BMW has long been a holdout in the march towards electrification, with CEO Oliver Zipse even declaring in 2022 that "the shift to electromobility is overhyped." But with the release of the brilliant i4 Gran Coupe, the Bavarian automaker has done an abrupt about-face. This sleek four-door is not only the most convincing Tesla competitor yet, but a true sport sedan for the electrified age.
As BMW‘s first clean-sheet EV design since the pioneering but ultimately slow-selling i3 hatchback, the i4 is a monumentally important vehicle for the German marque. Along with the iX SUV and upcoming i7 flagship sedan, it represents a new chapter where BMW takes electrification deadly seriously. If the i4 is anything to go by, the future looks bright indeed.
Specifications and Performance
Utilizing the same underlying platform as the gasoline-powered 4-series Gran Coupe, the i4 swaps out combustion engines for electric motors and a floor-mounted lithium-ion battery pack. Three variants are offered:
| Model | Battery | Power | Torque | 0-60 mph | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| eDrive35 | 70.2 kWh | 281 hp | 295 lb-ft | 5.8 sec | 256 miles |
| eDrive40 | 81.5 kWh | 335 hp | 317 lb-ft | 5.5 sec | 301 miles |
| M50 | 81.5 kWh | 536 hp | 586 lb-ft | 3.7 sec | 270 miles |
The eDrive40 and M50 utilize an 81.5 kWh battery, while the entry-level eDrive35 makes do with a 70.2 kWh pack to hit a lower price point. All models feature an 11 kW onboard charger for Level 2 charging. Find a sufficiently powerful DC fast charger and the i4 can soak up electrons at a rate of 200 kW, taking the battery from 10% to 80% in as little as 31 minutes.
Punch the accelerator and the i4 surges forward instantly and silently, the hefty torque pinning you to your seat. BMW quotes a 0-60 mph run of 5.8 seconds for the eDrive35, 5.5 seconds for the eDrive40, and a scant 3.7 seconds for the M50. While that‘s properly quick, the i4 is more about confident, effortless speed than tire-shredding launches.
It‘s through corners where the i4 really shines. A low center of gravity, adaptive dampers, and sticky summer rubber conspire to deliver stellar body control and grip. The accurate steering is nicely weighted, if lacking the ultimate feel of past M cars. Pushed to the limit, the i4 is neutral and predictable, with the ability to adjust your line mid-corner via the accelerator. It‘s a delicate dance that rewards skilled drivers.
Infotainment and Technology
Inside, the i4 greets you with BMW‘s latest iDrive 8 infotainment suite. Dominated by an expansive curved glass display, iDrive 8 combines a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster with a 14.9-inch central touchscreen. The graphics are modern and crisp, the menus intuitive to navigate. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, as is a WiFi hotspot and 5G connectivity.
Natural language voice control allows you to adjust vehicle functions simply by speaking, with commands like "Hey BMW, I‘m cold" to turn up the heat. The digital assistant can also help locate charging stations and optimize your route. Over-the-air updates keep the system current, with major enhancements like improved charging curve management possible.
Other tech features include a large head-up display, wireless phone charging, a premium Harman Kardon sound system, and BMW‘s Digital Key. The latter allows you to use your smartphone in lieu of the traditional fob, with the ability to share access with up to five other users. Digital Key Plus adds ultra-wideband technology for greater security and the convenience of leaving your phone in your pocket.
On the driver assistance front, the i4 offers a comprehensive suite of aids. Standard fare includes blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, and parking sensors. Stepping up to the Driving Assistance Professional Package adds adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane keeping assist, evasive steering assist, and Emergency Stop Assistant which can bring the vehicle to a controlled stop if the driver becomes incapacitated.
Charging and Range
With an EPA-estimated range of 301 miles, the i4 eDrive40 slots in above the Polestar 2 (270 miles) but below the Tesla Model 3 Long Range (358 miles). Opting for the quicker M50 drops range to 270 miles as a consequence of its dual-motor all-wheel drive setup and stickier tires. For reference, the Audi e-tron GT achieves 238 miles and the Porsche Taycan 4S 227 miles.
Crucially, the i4‘s consumption of 28 kWh/100 miles (eDrive40) is right in line with the segment average. In typical driving, 250-270 miles should be easily achievable with either i4 model. Longer trips will require more stopping compared to a Tesla, but the 200 kW DC fast charging capability helps minimize downtime. Just 10 minutes at a sufficiently powerful plug yields 90 miles of range in the i4.
Public charging infrastructure remains a sore spot for non-Tesla EVs. BMW has partnered with EVgo to provide access to their nationwide fast charging network, with two years of 30-minute complimentary sessions for i4 buyers. But coverage pales in comparison to Tesla‘s prolific Supercharger network. The i4 can also be charged at a growing number of Electrify America stations. For home charging, BMW offers a partnership with Qmerit for 240V Level 2 installations.
