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A Review Of The BMW i4

by Will Marsh on Aug 27, 2025 11:03:33 AM

 

BMW i4 Review: Quick Summary

Quick summary: The BMW i4 is a premium electric executive car that combines traditional BMW driving dynamics with long EV range, rapid charging and a luxurious interior. The eDrive40 is widely considered the best all-round version thanks to its balance of performance, range and comfort. The i4 retains the traditional BMW feel many drivers still want from an electric car.

BMW i4 Pros

    • Excellent driving dynamics
    • Premium interior quality
    • Strong real-world range
    • Quiet motorway refinement
    • Practical hatchback boot

BMW i4 Cons

    • Rear headroom is tight
    • Expensive compared to rivals
    • No front boot (frunk)
    • Climate controls rely heavily on touchscreen menus
A close up of an electric charging cable being plugged into an electric vehicle.

Charging Range

Quick summary: The BMW i4 offers competitive EV range and rapid charging speeds, making it well suited to both daily driving and longer motorway journeys.

A charging range of over 300 miles is pretty standard within the EV saloon space, so you won’t be left short-handed when it comes to driving distance. Clearly, the i4 isn’t suited to spontaneous drives like a petrol car is, but this issue is the same for every EV. Up to 205kW DC rapid charging is available, as is mains charging at home, so you can check the charging box off.

 

A black BMW i4 driving round a corner at speed, with the background blurred.

Exterior Design

Quick summary: The BMW i4 combines classic BMW styling with modern EV design cues, helping it feel familiar while still looking contemporary.

The i4 is instantly recognisable as a BMW, with iconic contours and rear design, plus the unmistakeable BMW badge. The front grille is synonymous with the newer BMWs; a larger grille that has come under some criticism for it’s move away from the recognisable BMW front. In saying that, the car looks powerful and is still an instantly recognisable member of the German manufacturer’s family.

Interior Quality

Quick summary: The BMW i4 features a premium cabin with strong material quality, comfortable seating and a modern minimalist layout.

The interior of the i4 is sophisticated and matches its £50,000 price tag. Leather seating and a clean, minimalist driver cockpit help the car feel modern and cutting-edge, something car buyers are looking for more and more in today's market. The i4 also offers Apple CarPlay, a must for today's car buyers.

Virtual spindles and spider webs, representing an interconnected intelligence system.

Driver Tech Package

Quick summary: The BMW i4 comes packed with driver assistance and safety technology designed to improve comfort, convenience and confidence behind the wheel.

The BMW i4 comes with plenty of driving technology to help make your journey comfortable and safe. Here’s a look at some of the features:

    • Attentiveness Assistant.
    • BMW iDrive.
    • Cruise Control.
    • Driving Experience Switch.
    • Parking Assistant.
    • Run-Flat Indicator.
    • Tyre Pressure Warning System.
    • Active Guard Plus.
    • Crash sensor.
    • Electric Parking Brake.
    • Reversing Light.

BMW i4 Variants

Quick summary: The BMW i4 range includes efficient rear-wheel-drive models and high-performance dual-motor versions, giving buyers a choice between range, value and outright speed.

BMW i4 eDrive35

The eDrive35 is the entry-level BMW i4 model, offering rear-wheel drive, strong efficiency and up to 319 miles of WLTP range.

BMW i4 eDrive40

The eDrive40 is widely regarded as the sweet spot in the BMW i4 range thanks to its solid balance of range, performance and everyday usability. It produces 340hp, uses an 81.9kWh battery and offers up to 380 miles of WLTP range.

BMW i4 M60 xDrive

The dual-motor BMW i4 M60 xDrive delivers sports car performance with 0-62mph in under 4 seconds while retaining everyday comfort and practicality.

Driving Experience

Quick summary: The BMW i4 offers sporty handling, precise steering and excellent motorway refinement while retaining the traditional rear-wheel-drive feel BMW is known for.

Despite weighing over two tonnes, the BMW i4 disguises its size well through sharp body control and balanced handling. The steering feels accurate and well-weighted, helping the i4 feel more engaging to drive than many rival EVs.

The cabin is also impressively refined at motorway speeds, with very little wind or road noise entering the interior. Regenerative braking feels smooth and predictable compared to some EV rivals, while “B” mode allows for intuitive one-pedal driving around town.

A close up of a person securing a seat belt in place.

Passenger Space And Practicality

Quick summary: The BMW i4 offers a practical hatchback boot and useful rear seating, though taller rear passengers may find headroom tighter than some EV rivals.

The i4’s hatchback tailgate makes the boot more practical than many traditional saloons, while folding rear seats improve usability further. However, because the i4 shares its platform with petrol-powered BMW models, rear passenger space is not as generous as some dedicated EV competitors.

BMW i4 Ownership Experience

Quick summary: The BMW i4 combines premium comfort, strong real-world usability and lower day-to-day running costs, making it one of the easiest luxury EVs to live with.

