BMW is getting better at building sleek, driver-focused cars that also happen to be electric. If you consider the electric car option a choice rather than a must, the electric BMWs are more attractive.
At a glance
- Good driving feel and acceleration
- Well-made luxury interior
- Appropriately dimensioned EV capability
The BMW i4 is part of the 4 Series sedan range, which includes several petrol and electric models. The petrol models come in both two-door (coupe) and four-door (Gran Coupe) guise, as well as a two-door convertible. The i4 is similar to the Gran Coupe, and for those who value performance, there is an electric counterpart to the sport-tuned M4 models, the M50.
For anyone wondering, the electric BMW i4 is actually cheaper than the 430i gasoline model. The starting price for the entry-level eDrive35 i4 is $53,195 plus delivery, while the 430i costs $59,095. For this test, I drove the more expensive xDrive40 i4 all-wheel-drive model with a few extras for a total price of about $65,000 including delivery.
The most compelling thing about the i4, however, is its ride quality. It’s a true BMW, with a responsive feel and a commanding presence. If you want to counter that by claiming your favorite EV is just as good, you’re in the wrong place. There’s a special nuance and road-going feel to a BMW, especially in coupes and sedans, that can’t be found anywhere else. It’s not the same as the opulence of a Mercedes or the prudishness of a Jaguar. Tesla doesn’t have the refinement, and while Audi sometimes comes close, it’s still too intrusive. A good BMW glides along while remaining connected to the road and driver. And while some models, particularly in the SUV range, lack that, that’s not the case with the BMW i4.
In short: The i4 is an electric model that die-hard BMW fans will enjoy.
Aaron Turpen / New Atlas
The 2024 BMW i4 has a nicely designed interior. It is typical of most BMW models and is comfortable, but not too comfortable, as one would expect from the German automaker. Others are comparatively more luxurious or sporty equipped, with this BMW falling between those two ends of the luxury spectrum. The infotainment is well placed and easy to understand, and the adjustments are easy to make, with good visibility through mirrors and head turns.
The i4’s trunk isn’t huge, but it’s big enough for a sedan of this size. Of course, there are some compromises to be made when choosing a sedan over a hatchback or crossover SUV.
BMW says the i4 has a range of 280 to 300 miles per charge, depending on the model. The eDrive40 models, which are similar to the base model, have an EPA rating of about 301 miles (484 km) per charge, and the all-wheel-drive models (introduced this year) get as high as 307 (494 km). Most drivers should get close, as these ranges are close to the real thing. I was on track to drive over 300 miles in the xDrive40, and it’s a pretty small car compared to others with longer expected ranges. The i4 is smaller than the Model 3 or Kia EV6 in terms of footprint and weight.
Charging is another highlight of the BMW i4. On fast chargers, most electric vehicles today max out at 150kW. The i4 manages 200kW. Most home chargers are around 11kW. When I tried to plug in the BMW, the public charging station was down, but it plugged into my home charger just fine and drew the maximum 41 amps available.
The BMW i4 is what connoisseurs of the brand expect from their car. It’s well built, comfortable without being convenient, and very engaging. I’d be hard-pressed to think of a better example of the BMW driving experience than what I had in the 2024 i4.
Product page: 2024 BMW i4
