The i4 takes BMW into uncharted territory. Jonathan Crouch looks at the updated version.

Ten Second Review

BMW's i4 is a mid-sized EV sports saloon aimed at the very heart of the business sector, a car that incorporates all of the company's traditional brand values. And does so in a way that should appeal to EV customers looking for a more involving, individual choice in this segment. Here, we look at the lightly updated version of this model.

Background

The ICE age, as in 'Internal Combustion Era', is almost over and BMW is ready for what lies beyond. This car, the i4, was at launch the most important EV the brand had introduced to date. And there's a good case for calling it the most important BMW for decades. The company's been dabbling with EVs for a very long time now, ever since its 'Project i' division produced the ground-breaking little i3 back in 2013. After that though, there was a rather disappointing seven year gap, at the end of which we got a conventional looking EV version of the X3 (the iX3), then a year later, what looked like a properly dedicated design, the iX, which did in fact merely run on a (heavily modified) version of the company's combustion-orientated CLAR platform. The i4, launched in 2022, isn't designed around a properly bespoke EV platform either - that's coming with the 'Neue Klasse' EV models the company's introducing later in this decade. But it is very much a 'proper' BMW, as we're about to find out. It's proved to be the best-selling BMW EV worldwide, with over 83,000 sales in 2023. And the i4 M50 xDrive has been the best-selling M model in both 2022 and 2023. To build on that success, BMW introduced a light i4 range revamp in Spring 2024, which has brought us the car we look at here.

Driving Experience

i4 customers still choose between three powertrains. The eDrive35 model gets a rear-mounted electric motor putting out 286hp and is good for up to 311 miles. The eDrive40 model gets a rear-mounted electric motor putting out 335hp, enough to power the car to 62mph in 5.7s en route to 118mph - the WLTP-rated range is up to 373 miles. If that's not fast enough, your alternative is the high performance M50 variant, which offers a rear-biased xDrive all-wheel drive system. Here, the rear-mounted electric motor is joined by another on the front axle, creating a total output of 537hp, enough to get the car to 62mph in just 3.9s on the way to 140mph. The driving range figure falls though, to 324 miles. BMW hopes to set a fresh standard for handling in this segment and to that end has stiffened the chassis, given the car sharp, engaging steering and incorporated wider tracks than you get on a 3 Series. Rear air suspension is standard across the range and the M50 adds adaptive M dampers, plus a unique 'Sport Boost' function that can be used to release the drivetrain's maximum output when the car is being driven in 'Sport' mode. All i4 variants get a Dynamic Stability Control system that works 10 times quicker than a conventional set-up.

Design and Build

The exterior changes made to this updated i4 are uber-subtle. The most noticeable update applies to the lights, which now have a sharper look front and rear, with low and high beams at the front now generated from a single LED module. They flank a closed-off front grille which now gets a matt silver honeycomb pattern. As before, visually this i4 aims to offer a more sporting take on what a mid-sized EV should be. The dimensions, 4,785mm long, 1,852mm wide and 1,448mm tall, are similar to those of the brand's 3 Series saloon, but there's also a 'Gran Coupe'-style GT look that gives this car a more upmarket demeanour. Unlike the larger iX, there's no EV-specific platform. Instead, under the skin, the i4 uses basically the same CLAR modular cluster architecture that features in all of the brand's other mid and large-sized models, though with a super-slim lithium ion battery inserted beneath the floor of the passenger cell. The sleek shape has a drag coefficient of just 0.24Cd, helped by active elements like 10-stage adjustable flaps in the front kidney grille that open and close to aid aerodynamic efficiency. Inside, subtle update changes also feature, including a smaller gear selector, an updated steering wheel with illuminated buttons and re-shaped climate control air vents with smaller rotary switches. As before, a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel is paired to 14.9-inch central infotainment screen, creating what the brand calls a 'Curved Display'. This is held in place by a supporting structure concealed from the occupants' view, so it appears to be standing freely in the cockpit. And the use of anti-reflective glass makes it possible to dispense with the binnacle usually required to shield the readouts from sunlight. That central screen has now been updated to 'iDrive 8.5' system status. Because there's no bespoke EV architecture, the wheelbase length's the same as a 4 Series Gran Coupe, which means there's way less space in the rear than many rival EVs. But some compensation comes when the tailgate rises to reveal a big 470-litre boot.

