Vehicle Overview
| Segment | Compact executive electric sport sedan |
| Body Style | 5-door fastback sedan (Gran Coupé) |
| Model Year | 2021 (first generation, G26 platform) |
| Trim Levels (U.S./UK) | i4 eDrive35, i4 eDrive40, i4 M50 xDrive |
The BMW i4 marks BMW’s first fully electric Gran Coupé — combining zero-emission driving with classic BMW performance and luxury. Built on the CLAR platform (shared with the 4 Series Gran Coupé), it delivers a familiar driving feel enhanced by instant electric torque and impressive range.
Launched in 2021, the i4 directly competes with the Tesla Model 3, Polestar 2, and Audi Q4 e-tron Sportback, offering a blend of dynamic performance, long range, and premium refinement that sets a new benchmark for electric sport sedans.
Key Specifications
| Variant | Powertrain | Power / Torque | 0–60 mph | Drivetrain | Range (WLTP / EPA) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| i4 eDrive35 | Single motor, 66 kWh battery | 282 hp / 295 lb-ft | 5.8 s | RWD | 260 mi (EPA) / 300 mi (WLTP) |
| i4 eDrive40 | Single motor, 83.9 kWh battery | 335 hp / 317 lb-ft | 5.2 s | RWD | 301 mi (EPA) / 365 mi (WLTP) |
| i4 M50 xDrive | Dual motor, 83.9 kWh battery | 536 hp / 586 lb-ft | 3.7 s | AWD | 270 mi (EPA) / 316 mi (WLTP) |
| Battery Capacity | 66–83.9 kWh usable |
| Charging (DC Fast) | Up to 205 kW (10–80% in 31 minutes) |
| Charging (AC) | 11 kW (0–100% in ~8 hours) |
| Platform | BMW CLAR (EV-adapted) |
| Dimensions (L×W×H) | 188.5 × 72.9 × 57.0 in |
| Boot Space | 470 L (16.6 cu ft) / 1,290 L (45.5 cu ft) folded |
Exterior Design
The BMW i4 combines elegance and aerodynamics with familiar BMW design DNA. Its long hood, coupe-like roofline, and frameless doors give it a sleek, grand-touring silhouette.
Distinctive blue accents, closed-off kidney grilles (for sensor housing), and aerodynamic wheels set it apart from the combustion-powered 4 Series. The M50 adds sportier touches — larger air intakes, gloss-black trim, and unique badging.
Color choices include Frozen Portimao Blue, Brooklyn Grey, and Mineral White, emphasizing its futuristic character.
Interior, Comfort & Materials
Inside, the i4 mirrors BMW’s premium design ethos, blending minimalism with quality.
Premium Sensatec or Vernasca leather upholstery
Curved dual-screen display setup
Power-adjustable heated front seats
Ambient interior lighting and aluminum trim
Optional ventilated and memory seats
Rear seat space is adequate for adults; flat floor improves comfort
Exceptional cabin insulation for quiet electric driving
The i4 feels solid, luxurious, and unmistakably BMW — refined yet sporty.
Features & Infotainment
| BMW Curved Display | 12.3" driver + 14.9" infotainment touchscreen |
| Operating System 8 (2024 update | iDrive 8.5) |
Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
Harman Kardon or Bowers & Wilkins audio systems
Head-Up Display with navigation overlays
Augmented-reality navigation
BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant (voice control)
Wireless charging pad, USB-C ports
Over-the-air (OTA) software updates
BMW’s infotainment is intuitive, responsive, and among the best integrated in the EV market.
Safety & Ratings
| Euro NCAP | ★★★★★ (5-Star Rating) |
| IIHS / NHTSA (U.S.) | Top-tier results (2023 model) |
Safety & Assistance Systems
Forward Collision Warning with Auto Braking
Lane Departure & Lane Keep Assist
Blind-Spot Detection
Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go
Parking Assistant with 360° camera
Traffic Sign Recognition & Cross-Traffic Alert
Drive Recorder (dashcam via onboard cameras)
Driving Performance & Handling
The BMW i4 delivers the dynamic DNA expected from the brand. The eDrive40 balances efficiency with effortless acceleration, while the M50 is a true electric performance sedan — with blistering speed and precise chassis tuning.
Adaptive suspension, low center of gravity (thanks to the floor-mounted battery), and near-perfect weight distribution give the i4 superb agility.
The steering is sharp, body control tight, and ride quality firm but refined — making the i4 M50 a genuine rival to the Tesla Model 3 Performance and Porsche Taycan 4S.
EV Range & Charging
| Range | 260–365 miles (WLTP) / 256–301 miles (EPA) |
Charging
| DC Fast Charging (205 kW) | 10–80% in ~31 minutes |
| AC (11 kW) | Full charge in ~8 hours |
| Efficiency | ~3.5–4.0 mi/kWh |
The i4 supports preconditioning and route-based charging optimization — ideal for long-distance driving.
Practicality & Everyday Usability
470 L boot / 1,290 L with seats folded
5-door hatchback layout for easier loading
No front trunk (frunk), but large underfloor storage
Comfortable rear seats and low cabin noise
Optional adaptive air suspension for comfort
Easy daily use with comprehensive BMW Charging network (Europe/US)
The i4 is versatile enough for family use yet sleek and sporty for business commutes.
Warranty & Maintenance
| Vehicle Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
| Battery Warranty | 8 years / 100,000 miles |
| Free Maintenance | 3 years / 36,000 miles (BMW Ultimate Care) |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 years / unlimited miles |
Price & Value for Money
MSRP (2024 U.S.)
i4 eDrive35 — $52,200
i4 eDrive40 — $57,300
i4 M50 xDrive — $69,700
The i4 offers remarkable performance, luxury, and range at a competitive price — undercutting the Tesla Model 3 Performance while offering superior refinement.
Comparison with Rivals
| Model | Power (hp) | Range (mi) | 0–60 mph | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW i4 M50 | 536 | 270 | 3.7 s | $69,700 |
| Tesla Model 3 Performance | 455 | 315 | 3.1 s | $54,990 |
| Polestar 2 Dual Motor | 421 | 270 | 4.2 s | $55,300 |
| Audi Q4 e-tron Sportback | 295 | 265 | 5.8 s | $57,000 |
The i4 blends BMW luxury and handling with EV performance — a sweet spot many rivals can’t match.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Strong performance, especially M50 trim
Long range and fast charging capability
Superb handling and ride quality
Luxurious, high-tech interior
Excellent infotainment and safety features
Cons
Rear seat headroom slightly limited
No front trunk (frunk)
Firm ride on M suspension models
Overall Rating
4.8 / 5 Stars – A perfectly balanced electric sport sedan that delivers BMW’s classic driving pleasure in a futuristic, zero-emission package.
Final Verdict
The BMW i4 bridges the gap between traditional sport sedans and the electric future. It’s fast, refined, and beautifully built — offering the thrill of driving with the quiet confidence of an EV.
For buyers seeking an alternative to Tesla with more craftsmanship and dynamic precision, the i4 is the new standard in electric grand touring.
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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.