Rather like its performance, the new BMW i4 M60 has slipped under the radar. Announced as part of a model year update for the electric fastback, the M60 supercedes the M50 with improved performance and driving range. The pair of electric motors deliver all-wheel drive, and a combined 593bhp and 586lb-ft (795Nm) of torque, representing an increase of 56bhp over its predecessor. As a result, the car takes just 3.7 seconds to hit 62mph, and will reach a top speed of 140mph.

Power is drawn from the same 81.1kWh as before, but thanks to a more efficient inverter, the i4 M60 offers up to 338 miles of WLTP range - an increase of 20 miles. Peak DC charging of 205kW means a 10-80% top-up takes half an hour, while a flat-to-full charge at home can be completed overnight.

The new variant looks identical to its predecessor, with all UK-bound examples getting black trim for the kidney grille, window surrounds, mirrors, and diffuser. 18” alloy wheels come as standard, with optional 19” and 20” rims available for additional cost. The only visual differentiators between the M60 and the rear-wheel drive variants are the black grille inserts, the lip spoiler on the boot lid, and the M60 badge just below it.

Inside, the large curved infotainment display runs BMW Operating System 8.5, and a head-up display is available as part of the Technology Pack option. One cloth, three leatherette, and eight leather upholstery types are available, and the three-piece front seats can be switched out for two-piece M Sport buckets for £900.

The silent sleeper spearheads a raft of updates for the new model year, with the single motor i4 eDrive 35 and 40 also benefiting from the updated inverter, and a boost in range up to 370 miles. All new electric BMWs now come with an enhanced battery warranty, covering manufacturing faults and excessive losses of capacity for up to 8 years or 100,000 miles - whichever comes first.

Prices start from £71,000, and ticking almost every option box for 19” wheels, metallic paint, a sunroof, wood trim, leather upholstery, M Sport Pack Pro and Technology Pack will add an extra £12,000 to the bill. Order books are open now, with production set to take place at the Munich factory. The first examples will hit UK roads in the autumn.