Market and Model

Prices start at around £51,000 for the i4 eDrive35 model with base 'Sport' trim; allow £1,500 more for 'M Sport' trim. You'll need around £59,000 for the i4 eDrive40 'Sport' - and the same premium for more dynamic-looking 'M Sport' spec. The top i4 M50 flagship model costs around £72,000. Most will want the eDrive40 'M Sport' model, which comes with 18-inch M aerodynamic wheels, BMW's 'Live Cockpit Plus' dual cabin screens and black Alcantara and 'Sensatec' (man made leather) upholstery and trim. It also shares the same M Sport Exterior Styling, M Sport Spoiler and Aluminium Rhombicle Anthracite Trim of the flagship i4 M50. Equipment standard to all versions includes a reversing camera, Parking Assistant, automatic air conditioning, ambient lighting and LED lights front and back. A host of options are also available, enabling customers to personalise their i4 to their own individual requirements. BMW offers around 40 assistance functions for the i4 either as standard or as an option to enhance safety and comfort when driving and parking. For those looking for the ultimate sound experience, there is the Harman Kardon surround sound system, complete with 16 speakers and a digital seven-channel amplifier delivering 464 watts of audio power which is optional on the i4 eDrive40 and standard on the i4 M50.

Cost of Ownership

We'll re-state the range figures we gave you in our 'Driving Experience' section. The i4 eDrive40 delivers a claimed WLTP-rated range of up to 373 miles per charge from its 81.5kWh-plus battery pack, 61 miles more than the base eDrive35 variant (which uses a smaller 67kWh battery). With the i4 M50 model meanwhile, the extra weight of the 4WD system lowers that range figure to 324 miles. In a bid to keep weight down, the Munich maker has optimised driving range by increasing the energy density of the batteries used, rather than increasing their size. All models have a maximum recharging rate of 200kW, which means the battery can be recharged from 10-80% in as little as 32 minutes. AC charging at home from a 7.4kW wallbox takes 10 hours 45 minutes in the eDrive35 and 13 hours in the eDrive40 and the M50. Adaptive and individually regulated recuperation during overrun and braking allows the efficiency of the drive system in the i4 to be increased in a way that no other model in this segment can. Intelligently connected drive management means the intensity of the brake energy recuperation can be adapted to the road situation, as detected by data from the navigation system and the sensors used by the driver assistance systems. Over an ownership period of 125,000 miles, BMW claims that the i4 eDrive40 will have a 45%-lower global warming potential than that of a comparable diesel 3 or 4 Series model. And the brand is seeking to enhance the sustainability of its supply chain and increase its use of recycled materials for the i4. All of which will help to cut production emissions by 18%.

Summary

The i4 still sets benchmark standards for drive dynamics in the mid-sized EV segment. But the combustion-orientated chassis that allows it to do that compromises practicality and rear seat space. If that's not an issue and you don't mind paying a touch more than expected for your mid-sized premium-badged EV, then there's lots to like here. We can't really see why you'd compromise with the smaller-battery eDrive35 version. Or why you'd really need the manic performance of the top M50 variant. Which leaves the mid-level eDrive40 model offering the sweet spot in the range. It's a pity BMW hasn't invested in the 800V architecture that features in some rivals for ultra-rapid charging. But battery charging speeds are very competitive by 400V system standards. The challenge now is to BMW to replicate the engaging handling on offer here as part of the bespoke 'Neue Klasse' EV chassis that will be used in the brand's future electric models. What we need from them is what we've got from this i4; which feels like a BMW to the core, from its rear-biased drive system to the style of the panel work and the iDrive-cleverness of the interior. Previously, if you loved BMWs but needed an EV, you really needed to buy something else. Now the Munich maker has your number. And this might well be it.

