BMW i4 Review: A Premium EV Sedan Driven to Impress

Are you considering the BMW i4 for your next electric vehicle purchase? This in-depth review will cover everything you need to know about BMW’s first dedicated all-electric sedan, from its design and performance to its range, technology, and how it stacks up against competitors.

BMW has entered the electric vehicle market with the i4, built on the 4 Series Gran Coupe platform. This stylish, zero-emission sports sedan reflects the brand’s commitment to combining luxury with eco-friendliness. In this review, we will explore the different trim levels, design elements, driving performance, tech features, safety ratings, and how the i4 stands against other premium electric vehicles.

BMW i4 Models and Pricing

The BMW i4 is available in three different trim levels to suit various budgets and performance needs:

eDrive35: This rear-wheel-drive base model starts at $54,000 and features a single electric motor producing 282 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque.

eDrive40: Priced at $66,000, the eDrive40 gets a more powerful 335 hp rear motor and a larger 83.9 kWh battery pack for increased range.

M50: The top-of-the-line M50 trim commands a $72,000 price tag. It boasts dual electric motors (one per axle) generating an impressive 536 hp and 586 lb-ft of torque for blistering acceleration.

Compared to its main rival, the Tesla Model 3, the i4’s pricing is slightly higher across all trims, especially when you factor in the various option packages.

Exterior Design and Styling

The BMW i4 takes the brand’s traditional sports sedan design language and gives it an electric twist. The most striking exterior element is the massive kidney grille, which has drawn mixed reactions from fans and critics alike. While some appreciate the bold styling, others find it a bit too brash.

Beyond the grille, the i4 features a sleek, coupe-like roofline that slopes gently towards the rear, giving it a distinctly sporty profile. The sculpted body lines and aerodynamic detailing further enhance its visual appeal. A range of attractive paint colors, including Brooklyn Grey Metallic and BMW’s signature Melbourne Red, allow owners to personalize their i4’s look.

Interior Layout and Features

Step inside the i4, and you’re greeted by a premium, tech-laden cabin that lives up to BMW’s luxury pedigree. The standout feature is the curved display panel that seamlessly integrates the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and the 14.9-inch central infotainment screen. This widescreen layout provides a modern and visually impressive interface for accessing all vehicle functions and settings.

Material quality is excellent throughout the cabin, with a mix of high-grade leatherette or genuine leather upholstery, aluminum trim pieces, and soft-touch surfaces. Front seat comfort and adjustability are top-notch, but rear headroom can feel a bit tight for taller passengers due to the sloping roofline.

In terms of cargo capacity, the i4 offers a decent 470 liters (16.6 cubic feet) of trunk space, which can be expanded by folding down the 60/40 split rear seats. However, it falls short of some competitors in maximum cargo volume.

Performance and Driving Experience

While electric vehicles are often associated with instant torque and neck-snapping acceleration, the i4 takes a more balanced approach, blending performance with refinement and driving dynamics.

The base eDrive35 model can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in a respectable 5.8 seconds, which should satisfy most drivers. However, the M50 is the true performance star, with its dual motors propelling it from 0 to 60 in a blistering 3.7 seconds – quicker than BMW’s iconic M3 sports sedan.

Regardless of trim, the i4 delivers a smooth, quiet, and composed driving experience befitting a premium sports sedan. The low center of gravity and near-perfect weight distribution contribute to its well-planted feel and confident handling around corners.

One area where the i4 shines is its regenerative braking system, which allows for easy one-pedal driving in most situations. This not only maximizes energy recuperation but also provides a more engaging and involved driving experience.

Electric Range and Charging

Range anxiety is a common concern for prospective EV buyers, so let’s dive into the i4’s battery and charging capabilities.

The eDrive35 model comes equipped with a 70.2 kWh battery pack, delivering an EPA-estimated range of 301 miles on a single charge. The eDrive40 gets a larger 83.9 kWh battery, increasing its range to an impressive 366 miles – one of the highest in its class.

However, the high-performance M50 trim sacrifices some range for its additional power, netting 316 miles of EPA-estimated range from the same 83.9 kWh battery. It’s worth noting that real-world range can vary significantly based on driving conditions, climate, and individual driving styles.

When it comes to charging, all i4 models support DC fast charging up to 200 kW, allowing you to replenish the battery from 10% to 80% in just 35 minutes at a compatible public charging station. For home charging, a Level 2 (240V) setup can fully recharge the battery in around 8 hours.

