The BMW I4: A Glimpse Into The Electric Future, But Not Without Its Quirks

The BMW i4: A Glimpse into the Electric Future, But Not Without Its Quirks

The BMW i4 is a statement. It’s a statement of intent, a statement of progress, and a statement of the brand’s commitment to an electrified future. This sleek, four-door Gran Coupe is BMW’s first all-electric offering in the competitive mid-size luxury sedan segment, and it arrives with the weight of expectation on its shoulders.

Exterior: A Familiar Face with a Modern Twist

The i4’s design, while distinctly BMW, is a departure from the brand’s traditional aesthetic. Its long hood, sloping roofline, and muscular flanks are all hallmarks of a classic BMW, but the i4’s closed-off grille, flush door handles, and aerodynamically sculpted bodywork hint at its electric nature. The overall effect is striking, blending familiar design cues with a futuristic edge.

The front fascia, dominated by the iconic "kidney grille," is now a closed-off panel, serving as a smooth surface for airflow and housing sensors for driver assistance systems. The grille’s absence is noticeable, but the i4’s design team has cleverly incorporated the signature BMW elements, like the slim headlights and the prominent "Hofmeister kink" on the rear window, to maintain a sense of familiarity.

Interior: Tech-Forward and Luxurious, but with Some Shortcomings

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1 The BMW i4: A Glimpse into the Electric Future, But Not Without Its Quirks

Step inside the i4, and you’re greeted by a luxuriously appointed cabin that blends premium materials with a distinctly modern feel. The dashboard is dominated by a massive 14.9-inch touchscreen that serves as the central hub for the iDrive infotainment system, while a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster sits behind the steering wheel.

The iDrive system is intuitive and responsive, offering a wide range of features, including navigation, climate control, and a plethora of apps. The integration of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is a welcome addition, ensuring seamless connectivity for smartphone users.

However, the i4’s interior isn’t without its flaws. While the materials are generally high-quality, some of the plastic trims feel a bit cheap, particularly in the lower sections of the cabin. The touchscreen, while visually impressive, can be distracting to use on the move, and the lack of physical buttons for key functions like climate control can be frustrating at times.

Performance: Effortlessly Powerful, But with a Slightly Unrefined Character

The i4 is available in two powertrain configurations: the eDrive40 and the M50. The eDrive40 boasts a single electric motor powering the rear wheels, producing 335 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. The M50, on the other hand, features dual electric motors, one on each axle, for a combined output of 536 horsepower and 586 lb-ft of torque.

The BMW i4: A Glimpse into the Electric Future, But Not Without Its Quirks

Both variants deliver exhilarating performance, with the eDrive40 offering a smooth and refined driving experience, while the M50 explodes off the line with a visceral surge of power. The i4’s electric powertrain is incredibly responsive, delivering instantaneous torque that makes for a truly exhilarating driving experience.

However, the M50’s performance comes at the cost of a slightly unrefined character. The dual-motor setup can feel a bit jittery at low speeds, and the regenerative braking system can be overly aggressive at times, leading to an abrupt stop-and-go feel.

Range and Charging: Impressive, but Not Class-Leading

The i4 eDrive40 offers an EPA-estimated range of 301 miles, while the M50’s range drops to 270 miles. These figures are impressive for a luxury sedan, but they fall short of the class-leading ranges offered by some competitors, like the Tesla Model 3 and the Lucid Air.

The i4 supports Level 2 AC charging at up to 11 kW, allowing for a full charge in around 8 hours. DC fast charging, however, is where the i4 shines. With a compatible charger, the i4 can add up to 100 miles of range in just 10 minutes, making it a practical choice for long road trips.

The BMW i4: A Glimpse into the Electric Future, But Not Without Its Quirks

Driving Dynamics: Engaging, but Not as Sharp as Some Competitors

BMW is renowned for its driving dynamics, and the i4 doesn’t disappoint in this regard. The car handles with precision and agility, thanks to its well-balanced chassis and responsive steering. The suspension offers a good balance between comfort and sportiness, soaking up bumps effectively while still providing a sporty feel.

