The BMW i4 is an electric sedan that doesn’t try to shout its EV status from the rooftops—it’s all about merging the brand’s signature blend of precision and driving pleasure with the future of electric power. Sharing its bones with the 4 Series Gran Coupe, the i4 looks and feels like a classic BMW, but with an all-electric heart. It’s not just a gimmick; this car goes up to 300 miles on a full charge and can hit impressive horsepower ranges, from a respectable 282 all the way to a thrilling 536 in the M50 version. The chassis is finely balanced, the ride is smooth, and while some purists might grumble about steering feedback, the overall driving experience stays solidly in BMW territory. The interior? Sleek, high-tech, but never overwhelming—just the right amount of luxury and function. Add in its handsome profile, practical liftback hatch, and plenty of customization options, and the i4 holds its own, no matter what’s powering it.
What’s New for 2025?
The BMW i4's latest updates bring a fresh touch to its design. New
colors—Cape York Green metallic and Vegas Red metallic—enhance its already
sleek appearance. The kidney grille now features a matt chrome finish with a
high-gloss black and matte-silver honeycomb design, giving it a modern edge.
The slimmer headlamps and optional laser-accented taillamps add a sharper look
to the car. The M Sport package introduces a sportier front apron with large
air intakes and a high-gloss black diffuser at the rear, along with new 19-inch
M Aero bi-color wheels. Inside, the i4 offers new steering wheels, brushed
aluminum accents, and Grey Blue Ash open-pore wood trim, while the smoother
instrument panel trim extends seamlessly into all four door panels, adding a
sophisticated touch.
Pricing
The 2025 BMW i4 pricing ranges from $53,975 to $71,875, varying based on
the trim and available options:
- eDrive35: $53,975
- eDrive40: $59,075
- xDrive40: $63,475
- M50: $71,875
Which Model Trim Should I Buy?
For the 2025 BMW i4, the eDrive40 emerges as the top choice based on last
year’s model. It offers an excellent balance of cost and range, providing an
additional 40 miles compared to the xDrive40. This extended range, combined
with a lower price, makes it especially appealing, particularly if the savings
are used to invest in the Driving Assistance Professional package. This package
includes advanced driving aids that, while not enabling hands-free highway
driving, significantly ease the driving experience. Although the M50 was
previously favored for its superior performance with minimal compromise in ride
quality, the xDrive40 has proven itself as a strong contender. It delivers a
279-mile EPA-estimated range and 99 MPGe at nearly $10,000 less. The M50
remains an option for those seeking the pinnacle of i4 performance, but the
xDrive40 offers exceptional value and capability.
Enhanced EV Power and Battery Technology
The 2025 BMW i4 lineup is brimming with electrifying options. The
eDrive35 rolls out with a robust 282-horsepower rear-wheel-drive motor, while
the eDrive40 cranks it up to 340 horsepower. For those craving all-wheel-drive,
the i4 xDrive40 brings a dual-motor setup delivering 396 horsepower. The M50,
the crown jewel of the lineup, packs a staggering 536 horsepower and 586
pound-feet of torque. Alongside these performance feats, the i4 benefits from
significant upgrades in battery tech and power electronics, enhancing both
efficiency and fast-charging capabilities, though range improvements are modest
for now. The M50, in particular, stands out with its adaptive dampers,
variable-ratio steering, and the choice between 19 or 20-inch wheels, all
contributing to a thrilling driving experience.
Performance and Handling Insights
The BMW i4 M50 rockets from 0 to 60 mph in a staggering 3.3 seconds,
faster than the rear-drive M3 Competition. The xDrive40, equipped with the M
Sport package, clocks in at 4.4 seconds, still impressively quick. The
eDrive40, though slower at 5.3 seconds, competes well among rear-wheel-drive
EVs, handling daily driving with smooth braking and one-pedal driving that
reduces traffic fatigue. However, despite these strong performance metrics, the
i4 falls short in delivering the visceral, connected driving experience
expected from a BMW. The steering, while quick and light for easy parking,
lacks the feedback that driving enthusiasts crave. Although body roll is modest
in corners, the i4 can feel unsettled when pushed hard, with less traction than
anticipated. It’s undeniably fast, but it doesn’t deliver the sharp, precise
handling that typically makes BMWs so rewarding to drive, especially on tight,
winding roads where it feels somewhat out of its element.
BMW i4 Range and Charging Specs
The BMW i4 eDrive40, with its 19-inch wheels, exceeds its EPA-estimated
range of 283 miles by achieving 307 miles in real-world testing, while
consuming 29 kWh/100 miles, outperforming the EPA’s 34 kWh/100 miles estimate.
