Go Unlimited with Magzter GOLD

Go Unlimited with Magzter GOLD

Get unlimited access to 10,000+ magazines, newspapers and Premium stories for just

$149.99
 
$74.99/Year

Try GOLD - Free

Refreshed i4 drives like a BMW should

The Straits Times

|

December 07, 2024

The technology underpinning the electric vehicle is still robust, but not at the cutting edge

- Lee Nian Tjoe

Refreshed i4 drives like a BMW should

It may be called a different name, but the BMW i4 is basically the electric vehicle (EV) version of the 4-series Gran Coupe.

So rapid is the development of EV technology that the core architecture underpinning the i4 that made its debut in 2022 is due to be replaced by an entirely new one.

BMW's next-generation EV platform will debut in the new BMW iX3 in 2025, before finding its way across the German carmaker's line-up of EVs. Expect cars based on the new architecture to charge faster and go farther.

An all-new i4 is not expected in the next few years. So, to update the compact executive saloon, BMW gave it the slightest of design changes - there is fresh detailing to the exterior lights and the air-conditioning vents in the cabin look a bit different.

The infotainment system retains the tactile rotary dial and buttons on the centre console and it works in tandem with the touchscreen, which is a good thing.

MORE STORIES FROM The Straits Times

The Straits Times

Repetitive dullness snuffs out A House Of Dynamite

Despite a star-studded cast, including Rebecca Ferguson and Idris Elba, the political thriller flops as the suspense fizzles out

time to read

2 mins

October 30, 2025

The Straits Times

India in 'wait-and-watch' mode on US sanctions against Russian crude

India, one of Moscow’s largest oil purchasers, is starting to suspend some of its oil imports from Russia to mollify US President Donald Trump while it works on renegotiating a trade deal with the US.

time to read

4 mins

October 30, 2025

The Straits Times

More support for Al start-ups to scale faster under new partnership

It is part of plan to forge tie-ups that take ideas from S'pore to the world: DPM Gan

time to read

4 mins

October 30, 2025

The Straits Times

Cruise centre Higher capacity after facelift

Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore has just undergone a $40 million facelift, boosting the facility’s capacity from 6,800 to 11,700 passengers.

time to read

1 min

October 30, 2025

The Straits Times

The Straits Times

A fading Europe struggles to be heard in new world order

On matters of economics as well as war and peace, the EU's attributes no longer serve it well in the hardball politics of today.

time to read

7 mins

October 30, 2025

The Straits Times

Vietnam steps up reclamation work on Da Nam reef in South China Sea

Beijing's measured response to Hanoi's efforts is strategic, says analyst

time to read

5 mins

October 30, 2025

The Straits Times

ALFAISALEYAH SHOULD BE PEAKING THIS TIME AROUND

Speedy five-time winner has twice won over this course and trip, fitter after three starts

time to read

3 mins

October 30, 2025

The Straits Times

What needs to be done before Singapore can make a decision on nuclear energy

Closely assessing nuclear technology, developing sound policies and raising the level of public understanding are key things that Singapore has to get right before it can make a decision on going nuclear, said the director of a new nuclear energy office in the Republic on Oct 29.

time to read

4 mins

October 30, 2025

The Straits Times

Last-start winner Max The Magician to double up

Oct 30 South Africa (Turffontein) preview

time to read

3 mins

October 30, 2025

The Straits Times

The Straits Times

More food reaches Gaza, but many cannot afford it

Hundreds of trucks enter the Gaza Strip daily now. Some carry aid from international organisations. Others bring donations from foreign governments.

time to read

4 mins

October 30, 2025

Listen

Translate

Share

-
+

Change font size