2026 BMW i4 Gets More Range, Power, and Performance Tech Boost

Abu Dhabi : BMW has updated the 2026 i4 lineup with better range, more power, and improved electronics. All this without increasing the size of the battery or cost.

• There is a new silicon-carbide inverter to help improve efficiency by 5%.
• eDrive models will get extra EPA range without any change on battery.
• M50 has been renamed to M60 xDrive. It now has 592 hp and a quicker sprint.
• It is likely to launch in the UAE between late 2025 and early 2026.

BMW has sharpened its electric game for 2026, with major updates to the i4 lineup with the aim of stretching the range of drive, boost power, and fine-tune performance, all without adding bulk or price. These upgrades will be available in the market, including the UAE, by early 2026.

What’s New for 2026

The biggest update is the silicon-carbide (SiC) inverter that helps reduce loss of energy by roughly 5%. This upgrade is for the eDrive35 and eDrive40 variants, and will help them go farther on a single charge.  

BMW, instead of fitting larger batteries, has opted to optimize how they deliver power to show how advantageous it is to refine core technology.

The former i4 M50, in the performance aspect, will now be badged as the i4 M60 xDrive. It receives a boost in total power output, pushing its factory rating up by 56 hp to a total of 592 hp.

That means it'll have quicker acceleration and a sharper driving experience. That will make it one of the most exciting electric sport sedans in its class.

New Inverter, Better Range

Here’s what the updated models will deliver in terms of estimated EPA range:

• eDrive35: It has increased from ~266 miles to ~279 miles.
• eDrive40: It has been raised from ~318 miles to ~334 miles.

They have made these upgrades without any changes to battery size, using only better electronics. This means it will have less weight, more efficiency, and cost lower for buyers.

The changes will specifically help the UAE market, where the key for daily commutes are range, efficiency, and long-distance drives.

Power That Matches the Looks

The flagship BMW trim, which is the i4, now called M60 xDrive, has serious upgrades on performance to the table. This version, with dual motors and all-wheel drive, delivers a total of 592 hp, which allows it to sprint from 0 to 100 kph in under 3.7 seconds. This makes it a direct competitor with other electric performance vehicles in the luxury segment.

The M60, which delivers more than speed, benefits from dynamic suspension tuning and improvement to software that give drivers tighter control, quicker response, and better traction in all driving modes.

The result is a car that moves fast and also has better handling, which makes it suitable for daily driving and spirited road use.

Arrival and Market Launch

The updated 2026 BMW i4 range will likely reach UAE dealerships between late 2025 and early 2026. These improvements means BMW is shifting toward software-defined efficiency. It proves that performance  gains in EV performance don’t always have to come from bigger batteries or higher price tags.