SHERIDAN, WYOMING – November 11, 2025 – SHERIDAN, WYOMING - November 11, 2025 - SHERIDAN, WYOMING - November 10, 2025 - SHERIDAN, WYOMING - November 10, 2025 - BMW is charging into 2026 with smarter power, longer range, and more excitement behind the wheel. The latest update to the BMW i4 lineup brings not just incremental improvements, but a meaningful evolution of efficiency and performance - led by the newly named BMW i4 M60, a model that embodies the next level of electric driving confidence and M performance DNA.
A leap forward in everyday electric range
The 2026 BMW i4 eDrive40 now crosses the coveted 300-mile mark with ease, regardless of wheel or tire choice. The secret lies in silicon carbide (SiC) inverters, the same advanced technology recently introduced in BMW's i5 range. These components allow energy to flow more efficiently between the high-voltage battery and the motors, delivering better performance while reducing heat and energy loss.
In simple terms: less waste, more drive time. The result is up to 333 miles of range on 18-inch wheels and 307 miles on 19-inch wheels - roughly a 15-mile improvement over the 2025 model year. It's a subtle but powerful step that makes the i4 an even more compelling choice for both commuters and long-distance travelers.
The M60: electrified performance with a sharper edge
BMW's top-tier performance variant also gets a major boost - both literally and figuratively. The 2026 BMW i4 M60 (formerly known as the M50) steps up its output to 510 horsepower at startup and an exhilarating 593 horsepower in My Modes Sport, slicing its 0-60 mph sprint to just 3.6 seconds.
This newfound vigor is paired with the same SiC inverter technology, which helps the M60 balance raw speed with optimized range. Estimated blended range now climbs to 278 miles on 19-inch wheels and 232 miles on 20-inch wheels, giving drivers more flexibility without sacrificing performance.
Design and equipment enhancements
Beyond the powertrain updates, BMW has refined the i4's features for 2026:
- The Seal & Drive Tire Kit now comes standard across all models.
- The Drive Recorder joins the Parking Assistant Professional package.
- Black mirror caps and M Sport brakes with blue calipers are newly available in the Shadowline package or as standalone options.
- Glass Controls, previously reserved for higher-end models, are now available across the i4 range.
These touches reflect BMW's continued effort to merge sustainability and luxury - enhancing both the tactile and emotional experience of electric driving.
Editorial extra: Why silicon carbide matters
While it may sound like a small detail, silicon carbide (SiC) represents a major leap in EV technology. Compared to conventional silicon semiconductors, SiC parts:
- Conduct electricity more efficiently.
- Operate at higher temperatures without overheating.
- Enable faster power transfer from the battery to the wheels.
The payoff for drivers is clear - smoother acceleration, longer range, and better long-term reliability. It's the same technology that's quietly shaping the next generation of high-performance EVs across the automotive world.
More power, same precision
BMW's decision to rename the M50 as the M60 signals more than just a badge change. It's an affirmation of the brand's ongoing push to blur the line between electric and emotional. By combining M-grade performance with advanced efficiency systems, BMW is ensuring that electrification doesn't dilute its signature driving feel - it refines it.
Production of the 2026 i4 lineup begins this November, marking the next phase in BMW's U.S. electrification story. For those who crave both sustainability and sportiness, the new i4 range delivers the best of both worlds - power that thrills and range that reassures.
Learn more at www.bmwusa.com.