidney grille featuring a new, intricate diamond-textured surface.
The sporty aesthetic continues with striking new headlights that incorporate vertical structures for the daytime running lights and turn signals, a design cue seen on BMW’s more recent models that gives the front end a fresh, modern look. The car rides on 18-inch M light alloy wheels as standard, but for those wanting to make a bigger statement, optional 19-inch and 20-inch designs are available.
A More Premium Cabin Experience
The upgrades extend into the cabin, where BMW has focused on enhancing the driver’s environment and overall premium feel. The first thing you’ll notice is the new flat-bottomed M leather steering wheel, complete with a sporty 12 o’clock marker, immediately signalling the car’s dynamic intentions. Driver and front passenger are now treated to heated Sport seats as standard, a welcome addition for cool morning starts. Furthermore, an electric glass sunroof, another previously optional extra, is now included across the board, bathing the cabin in natural light and adding to the sense of space.
It’s not just about looks; functionality has been improved too. A revised operating concept for the ventilation and climate controls delivers a more premium and intuitive user experience. Combined with standard features like the BMW Live Cockpit Professional, a Head-Up Display, and a 10-speaker HiFi system, the interior of the new i4 eDrive35 feels less like a base model and more like a fully-loaded executive express.
More Kilometres from Every Charge
Beyond the styling enhancements, BMW’s engineers have been busy under the skin. The updated i4 now features new silicon carbide (SiC) semiconductor components in its power electronics. In simple terms, this advanced tech makes the car’s powertrain more efficient, reducing energy consumption by an average of 4.5 per cent.
For the driver, this translates directly into more driving and less charging. The overall driving range has been boosted by 18km, now officially rated at up to 448km on the ADR 81/02 test cycle. While the core powertrain hardware remains the same—a 66.4kWh (net) battery pack powering a rear-mounted 210kW/400Nm electric motor—this efficiency gain is a significant real-world benefit. Performance remains brisk, with the 0-100km/h sprint dispatched in a swift 6.0 seconds. When it’s time to plug in, the i4 supports 180kW DC fast charging, capable of taking the battery from 10 to 80 per cent in just 32 minutes.
Tarmac’s Takeaway
BMW has streamlined its offering to deliver a feature-packed, efficient, and stylish electric Gran Coupé that is set to tighten its grip on the premium EV segment when it arrives later this year.
