Welcome to our BMW i4 EV review!
The BMW i4 is a stylish and innovative battery-electric compact executive car that’s marketed as a four-door coupe, although it’s actually a five-door liftback. This impressive vehicle was first unveiled as a concept at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show and entered production in 2021 for the 2022 model year. The BMW i4 is available in two variants, with performance being the primary factor that differentiates them.
BMW i4 Overview
The BMW i4 is a stylish and sleek electric car that shares similarities in appearance with the Gran Coupe, a member of BMW’s popular 4-series of fuel-powered cars. Competing with other popular electric vehicles such as the Polestar 2 and Tesla Model 3, the BMW i4 offers impressive performance and power.
The base model of the i4, known as the eDrive40, boasts a single electric motor mounted in the rear that generates an impressive 335 horsepower with rear-wheel drive. For even more power, the M50 model includes an additional motor in the front, resulting in a total power output of 536 horsepower and all-wheel drive capability.
Whether you’re looking for a stylish and powerful electric car, or simply want to make a more eco-friendly choice with your next vehicle purchase, the BMW i4 is a fantastic option to consider.
Here’s a YouTube video of our 2022 BMW i4 M50 walkaround:
BMW i4 EVU Hot Take
Pros:
- BMW quality, high end finishes and a great place to spend your time
- Quiet-good use of sound deadening materials and technology
- Better than EPA rated range in our testing
Cons:
- Controls feel unnecessarily complicated
- No frunk
BMW i4 Versions
The BMW i4 is a high-performance electric car with two models to choose from, the eDrive40 and the M50. With a manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP) of $56,395 for the eDrive40 and $66,895 for the M50, many buyers are willing to pay the extra $10k for the M50’s increased power and performance.
The M50 comes with sport-tuned suspension, upgraded brakes, and the option for wider and stickier 20-inch tires, although these tires reduce the driving range from 270 miles to an EPA-rated 227 miles. The M50 also offers a Premium package that includes heated seats and steering wheel, ambient interior lighting, and seats with lumbar support. Additional individual options include Vernasca leather interior, a Harman Kardon sound system, ventilated front seats, adaptive LED headlights, and wireless charging.
Whether you’re looking for a stylish and powerful electric car or a more eco-friendly choice for your next vehicle purchase, the BMW i4 offers impressive performance and features that are sure to impress. Consider the M50 for the ultimate driving experience with its enhanced power and additional luxury options.
BMW i4 Exterior
The BMW i4 is a cutting-edge electric car that utilizes BMW’s modular CLAR platform, allowing for high-volume production and reduced costs. It has a sleek body based on the G26 4 Series Gran Coupe, but is considered by BMW to be a battery-powered version of the G20 3 Series, with slightly wider front and rear tracks than the G20. The i4’s underbody is almost completely flat, resulting in impressive aerodynamic efficiency, with drag coefficients of 0.24 for the eDrive40 and 0.25 for the M50. The weight distribution of the eDrive40 is 45:55, as compared to 48:52 for the M50.
In addition to its impressive performance, the i4 boasts distinctive exterior features such as an air flap control at the bottom of the front grille that can be adjusted with 10 settings, providing cooling air to components such as the air conditioning system, battery, brakes, and powertrain. The i4 also comes standard with full LED lights for the headlights and taillights, with the option to upgrade to BMW Laserlight and Selective Beam functions for the headlights.
Whether you’re looking for a high-performance electric car with cutting-edge features or simply want to make a more eco-friendly choice with your next vehicle purchase, the BMW i4 is an excellent option to consider. Its impressive aerodynamic efficiency, sleek design, and advanced features make it a standout in the world of electric cars.
BMW i4 Interior
The BMW i4 is a luxurious electric car that boasts a rich interior with a range of customization options, including white leather upholstery, rose gold trim, and light wood trim. While the i4’s interior is similar to other current BMW models, it features a large, seamless display that spans nearly two-thirds of the dashboard and also appears in BMW’s iX SUV.
The standard sound system of the i4 includes 10 speakers and a 205-watt amplifier, but buyers can choose to upgrade to the optional Harman Kardon system, which features 16 speakers and a seven-channel digital amplifier. The i4 is also equipped with BMW’s latest infotainment system, iDrive 8, which includes a 14.9-inch touchscreen integrated with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. The system can be controlled through a rotary controller on the center console or voice commands, and features popular options such as Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.