Owning a BMW i4 is likely to feel familiar for drivers making the switch from petrol or diesel BMW models. Unlike some electric cars that feel overly futuristic, the i4 keeps much of the traditional BMW feel drivers already know and enjoy. Charging is fairly straightforward too. If you can charge at home overnight using a wall box, everyday driving becomes easy to manage, while up to 205kW DC rapid charging helps make longer motorway journeys far more convenient. The i4 is especially impressive on longer drives. Road and wind noise are kept nicely under control, the seats are comfortable, and the suspension balances comfort with sporty handling really well. Whether you are commuting daily or covering motorway miles regularly, the i4 feels smooth, refined and relaxing to drive. Running costs can also work out lower than many petrol or diesel executive cars, particularly if you mainly charge at home. Servicing is often simpler too, thanks to electric cars having fewer moving mechanical parts. BMW’s infotainment system is modern and packed with features, while wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto help make everyday driving feel more connected and convenient. Some drivers may still prefer more physical buttons for climate controls, but overall the system is easy enough to get used to.

For drivers wanting a premium EV that still feels like a proper BMW, the i4 is one of the strongest all-round ownership experiences currently available.

A hand holding binoculars up against a purple and blue background.

A Look At The Competition

Quick summary: The BMW i4 competes against several premium electric saloons, including the Tesla Model 3, Polestar 2 and BYD Seal, each offering different strengths around technology, performance and value.

Tesla Model 3 Vs BMW i4

Compared to the Tesla Model 3, the BMW i4 offers a more traditional luxury feel and sharper driving dynamics, though Tesla delivers stronger value and software integration. Here’s a breakdown of the key stats between the two. Unlike the minimalist interior approach used by Tesla, the BMW i4 balances digital technology with more traditional controls

Features
Price New
Price Used
Charging Range
0-60
Euro NCAP Safety Rating
BMW i4
£51,000
£24,000
300 Miles
3.6s - 6s
4 Stars (2022)
Tesla Model 3
£39,000
£21,000
300 - 382 Miles
2.9s - 5.8s
5 Stars

 

If you are looking for a cheaper EV that doesn’t compromise on technology, the Tesla Model 3 may be a better choice.

Polestar 2 Vs BMW i4

A slightly cheaper option than the i4, the Polestar lacks in luxury finish, but more than makes up for with a great drive. Let’s drill down into the details.

Features
Price New
Price Used
Charging Range
0-60
Euro NCAP Safety Rating
BMW i4
£51,000
£24,000
300 Miles
3.6s - 6s
4 Stars (2022)
Polestar 2
£43,000
£23,000
339 - 406 Miles
4s - 6.2s
5 Stars (2021)

 

A cheaper option with less luxury, the Polestar 2 is better suited to budget-conscious buyers looking for a reliable ride.

BYD Seal Vs BMW i4

To some a better looking car, the BYD Seal is elegant and sharp, with a similar interior feel to the i4.

Features
Price New
Price Used
Charging Range
0-60
Euro NCAP Safety Rating
BMW i4
£51,000
£24,000
300 Miles
3.6s - 6s
4 Stars (2022)
BYD Seal
£45,000
£29,000
350 Miles
3.8s - 5.9s
5 Stars (2023)

 

One of the strongest competitors to the i4, the BYD Seal is fresh and modern, with a great charging capacity and cheaper price. In saying that, it doesn’t have the benefit of the iconic BMW brand and feel…

A teal BBMW i4 driving on a rural road in sunny day light.

The Final BMW i4 Verdict

The i4 is a really good option for BMW lovers looking to transition into EV ownership. Compared to similar rivals, the i4 doesn’t quite stack up in price and safety. For budget-conscious buyers, there are better options, but that isn’t to say the i4 isn’t good too. If you are looking to get your hands on an electric car that’s luxurious and exciting to drive, the BMW i4 is a great choice. The eDrive40 is the best choice for most buyers thanks to its balance of performance, comfort and range.

BMW i4 FAQs

Is the BMW i4 better than the Tesla Model 3?

The BMW i4 offers a more traditional luxury feel, sharper driving dynamics and a quieter cabin, while the Tesla Model 3 delivers stronger software integration and better value for money.

What is the best BMW i4 model?

Many reviewers consider the BMW i4 eDrive40 the best all-round version thanks to its balance of range, performance and everyday usability.

How far can the BMW i4 go on one charge?

Depending on the model, the BMW i4 can deliver up to 380 miles of WLTP range.

Is the BMW i4 fun to drive?

Yes. The BMW i4 is widely regarded as one of the best-driving electric cars thanks to its balanced handling, accurate steering and strong refinement.

Does the BMW i4 support rapid charging?

Yes. The BMW i4 supports up to 205kW DC rapid charging depending on the model.

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