Now that the Tesla Model 3 is here, there are quite a few comparisons between it and the BMW 3 Series, in some form or another. However, it’s not going to be the 3 Series that will take on the Model 3. Instead, it’s likely going to be an all-new, all-electric car from the Bavarians to take on Silicon Valley’s EV darling — the BMW i4. The upcoming i4 will be an all-electric sedan with a Gran Coupe-ish body style and it’s currently under development. Some sneaky photographers have also captured the BEV Bimmer doing some testing on the open road. (We don’t own the spy photos but check them out here)
Seen here in these new spy photos, we see what is clearly the upcoming BMW i4 doing some road testing in heavy camouflage. What’s interesting is that it looks very much like a normal sedan from what we can tell. It’s not radical in its styling or its shape. If anything, it could actually be mistaken for the next-gen BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe. If it weren’t for the “Electric Test Vehicle” badges on it and lack of exhaust pipes, we’d think it were the 4er.
That’s either a good thing or a bad thing, depending on your views. A lot of customers want their EVs to be funky looking and feel futuristic, as Teslas do and the BMW i3 does. Though, some customers want their EVs to look like normal cars; they don’t want to be showy or flashy about owning something electric. The BMW i4 is clearly for the latter.
Though, it does look quite good. Its profile is handsome and it looks surprisingly sporty. It’s a bit tall, especially toward the C-pillar, but this is likely to accommodate rear passengers better. Sadly, it looks as if the 4 Series Gran Coupe’s rear hatch won’t be making it to the i4, which is a bit disappointing. Still, this is a cool looking car and we can’t wait to see what actually becomes of it in the future.
[Source: Motor1]
