[Auto] BMW working on all-electric M-performance car based on upcoming i4

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BMW is no stranger to electric cars. But an M-badged EV from the German brand will be something completely new.

BMW only recently confirmed the development of the electric car but there are no details yet. There are speculations though that the EV will be based on the upcoming i4 electric car, making this the i4 M.

The i4 is yet to be unveiled, but there are some details about the electric car. Also, the i4 M is not expected to be a full-fledged M-performance car, but rather an ‘M-Lite’, much like the M340i.

What we do know is the i4 will rival the likes of the Tesla Model 3. The company has confirmed that the i4 is likely to receive a 530hp powertrain capable of propelling the car from standstill to 100 km/h in about 4 seconds. This does make the Model 3 faster in the sprint department, but with a range of 595 km on a single charge rivals the Tesla in its Long Range guise fairly well. The Model 3 Performance, however, will probably go up against the M badged variant of the i4.

This part is more speculation, but according to Autocar UK, BMW is also in the process of developing an M-badged variant of the iX electric SUV. We will have to wait for more details on that.

In India, BMW just recently launched the 3 Series Gran Coupe, and the 5 Series and 6 Series GT are on the cards for later this year. For now, expect the i4 M to debut this year.

Mercedes-Benz India’s first locally assembled AMG, the GLC 43 Coupe, is all ready to launch on November 3, thereby completing the GLC lineup in India.

The SUV gets a few updates over its predecessor and even the current gen standard GLC SUVs. In terms of design, the Coupe gets a vertically slated panamericana grille, 19-inch AMG rims, and AMG front bumper as well as a more aggressive looking rear bumper and diffuser.

Powering the GLC 43 Coupe will be the same 3-litre twin-turbo V6 from the pre-facelift GLC 43. This however, now makes 390 PS, that is 23 PS more than the previous version. Torque remains unchanged at 520 Nm. Transmission is handled by a 9- speed TCT gearbox paired with the 4Matic AWD system. 0-100 km/h sprint time is recorded at 4.9 seconds with a top speed of 250 km/h.

On the inside, there are subtle changes as well. The AMG seats are more supportive, the AMG steering wheel gets a suede trim and the interior is a leather and suede finish with red highlights and stitching. It also gets 10.25-inch infotainment system with the latest MBUX software and a 12.5-inch instrument cluster with three different display styles.

The Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 Coupe is the first AMG model from Mercedes to be built in India at the company’s Chakan plant. Pricing should be in the range of Rs 75-80 lakh (ex-showroom).