BMW South Africa has quietly launched an entry-level version of its i4. Here’s how much the i4 eDrive35 M Sport – for now the least expensive fully electric BMW offered in SA – costs…

The BMW i4 has been on the market in South Africa since mid-2022, though just a single derivative – an M Performance variant called the i4 M50 – has been available locally. Now, that’s changed with the introduction of a new entry-level version called the i4 eDrive35.

Available exclusively in M Sport trim, the rear-wheel-drive i4 eDrive35 arrives as the least expensive fully electric BMW in the local range (until the launch of the new iX1, we suspect). Big thanks to our eagle-eyed friends over at duoporta.com for alerting us to the new variant’s stealthy arrival.

So, how much does this version of the Munich-based firm’s electric gran coupé cost? Well, the i4 eDrive35 M Sport starts at R1293300, which makes it R352900 less expensive than the 400 kW i4 M50 (which, incidentally, was the M division’s best-selling model globally in 2022). That starting price furthermore sees the newcomer slot in just below the iX3 M Sport, which kicks off at R1 306400.

The i4 eDrive35’s base price is actually listed as R1 285000, but the BMW SA configurator forces the selection of the R8300 Parking Assist Plus package.

The i4 eDrive35 features a rear-wheel-drive configuration.

So, what’s there to know about the new model’s powertrain? Well, like the i4 M50 (and indeed the i4 eDrive40 that is not available locally), the i4 eDrive35 employs BMW’s 5th-generation eDrive technology. Here, the rear axle is powered by an integrated electric motor generating 210 kW and 400 Nm, allowing a 0-100 kph sprint in a claimed 6.0 seconds and a top speed of 190 kph. The lithium-ion battery pack has a net capacity of 67 kWh, translating to a claimed range of up to 483 km (for the record, that’s 18 km more than the all-paw i4 M50).

Produced at BMW Group’s plant in Munich, the i4 eDrive35’s list of standard features includes items such as bi-tone 18-inch M aerodynamic alloy wheels, tyre-pressure monitoring, a Leather “Vernasca” Black interior (with decorative stitching), high-beam assist, BMW Live Cockpit Plus and the widescreen display.

The list of options, meanwhile, includes larger wheels (up to 20 inches in diameter, for R25700), various paint finishes (up to R52800) and special interior trim finishes (up to R13600). There’s also the M Sport Package Pro (R24500), the Deluxe Package 2.0 (R37700, which includes a glass sunroof and uprated audio system) and the M Carbon Exterior Package (R83600).

How much does the BMW i4 eDrive35 M Sport cost in SA?

BMW i4 eDrive35 M Sport – R1 293300

The purchase price includes a 2-year/unlimited kilometre vehicle warranty, an 8-year/100 000 km battery warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.

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