BMW

BMW I4 GRAN COUPE 250kW eDrive40 Sport 83.9kWh 5dr Auto

Fuel

FuelElectric

Transmission

TransmissionAutomatic

Acceleration

0 - 62 mph5.7s

EC Combined (mpg)

EC CombinedN mpg

BMW's i4 is a mid-sized EV sports saloon aimed at the very heart of the business sector, a car that incorporates all of the company's traditional brand values. And does so in a way that should appeal to EV customers looking for a more involving, individual choice in this segment.

FOUR PLAY

The i4 takes BMW into uncharted territory. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Review

BMW's i4 is a mid-sized EV sports saloon aimed at the very heart of the business sector, a car that incorporates all of the company's traditional brand values. And does so in a way that should appeal to EV customers looking for a more involving, individual choice in this segment.

Background

The ICE age, as in 'Internal Combustion Era', is almost over and BMW is ready for what lies beyond. This car, the i4, was at launch the most important EV the brand had introduced to date. And there's a good case for calling it the most important BMW for decades. The company's been dabbling with EVs for a very long time now, ever since its 'Project i' division produced the ground-breaking little i3 back in 2013. After that though, there was a rather disappointing seven year gap, at the end of which we got a conventional looking EV version of the X3 (the iX3), then a year later, what looked like a properly dedicated design, the iX, which did in fact merely run on a (heavily modified) version of the company's combustion-orientated CLAR platform. The i4, launched in 2022, isn't designed around a properly bespoke EV platform either - that's coming with the 'Neue Klasse' EV models the company's introducing later in this decade. But it is very much a 'proper' BMW, as we're about to find out. When you imagine a 'proper' BMW, the car you tend to think of is a 3 Series saloon and if you were to conceptualise one of those as an EV, this is pretty close to what you might end up with. Actually, this i4 has a bit more in common with the brand's swoopier 4 Series Gran Coupe, not least because it has a swept-back GT silhouette with a tailgate rather than a boot. Anyway, what you need to know is that there's lots of carry-over between this i4 and those 3 and 4 Series models, all three designs made at the same BMW Group Plant Munich German factory. This car gets the fifth-generation of the brand's advanced 'eDrive' system, which incorporates this Bavarian maker's latest battery, motor, and charging technologies. And it's intended as a sportier alternative to pricier versions of more established Executive mid-sized EV sporting models, nearly all of them cars that really were designed from the ground-up as EVs, like the Tesla Model 3, the Polestar 2, the Hyundai IONIQ 6, the Kia EV6 and the Volkswagen ID.7.

Driving Experience

i4 customers choose between three powertrains. The eDrive35 model gets a rear-mounted electric motor putting out 286hp and is good for 299 miles. The eDrive40 model gets a rear-mounted electric motor putting out 335hp, enough to power the car to 62mph in 5.7s en route to 118mph - the WLTP-rated range is up to 365 miles. If that's not fast enough, your alternative is the high performance M50 variant, which offers a rear-biased xDrive all-wheel drive system. Here, the rear-mounted electric motor is joined by another on the front axle, creating a total output of 537hp, enough to get the car to 62mph in just 3.9s on the way to 140mph. The driving range figure falls though, to 318 miles. BMW hopes to set a fresh standard for handling in this segment and to that end has stiffened the chassis, given the car sharp, engaging steering and incorporated wider tracks than you get on a 3 Series. Rear air suspension is standard across the range and the M50 adds adaptive M dampers, plus a unique 'Sport Boost' function that can be used to release the drivetrain's maximum output when the car is being driven in 'Sport' mode. All i4 variants get a Dynamic Stability Control system that works 10 times quicker than a conventional set-up.

Design and Build

Visually, this i4 aims to offer a more sporting take on what a mid-sized EV should be. The dimensions, 4,785mm long, 1,852mm wide and 1,448mm tall, are similar to those of the brand's 3 Series saloon, but there's also a 'Gran Coupe'-style GT look that gives this car a more upmarket demeanour. Unlike the larger iX, there's no EV-specific platform. Instead, under the skin, the i4 uses basically the same CLAR modular cluster architecture that features in all of the brand's other mid and large-sized models, though with a super-slim lithium ion battery inserted beneath the floor of the passenger cell. The sleek shape has a drag coefficient of just 0.24Cd, helped by active elements like 10-stage adjustable flaps in the front kidney grille that open and close to aid aerodynamic efficiency. Inside, there's a completely new approach to the company's iDrive cabin screen design. This sees a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel paired to 14.9-inch central infotainment screen, creating what the brand calls a 'Curved Display'. This is held in place by a supporting structure concealed from the occupants' view, so it appears to be standing freely in the cockpit. And the use of anti-reflective glass makes it possible to dispense with the binnacle usually required to shield the readouts from sunlight. Because there's no bespoke EV architecture, the wheelbase length's the same as a 4 Series Gran Coupe, which means there's way less space in the rear than many rival EVs. But some compensation comes with the tailgate rises to reveal a big 470-litre boot.

