BMW has just dropped some exciting news that’s got car enthusiasts buzzing. The German luxury automaker is bringing serious upgrades to their popular i4 electric sedan for 2026. This isn’t just a minor refresh – we’re talking about real performance improvements and better range that could change the game.
The 2026 BMW i4 lineup gets a powerful new flagship and meaningful efficiency gains. It’s clear that BMW isn’t slowing down in the electric vehicle race.
Meet the New Flagship: i4 M60 xDrive
Raw Power That Impresses
The crown jewel of this update is undoubtedly the new i4 M60 xDrive. This beast replaces the outgoing M50 as the range-topper, and boy, does it pack a punch. BMW engineers have managed to squeeze out an extra 42kW of power, bringing the total output to a staggering 442kW.
That’s not just numbers on paper either. The real-world impact means this electric sedan can sprint from 0-100km/h in just 3.7 seconds. That’s 0.2 seconds faster than the previous model – enough to leave most sports cars in the dust.
Dual-Motor Excellence
The M60 uses BMW’s refined dual-motor all-wheel drive system. This setup doesn’t just deliver raw speed; it provides incredible traction and control in all conditions. Whether you’re navigating city streets or hitting the highway, the power delivery feels smooth and confident.
The engineering team has clearly spent time perfecting the balance between performance and drivability. You get supercar acceleration without sacrificing the comfort BMW is known for.
Range Improvements That Matter
Silicon Carbide Technology Makes the Difference
BMW didn’t just focus on power; they’ve made significant strides in efficiency improvements too. The secret weapon here is silicon carbide semiconductor technology in the inverter system. This might sound technical, but the results are practical and impressive.
This new technology delivers a 4.5% reduction in energy consumption across the range. That might not sound like much, but in the real world, it translates to meaningful improvements in driving range.
Entry-Level eDrive35 Gets Better
The BMW i4 eDrive35, which happens to be Australia’s most popular variant, sees its range jump from 406km to 428km(WLTP). That’s an extra 22 kilometers of worry-free driving on a single charge. For daily commuting, this improvement eliminates range anxiety for even more drivers.
The eDrive35 continues to use its 70.2kWh battery pack and produces a healthy 210kW of power. It strikes the perfect balance between performance and efficiency.
eDrive40 Extends Even Further
If you need more range, the i4 eDrive40 now offers 510km of WLTP range, up from the previous 491km. This makes it one of the longest-range electric sedans in its class. Road trips become much more feasible when you can cover over 500 kilometers between charging stops.
The improvements show BMW’s commitment to making electric driving practical for everyone. Range anxiety becomes less of an issue with each generation.
Australian Market Success Story
Sales Numbers That Speak Volumes
The i4 has become BMW’s best-selling electric vehicle in Australia during 2024. This success story shows that Aussie drivers are ready for premium electric mobility. The i4 even outsold the entire Mercedes-Benz C-Class lineup last year.
BMW Australia reported a modest 0.6% sales increase in 2024, but the real story lies in their electric vehicle performance. EV sales jumped by an incredible 160.4% year-on-year.
Premium Brand Leadership
This electric vehicle success helped BMW become Australia’s top-selling premium automotive brand for the first time in 11 years. Meanwhile, competitors like Mercedes-Benz saw sales drop 17.8%, and Audi fell 19.5%. The market is clearly shifting toward brands that offer compelling electric options.
BMW now ranks as the fourth-biggest seller of electric cars in Australia, trailing only Tesla, BYD, and MG.
Technical Innovations Under the Hood
Battery Technology Advances
The 2026 i4 benefits from BMW’s latest battery management systems. These improvements contribute to the extended range while maintaining the reliable performance BMW customers expect. The battery chemistry has been refined to deliver more consistent power delivery across different temperature conditions.
Charging technology remains competitive, with fast-charging capabilities that can add significant range in short stops. This makes the i4 practical for both daily use and longer journeys.
