2026 BMW i4 Refreshed with Improved Efficiency and Powerful M60 Version

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BMW will launch a refreshed version of the i4 electric sedan during 2026 despite keeping most elements unchanged. The i4 electric sedan will receive updates for 2026 to enhance its competitive position in the expanding EV market through a stronger top-level variant and better efficiency along with extended driving range.

Increasing Efficiency with a New Inverter

Increasing Efficiency with a New Inverter

The 2026 BMW i4 will receive a substantial upgrade in its inverter system by implementing new silicon-carbide semiconductor technology. The modifications made to the inverter system lead to an energy efficiency increase of approximately 5 percent even though this improvement remains unnoticeable to most drivers.
BMW claims this results in up to 14 additional miles of range from a full charge, depending on trim and wheel configuration.
The increase in range doesn’t come from a larger battery or more advanced motor, but rather from making the existing system smarter and more efficient. It’s a clear example of how small hardware changes can have a noticeable impact on electric vehicle performance.

Estimated Range Gains

Although official EPA estimates for the 2026 model haven’t been released yet, the current figures provide a good starting point:

i4 eDrive40 (RWD): 301 miles
i4 xDrive40 (AWD): 307 miles (on 18″ or 19″ wheels)
i4 M50 (AWD): 245 miles

With the new inverter in place, expected range gains could push those numbers slightly higher:

eDrive40: ~315 miles
xDrive40: ~322 miles
M60 (replacing M50): ~257–260 miles

Actual driving range may fluctuate depending on the specific trim level, wheel setup, terrain, and how the vehicle is driven.

M50 Becomes M60 – With More Power

Another major update is happening at the top of the lineup. BMW is introducing the i4 M60 as the successor to the outgoing M50 model. While the new M60 maintains the same general role in the lineup — a high-performance, dual-motor version of the i4 — it brings more muscle to the table.
BMW ups the performance game in the M60, offering 592 horsepower — a jump of 56 hp from the earlier M50 model. BMW has confirmed this full power will be accessible in Sport mode, delivering improved acceleration and responsiveness. With this boost, the M60 is expected to be one of the most powerful vehicles in its class, though 0–60 mph times have not yet been confirmed.

Timeline and Production

While these updates will begin rolling out in Europe during the summer of 2025, production for the U.S. market launch is planned for the last three months of 2025. As a result, the updated i4 will arrive in North America as a 2026 model year vehicle.
BMW has yet to reveal how much the updated i4 models will cost. Those numbers, along with finalized EPA range ratings, are expected to be announced closer to the official launch date.

A Final Update Before Neue Klasse

BMW’s i4 update comes at an interesting moment. The company is preparing to launch a brand-new generation of electric vehicles based on its Neue Klasse platform, which will debut with the next i3. That new architecture promises big changes in EV design, technology, and efficiency.
But before that shift happens, BMW is making sure its current EV offerings stay competitive. By refining existing hardware like the inverter and offering more performance at the top end, the 2026 i4 remains a compelling option in the electric sedan space.

Conclusion

BMW’s 2026 i4 receives meaningful upgrades while maintaining its original design. BMW demonstrates its commitment to advancing its electric vehicle lineup through the improved efficiency and performance capabilities of the i4 M60 which precedes a major platform transition. The future i4 model presents a compelling option to buyers who want to own an electric sedan that combines high performance with luxurious features and generous driving range when the official specifications and prices become known.