Body Glass

Rear wiper

Heated washer jets

Rain sensor including auto headlights activation

Electric windows with trap release and convenient opening/closing feature

Heat protection glazing on front windows and windscreen

Brakes

Automatic Stability Control (ASC)

DSC - Dynamic Stability Control

Cornering brake control (CBC)

Dynamic brake control

Electromechanical parking brake

Dynamic Traction Control - DTC

Brake energy regeneration

Brake drying

Anti lock braking system (ABS) with brake assist

Front and rear ventilated brake disc

Hill start assistant

Recuperation system

M sport blue brake calipers

Sport brake calipers

Carpets/Rugs

Velour floor mats

Communication

Bluetooth Wi-Fi interface

Driver Aids

BMW remote services

Attentiveness assist

Active guard plus

Drive off assistant

Live cockpit plus with nav function 12.3" instrument cluster and 14.9" centre display

Driver Convenience

Automatic tailgate operation

Engine start/stop button

Driving experience switch

Electric boot lid

Driver Information

Service interval indicator

BMW Teleservices

BMW legal emergency call

Personal Profile - automatic lock when driving away selectable

Integrated owners handbook

BMW ConnectedDrive online services

BMW Maps

Widescreen display

Language version English

iDrive touch controller

Driver profile

4G LTE connectivity

Driving Mirrors

Exterior mirror heated

Turn indicators in side mirrors

Body colour mirror caps with bottom segment in matt black

Mirror glass aspheric on driver's side, convex on passenger side

Electric adjustable exterior mirrors

Embellishment Trims

Sensatec dashboard

Engine

eDrive exterior sound

Safety battery terminal clamp

Electric drive unit

High voltage battery

Entertainment

DAB tuner

Personal eSim

1x USB type A with data transfer and 1.5 Amp charging function in the centre console

1x USB type C with 3 Amp charging function in the front centre armrest

Exterior Body Features

Body colour door handles

High gloss black mirror triangles

Visible VIN plate

Front and rear bumper system

High gloss shadow line exterior trim

Fading support

Front apron plastic in body colour

One piece front bumper cover including towing eye cover in body colour

Fuel filler flap - right rear in body colour

BMW badge on bonnet and tailgate with blue ring around the badge

Roof fin in body colour

Model logo - Rear and right model designation, Rear left i4 inscription

Rear side wing doors

Rear bumper with blue accent

I badge with blue highlight on front ornamental grille

Number plate panel integrated into front bumper and tailgate

I4 charging socket flap, right, rear in body colour

Side frame trim strip in black matt

Integrated outside door handles, flush design, flush integrated, handle recess indirectly illuminated

BMW radiator grille with mesh grille/end face of the nuggets in quartz silver matt

Lateral blue accent including air breather

Side sills in high-gloss black with airbreathers in black

Window recess finisher strip in matt black

Radiator grille frame in chrome matt

M entry sills

Exterior Lights

Reversing light

Side LED indicators

Follow me home headlights

Welcome lighting

LED daytime running lights

LED rear lights

LED front fog lights

LED rear fog light

Headlight beam throw control

LED eyebrow light

LED direction indicator lenses

LED 3rd brake light

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Automatic air conditioning with 3 zone control

