A major realignment of BMW’s strategy is set to result in electric versions of up to three models in its current line-up — including a secret zero-emissions variant of the upcoming 4 Series GT — alongside new and updated versions of its dedicated electric i-brand models within the next three years.
The battery-powered five-door liftback 4 Series GT is tentatively scheduled to go on sale in the UK in 2020. It is one of a raft of models to be based on the newly developed underpinnings of the eighth-generation 3 Series, according to highly placed insiders at the German car maker.
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BMW is already aiming for 100,000 combined electric and hybrid sales this year under plans recently revealed by chairman Harald Krüger.
The electrically powered 4 Series GT model has been conceived to offer performance on a par with the fastest of today’s 3 Series GT models, the 317bhp 335d GT, together with an overall range of up to 311 miles (500km) and a starting price of less than £40,000. The intention is to allow it to compete with the Tesla Model 3.
The new 4 Series GT is set to be launched in petrol, electric and plug-in hybrid variants in 2019. It will act as a replacement for today’s 3 Series GT while indirectly replacing the slow-selling 4 Series Gran Coupé in a move similar to that set to be taken by the larger and more expensive 6 Series GT. Less than a year after that, BMW will introduce the electric variant of the new five-seater.
BMW is weighing up two electric driveline options for its new Model 3 rival, with a decision expected by the end of this year prior to the construction of road-going prototypes early next year.
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