Standard interior features of the i4 include a multi-function steering wheel, sports seats, and a driver-operated tailgate. The three-zone climate control system includes pre-heating and cooling functions, and buyers can opt for heated and ventilated seats as well.
If you’re in the market for a luxurious and high-tech electric car, the BMW i4 is an excellent choice. With its customizable interior, advanced infotainment system, and range of standard and optional features, the i4 offers a driving experience that is both luxurious and cutting-edge.
BMW i4 Powertrain
The BMW i4 is an electric car that boasts an efficient powertrain packaging design. The motor, electronics, and transmission are all contained in a single assembly, resulting in increased energy conversion efficiency. The motors are located in the axles, which also house a single-speed transmission.
The M50 model of the i4 features two motors, but typically runs in rear-wheel drive mode to conserve energy. However, when the front tires require more power, the front motor activates to provide additional traction. This unique feature contributes to the i4’s impressive performance and range.
If you’re in the market for a high-performance and efficient electric car, the BMW i4 is a top choice to consider. Its advanced powertrain packaging design and innovative features make it stand out from other electric vehicles on the market.
BMW i4 Battery
The BMW i4 is a cutting-edge electric car with a battery located in the floor pan, giving it a low center of gravity that improves handling. The eDrive40’s center of gravity is 2.1 inches lower than the G20 3 Series, while the M50’s center of gravity is 1.3 inches lower. This low battery position also enhances the vehicle’s structural strength, according to BMW.
The battery assembly of the i4 is directly connected to the front axle’s subframe, and the battery pack is bolted to the floor. The battery pack has a maximum capacity of 80.7 kilo-watt hours and supports fast DC charging up to 200 kW, allowing the battery to be charged to 80% capacity in just 31 minutes. In 10 minutes, this rate is sufficient to add 102 miles to the eDrive40’s range, and 87 miles to the M50. The Level 2 wall box provides 11 kW of AC charging capability, which can fully recharge the battery in less than eight hours.
The i4’s integrated heating and cooling system takes various factors into account when warming the battery to its ideal charging temperature, such as the ambient temperature and the option for a fast-charging session during a journey. The charging system automatically adjusts the battery temperature with high-efficiency pumps, which can increase the vehicle’s battery efficiency by up to 31% in heavy traffic.
Overall, the BMW i4’s advanced battery technology and charging capabilities make it a top choice for anyone in the market for an efficient and high-performance electric car.
BMW i4 Performance
The BMW i4 is a high-performance electric car that delivers impressive acceleration and power. The eDrive40 model can reach 60 mph in just 4.8 seconds and has a quarter-mile time of 13.6 seconds, while the M50 model boasts even more impressive performance, reaching 60 mph in a mere 3.3 seconds and completing a quarter-mile in just 11.7 seconds, according to multiple tests.
Despite its heavier weight, the M50 outperforms the equivalent M3 with RWD, delivering power that is both forceful and immediate, as expected of an electric vehicle. The i4’s advanced electric powertrain, efficient packaging, and low center of gravity contribute to its impressive acceleration and handling, making it a top choice for anyone in the market for a high-performance electric car.
Whether you’re looking for a luxurious and eco-friendly vehicle or simply want to experience the cutting-edge technology and power of an electric car, the BMW i4 is an excellent choice to consider. Its impressive performance, sleek design, and advanced features make it a standout in the world of electric vehicles.
BMW i4 Handling and Braking
The BMW i4 features an advanced suspension system that provides a smooth and comfortable ride while also enhancing handling and stability. The eDrive40 model boasts a front MacPherson strut and a rear multi-link air suspension, while the M50 model adds adaptive M dampers that reduce dipping movements while accelerating and braking.
The M50 also has an actuator-related wheel slip limitation system and a lower center of gravity, further improving handling, traction, and stability. This model can achieve a lateral acceleration of 0.97 g and comes to a stop in just 154 feet from 70 mph, significantly better than the eDrive40 model.
Additionally, the i4 features regenerative braking, which redirects power from the motor to charge the battery during initial braking. The maximum energy recovery rate during regenerative braking is 116 kW for the eDrive40 and 195 kW for the M50. The i4 also offers four levels of regenerative braking, including one for one-pedal driving, and a mode that adjusts the degree of regenerative braking based on driver-assistance functions and GPS data.
Overall, the BMW i4’s advanced suspension system and regenerative braking contribute to its exceptional handling and efficiency, making it a top choice for anyone seeking a high-performance and eco-friendly electric car.
