G26 BMW i4 M50 by Kith and 1972 BMW 1602 Elektro by Ronnie Fieg – two new initiatives from collaboration

In 2020, BMW partnered with New York-based style model Kith on a number of initiatives, together with the limited-run G82 M4 Competitors x Kith. The collaboration has confirmed to achieve success – all 150 items of the automobile had been bought out in simply half-hour – and has resulted in two follow-up initiatives, together with the G26 i4 M50 by Kith in addition to the 1972 BMW 1602 Elektro by Ronnie Fieg.

Beginning with the i4 M50 by Kith, solely seven items shall be produced for the general public. Just like the earlier M4-based particular, the Kith model will get loads of distinctive styling cues to make it visually distinctive. For the primary time ever, BMW has named a brand new color after a model accomplice, with Kith Vitality Inexperienced being the first exterior end on the i4 M50.

The wealthy, darkish inexperienced hue is joined by new logos that mirror the partnership, which may see be seen on the entrance emblem and tailgate. In the meantime, the cabin is trimmed in full-grain Merino leather-based within the color Caramel, with loads of Kith branding on the ground mats in addition to embossing on the seat headrests. The dashboard trim additionally will get laser engraved with “Kith Unique Version,” whereas the cupholder lid bears “Elektro Auto”.

The powertrain stays unchanged right here, with an all-wheel drive setup consisting of two electrical motors – one for every axle – delivering a complete system output of 544 PS (536 hp or 400 kW) and 795 Nm. Consequently, the EV will get from 0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds and can hit a prime pace of 225 km/h. The i4 M50 is offered for buy in Malaysia for RM415,210 OTR with out insurance coverage, inclusive of present EV incentives.

“Elektro Auto” interprets to “electrical automotive” from German, and BMW’s first try at an electrical automotive was the 1602 Elektro that was unveiled on the 1972 Olympic Video games in Munich. On the time, the carmaker eliminated the engine from common 1602s and shoved in 12 12-volt Varta batteries for a complete power capability of 12.6 kWh.

These powered a 44 PS (43 hp or 32 kW) Bosch electrical motor, and the powertrain even included a rudimentary regenerative braking system, though the vary was miniscule in comparison with right now’s requirements at round 50 km.

As a part of the collaboration, Kith founder Ronnie Fieg utilized his private touches to the basic EV, swapping out the BMW letters on the entrance emblem and centre holes of the wheels for Kith. Inside, the leather-based seats are embossed with the Kith lettering, as are the leather-based inserts within the footwells for the motive force and entrance passenger.

Fieg’s ardour for BMW was sparked as a boy by his grandfather and he at present has a variety of notable fashions, together with the E30 M3 by Kith that spawned from the primary stage of the collaboration. In contrast to the i4 M50 by Kith, the 1602 Elektro by Ronnie Fieg won’t be bought to the general public and can as a substitute be part of his assortment.

GALLERY: G26 i4 M50 by Kith

GALLERY: 1972 BMW 1602 Elektro by Ronnie Fieg

GALLERY: Ronnie Fieg’s private BMW assortment