Priced at P 4,490,000, it’s P 500,000 less than its SUV derivative, the BMW iX3 M Sport.

Embodying the brand’s “Sheer Driving Pleasure” but re-engineered for the electric age, the BMW i4 locally comes in the i4 eDrive35 guise. This means packing the fifth-generation eDrive technology producing 286 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque. The 70.2-kWh battery is enough to deliver up to 483 kilometers on a single charge.

Riding on a flexible vehicle architecture shared with the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe, it actually has a lower center of gravity than a BMW 3 Series, while its optimized aerodynamics with just 0.24 co-efficient of drag, long wheelbase, and wide tracks provide the perfect recipe for agility and comfort.

While the general design execution is close to that of the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe (including the frameless doors and tailgate), the BMW i4 does send out its own unique flair courtesy of the BMW i Blue accents found around the exterior, including in the largely blanked off kidney grille. Standard features include 19-inch aerodynamic wheels with mixed tires, automatic LED headlights, front and rear park distance sensors, a rearview camera, automatic tailgate, and rain-sensing wipers.

The interior is a mix of the traditional and the high-tech. The BMW Operating System 8.5 with BMW Live Cockpit Plus is present with a clear focus on touchscreen functionality. The BMW Curved Display integrates the 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster with the 14.9-inch control display behind a glass surface angled towards the driver. Smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard and so is a 12-speaker BMW HiFi system. Occupants are treated to Sensatec perforated upholstery, “Mesheffect” aluminum trim finishers, and an anthracite-colored M headliner. The driver gets electric seats with memory, a sports leather steering wheel, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.

The BMW i4 eDrive35 comes in three colors: Alpine White, Black Sapphire, and Skyscraper Gray. It has a standard with a 5-year or 200,000-kilometer comprehensive warranty, free service for six years, an 8-year electric battery warranty, and a free BMW Wallbox Charger that delivers 7 kWh power output.

THE BMW i4 eDrive35 is on display at the Karrera Showroom in Alabang from January 19 (3 PM onwards) to January 20 to 21 (9 AM onwards).