Interior Features

Adjustable steering column

Anthracite headlining

Front and rear door pockets

Lashing eyelets in boot

Toolkit in luggage compartment

Rear storage compartment

Multifunction steering wheel

Storage tray and compartment with cover in centre console

2 front cupholder in centre console with clamping elements and matt black inlay

Battery in luggage compartment

Through loading system

Front and rear armrest with integrated door trim

12V power socket in front centre console with blanking plug

BMW ID

3 spoke flat bottom M sport leather steering wheel

Aluminium door sill strips front with BMW i inscription

Interior Lights

Glovebox light

Front and rear door exit lights

Luggage compartment light

Illuminated armrest storage compartment

Ambient light design projected onto the left and right entering and exiting area

Interior light and reading light

Contour lighting in instrument panel and door trim panel

Ambient storage compartment lighting in the centre console

Dynamic function of contour lighting - welcome, goodbye, open doors, phone call

Ambient door handle light

Ambient lighting front and rear with 9 selectable colours

Light projection of an ambient lighting graphic

Front ambient footwell lighting

Packs

Parking assistant pack - I4

Connected package professional - I4

M Sport exterior styling pack - I4

Interior and exterior mirror pack - I4

Safety

Side impact protection

Driver and passenger side airbags

3 point seatbelts on all seats

Twin horns

Tyre pressure sensor

Warning triangle and first aid kit

Front passenger airbag deactivation

Crash sensor

Driver/passenger seat occupancy sensor

Battery safety cut-off

Brake pretensioning

Active protection

Head airbags for all 4 outer seats

Acoustic protection for pedestrians

Driver and front passenger airbags

ISOFIX child seat mounting on rear outer seats

Child lock button on rear side window

Seats

3 seat bench in 2nd row

Headrests for all seats

40:20:40 split folding rear seat and rear centre armrest with two cupholders

Single front passenger seat

Security

Locking wheel bolts

Alarm system

Electronic vehicle immobiliser

Central locking including 2 vehicle keys with integrated emergency key

Central locking switch

Towing

Trailer stabilisation logic

Transmission

Electronic differential lock

Vanity Mirrors

Sunvisors with illuminated vanity mirrors and ticket pocket

Vehicle Charging

Public charging cable Mode 3

DC charging up to 150kW

AC charging up to 11kW

Plug and charge

Wheels - Spare

Tyre repair kit plus

Electric Vehicle Data

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Charge Time (Mins): 2610

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Power Supply - kW: 2.3

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Charge Time (Mins): 750

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Power Supply - kW: 7.4

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Charge Time (Mins): 73

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Power Supply - kW: 50

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Percentage Change: 10-80

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Charge Time (Mins): 30

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Power Supply - kW: 205

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Percentage Change: 10-80

Coupler/Connector Type: CCS Type 2

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Years: 8

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Mileage: 100000

Battery Capacity in kWh: 83.9

Battery Leased: 0

Battery Type: Lithium-ion

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Low: 649

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Low - TEL: N

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Low - TEH: N

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Medium: 681

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Medium - TEL: N

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Medium - TEH: N

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - High: 639

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - High - TEL: N

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - High - TEH: N

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Extra High: 475

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Extra High - TEL: N

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Extra High - TEH: N

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - City: 668

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - City - TEL: N

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - City - TEH: N

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb: 578

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb - TEL: 578

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb - TEH: 501

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Low: 14.1

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Low - TEL: N

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Low - TEH: N

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Medium: 13.5

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Medium - TEL: N

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Medium - TEH: N

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - High: 14.5

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - High - TEL: N

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - High - TEH: N

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Extra High: 19.4

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Extra High - TEL: N

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Extra High - TEH: N

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - City: 13.8

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - City - TEL: N

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - City - TEH: N

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb: 15.9

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb - TEL: 15.9

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb - TEH: 18.3

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - City: 4.5

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - City - TEH: N

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - City - TEL: N

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb: 3.9

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb - TEH: 3.4

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb - TEL: 3.9

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Extra High: 3.2

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Extra High - TEH: N

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Extra High - TEL: N

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - High: 4.3

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - High - TEH: N

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - High - TEL: N

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Low: 4.4

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Low - TEH: N