Market and Model

Prices start at around £50,000 for the i4 eDrive35 model with base 'Sport' trim; allow £1,500 more for 'M Sport' trim. You'll need around £58,000 for the i4 eDrive40 'Sport' - and the same premium for more dynamic-looking 'M Sport' spec. The top i4 M50 flagship model costs around £71,000. Most will want the eDrive40 'M Sport' model, which comes with 18-inch M aerodynamic wheels, BMW's 'Live Cockpit Plus' dual cabin screens and black Alcantara and 'Sensatec' (man made leather) upholstery and trim. It also shares the same M Sport Exterior Styling, M Sport Spoiler and Aluminium Rhombicle Anthracite Trim of the flagship i4 M50. Equipment standard to all versions includes a reversing camera, Parking Assistant, automatic air conditioning, ambient lighting and LED lights front and back. A host of options are also available, enabling customers to personalise their i4 to their own individual requirements. BMW offers around 40 assistance functions for the i4 either as standard or as an option to enhance safety and comfort when driving and parking. For those looking for the ultimate sound experience, there is the Harman Kardon surround sound system, complete with 16 speakers and a digital seven-channel amplifier delivering 464 watts of audio power which is optional on the i4 eDrive40 and standard on the i4 M50.

Cost of Ownership

We'll re-state the range figures we gave you in our 'Driving Experience' section. The i4 eDrive40 delivers a claimed WLTP-rated range of up to 365 miles per charge from its 81.5kWh-plus battery pack, 66 miles more than the base eDrive35 variant (which uses a smaller 67kWh battery). With the i4 M50 model meanwhile, the extra weight of the 4WD system lowers that range figure to 318 miles. In a bid to keep weight down, the Munich maker has optimised driving range by increasing the energy density of the batteries used, rather than increasing their size. All models have a maximum recharging rate of 200kW, which means the battery can be recharged from 10-80% in as little as 31 minutes. Adaptive and individually regulated recuperation during overrun and braking allows the efficiency of the drive system in the i4 to be increased in a way that no other model in this segment can. Intelligently connected drive management means the intensity of the brake energy recuperation can be adapted to the road situation, as detected by data from the navigation system and the sensors used by the driver assistance systems. Over an ownership period of 125,000 miles, BMW claims that the i4 eDrive40 will have a 45%-lower global warming potential than that of a comparable diesel 3 or 4 Series model. And the brand is seeking to enhance the sustainability of its supply chain and increase its use of recycled materials for the i4. All of which will help to cut production emissions by 18%.

Summary

The i4 sets new standards for drive dynamics in the mid-sized EV segment. But the combustion-orientated chassis that allows it to do that compromises practicality and rear seat space. If that's not an issue and you don't mind paying a touch more than expected for your mid-sized premium-badged EV, then there's lots to like here. We can't really see why you'd compromise with the smaller-battery eDrive35 version. Or why you'd really need the manic performance of the top M50 variant. Which leaves the mid-level eDrive40 model offering the sweet spot in the range. It's a pity BMW hasn't invested in the 800V architecture that features in some rivals for ultra-rapid charging. But battery charging speeds are very competitive by 400V system standards. The challenge now is to BMW to replicate the engaging handling on offer here as part of the bespoke 'Neue Klasse' EV chassis that will be used in the brand's future electric models. What we need from them is what we've got from this i4; which feels like a BMW to the core, from its rear-biased drive system to the style of the panel work and the iDrive-cleverness of the interior. Previously, if you loved BMWs but needed an EV, you really needed to buy something else. Now the Munich maker has your number. And this might well be it.

