BMW i4: A Full Detailed In-Depth Electric Car Review

🚘 BMW i4: A Full Detailed In-Depth Electric Car Review

The BMW i4 represents a significant step for the German automaker, seamlessly blending BMW’s hallmark driving dynamics with the future of electric vehicle (EV) technology. Built upon the architecture of the celebrated 4 Series Gran Coupe, the i4 stands as a formidable competitor in the market against rivals like the Tesla Model 3, Polestar 2, and the Genesis Electrified G80.

In this extensive review, we will dissect every aspect of the i4, from its design and engineering to its performance and practicality in daily use.

I. Design and Exterior Aesthetics

The BMW i4 adopts the sleek, four-door ‘Gran Coupe’ silhouette familiar from its Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) counterparts. Its defining features—the coupe-like sloping roofline and frameless doors—lend it a sporty and elegant profile.

• The Front: The vehicle is dominated by BMW’s colossal Kidney Grille. On the i4, however, this grille is not for engine cooling but serves as an Intelligent Panel, housing the necessary sensors and cameras for advanced driver-assistance systems. Sharp LED headlights give the car an aggressive, focused face.
• The Profile: The long wheelbase and the dramatically sloping roof reinforce its sports sedan identity. Aerodynamic wheel designs and a flat underbody work together to minimize drag, substantially improving the car’s driving range.
• The Rear: The practicality comes through with the large Liftback Hatch, which opens wide to reveal the cargo area. This is arguably the most practical feature borrowed directly from the 4 Series Gran Coupe design.

In essence, the i4 doesn’t attempt a futuristic, spaceship aesthetic like some other EVs; instead, it appeals directly to buyers who appreciate the established, sporting looks of a traditional BMW sedan.

II. Interior, Technology, and Cabin Experience

The interior of the BMW i4 is a masterful blend of high-quality materials, solid build quality, and cutting-edge technology.

1. The Curved Display and iDrive 8

The centerpiece of the cockpit is the dramatic, driver-focused BMW Curved Display. This single, unified glass surface seamlessly integrates two high-resolution screens:

• A 12.3-inch Digital Instrument Cluster (Driver information screen).
• A 14.9-inch Infotainment Touchscreen (Information and entertainment screen).

The system runs on the latest BMW iDrive 8 Operating System (or newer 8.5/9.0 in current models). The graphics are crystal clear, and the menus are fast and intuitive. Crucially, the traditional iDrive Controller Dial remains on the center console, allowing for safe, tactile control without constantly relying on the touchscreen while driving.

2. Comfort and Space Practicality

• Front Seating: The front seats offer a perfect blend of luxury comfort and sporty bolstering, ensuring support during spirited driving and relaxation on long journeys.
• Rear Seating: One of the i4’s primary drawbacks is the rear seat space. Due to the positioning of the battery pack beneath the floor, the floorpan is slightly elevated. While legroom is adequate, taller passengers will find the headroom restrictive, a direct result of the coupe-like roofline and the EV battery packaging.
• Cargo Space: Thanks to the liftback design, the 470-liter trunk is highly accessible and practical. With the rear seats folded down, cargo capacity expands significantly to 1,290 liters. However, it’s worth noting the i4 does not feature a front trunk (Frunk).

III. Performance and Driving Dynamics

The driving experience is where the BMW i4 truly distinguishes itself from the competition. It drives less like an electric car and more like an authentic BMW sports sedan.

1. Variants and Power Output

The i4 is available in several compelling trims, with the following two being the most significant:

• i4 eDrive40: This is the smarter choice for most drivers. Its 340 hp motor provides exhilarating acceleration for daily driving. Being lighter and RWD, it offers the traditional, fun BMW handling feel and delivers the maximum driving range.
• i4 M50: This is the performance apex. The dual-motor AWD setup unleashes 544 hp, propelling the car from 0-100 km/h in a mere 3.9 seconds—a pace that rivals BMW’s own M3 Competition. It features standard Adaptive M Suspension and M Sport Brakes, delivering a true M-Performance driving experience.

2. Handling and Ride Quality

The i4 features standard rear air suspension (varies by market and trim) which effectively manages the EV’s substantial weight. The suspension tuning offers an impressive balance.

• Comfort: In Comfort Mode, the suspension is compliant, smoothing out road imperfections effectively. The cabin remains exceptionally quiet, making it a supreme long-distance cruiser.
• Sport: Switching to Sport Mode sharpens the steering, stiffens the suspension, and allows the i4 to grip the road with confidence. It delivers the precise, engaging driving dynamics expected of a sports sedan.

IV. Battery, Range, and Charging Capability

The battery technology supporting the i4 is as impressive as its performance.

• Battery Capacity: All major i4 models utilize an 81.1 kWh net capacity battery pack.
• Maximum Range: The eDrive40 model boasts a highly competitive maximum range of up to 590 km (WLTP), a figure that places it among the leaders in the premium EV segment. The high-performance M50 naturally sacrifices some range, achieving around $\approx 510$ km.
• Charging Speed: The i4 is a rapid charger, supporting a DC fast-charging rate of up to 205 kW. This allows the car to charge from 10% to 80% state of charge in approximately 31 minutes, a highly competitive time. For home charging, an 11 kW AC charger will replenish the battery from 0-100% in about 8.5 hours.

V. Competition and The Final Verdict

The BMW i4 occupies a distinct position when compared to its key rivals.

• Vs. Tesla Model 3: The Model 3 may be quicker and offer slightly superior technological features in some areas, but the i4 provides a vastly superior build quality, premium interior feel, and a more comfortable, traditional BMW driving experience.
• Vs. Polestar 2: While the Polestar 2 is a solid EV, the i4 generally offers greater maximum range, more powerful top-end performance, and a more established dealer network.

The Final Verdict:

The BMW i4, despite being an EV, is fundamentally a true BMW. It delivers the expected range and competitive fast-charging capabilities required of an electric car. However, its real strength lies in its engaging driving dynamics and the undeniable quality of its cabin.

• If you prioritize maximum range and a traditional RWD sports sedan feel, the i4 eDrive40 is the ideal and more efficient choice.
• If you demand M-car level performance and all-weather AWD traction, the i4 M50 delivers explosive speed without much compromise.

Beyond the minor shortcoming in rear seat headroom, the BMW i4 stands out as one of the best and most desirable premium sports sedans available in the electric vehicle market today.

Would you like me to elaborate on the safety features of the BMW i4 or discuss its long-term ownership costs and reliability?