BMW i4 Fuel Economy
Measuring the fuel economy of an electric car is different than that of a fuel-powered vehicle, as it cannot be measured directly. However, the energy content of electricity and fuel can be compared to determine the electric car’s efficiency indirectly.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established a standard for Miles Per Gallon equivalent (MPGe) in the early 2000s, where 33.7 kWh of electricity is considered equivalent to a gallon of fuel. According to this standard, the BMW i4 eDrive40, which can travel 100 miles with 33.7 kWh of electricity, has an estimated fuel economy of 109 MPGe in the city and 108 MPGe on the highway. The EPA also estimates that this model has a maximum range of 282 miles on the highway.
It is worth noting that models with wider tires or a second motor typically have lower efficiency. However, even with its wider tires, a real-world highway test of the i4 eDrive40 showed an actual range of 280 miles, only two miles less than the EPA’s estimate.
Overall, the BMW i4 eDrive40 is a highly efficient electric car with a long driving range, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a more eco-friendly and cost-effective vehicle.
BMW i4 Safety
The BMW i4 is a highly advanced electric car that prioritizes safety and driver-assistance technology. The vehicle comes equipped with a range of standard safety features, including forward-collision warnings, lane-departure warnings, and lane-keeping assistance. These features work together to help prevent accidents and keep drivers alert and aware of their surroundings.
The i4 also offers a variety of optional safety features, including automated emergency braking and adaptive cruise control based on stop-and-go technology. These features can provide drivers with additional peace of mind and help reduce the risk of accidents on the road.
Overall, the BMW i4 is a highly advanced and safe electric car that is designed to provide drivers with a seamless and enjoyable driving experience. With its cutting-edge safety features and advanced driver-assistance technology, it’s a top choice for anyone in the market for an eco-friendly and highly advanced electric vehicle.
BMW i4 Environment
The BMW i4 is a highly eco-friendly electric vehicle that provides multiple environmental benefits compared to traditional fueled engines. Thanks to its all-electric design, the i4 boasts a much lower global warming potential compared to similar diesel-powered vehicles. BMW predicts that over a typical ownership period of 125,000 miles, the eDrive40 will have a 45% lower global warming potential than the similar diesel G20 3 and G22 4 series.
Moreover, BMW has taken significant measures to increase the sustainability of the i4’s supply chain and its use of recycled materials. By using recycled materials and minimizing the use of rare earth metals in the battery and motor, the i4 design reduces carbon gas emissions during production by 18%. The i4’s battery, for example, uses two-thirds less cobalt than earlier designs, while the motor contains no rare-earth metals at all.
Overall, the BMW i4 is an eco-friendly electric vehicle that provides numerous environmental benefits, making it an excellent choice for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint and help protect the environment.
BMW i4 Warranties
The BMW i4 boasts competitive warranties, especially when it comes to coverage period, providing peace of mind for its drivers. The limited warranty, for instance, is valid for four years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first, ensuring that drivers have ample protection in case of unexpected issues.
Additionally, the high-voltage battery coverage of the BMW i4 is valid for eight years or 100,000 miles, a testament to the vehicle’s long-lasting and high-quality design. Furthermore, the maintenance of the i4 is covered for the first three years or 36,000 miles, making it even more convenient and cost-effective for drivers.
Overall, the BMW i4 is a highly reliable and well-designed electric vehicle that offers competitive warranties and coverage periods, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a dependable and long-lasting vehicle.
BMW i4 Maintenance
The BMW i4 electric vehicle requires minimal service and maintenance, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a low-maintenance electric car. The recommended service for the i4 is limited to a vehicle check, cabin filter replacement, brake fluid change, and remote control key battery replacement at 24, 48, and 72 months, respectively, regardless of mileage.
This limited maintenance requirement not only saves drivers time and money, but it also underscores the i4’s high-quality and reliable design. Additionally, the BMW i4’s low service requirement makes it a more eco-friendly choice, as it reduces the need for frequent oil changes and other services that can contribute to waste and pollution.
After conducting an in-depth review, we find that the BMW i4 is a remarkable electric vehicle that stands out for its low-maintenance nature, eco-friendliness, excellent reliability, and exceptional quality. It is an ideal choice for those seeking a dependable and hassle-free car. For more information on the i4 or other electric vehicles, feel free to reach out to the experts at EV Universe.
Sources
https://www.drivingelectric.com/bmw/i4
https://www.topgear.com/car-news/electric/heres-your-first-look-production-bmw-i4
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