The German automaker’s first all-electric Gran Coupe, the BMW i4 combines the marque’s signature performance, luxury and innovative design with emission-free driving. As BMW’s answer to the Tesla Model 3 and Polestar 2, the BMW i4 puts itself amongst hot competition.
How well does the BMW i4 compete with its rivals? Well, with the newly launching, lower-priced BMW i4 eDrive35 hitting showrooms soon, BMW is deadly serious about cornering the Tesla-dominated luxury mid-size market.
Overview
Variants:
Three variations of the BMW i4 are available: the i4 eDrive40 Gran Coupe, i4 M50 Gran Coupe and the forthcoming i4 eDrive35.
Range:
Between 465km and 520km depending on variant.
Charging time and ports:
All BMW i4 variants are served by a Plug Type 2 CCS charger which has max AC charging 11kW and a max DC charging 200kW. The BMW i4 charges from 10% to 80% in just 31 minutes with up to 200kW of charging power.
Battery:
All variants 84kWh.
Power:
Between 250kW and 400kW depending on variant.
Energy consumption:
Between 22.2kWh / 100km and 25.6kWh / 100km depending on variant.
Acceleration:
Between 0 to 100km/h in 3.9s and 5.7s depending on variant.
Top Speed:
190km/h.
Torque:
Between 430Nm and 795Nm depending on variant.
Weight:
2,125kg
Dimensions:
L 4,783mm x W 1,852mm x H 1,448mm
Drive Type:
All variants are rear-wheel drive.
Design & look
Looks-wise, the BMW i4 strikes a harmonious balance between elegance and sportiness. Being a Grand Coupe, there’s that inevitable aerodynamic silhouette, adorned with clean lines. Fitted with BMW i-inspired bumpers, a grille that’s been sealed off, sporty 19-inch aero alloy wheels (and the option for blue body accents), the BMW i4 incorporates certain outward electric design elements. Nevertheless, it largely preserves the sleek aesthetics of the 4 Series, which is a desirable highlight.
LED headlights and taillights exude a pleasingly modern aesthetic and there’s a large palate of ten paintwork colours to choose from.
Features and interior
The BMW i4’s interior is beautifully crafted with premium materials, including sustainable options like Sensatec and Vernasca upholstery. Just like the exterior, there are an array of colours and trims to build your style. The BMW i4 offers ample space for front passengers and the ergonomically designed seats provide excellent support during long journeys.
For all variants, multiple themed packages allow you to tailor your i4 experience, be it the Comfort Package, which gives heated seating and driver support or the Executive Package, which comes with a tyre pressure monitor and alarm system.
The BMW i4 really comes into its own in terms of tech. Its minimalist dashboard showcases a curved touchscreen setup that integrates the digital instrument cluster and BMW iDrive 8 infotainment system seamlessly. There’s 470L of boot space with the second row in place, this expands to 1290L with the second row of seats folded.
Performance
The main difference between the i4 eDrive40 and the i4 M50 is power. Both with 84kW battery packs, the eDrive40 gives you 250kW / 430Nm and an attractive range of 520km, while the top-tier M50’s 400kW / 795Nm offers mega-fast acceleration of 0-100kmh in 3.9s, with less range totalling 465km. The electric powertrain delivers instantaneous torque, resulting in brisk acceleration that’s exhilarating yet always controlled.
To secure its lower price, the eDrive35’s battery pack will be smaller at 67kWh and offer a range of 430km, while hitting 0-100kmh in 6s.
The BMW i4’s steering is precise, providing excellent feedback to the driver and the car maintains impressive stability even at those high speeds. Whether you’re navigating busy suburban streets or tackling winding mountain roads, the BMW i4 delivers a dynamic and engaging driving experience that is quintessentially BMW.
Innovative technologies, such as brake energy recovery, help to extend the BMW i4’s range and reduce energy consumption to 20 to 16kWh/100km. Meanwhile, charging is quick and reliable too, with an 11kW home Wallbox adding on 100km of range in under an hour and a half, and a rapid DC 350kW charging station adding the same in only four minutes.
Safety and warranty
The BMW i4 has a four-star ANCAP rating, which, although respectable, isn’t as high as the Tesla Model Y or Polestar 2’s full five stars. It did rank well for adult and child occupant protection, however fell short on safety assist and vulnerable road user protection.
A suite of safety assist features are included in the BMW i4 that you’d expect from most top-spec EVs, like Autonomous Emergency Braking, Forward collision warning, Lane-keep assist, Speed limit recognition, Lane departure warning, High-beam assist and Driving Assistant Professional.
The BMW i4 range is offered with a 5-year, unlimited kilometre warranty.
Summary
With its sleek design, wonderfully crafted interior and advanced infotainment technology, the BMW i4 offers a refined driving experience. Super-fast acceleration and nippy performance on motorways add to its appeal.
At the end of 2023, BMW will also welcome the eDrive35. Priced under the Luxury Car Tax threshold fuel-efficient vehicles, the eDrive35 will qualify for the Fringe Benefits Tax exemption when purchased by fleet or novated lease buyers.
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