BMW is getting better at making polished, driver-focused cars that are electric. Viewing the EV option as a choice rather than a necessity makes electric Bimmers more appealing.
At a Glance
- Good driving feel and acceleration
- Well-made luxury interior
- Right-sized 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) formats, as well as a two-door convertible. The i4 is similar to the Gran Coupe, and for those with a penchant for performance, the sport-tuned M4 models have an electric counterpart in the M50.
For those wondering, the electric BMW i4 is actually priced lower than the gasoline-powered 430i. Its starting price is $53,195 plus destination for the eDrive35 entry-level i4, compared to the $59,095 price of the 430i. For this review, I drove the more expensive all-wheel-drive xDrive40 model i4, which has some options added for a total price tag of around $65,000 with delivery.
But the most compelling part of the i4 is its ride quality. It’s a genuine BMW, with a responsive feel and a composed presence. If your inclination is to counter that with claims that your preferred EV is just as good, you’re not the target audience here. There’s a certain nuance and road-ready feel to a Bimmer, especially in coupes and sedans, that’s not replicated anywhere else. It’s not the same as the grandeur of a Mercedes or the primness of a Jaguar. It doesn’t have the refinement of a Tesla, and the Audi, while sometimes coming close, is still too aggressive. A good BMW glides along while still engaging with both the road and the driver. And while some models, particularly in the SUV range, lack that, the BMW i4 lacks that.
In short, the i4 is an electric model that BMW enthusiasts will appreciate.
Aaron Turpen / New Atlas
The 2024 BMW i4 has a nicely crafted interior. Typical of most BMW models, it’s comfortable but not overly comfortable in the way the German automaker is known for. Others feel more upscale or sporty in comparison, with this BMW falling between those two extremes of the luxury spectrum. The infotainment is well-laid out and easy to understand, and adjustments are easy to make, with decent visibility thanks to the mirrors and head-turns.
The i4's trunk isn't huge, but it's big enough for a sedan 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 280-300 miles or more per charge, depending on the model. Near-base eDrive40 models are EPA-rated at around 301 miles (484 km) per charge, and all-wheel-drive models (introduced this year) bump that up to 307 (494 km). Most drivers should get close to those ranges, as they seem close to real-world returns. I was planning on getting more than 300 miles of range from the xDrive40, and it’s a pretty small car compared to others that are expected to have longer ranges. The i4 is smaller in footprint and weight than the Model 3 or Kia EV6.
Charging is another highlight of the BMW i4. On fast chargers, most EVs today reach around 150kW. The i4 goes up to 200kW. Most home chargers are around 11kW. Public charging wouldn’t work when I tried to plug the BMW in, but it plugged into my home charger without a hitch and drew the maximum available 41 amps.
The BMW i4 is what those familiar with the brand would expect from their car. It’s well-built, comfortable but not bland, and very engaging. It’s hard to think of a better example of the BMW driving experience I had in the 2024 i4.
Product Page: 2024 BMW i4