BMW to Launch Upgraded i4 Models with Improved Efficiency and New M60 Variant in Summer 2025

BMW announced a series of upgrades to its electric vehicle lineup for summer 2025, focusing primarily on the i4 model range. The update includes efficiency improvements for two rear-wheel drive variants and introduces a more powerful top-tier i4 M60 xDrive variant.

Starting July 2025, the i4 eDrive35 and eDrive40 models will feature new power electronics, switching their inverters from traditional silicon semiconductors to silicon carbide (SiC) components. BMW said the SiC inverter is more efficient, leading to approximately 4.5% reduced energy consumption, which translates to up to 22 kilometres of additional driving range depending on the vehicle’s configuration.

BMW’s communication on the new range noted a WLTP range of 428 kilometres for the i4 eDrive35 and 510 kilometres for the eDrive40. However, these figures apply to the configurations with the highest consumption. For example, the eDrive40’s range improves from 493 kilometres to 510 kilometres with the upgrade, though BMW did not specify how this affects the previously advertised maximum range of 590 kilometres for the most efficient versions. The all-wheel drive i4 xDrive40 variant introduced in 2024 is not mentioned as benefiting from the new SiC technology.

The refreshed lineup will also include the new i4 M60 xDrive, replacing the i4 M50 xDrive. The new M60 model offers an increase in system power to 442 kW, up 42 kW from its predecessor, with a sprint from zero to 100 kph in 3.7 seconds, two-tenths of a second faster than the former M50. The electronically limited top speed remains at 225 kph, while WLTP range reaches up to 551 kilometres under economical driving conditions. Pricing starts at 72,900 euros, an 800-euro increase compared to the previous top model.

Details on the M60’s design and additional features remain limited, with BMW yet to release official images. According to the company website, the dual-motor all-wheel drive system produces a combined torque of 795 Nm and supports charging power up to 205 kW.

BMW has also extended a voluntary worldwide warranty for high-voltage batteries in all-electric BMW vehicles—both new and used—effective since April 1. The warranty covers vehicles up to eight years old or 160,000 kilometres, guaranteeing battery capacity will not fall below 70%. Should the capacity degrade beyond this threshold during the warranty period, BMW will repair or replace the battery free of charge.

In addition to the i4 updates, BMW will offer a new exterior paint option for its large iX SUV: the ‘BMW Individual Frozen Pure Grey metallic’ finish, available as part of the optional range from summer 2025.

“Our inverter will switch from pure silicon semiconductors to silicon carbide components, which works much more efficiently and ensures fewer losses,” BMW said, highlighting the efficiency improvements brought by the new technology.