  • Electric windows
  • Rain sensor including auto headlights activation

  • Dynamic brake control
  • Dynamic Traction Control - DTC
  • Brake energy regeneration
  • Automatic Stability Control (ASC)
  • CBC - (Cornering brake control)
  • Brake drying
  • Anti lock braking system (ABS) with brake assist
  • Front and rear ventilated brake disc
  • Hill start assistant
  • Dynamic stability control + (DSC+)

  • Velour floor mats

  • BMW remote services
  • Attentiveness assist
  • Reversing assist camera
  • Speed limiter
  • Electric Power Steering (EPS) with Servotronic
  • Cruise control with brake assist
  • Drive off assistant
  • Preparation for active cruise control with stop and go
  • Live cockpit plus with nav function 12.3" instrument cluster and 14.9" centre display

  • Driving experience switch
  • Engine start/stop button
  • Automatic tailgate operation

  • Service interval indicator
  • Run flat indicator
  • Condition based service
  • Personal Profile - automatic lock when driving away selectable
  • BMW emergency call
  • BMW Teleservices
  • eDrive Services
  • Smartphone integration
  • Integrated owners handbook
  • BMW ConnectedDrive online services
  • Widescreen display
  • iDrive controller

  • Eletric adjustable exterior mirrors
  • Auto dimming with folding wing mirrors
  • Body colour door mirrors
  • Automatic dimming rear view mirror

  • Sensatec dashboard

  • Charging flap in front side panel - left
  • DC charging up to 150kW
  • AC charging up to 11kW
  • Mode 3 charging cable
  • High voltage battery
  • Electric drive unit
  • Flexible charger
  • eDrive exterior sound

  • DAB tuner

  • Front and rear bumper system
  • Visible VIN plate
  • Door sill strips
  • Body colour door handles
  • Model logo - Rear and right model designation, Rear left i4 inscription
  • BMW badge on bonnet and tailgate with blue ring around the badge
  • Roof fin in body colour
  • BMW iconic sound electric
  • Fading support

  • Preparation for high beam assistant
  • High level third brake light
  • Follow me home headlights
  • LED daytime running lights
  • Welcome lighting
  • LED rear lights
  • LED front fog lights
  • Headlight beam throw control
  • LED eyebrow light
  • LED direction indicator lenses

  • Automatic air conditioning with 3 zone control

  • 12V power sockets
  • Multifunction steering wheel
  • Storage tray and compartment with cover in centre console
  • Toolkit
  • 3 spoke sports leather steering wheel
  • Glove compartment
  • Anthracite headlining
  • Adjustable steering column

  • Ambient lighting
  • Interior lighting

  • Crash sensor activating central locking release, hazard warning lights
  • Brake pretensioning
  • Driver and passenger side airbags
  • 3 point seatbelts on all seats
  • Twin horns
  • Warning triangle and first aid kit
  • Tyre pressure sensors with three level warning strategy
  • Battery safety cut-off
  • Acoustic protection for pedestrians
  • Head airbags for all 4 outer seats
  • ISOFIX child seat mounting on rear outer seats
  • Driver and front passenger airbags

  • Seat backrest width adjustment
  • 40:20:40 split folding rear seat and rear centre armrest with two cupholders
  • Heated front seats
  • Headrests for all seats

  • Central locking switch for all doors, fuel filler cap and luggage compartment
  • Locking wheel bolts
  • Alarm system
  • Interior entre lock switch
  • Two vehicle keys

  • Trailer stabilisation logic

  • Electronic differential lock

  • Sunvisors with vanity mirrors and ticket pocket

  • Run flat tyres

  • Tyre repair kit

  • Battery Charge Slow Time (Minutes): 2610
  • Battery Charge Slow kW: 2.3
  • Battery Charge Slow Percentage: 0-100
  • Battery Charge Fast Time (Minutes): 1620
  • Battery Charge Fast kW: 3.7
  • Battery Charge Fast Percentage: 0-100
  • Battery Charge Rapid Time (Minutes): 780
  • Battery Charge Rapid kW: 7.4
  • Battery Charge Rapid Percentage: 0-100
  • Battery Charge Super Charge Time (Minutes): 510
  • Battery Charge Super Charge kW: 11
  • Battery Charge Super Charge Percentage: 0-100
  • Coupler/Connector Type: Type 2
  • Battery Capacity in kWh: 83.9
  • Battery Leased: False
  • Battery Type: Lithium-ion

  • CO2 (g/km): 0
  • Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6
  • CO: N
  • HC: N
  • NOx: N
  • HC+NOx: N
  • Particles: N