However, the i4’s driving dynamics, while impressive, aren’t quite as sharp as some of its competitors. The steering, while precise, lacks the feedback and engagement found in some other BMW models, and the overall driving experience feels a bit more detached than expected.

Overall: A Promising Start, but Room for Improvement

The BMW i4 is a compelling offering in the growing electric luxury sedan segment. It boasts impressive performance, a stylish design, and a luxurious interior. However, the i4 isn’t without its flaws. The interior feels a bit cheap in places, the touchscreen can be distracting, and the driving dynamics, while good, aren’t as sharp as some competitors.

Pros:

Impressive performance: The i4 delivers exhilarating acceleration and a smooth, refined driving experience.
Stylish design: The i4’s sleek, modern design blends familiar BMW cues with a futuristic edge.
Luxurious interior: The i4’s cabin is well-appointed, offering a comfortable and tech-forward experience.
Good range and charging capabilities: The i4 offers a competitive range and supports fast DC charging.
Engaging driving dynamics: The i4 handles with precision and agility, offering a sporty driving experience.

Cons:

Interior quality: Some of the interior materials feel a bit cheap, particularly in the lower sections of the cabin.
Touchscreen usability: The touchscreen, while visually impressive, can be distracting to use on the move.
Lack of physical buttons: The absence of physical buttons for key functions can be frustrating.
Unrefined character (M50): The M50’s dual-motor setup can feel a bit jittery at low speeds, and the regenerative braking system can be overly aggressive.
Not as sharp as some competitors (driving dynamics): The i4’s driving dynamics, while good, aren’t as sharp as some other BMW models.

Conclusion:

The BMW i4 is a promising start for the brand’s electric future. It’s a stylish, well-equipped, and capable electric sedan that offers an exhilarating driving experience. However, the i4 isn’t without its flaws, and some of its shortcomings, like the interior quality and the slightly unrefined character of the M50, need to be addressed in future iterations.

Overall, the i4 is a solid contender in the growing electric luxury sedan segment, but it’s not quite the game-changer some might have hoped for. As BMW continues to refine its electric vehicle technology, the i4 has the potential to become a true benchmark in the segment, but for now, it’s a promising start that leaves room for improvement.

Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the i4’s strengths and weaknesses:

Strengths:

Performance: The i4’s electric powertrain delivers instant torque and exhilarating acceleration, making it one of the most exciting electric sedans on the market.
Design: The i4’s sleek and modern design is both stylish and aerodynamically efficient. It’s a refreshing take on the traditional BMW sedan, while still retaining the brand’s signature elements.
Technology: The i4 is packed with advanced technology, including a massive touchscreen infotainment system, a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features, and a user-friendly charging experience.
Practicality: The i4 offers ample space for passengers and cargo, making it a practical choice for everyday driving and long road trips.

Weaknesses:

Interior quality: While the i4’s interior is generally luxurious, some of the plastic trims feel a bit cheap. This is particularly noticeable in the lower sections of the cabin.
Touchscreen usability: The i4’s massive touchscreen is visually impressive, but it can be distracting to use on the move. The lack of physical buttons for key functions can also be frustrating.
Driving dynamics: The i4’s driving dynamics are good, but they aren’t as sharp as some of its competitors. The steering lacks the feedback and engagement found in some other BMW models, and the overall driving experience feels a bit more detached.
Range: The i4’s range is impressive for a luxury sedan, but it falls short of the class-leading ranges offered by some competitors, like the Tesla Model 3 and the Lucid Air.

Overall, the BMW i4 is a compelling offering in the growing electric luxury sedan segment. It’s a stylish, well-equipped, and capable electric sedan that offers an exhilarating driving experience. However, the i4 isn’t without its flaws, and some of its shortcomings, like the interior quality and the slightly unrefined character of the M50, need to be addressed in future iterations.

Ultimately, the BMW i4 is a promising start for the brand’s electric future. It’s a solid contender in the growing electric luxury sedan segment, but it’s not quite the game-changer some might have hoped for. As BMW continues to refine its electric vehicle technology, the i4 has the potential to become a true benchmark in the segment, but for now, it’s a promising start that leaves room for improvement.

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The BMW I4: A Glimpse Into The Electric Future, But Not Without Its Quirks