Review
The 2024 BMW i4 impressively combines
affordability with luxury in the realm of electric vehicles. As an all-electric
luxury sedan, it maintains the design and tech features of the BMW 4 Series
Gran Coupe, ensuring a familiar experience for BMW enthusiasts. Boasting two
models—the xDrive40 with 396 horsepower and the M50 with 536 horsepower—the i4
excels in performance and practicality. The xDrive40, with its 307-mile range
and fast charging, stands out as a comfortable daily driver, although some
users note less engaging steering. The inclusion of a hatchback trunk adds to
its practical appeal, making the BMW i4 a compelling choice for those seeking
an electrifying driving experience without sacrificing BMW's signature style
and innovation.
What’s the new for 2024?
In 2024, BMW introduces the xDrive40, an
all-wheel-drive variant of its entry-level EV, the i4. With 396 horsepower from
dual electric motors, it offers an estimated 307 miles of range (18-inch
wheels) and 282 miles (19-inch wheels), catering to those seeking AWD without
the added power and cost of the i4 M50. The rest of the i4 model remains
largely unchanged.
Pricing
eDrive35: $53,195
eDrive40: $58,295
M50: $70,695
Which One is Worth Buying?
If you prioritize high performance,
upgraded features, and don't mind a slightly reduced driving range, the M50 is
a good choice. However, if you value the highest range in the lineup and a
balanced performance, the i4 xDrive40 may be the better option.
Battery Capacities, Driving Range, and Charging Capabilities
The 2024 BMW i4 lineup offers a variety of
electric drivetrains with distinct specifications. The entry-level i4 eDrive35
features a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) system, a 70.2 kWh gross battery (66.0 kWh
usable), and achieves an efficiency of 113 mpg-e with 18-inch wheels. Its range
is estimated at 256 miles, and it supports a maximum charge rate of 180 kW. The
i4 eDrive40, also RWD, boasts a larger 83.9 kWh gross battery (81.5 kWh
usable), achieving 109 mpg-e efficiency with 18-inch wheels and providing an
extended range of 301 miles. Its maximum charge rate is slightly higher at 200
kW. The i4 xDrive40 shifts to all-wheel drive (AWD), featuring an 80.7 kWh
usable battery with a yet-to-be-rated efficiency. However, it claims an
impressive range of 307 miles and supports a maximum charge rate of 205 kW. At
the top end, the i4 M50, also AWD, comes with an 83.9 kWh gross battery (81.5
kWh usable), an efficiency of 96 mpg-e with 19-inch wheels, a range of 271
miles, and a maximum charge rate of 200 kW.
EV Motor and Power
The 2024 i4 has different models with one or two electric motors. The eDrive35 and eDrive40 have one motor each. The eDrive35 has a 282-hp motor, and the eDrive40 has a 335-hp motor on the rear axle. The xDrive40 has 396 hp, all-wheel drive, and 443 lb-ft of torque. The M50 has dual motors, all-wheel drive, 536 hp, and 586 lb-ft. The M50 is quick, reaching 60 mph in 3.3 seconds. The i4 has different wheel options, with the rear-drive version having 18-inch rims (19-inch optional), and the all-wheel-drive M50 having 19s or 20s with adaptive dampers and variable-ratio steering.
2024 BMW i4 Ride and Handling
The i4 is designed to have a smooth and
balanced ride because they spread the weight out carefully and put the battery
in a way that keeps the car stable. The special M50 version stands out because
it has a sporty suspension that makes driving even more fun. Even though the
M50 is a bit heavier than an M3, it still moves confidently and gracefully
because the center of the car is low. However, when driving aggressively, some
things like how the steering feels and the tire grip might not be as good as
what people expect from a BMW.
Fuel Economy and MPGe
According to the experts, the i4 eDrive40
with the regular 18-inch wheels is considered the most efficient. It got
ratings of 109 MPGe in the city and 108 MPGe on the highway. If you go for the
bigger 19-inch wheels, those ratings go down a bit, and the stronger M50 model
also gets a lower score. While not every i4 has gone on the 75-mph highway test
that checks how well they really work, a tested i4 eDrive 40 Gran Coupe went
280 miles on one charge, which is just two miles less than what the experts
estimated.
Interior Quality and Comfort
The
BMW i4 has a fancy inside with nice details like rose gold, white leather
seats, and light wood. It's got a big display on the dashboard, covering most
of the front. The car has four doors and looks like a sporty coupe with a
regular trunk. Inside, there's a cool Curved Display with screens for driving
info and entertainment. It keeps things simple with just a few buttons and uses
high-quality materials. What's surprising is that, even though it's a compact
car, it has a lot of space in the back—34.2 inches for your legs. That's more
than the Tesla Model 3 and Polestar 2, making the i4 stand out for comfort and
style.
The BMW i4 Cargo Space
The cargo space is both practical and
versatile, offering 10 cubic feet for essentials. The 40/20/40 split/folding
rear seats add adaptability, seamlessly transitioning between passenger and
cargo needs.
BMW i4 Connectivity and Infotainment
The BMW i4 is equipped with the latest
iDrive 8.5 infotainment system, featuring a large curved display and advanced
controls. This system, initially on iDrive 8, was later updated to 8.5 through
a free over-the-air update. The i4's interface includes a 14.9-inch touchscreen
and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, providing voice control, Apple
CarPlay, Android Auto, USB-C ports, and over-the-air updates. The My BMW app
complements this technology by connecting the owner's smartphone to the i4,
enabling navigation uploads, displaying battery range, activating
pre-conditioning, and facilitating transferable user profiles. Overall, the i4
is a technologically advanced and user-friendly vehicle.
BMW i4 Safety Features
The i4 hasn't been tested for crashes in
the United States yet. It comes with many safety features, like a system that
warns you if you're about to hit something and automatically brakes (but this
works best at city speeds), and it can even detect pedestrians and cyclists.
There are also features like blind-spot detection, a warning if you start to
drift out of your lane, and a special sound to alert pedestrians since the car
is quiet without an engine noise. To find out how safe the BMW i4 is in crashes, go to the National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway
Safety (IIHS) websites. They have the details you need.
BMW i4 Warranty
BMW's warranty is competitive, covering
repairs for four years or 50,000 miles, and the powertrain for eight years or
100,000 miles. Complimentary maintenance is included for three years or 36,000
miles, showcasing a comprehensive and customer-friendly coverage. This, coupled
with roadside assistance for the first four years, makes BMW's warranty package
appealing for potential buyers.