Although some competitors like the Tesla Model 3, Kia EV6, and Ford Mustang
Mach-E offer better range, the i4 provides convenient charging options. It supports
Level 2 AC charging at up to 11 kW, which fully recharges the battery in under
eight hours, and DC fast charging at a peak rate of 200 kW, adding up to 90
miles of range in just 10 minutes. The all-wheel-drive i4 xDrive40 offers an
estimated range of 307 miles with 18-inch wheels or 282 miles with 19-inch
wheels, aligning closely with real-world performance. The dual-motor M50, with
a 83.4-kWh battery, has a range of up to 245 miles, while the entry-level
eDrive35 features a smaller 68.7-kWh battery with about 260 miles of range and
supports up to 180 kW charging speeds. All models, except the eDrive35, benefit
from 200-kW charging capability and Plug & Charge functionality for a
seamless charging experience.
Fuel Economy and MPG
The i4 eDrive35 with 18-inch wheels is the most efficient, getting 122
MPGe city and 119 MPGe highway. If you switch to 19-inch wheels, those numbers
drop to 111 MPGe city and 107 MPGe highway. The sporty M50 model is less
efficient, with ratings of 94 MPGe city and 98 MPGe highway, falling to 79 MPGe
city and 80 MPGe highway with 20-inch wheels. The i4 xDrive40 gets 109 MPGe
with 18-inch wheels and 99 MPGe with 19-inch wheels. The i4 eDrive40 with
18-inch wheels has a range of about 301 miles per charge, while the 19-inch
wheels reduce it to 283 miles. However, in real-world tests, it managed 307
miles on a charge and used 29 kWh/100 miles, which is better than the EPA's
estimates and some other electric cars like the Tesla Model 3 and Ford Mustang
Mach-E. For more details, visit the EPA's website.
Interior and Comfort
The BMW i4’s interior feels high-end, with stylish details like rose
gold accents, white leather seats, and wood trim. The layout is similar to
other BMW models, but what makes the i4 stand out is its huge, sleek display
that stretches across most of the dashboard. The car has a sporty, coupe-like
shape thanks to its sloping roofline, though that design slightly limits
headroom and legroom in the back seats. Up front, there’s plenty of space to
get comfortable, but the back seats are a bit snug. The i4’s iDrive system is
easy to use, with both a touchscreen and a rotary dial for navigation, but the
seats could offer more adjustment options and ventilation. Despite its sporty
look, the ride is smooth and handles bumps better than the Tesla Model 3. The
climate system can run a little warm, and the fans can get loud in the
otherwise quiet cabin. While wind noise is minimal, sound levels inside are a
bit higher compared to cars like the Polestar 2. Overall, the i4 combines a
high-tech, luxurious feel with a comfortable ride, even with a few small
drawbacks.
i4 Cargo Space and Car Seat Features
The i4 is a hatchback with 10 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable by
folding the rear seats. It lacks a front trunk, which is a minor drawback.
Storage is average for BMW, but rear legroom and car seat anchors are
user-friendly.
i4 Tech
The i4 features BMW’s new iDrive 8.5 system, which includes a large
14.9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital display. This system supports
Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and comes with a Wi-Fi hotspot. You can control it
using a rotary dial and voice commands. The i4 is strong on tech, with reliable
adaptive cruise control and lane guidance, and an optional 360-degree camera
for better visibility. The Harman Kardon sound system delivers great audio
quality. It also has wireless smartphone integration, four USB ports, a 12-volt
outlet, and an optional wireless charger. The voice assistant can handle tasks
like adjusting the climate and seat settings, making it easy to use.
Safety
Here’s a clearer breakdown of the 2024 BMW i4’s safety features:
Standard Safety Features:
- Forward-collision warning
- Automated emergency braking
- Lane-departure warning
- Lane-keeping assist
Optional Safety Feature:
- Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go technology
Additional Key Safety Features:
- Back-up camera
- Blind spot monitoring
- Tire pressure warning
- Stability control
- Pre-collision safety system
- Post-collision safety system
For more detailed crash-test results, visit the NHTSA and IIHS websites.
Warranty
The BMW i4 offers a decent warranty package that covers what most people
would expect. You get a four-year or 50,000-mile warranty that includes the
car’s powertrain, plus an additional eight-year or 100,000-mile warranty for
the battery. While this is good, it’s pretty standard for cars in this class.
BMW also provides complimentary maintenance for three years or 36,000 miles,
which is a nice extra. For electric vehicle owners, the i4 includes two years
of free fast charging at Electrify America stations, but each session is
limited to 30 minutes. Additionally, you get 60 minutes of charging at 240-volt
stations, though these chargers are slower. Overall, it’s a solid warranty
package, but there are a few limitations to be aware of.