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Low - TEL: N

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Medium: 4.6

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Medium - TEH: N

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Medium - TEL: N

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Extra High: 295.2

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Ex High - TEH: N

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Ex High - TEL: N

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - City: 415.1

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - City - TEH: N

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - City - TEL: N

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb: 359.2

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb - TEH: 311.3

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb - TEL: 359.2

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - High: 397.1

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - High - TEH: N

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - High - TEL: N

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Low: 403.3

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Low - TEH: N

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Low - TEL: N

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Medium: 423.2

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Medium - TEH: N

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Medium - TEL: N

Battery Capacity % guaranteed under warranty: N

Charging Port Location: Right Side Rear

Usable Battery Capacity: 81.3

Maximum Charging Rate - kW: 205

Emissions - ICE

CO2 (g/km): 0

Standard Euro Emissions: N

Noise Level dB(A): 67

CO: N

HC: N

NOx: N

HC+NOx: N

Particles: N

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders - Bore (mm): N

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): N

CC: 1

Cylinders: N

Cylinder Layout: N

Number of Valves: N

Camshaft: N

Fuel Delivery: N

Catalytic Convertor: N

Engine Layout: N

Compression Ratio: N

Transmission: AUTO

Gears: 1 SPEED

Engine Code: HA0001N0

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: N

EC Urban (mpg): N

EC Extra Urban (mpg): N

EC Combined (mpg): N

General

Coin Series: M Sport

Coin Description: eDrive40

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 999999

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 38E

Service Interval Mileage: 12000

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 24

Timing Belt Interval Mileage: N

Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months: N

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 87

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 87

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 71

NCAP Safety Assist %: 64

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 4

Badge Power: 340

Badge Engine CC: 0.0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 1

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 5.6

Top Speed: 118

Engine Power - BHP: 340

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 250

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 317

Engine Torque - NM: 430

Engine Torque - MKG: 43.8

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: N/A

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 245/45 R18

Tyre Size Rear: 255/45 R18

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 18" ALLOY

Wheel Style: STYLE 858M

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4783

Width: 1852

Wheelbase: 2856

Width (including mirrors): 2073

Height: 1448

Height (including roof rails): N

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 2050

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2605

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): N

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 1600

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Max. Loading Weight: 555

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 470

No. of Seats: 5

Max. Roof Load: 75

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1290

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 12.5

Body Glass

Sun protection glass

Chassis/Suspension

Adaptive M suspension

Driver Aids

Variable sport steering

Active cruise control with stop and go

Embellishment Trims

Galvanic embellisher for controls

Light fine wood open pored interior trim - dashboard

Ash grey-blue fine wood open poured interior trim - dashboard

Luxury instrument panel

Carbon fibre interior trim

Entertainment

HiFi loudspeaker audio system

BMW iconic sound electric

Harman/Kardon surround sound audio system with 535W amplifier power, 9 channels and 17 speakers

Exterior Body Features

Metallic paint

BMW Individual metallic paint work

Additional BMW individual frozen metallic paint work

Electric glass sunroof

Exterior Lights

Adaptive LED matrix headlights

High beam assistant

Interior Features

BMW Individual extended Merino leather upholstery

Vernasca leather upholstery

Heated steering wheel

Sensatec perforated upholstery

Crafted clarity for interior elements

Additional vernasca leather upholstery

Packs

Driving assistant pack - I4

Storage compartment pack with 12V socket - I4

Comfort pack with lumbar support - I4

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Cape york green

Metallic - Black sapphire

Metallic - Mineral white

Metallic - Fire red

Metallic - Brooklyn grey

Metallic - Portimao blue

Paint - Solid

Solid - Alpine white

Paint - Special

BMW Individual paint - Special request

BMW Individual metallic paint - Dravit grey

Additional BMW individual frozen metallic paint - Frozen Pure grey II

BMW Individual metallic paint - Tanzanite blue

BMW Individual paint special - Custom

Additional BMW individual frozen metallic paint - Frozen Portimao blue

Seats

Electric memory seats and electrically adjustable seat height, backrest tilt, seat position, seat base tilt, memory for driver seat, exterior mirror

Heated front and rear seats

Front M Sport seats

Driver + front passenger electric lumbar support

Towing

Electric towbar

Trim - Cloth

M PerformTex cloth - Black with M piping

Trim - Leather

BMW Indvidual extended Merino leather - Ivory white

Vernasca leather - Black with grey stitching

Vernasca leather - Mocha with night blue stitching

Vernasca leather - Oyster with grey stitching

BMW Individual extended Merino leather - Black

Vernasca leather - Black with red stitching

Sensatec perforated - Black

Sensatec perforated - Tacora red

Sensatec perforated - Cognac

BMW individual extended Merino leather - Tartufo

Vernasca leather - Black with blue stitching

Vehicle Charging

10A 3 pin adaptor

Mode 2 flexible charger

Wheels - Alloy

19" M Aerodynamic alloy wheels in bicolour with mixed tyres - style 996M

20" BMW individual aerodynamic alloy wheels in bicolour with mixed tyres - style 862

19" M Y spoke light alloy wheels in bicolour with mixed tyres - style 859M