28 February 2022 at 11:00 a.m.
Even though the BMWi4 is based on the ICE 4 Series Gran Coupe, we’ve driven it and it’s still a fantastic EV. Even while the BMW is significantly more expensive when comparing specs to the Tesla Model 3, it is also essentially a direct competitor (and a slightly bigger car too).
On some rural roads, CarGurus UK put these two electric cars through their paces, and in that test, the BMW’s stronger driver involvement was evident. The i4 gives more fun for a sharp driver despite being heavier and slower because of its more intuitive and tactile steering as well as the more upscale-feeling suspension arrangement (at least with the optional adaptive dampers).
When it comes to perceived quality, the inside is likewise superior to that of the Tesla, and it has plenty of technology. Despite being a hatchback, it is not quite as practical as the Tesla because it lacks a frunk and, if you choose the optional sound system, which adds a subwoofer to the underfloor compartment in the trunk, there is no longer room for charging cables. In contrast, the Tesla not only has a large compartment, but you can also use the frunk to store cables.
Despite pointing out that owning a Tesla is probably simpler for most people if they have access to the Supercharger network, they choose the BMW i4 as the victor of this head-to-head comparison because it is a better, more traditional automobile. However, that advantage might not be as significant for Tesla in the future as it is now that it is starting to permit other EVs to use its Superchargers.
In This Article...
SueM
The i4 electric four-door coupe will not have a frunk (front trunk), in contrast to many other electric automobiles. BMW is storing the electric motor, electronic controllers, and other engine parts there instead. Do you care that there isn’t a frunk? Check out attachment 957
Yes. The majority of EV enthusiasts are aware that the crumple zone the frunk provides in accidents—rather than the storage—is what makes it so desirable. The primary draw is the increased safety. I’m surprised BMW is unaware of that.
It seems as though the Model 3 has finally encountered a rival.
The eagerly awaited BMW i4 has arrived, and so far, it seems to live up to the expectations. According to this recent assessment by Carbuyer, the i4 is a thoroughly remarkable electric vehicle and is arguably the first true Tesla Model 3 competitor.
The i4 is one of the best-driving electric cars, according to the host of the channel, Nicola Hume. She evaluated the eDrive 40, which trades off performance for range. Still, it is fairly quick; the time from 0 to 60 mph is only 5.7 seconds. It has excellent balance and precision steering. She observed that compared to a Model 3, it drives and handles significantly better in her opinion.
The eDrive40’s real-world range is excellent; under typical circumstances, you can expect to travel more than 300 miles on a single charge. The ride quality is good. Although the entertainment system can occasionally be unnecessarily confusing, the interior quality is excellent. The seat is comfortable, and the driving position is ideal. Legroom is adequate in the back, however headroom can be constrained due to the i4’s sloping roof. Despite the absence of a frunk, the trunk has plenty of room. The version Carbuyer recommends is the lowest Sport trim eDrive40 because it still comes with a ton of amenities as standard.
Nicola concluded by saying that the i4 was an excellent electric vehicle with excellent handling and ride comfort. The range is outstanding, and the interior is best in class. There is no trunk, the infotainment system is a little challenging to understand, and the rear passenger capacity should be improved. Despite this, she still considers the i4 to be one of the greatest electric vehicles now available and to be an improvement over the long-reigning Model 3.
First impressions of the BMW i4
The enormous kidney grille in the front of the i4 is, like the rest of the 4-series, its most divisive design feature. Although we don’t particularly like it, the new grille isn’t nearly as bizarre in person as it appears in photographs.
The i4 eDrive40 we spent time with also had several accents that were blue like the i3, which was innovative in 2013 but would look out of place in 2021. The i4’s exterior is best characterized as fussy and excessive, despite maintaining BMW’s traditional proportions.
The inside decoration is great, though. The inside is stylish, up to date, and meets BMW’s normal high standards.
The interior of the i4 is pretty recognizable, aside from the futuristic dual screen made of curved glass. The Tesla Model 3 we recently tested is miles behind in terms of construction and material quality.
On the other hand, for just $49,990, Tesla’s car offers 0-60 mph in 4.2 seconds (AWD), a 353-mile range, and significantly better charging choices.
The i4 obviously offers a different value proposition, but we believe BMW is capable of doing better. Did we also mention that the i4 is frunk-less? Sorry, but in our opinion, a frunk is a need for all battery EVs. Here’s the process.
Cargo, Comfort, and the Interior
The i4’s interior is luxuriously decorated, with options for rose gold trim, white leather upholstery, and light wood trim. The i4 and the all-electric iX SUV are the first to feature a large, seamless display that covers nearly two-thirds of the dashboard. The general arrangement is similar to that of other BMW vehicles. The four-door i4 mimics a coupe’s look with a high rear roofline but has a conventional trunk in the back.
What choices are there for the BMW i4?