Exterior and Interior Design
Those familiar with the gasoline-powered 4-series Gran Coupe will find the i4 nearly indistinguishable from the outside. The most obvious differentiator is the smoothed-over kidney grille, which houses sensors for the driver aids rather than radiators. Blue trim accents and unique aerodynamic wheels hint at the electric powertrain within. Like the regular Gran Coupe, the i4 features a sleek fastback roofline with a power-operated liftgate in lieu of a traditional trunk.
Dimensionally, the i4 casts a similar shadow to the Tesla Model 3. The BMW‘s 188.5-inch length and 72.9-inch width make it 2.6 inches shorter and 0.7 inches wider, while the 57.0-inch height is identical. Cargo capacity is a useful 16.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 45.6 cubic feet with them folded. That‘s on par with the Tesla and notably more than the Polestar 2‘s 14.3 cubic foot liftback area.
Inside, the i4 features a typically premium BMW cabin with a modern twist. The iDrive 8 curved display takes center stage, with minimal physical switchgear and open-pore wood trim. The front seats are supportive and highly adjustable, whether upholstered in perforated synthetic leather (Veganza) or real Vernasca hides. Rear seat space is adequate for adults, though the sloping roofline limits headroom for taller passengers.
Befitting its sporting intentions, the i4 M50 adds a thicker-rimmed steering wheel, more aggressively bolstered seats, aluminum pedal trim, and unique Sensatec/cloth upholstery. The standard moonroof can be deleted for a carbon fiber reinforced plastic roof to lower the center of gravity. Acoustically insulated laminated glass and a specially developed Pirelli P Zero Elect tire with noise cancelling foam contribute to a serenely quiet cabin.
Pricing and Ownership Costs
The 2023 BMW i4 eDrive35 starts at $52,395 including destination charge. The eDrive40 bumps that figure to $56,895, while the red-blooded M50 comes in at $66,895. For comparison, a single-motor Polestar 2 Long Range starts at $48,400, a Mustang Mach-E Premium RWD at $50,550, and a Tesla Model 3 Long Range at $54,490. The performance-oriented i4 M50 significantly undercuts the $104,190 Audi RS e-tron GT.
Like all EVs, the i4 benefits from significantly lower operating costs compared to gas-powered alternatives. According to the EPA, the i4 eDrive40‘s $550 annual fuel cost is less than half that of a $750 BMW 430i xDrive Gran Coupe. Maintenance should also be less frequent and expensive, with fewer moving parts and fluids to service. Factor in generous state and local EV incentives on top of the $7500 federal tax credit, and the i4 can be quite affordable to run long-term.
BMW‘s standard warranty includes 4 years/50,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper coverage and 4 years/unlimited miles of roadside assistance. The battery warranty is 8 years/100,000 miles, guaranteeing at least 70% of the original capacity. For added peace of mind, an extended warranty can be purchased for up to 7 years/100,000 miles.
The Verdict
With the i4 Gran Coupe, BMW has not only built a credible alternative to the Tesla Model 3, but expanded the definition of what an electric sport sedan can be. It offers the dynamic handling and premium feel that have long set BMW apart, augmented by a state-of-the-art electric powertrain and cutting-edge infotainment. More practical and luxurious than a Model 3 if not quite as minimalist, the i4 sacrifices little in the transition to electrons.
For the BMW faithful, it‘s a revelation – a 4-series that happens to be electric, retaining all the craftsmanship and performance that make the brand‘s products special. For EV enthusiasts, it represents healthy competition in a segment long dominated by Tesla. Whether the i4‘s more conventional styling and upscale appointments are worth the extra cost over Elon‘s offering will depend on your priorities. And that‘s before mentioning the elephant in the room: range and charging infrastructure.
Those regularly embarking on long road trips may still find a Tesla more convenient, thanks to its superior range and prolific Supercharger network. The i4‘s 300-ish mile capacity is impressive in isolation, but requires more stops than a Model 3 Long Range. On a 240V home or public Level 2 charger, the i4 takes nearly 10 hours to juice up. Rival systems like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 can reach 80% in just 18 minutes on a DC fast plug.
Such is the reality of being an early adopter. The i4 is an undeniably excellent car, a sport sedan for a new era. But the charging infrastructure hasn‘t quite caught up, requiring extra planning for longer journeys. As a daily driver for those with a garage or driveway, it‘s hard to fault, especially if you can secure the $7500 tax credit before it‘s revised. BMW expects to sell around 8000 units in the US annually, a drop in the bucket compared to the nearly 1 million global deliveries the company achieved in 2021.
More telling is the i4‘s impact on BMW itself. This is the first fruit of a $35 billion investment in electrification through 2025, with EVs projected to make up 50% of BMW‘s sales by 2030. An electric 3-series, 5-series, 7-series, and X1 will soon follow. The i4 may not revolutionize the industry overnight. But it‘s a crucial first step for a legacy automaker hellbent on winning the electric future. That alone makes it one of the most significant vehicles in BMW‘s modern history.