Advanced Technology and Infotainment

BMW has always been at the forefront of in-car technology, and the i4 is no exception. The centerpiece of its tech suite is the latest iDrive 8 infotainment system, which integrates seamlessly with the curved display panel.

In addition to its sleek visuals, iDrive 8 provides intuitive touchscreen, voice, and physical controller inputs for easy operation. It also supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, allowing you to seamlessly connect your smartphone and access your favorite apps and services on the go.

On the driver assistance front, the i4 offers a comprehensive suite of advanced safety and convenience features. Standard equipment includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring, among others.

Optional packages like the Driving Assistance Professional add even more capabilities, such as adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, lane-keeping assist, and a semi-autonomous hands-free driving mode for limited access highways.

Rounding out the i4’s tech offerings is its over-the-air (OTA) update capability, ensuring that your vehicle’s software and features are always up-to-date without a visit to the dealership.

Safety Ratings and Driver Aids

Safety is a top priority for BMW, and the i4 has undergone rigorous testing to ensure occupant protection. In crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the i4 earned an overall 5-star rating, the highest possible score.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has not yet released its full ratings for the i4, but early indications suggest it will perform well, thanks to its robust suite of standard and available driver assistance technologies.

In addition to the core safety features mentioned earlier, the i4 can be equipped with advanced systems like BMW’s Parking Assistant Professional, which can autonomously park the vehicle in parallel or perpendicular spaces with minimal input from the driver.

Overall, the i4 offers a comprehensive and well-rounded package of active and passive safety technologies, giving drivers peace of mind and confidence behind the wheel.

BMW i4 Competitors

The premium electric sedan segment is rapidly growing, with the i4 facing stiff competition from established players like the Tesla Model 3 and newcomers like the Polestar 2 and Lucid Air.

Compared to the Model 3, the i4 offers a more traditional luxury sedan experience with a higher-quality interior, smoother ride, and arguably better handling dynamics. However, Tesla’s longer range and more extensive Supercharger network may sway some buyers.

The Polestar 2 is another compelling alternative, offering a minimalist Scandinavian design aesthetic and a well-rounded package at a lower price point than the i4. However, it falls short in outright performance and certain premium amenities.

The Lucid Air, while more expensive, is a true range champion, capable of delivering over 500 miles on a single charge in its top trim level. Its combination of cutting-edge tech, blistering performance, and sleek styling make it a formidable competitor in the luxury EV space.

Ultimately, the i4’s blend of traditional BMW driving dynamics, premium appointments, and respectable range and performance make it a compelling choice for buyers seeking a more conventional and refined electric vehicle experience.

Let’s Complete

After this in-depth **BMW i4 review**, it’s clear that BMW’s first dedicated all-electric sedan is a well-rounded and compelling offering in the premium EV market. While it may not lead the pack in outright range or blistering straight-line performance, the i4 strikes an excellent balance between the driving dynamics and luxury appointments that BMW is renowned for, with the added benefits of emissions-free electric power.

The i4’s sleek yet understated design, both inside and out, will appeal to buyers who prefer a more traditional luxury sedan aesthetic over the futuristic styling of some rivals. And with three distinct trim levels to choose from, there’s an i4 configuration to suit a wide range of budgets and performance needs.

Under the skin, the i4 delivers a polished and refined driving experience, with responsive yet composed handling, a superbly calibrated regenerative braking system, and more than enough acceleration to satisfy most drivers – especially in the potent M50 trim. Couple that with a well-appointed and tech-laden interior, and you have an electric vehicle that feels every bit as premium as its gas-powered BMW counterparts.

Of course, no vehicle is perfect, and the i4 does have a few shortcomings worth noting. Its range, while respectable, still falls behind some key competitors like the Tesla Model 3 and Lucid Air. And while its advanced driver assistance systems are comprehensive, they still lag slightly behind the cutting edge offered by certain rivals.

But for buyers who prioritize a more traditional luxury experience with the added benefits of electric power, the BMW i4 is undoubtedly a compelling choice. It may not redefine the electric vehicle segment, but it does an excellent job of blending BMW’s heritage of premium driving dynamics with the latest in EV technology and sustainability.

Whether you opt for the well-equipped base eDrive35 or splurge on the high-performance M50, the i4 promises to be a rewarding and enjoyable daily driver that also happens to be kinder to the environment. And in an increasingly crowded EV market, that’s no small feat.