Vehicle Overview
| Vehicle Segment | Midsize Electric Luxury Gran Coupé |
| Body Style | 5-Door Fastback Sedan (Gran Coupé) |
| Release Year | 2021 |
| Trim/Variant Reviewed | i4 eDrive40 (Also available: i4 M50) |
Key Specifications (BMW i4 eDrive40)
| Motor | Single Rear-Mounted Electric Motor |
| Transmission | Single-Speed Automatic |
| Power Output | 340 hp (250 kW) |
| Torque | 430 Nm |
| Drivetrain | Rear-Wheel Drive (eDrive40) / AWD (M50) |
| Battery | 83.9 kWh gross (81.5 kWh usable) lithium-ion |
| Dimensions | 4,783 mm (L) × 1,852 mm (W) × 1,448 mm (H); Wheelbase: 2,856 mm |
| Weight | ~2,050 kg (Kerb) |
| Range | Up to 590 km (WLTP) / ~480 km real-world |
| Boot Space | 470 L / 1,290 L (with rear seats folded) |
Exterior Design
Shares design cues with the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé, but with EV-specific touches
Signature closed kidney grille with blue accents and radar housing
Aerodynamically optimized bumpers, flush door handles, and underbody
Optional M Sport package adds aggressive front/rear styling and larger wheels (up to 20")
Rear LED light clusters and subtle diffuser-style rear bumper
Interior, Comfort & Materials
Elegant, minimalistic cabin with high-grade soft-touch materials and brushed metal trim
5-seat layout with generous legroom and low transmission tunnel
Sports seats with optional heating/ventilation and Sensatec or Vernasca leather
Optional glass sunroof and ambient lighting system
Rear headroom slightly compromised by coupe roofline
Features & Infotainment
BMW Curved Display
12.3” digital instrument cluster + 14.9” central touchscreen (iDrive 8)
Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
Over-the-air (OTA) updates and cloud-based navigation
Voice Assistant, Gesture Control (optional), and intelligent personal assistant
Optional Harman Kardon premium sound system
Remote pre-conditioning, charging management via My BMW app
Safety & Ratings
Standard Safety Features
Lane departure warning, auto emergency braking, blind spot monitoring
Adaptive cruise control and rear cross-traffic alert
Optional Driver Assistance Pro
Traffic jam assist, semi-autonomous driving, and auto lane change
Crash Ratings
| Euro NCAP | ★★★★★ (2022) |
Strong scores for adult protection and safety assist tech
Driving Performance & Handling
eDrive40: 0–100 km/h in 5.7 seconds
| M50 | Dual motors, AWD, 544 hp → 0–100 km/h in 3.9 seconds |
Low center of gravity, 50:50 weight distribution
Adaptive M suspension available on M50 and M Sport trims
Smooth acceleration, excellent highway refinement, and classic BMW steering feel
Optional rear air suspension enhances ride comfort
Fuel Efficiency / EV Range
| Battery Capacity | 81.5 kWh usable |
WLTP Range
eDrive40: Up to 590 km
| M50 | Up to 520 km |
| Real-World Range | 450–500 km (eDrive40); 380–430 km (M50) |
Charging Times
| DC Fast Charging (200 kW) | 10–80% in ~31 minutes |
| AC Charging (11 kW) | Full charge in ~8.5 hours |
Practicality & Everyday Usability
470-liter hatchback-style boot expands to 1,290 L with seats down
Rear seats fold 40:20:40
Low floor and wide boot opening ideal for bulky items
Compact footprint but roomy interior; great for urban and highway use
Frunk not included (used for electronics)
Warranty & Maintenance
| Vehicle Warranty | 3 years / unlimited mileage (Europe) |
| Battery Warranty | 8 years / 160,000 km |
| Minimal maintenance | tire rotation, brake fluid, cabin filters |
BMW Service Inclusive plans available for extended coverage
Regenerative braking reduces pad wear significantly
On-Road Price & Value for Money
Original MSRP (UK, 2021)
eDrive40: ~£52,000
| M50 | ~£63,000 |
Used Market (UK, 2024): £37,000 – £55,000 depending on variant/mileage
Eligible for EV incentives and low company car tax (BIK) in many regions
Excellent value for a premium electric sedan with BMW dynamics
Comparison with Rivals (2021–2023)
| Model | Power | WLTP Range | 0–100 km/h | Price (2021) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW i4 eDrive40 | 340 hp | 590 km | 5.7s | £52,000 |
| Tesla Model 3 LR | 434 hp | 602 km | 4.4s | £49,000 |
| Polestar 2 Long Range | 408 hp | 540 km | 4.7s | £46,000 |
| Audi Q4 e-tron Sportback | 204 hp | 520 km | 8.5s | £47,000 |
i4 wins on: Build quality, driving refinement, infotainment
| Tesla leads in | Acceleration, charging infrastructure, tech ecosystem |
Pros & Cons
Pros
Long real-world range and fast charging
Classic BMW handling and ride balance
Luxurious, high-tech interior with great infotainment
Practical liftback boot design
Smooth, quiet, and refined drive
Cons
Rear headroom slightly limited
M50 ride can be firm on large wheels
No frunk despite EV platform
Pricier than some rivals in spec-to-price ratio
Overall Rating
| Rating | ★★★★☆ (4.6 / 5) |
True Motion Auto has not independently road-tested this vehicle. Specifications, pricing and performance figures are compiled from manufacturer technical data and published independent tests, and are attributed where quoted. Our score reflects a structured research assessment of specifications, pricing, safety data and owner feedback for the segment — not an independent road test. Read how we review cars.
A near-perfect blend of EV efficiency, luxury design, and sporty performance — the BMW i4 is one of the most complete electric sedans available today.
Final Verdict
The 2021 BMW i4 proves that electric doesn’t have to mean compromise. It delivers thrilling performance, a premium cabin, and long range — all wrapped in a stylish fastback silhouette. Whether you're stepping up from a 3/4 Series or cross-shopping Teslas, the i4 is a compelling, well-rounded alternative with classic BMW flair.
More BMW reviews: BMW 1 Series (E87) Review, BMW 2 Series Coupe (F22) Review and BMW 4 Series UK Review.
Buyer checkpoints
| Buyer checkpoint | True Motion Auto view |
|---|---|
| Best for | Drivers wanting quiet electric running and low local emissions, premium materials, image and comfort. |
| Body style | Car |
| Powertrain focus | Electric |
| UK ownership note | Check insurance group, VED, charging or fuel costs and service-plan pricing before buying. |
| Verdict | Worth shortlisting if its size, running costs and equipment match your daily use. |
Frequently asked questions
Is the BMW i4 good for UK roads?
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What should I check before ordering?
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Specifications, prices and equipment were current at publication and vary by model year, trim and market. Verify final details with a franchised dealer before ordering. Read how we review cars and our editorial policy.