The BMW i4 sedan is an essential component of the company’s growing EV lineup. With a battery powertrain and extremely refined driving characteristics, it delivers the styling of the 4-series Grand Coupe. Three different i4 variants are available: The eDrive35 has 281 horsepower and 260 miles of EPA range, while the eDrive40 delivers 335 horsepower with an estimated 300 miles of driving. The first two models are single motor rear-drive. In the fiery, all-wheel-drive, 536-hp i4 M50, the distance shrinks to 245 miles. It is a huge praise that the latter drives like an M3 with greater handling. Compared to an M3 Competition, the M50 accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in only 3.3 seconds and from 50 to 70 mph in just 2.0 seconds, which is 0.7 seconds faster than the BMW. The i4 is a superb daily driver when not engaged in ab-toning acceleration runs. It’s a thrilling and elegant sedan with a supple ride and highly rewarding sports-sedan handling, while lacking the steering feel we prefer in other M cars.
Has the BMW i4 got a head-up display?
Options for the BMW i4 The head-up display is the most useful device in the Technology Pack (PS1500). This helps you keep your eyes on the road by projecting crucial information like your speed and sat-nav directions onto the windscreen.
Is there a front trunk on the BMW i4?
“The i4 does have a hatchback, which will make loading cargo easier than with a conventional trunk. However, there is no front trunk.”
How much will the BMW i4 set you back?
The 2023 BMW i4 luxury compact electric automobile includes many of the same outstanding features as a normal BMW, but without a gasoline engine. Starting prices are $51,400.
Does the BMW i4 have a charger?
The Flexible Fast Charger comes standard on every BMW electric vehicle. This portable device enables optimum charging everywhere you go and is compatible with any 120V or 240V outlet. At a 240V plug, you can charge from 0% to 100% in approximately 12 hours.
The pinnacle of electric convenience is the optional BMW Wallbox. It delivers Level 2 charging at 9.6 kW charging speeds (around 30 miles per hour of charging, achieving its full charge in around 12 hours), and because to its durable and weatherproof design, it can be installed in your garage or outdoors.
It is not necessary to bring any additional equipment when charging at public charging stations. CCS (for DC Fast Charging) and J1772 are the names of the standardized charging technology used in North America (for L2 charging).
You have access to any CCS or J1772-equipped public charging station. Your BMW’s navigation system and the MyBMW App will both display CCS/J1772 plug-equipped public charging stations for you to use.
The rate of a BMW i4’s charging
With up to 205 kW of charging power, you can quickly charge your BMW i4 while you’re on the go from a 10 to 80% charge. Alternately, you may recharge for a 164 km range in just 10 minutes. The BMW Wallbox recharges the BMW i4’s battery at home in just 8.25 hours, returning it to 100%.
How long will it take to get a BMW i4?
The i4 and iX are in strong demand worldwide, according to BMW Group. The company shipped 12,839 units of the electric SUV and 9,294 units of the electric coupe around the world in the first half of 2022. The German carmaker began shipping the i4 and iX to Americans in late March 2022. More than 1,100 i4 units and 1,428 iX units were on American roads by June 2022. The corporation will begin selling the i7 in the nation during the fourth quarter of 2022 (October to December 2022).
The BMW i4 has ambient lighting, right?
Sport and M Sport are the two trim levels offered for the BMW i4 eDrive 40. Reversing cameras, Parking Assistant, automatic air conditioning, ambient lighting, and LED front and rear lights are all included as standard equipment on the BMW i4 eDrive40 Sport. Customers have a choice between 18-inch alloy wheels with double spokes or 17-inch aerodynamic alloy wheels. The inside is accented with a Sport leather steering wheel, High-Gloss Black interior trim, and Black Alcantara/Sensatec, and Live Cockpit Plus is also available on all models.
Highlights of the BMW i4 eDrive40 M Sport include Live Cockpit Plus, Black Alcantara/Sensatec, and 18-inch M aerodynamic wheels with mixed tyres. The M Sport Exterior Styling, M Sport Spoiler, and Aluminium Rhombicle Anthracite Trim are also shared with the premium BMW i4 M50.
The top model, the BMW i4 M50, has metallic paintwork, automatic tailgate, 19-inch alloy wheels, and M Sport exterior flair. There is ambient interior lighting, heated front electric leather memory seats, and a M Sport leather steering wheel inside. There is a Harman Kardon surround-sound audio system, a 14.9-inch infotainment system (with sat-nav), and a 12.3-inch instrument display. Reversing cameras, cruise control, and LED front and back lighting are all standard on BMW vehicles.
Is the BMW i4 eligible for a tax credit?
Which discounts is the i4 eligible for? In addition to various state incentives like rebates, tax credits, and grants, owning the first-ever BMW i4 may entitle you to a federal tax credit of up to $7,500.
Is there a lifetime warranty for BMW?
As long as you own your car, you are covered. You are covered FOREVER as long as you carry out the routine maintenance specified in your Warranty Forever(r) agreement.
Does BMW offer maintenance at no cost?
The BMW Maintenance Program* offers the longest coverage duration and is one of the most comprehensive packages in its category. For four years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first, we provide all factory-recommended maintenance free of charge. We also cover any parts that need to be replaced as a result of normal wear and use.
Does the BMW deposit get returned?
No of their amount or point in the production process, deposits can be made up until the automobile is delivered and the paperwork is signed. If necessary, you can return it to the dealer before delivery if you change your mind.
What is not covered by the BMW warranty?
The new BMW guarantee does not cover components like brake pads and filters that experience typical wear and tear. Additionally, it won’t cover damages brought on by inappropriate use or sun damage.