BMW i4 All-Electric Sedan: Review and Detailed Analysis

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The BMW i4 demonstrates that the sports sedan formula can be easily translated into the EV space, but the fact that the car is based on the ICE platform limits its true potential. Before you add the entry-level BMW i4 eDrive40 to your carbon-neutral lifestyle, read our in-depth analysis and review of this EV sedan.

BMW, a company, well one of the first legendary and revered automakers, to foray into the electric industry and that too, almost a decade ago. BMW decided to expand its I family of electric vehicles in 2022 when it introduced the BMW i4 electric sedan, which laid the groundwork for an electric sports sedan that will eventually replace its ICE counterpart. This is due to the fact that the BMW i4 is not a true electric vehicle built on a dedicated platform, but rather shares underpinnings with the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe, replacing oily bits with electric motors and batteries. Before you add the entry-level BMW i4 eDrive40 to your carbon-neutral lifestyle, read our in-depth review and analysis of the car.

BMW i4 Exterior Design

We're all too familiar with the ostentatious grille on all newer BMW models, which has taken its own sweet time to soften its impact. From a distance, the BMW i4 looks very similar to its ICE counterpart, but it has a blacked-out non-functional EV grille. The small i4 badge, blue highlights on the BMW badge, and lack of tailpipes all point to its electric credentials. The smooth lines are well thought out, with emphasis placed where it matters. The subtle rear spoiler, cooling vents, and clever design touches make for an eye-catching first impression. We're also pleased that, unlike the BMW iX, BMW didn't go overboard with the styling, opting for something more restrained, even sensible.

The door handles are not retractable, but they are well integrated into the body panel. We also like the almost spaceship-like lift-back design for the tailgate to pop open. The 471-liter boot is spacious and practical, and the seats are split 40/20/40 to accommodate longer items. The longer roof line increases rear-seat space, but we'll get to that in a moment. The large proportions aren't a deal-breaker either, and there's enough clearance beneath the underbody and tarmac to easily clear the massive speed bumps we encountered during our test drive.

BMW i4 Tech & Interior

The interior is one thing that tempts you with newer and even older models, and with the BMW i4, the company has reduced the complexity. There are still a lot of buttons for important functions, but they're all organized and managed in such a way that they're easy to use even while driving. The wide, curved dual-screen display that spans across the width behind the wheel all the way to the center of the car dominates the dashboard and serves as a differentiator from the other 4 Series models. The single display houses a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch central infotainment screen, both with high-resolution graphics and ultra-fast touch responses, but it takes some getting used to.

BMW's 8th generation operating system is jam-packed with connected features. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, but a head-up display (HUD) is not. The blue start button and the blue circle around the steering wheel's logo have a friendly vibe to them, hinting at the vehicle's electric credentials. The generous use of synthetic and real leather upholstery options is available in a variety of colors, and the rear seats aren't too cramped, even when seated for extended periods of time. There are dual cup holders, a decent center console, and door pockets for storage.

BMW i4 Electric Motor & Performance

There are a few drawbacks because the BMW i4 isn't built on a dedicated EV platform, but rather on one that can accommodate both ICE and EV models. The most significant disadvantage is the absence of a front storage area and a flat rear floor. But that doesn't mean the i4 doesn't excel in other areas, as the closed-off grille and other aerodynamics features combined with an 83.9 kWh battery pack result in a highly commendable drag coefficient of 0.24 Cd. This gives you a claimed range of 590 km and a real-world range of close to 480 km with 335 bhp and 430 Nm of torque available from the first flex of your right foot.

Those figures may not impress you, but they are nothing to laugh about, especially when compared to its cousin, the BMW 420i GC, which is rated at 181 bhp and 300 Nm of peak torque. What's more, it zips from 0 to 100 kmph in 5.7 seconds and will continue in a straight line until it reaches 190 kmph, which should satisfy most customers. The charge time from 10% to 80% is one minute longer than the time Domino's guarantees for delivering your cheese burst pizza.

BMW i4: The Driving Experience

If you own a BMW or have previously owned one, you probably enjoy the steering. Every BMW you might have driven, even older ones, has excellent, precise handling, and the BMW i4 eDrive40 has plenty of it. Once you've figured out the dynamics, you'll be confidently throwing this large, heavy car around corners and roundabouts. Sport mode adds just the right amount of weight for cornering. Any rear wheel slip while accelerating was quickly maintained. The BMW i4 eDrive40 weighs 2,050 kg, and the Porsche Taycan is also heavy but extremely dynamic.

When pushed, the BMW i4 is an engaging car in the same way that the Taycan is. So, like most BMW sports sedans, we'd go out on a limb and call this one a proper driver's car. It has a lower center of gravity than the BMW 330 Li M Sport and thus finds an appreciative middle ground in ride quality. It is firm enough while also being sufficient to deal with broken surfaces and even bumps. All of this is preceded by Hans Zimmer's synthesized soundtrack, which adds a futuristic whirring as the acceleration increases.

BMW i4 Regenerative Braking

As with any modern electric vehicle, you can use regenerative braking to charge the battery while driving. The brake sensitivity can be adjusted in the settings, but I prefer to set it to maximum to get the most out of single-pedal driving. The BMW i4 eDrive40 has three driving modes: Eco Pro, Comfort, and Sport, with the latter being the most responsive and efficient in terms of energy harvesting.

The Adaptive mode uses data stored in the onboard system as well as navigation system inputs to determine when to increase the effect. This means that if you're driving down a straight road with little traffic, the car will coast normally, but when a corner or turn comes up, it will adjust the speed accordingly.

BMW i4 Verdict

The BMW i4 demonstrates that the sports sedan formula can be easily translated into the EV space, but the fact that the car is based on the ICE platform limits its true potential. Nonetheless, the low-slung silhouette, oodles of BMW spices, excitement, and the luxury that cocoons you into the world of EVs do a good job of cementing the idea of an electric sports sedan. The BMW i4 eDrive40 is a sporty EV that is a good buy for anyone looking to add an EV to their garage.

When compared to the Porsche Taycan and even the electrics from Audi, Mercedes-Benz, and Jaguar, the Rs. 69.90 lakh (ex-showroom, India) sticker price does not make it an extremely expensive proposition. Furthermore, the lack of real competition allows BMW to comfortably capitalize on this space. So, the big question is, should this be your first EV? We certainly believe so, especially if you're looking at a premium EV.

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