BMW plans new i4 and 7-series electric models for the fall AllNews.com

In a move to match its competition, BMW is expanding its electrified offering for the 2024 model year with two new 7 Series electric cars and a new four-wheel drive variant of the i4.

The Bavarians also announced that they will be introducing yet another refined version of the iDrive software, called BMW Operating System 8.5, in select models, which would simplify access to certain widgets and features.

Pointing first to the i4 range, it will be expanded with a new all-wheel drive variant, the 2024 i4 xDrive40. Placed below the 536 horsepower i4 M50, the i4 xDrive40’s dual electric motors produce a total of 396 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque. The zero-to-60 time is estimated at 4.9 seconds, and the range of the lithium-ion batteries is expected to be between 450 and 500 km, depending on the tires. Pricing starts at $61,600 plus $995 destination, with US deliveries expected in the third quarter.

Moving up the ladder in series talk is the i7 eDrive50 with one engine and rear-wheel drive. A single GEN5 engine powers the rear axle with 449 horsepower. BMW is also adding an all-wheel drive option for the 375 horsepower BMW 740i, starting production in July.

Next arrives the 2024 750e xDrive, combining a 308 horsepower TwinPower Turbo 3.0-liter six-cylinder internal combustion engine with a 194 horsepower GEN5 electric motor mounted in the transmission. The result is a maximum system horsepower of 483 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. Range electric only: 35 miles.

Base prices for the 7 Series: $107,000 plus $995 destination for the 750e and $105,700 plus $995 for the eDrive50 when it goes on sale in the fall. Range and performance figures will be released closer to market launch.

Finally, the 375 hp BMW 740i will be available with xDrive from production in July. The added traction of intelligent all-wheel drive reduces the 0-60 time from 5.1 seconds to 4.9. It will have a base price of $99,400 plus $995 also in Q3 2023.

Returning to the new operating system, the so-called QuickSelect functionality makes it possible to directly select entertainment programmes, contact lists and vehicle settings, initiate interaction with the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant or activate other menu options, all by touch. As explained in a press release, “once the relevant settings have been chosen, a quick tap on the home icon at the bottom of the screen is enough to return to the home screen. In addition to the Home symbol, there are now also the symbols for direct access to the climate control menu, the All Apps menu, Navigation and Media, Communication, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.”

From production in July, BMW Operating System 8.5 will be introduced in BMW iX models, BMW i4 models and BMW 7 Series models. The new system will be fitted to the BMW X5 and X6 models in August.