  • Cylinders - Bore (mm): N
  • Cylinders - Stroke (mm): N
  • CC: 1
  • Cylinders: N
  • Cylinder Layout: N
  • Number of Valves: N
  • Camshaft: N
  • Fuel Delivery: N
  • Catalytic Convertor: True
  • Engine Layout: N
  • Compression Ratio: N
  • Transmission: AUTO
  • Gears: 1 SPEED
  • Engine Code: HA0001N0

  • EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: N
  • EC Urban (mpg): N
  • EC Extra Urban (mpg): N
  • EC Combined (mpg): N

  • Coin Series: Sport
  • Coin Description: eDrive40
  • Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: False
  • Special Edition: False
  • Special Order: False
  • Based On ID: N
  • Timing Belt Interval Mileage: N
  • Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months: N
  • NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: N
  • NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: N
  • NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: N
  • NCAP Safety Assist %: N
  • NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: N
  • Badge Power: 340
  • Badge Engine CC: 0
  • Vehicle Homologation Class: M1
  • Generation Mark: 1
  • Alternative Fuel Qualifying: True

  • Engine Torque - MKG: 43.8
  • Engine Power - KW: 250
  • Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 317
  • Engine Torque - NM: 430
  • Engine Power - BHP: 340
  • Engine Power - PS: True
  • 0 to 60 mph (secs): False
  • 0 to 62 mph (secs): 5.7
  • Top Speed: 118

  • Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP
  • RDE Certification Level: N/A

  • Tyre Size Rear: 255/45 R18
  • Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT
  • Wheel Type: 18" ALLOY
  • Wheel Style: DOUBLE SPOKE STYLE 853
  • Alloys?: True
  • Space Saver?: False
  • Tyre Size Front: 245/45 R18

  • Width (including mirrors): 2073
  • Height: 1448
  • Height (including roof rails): N
  • Length: 4783
  • Width: 1852
  • Wheelbase: 2856

  • Minimum Kerbweight: 2050
  • Gross Vehicle Weight: 2605
  • Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): N
  • Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 470
  • No. of Seats: 5
  • Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 1600
  • Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750
  • Max. Loading Weight: 555
  • Max. Roof Load: 75
  • Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1290
  • Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 12.5

  • Sun protection glass: £320

  • Storage for wireless charging: £180

  • BMW Drive recorder: £0

  • High gloss black interior trim: Included
  • Aluminium mesh effect interior trim: £0

  • Harman/Kardon surround sound audio system with 464W amplifier power, 9 channels and 17 speakers: £820

  • Aluminium exterior trim: £0
  • Model specific design elements: £0
  • Metallic paint: £695
  • Electric glass sunroof: £1,050
  • Solid paint: Included
  • High gloss shadow line exterior trim: Included

  • LED Headlights: Included

  • Vernasca leather upholstery: £1,500
  • Heating steering wheel: £220
  • Alcantara/Sensatec upholstery: Included

  • Comfort pack - I4: £990
  • Comfort plus pack - I4: £1,950
  • Parking assistant pack - I4: Included
  • Parking assistant plus pack - I4: £650
  • Visibility package - I4: £1,500

  • Metallic - Sanremo green: £695
  • Metallic - Skyscraper grey: £695
  • Metallic - Mineral white: £695
  • Metallic - Black sapphire: £695
  • Metallic - Sunset orange: £695

  • Solid - Alpine white: £0

  • Electrically adjustable lumbar support for driver and front passenger: £265
  • Deletion lumbar support/width adjustment passenger side: £0

  • Electric towbar: £1,000

  • Vernasca leather - Tacora red with black stitching: £1,500
  • Vernasca leather - Black with grey stitching: £1,500
  • Vernasca leather - Cognac with mokka stitching: £1,500
  • Vernasca leather - Oyster with grey stitching: £1,500

  • Alcantara/Sensatec - Black: £0

  • 19" Aerodynamic alloy wheels in bicolour with mixed tyres - style 855: £950
  • 17" Aerodynamic alloy wheels in bicolour - style 852: £0
  • 18" Double spoke light alloy wheels in bicolour with mixed tyres - Style 853: Included

Whilst every effort is made to verify and ensure the accuracy of the data, the information should only be used as a guide and no purchasing decision should be made without verification of the data from either the manufacturer or franchised dealer. Our offers may be on a different model year to that represented by this data and so specification may differ accordingly.

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