Inverter Efficiency Gains
The silicon carbide semiconductors represent a significant technical advancement. These components operate more efficiently than traditional silicon, reducing energy losses during power conversion. Less energy waste means more kilometers from each charge.
This technology also generates less heat, which improves overall system reliability and longevity. BMW owners can expect consistent performance over many years of ownership.
Market Positioning and Competition
Luxury Electric Sedan Landscape
The i4 M60 positions BMW squarely against high-performance electric sedans from Tesla, Genesis, and other premium brands. With 442kW of power, it’s competitive with the most powerful options in the segment. The combination of luxury, performance, and practicality makes it appealing to a broad range of buyers.
BMW’s approach differs from some competitors by maintaining a focus on driving dynamics and comfort. The i4 feels like a traditional BMW sedan that happens to be electric.
Pricing Strategy Impact
The eDrive35 variant remains below the Luxury Car Tax threshold, making it accessible to more Australian buyers. This strategic pricing helped drive the strong sales performance in 2024. BMW understands that competitive pricing is crucial for electric vehicle adoption.
The availability of different trim levels means buyers can choose the performance and range combination that suits their needs and budget.
Production Timeline and Availability
Manufacturing Schedule
Production of the updated i4 lineup begins in July 2025. This timing suggests Australian deliveries could start in late 2025 or early 2026. BMW hasn’t confirmed specific timing for the Australian market yet.
A BMW Australia spokesperson mentioned that updates for the local i4 lineup will be “announced in due course.” This suggests the company is carefully planning the introduction to maximize market impact.
Global Rollout Strategy
BMW typically introduces updates in European markets first, followed by other regions. The Australian market has proven receptive to the i4, so local availability of the enhanced models seems likely. The strong sales performance gives BMW Australia good reason to prioritize these updates.
Dealers are likely preparing for increased demand when the new models arrive. The combination of more power and better range should appeal to both existing BMW customers and electric vehicle newcomers.
Future Electric Strategy
Balanced Approach to Electrification
Unlike some competitors, BMW won’t pursue an EV-only strategy globally. The company believes in offering customers choice, including hybrid and traditional powertrains where appropriate. This balanced approach reflects real-world market conditions and customer preferences.
BMW Australia is even considering the local release of a diesel-powered mild-hybrid X3. This shows the company’s commitment to providing the right powertrain for each market and use case.
Performance Heritage Continues
BMW recently revealed the limited-edition Speedtop, powered by a 460kW/750Nm 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8. This demonstrates that performance remains central to BMW’s identity, whether in electric or traditional vehicles. The i4 M60 continues this performance tradition in electric form.
The company’s approach suggests that electric vehicles and performance cars can coexist, each serving different customer needs and preferences.
Short FAQs
When will the 2026 BMW i4 M60 be available? Production starts in July 2025, with potential Australian availability in late 2025 or early 2026.
How much power does the new i4 M60 produce? The M60 generates 442kW, which is 42kW more than the previous M50 model.
What’s the acceleration time for the i4 M60? It accelerates from 0-100km/h in 3.7 seconds, which is 0.2 seconds faster than before.
How much range does the entry-level i4 eDrive35 offer? The eDrive35 now provides 428km of WLTP range, up from the previous 406km.
What technology improves the i4’s efficiency? Silicon carbide semiconductors in the inverter system reduce energy consumption by 4.5%.
Will BMW focus only on electric vehicles? No, BMW maintains a balanced approach, offering electric, hybrid, and traditional powertrains.
How successful is the i4 in Australia? The i4 is BMW’s best-selling EV in Australia and helped make BMW the top premium brand in 2024.
What’s the range of the i4 eDrive40? The eDrive40 now offers 510km of WLTP range, increased from 491km.
Does the i4 compete well with other luxury EVs? Yes, the i4 M60’s 442kW output makes it competitive with high-performance electric sedans.
Is the i4 eDrive35 still below the Luxury Car Tax threshold? Yes, this strategic pricing helped drive strong sales in the Australian market.