The BMW i4 has been one of Munich’s most successful electric cars globally. It did not do the numbers of other models from the Bavarian brand, but considering the positioning and type of car, it could be said to have been a winner.
The car represented a link between the quest for sustainable mobility and the brand’s traditional temperament, and was convincing in terms of quality, looks, performance and content. First teased by the i Vision Dynamics concept in 2017 and then the Concept i4 in 2020, the i4 finally went into production in 2021.
BMW i4: platform and dimensions.
The BMW i4, as the name suggests, is a zero-emission version of the BMW 4 Series and follows the layout of the Gran Coupe variant, with sleek lines but four doors. It is 4.79 metres long, 1.85 metres wide, 1.45 metres high and has a wheelbase of 2.86 metres.
BMW i4: the CLAR platform
At the moment, BMW builds its electric models on two multi-purpose platforms. There is the FAAR platform, dedicated to front-wheel-drive Minis and BMWs, and there is the CLAR platform, reserved for larger models like this i4.
The platform in question made its debut in 2015 with the sixth generation of the 7 Series, but in recent years it has served as the basis for countless models, from SUVs to sports cars, including all the group’s saloons. Staying with the electrics, it is also used for the iX and will be used for the battery-powered versions of the next generations of the X5, X6 and X7.
- Length: 4.79 metres
- Width: 1.85 metres
- Height: 1.45 metres
- Wheelbase: 2.86 metres
- Weight: 2,290 kg
BMW i4 M50 con M Performance Parts
BMW i4: Space on board
A low, streamlined saloon with a long, tapered roofline, the BMW i4 is homologated for five, but accommodates up to four adults without too many sacrifices, although if three people sit in the back they have to contend with a rather small centre seat due to the central tunnel and a height that is average for the segment.
The car has a boot capacity of 470 litres, which increases to 1,290 litres when the rear seats are folded down. It is well finished and has a comfortable double floor. The car does not have a proper frunk, but there are some aftermarket trays that can be fitted under the bonnet to create additional cargo space.
- Luggage compartment: 470 litres
- Frunk: n.a.
BMW i4: Software
Like all latest-generation BMWs, the i4 uses the iDrive8 software, which uses two monitors in a single curved panel as an interface. The one behind the steering wheel, dedicated to the instrumentation, has a diagonal measurement of 12.3 inches, while the central one, which controls the infotainment system, goes up to 14.9 inches.
The software, operated almost entirely by touch controls, has a modern and intuitive interface and is packed with features, all the latest connectivity protocols (all wireless) and even an advanced voice assistant. It is highly customisable and compatible with over-the-air updates that can affect both connectivity and digital services, as well as other functions such as charging management.
BMW i4: battery and range
The BMW i4 is available in several versions. They differ in terms of battery, drive system and performance level. The range starts with the BMW i4 eDrive35 with a 70.2 kWh (66 net) battery, which only transfers its torque to the rear wheels and has an output of 286 PS. The range continues with the eDrive40 and xDrive40, rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive respectively, with an 83.9 kWh (81.1 net) battery and 340 and 401 PS. At the top of the range is the i4 M50, also with a larger battery, four-wheel drive and 544 PS.
The range varies considerably depending on the powertrain. The eDrive35 promises 308 miles, while the most efficient eDrive40 goes up to 370 miles. The two integrated i4s are very similar, with the xDrive40 claiming 325 miles and the M50 stopping at 318 miles.
BMW i4: recharging
All BMW i4 models in this list are equipped with an 11 kW on-board charger, which enables a full charge in less than 9 hours using alternating current (0% to 100%).
With direct current, the car can be charged at a rate of 200 kW when connected to a high-power charging station. This means you can go from 10% to 80% in less than 30 minutes. In other words, an eDrive40 gains approximately 103 miles in 10 minutes. An M50, which has a higher energy consumption, still gains 87 miles in 10 minutes.
BMW i4: price
In addition to the powertrain options listed above, the BMW i4 is also available in various equipment versions. To underline the character of this electric sedan, they are called Sport, M Sport and M Models. They are combined according to the mechanical scheme.
In terms of price, the cheapest BMW i4 model is the eDrive35 Sport, which costs £51,270. The eDrive35 then goes up to £52,770 for the M Sport trim. The i4 eDrive40 (rear-wheel drive only offered in UK) starts at £59,365 (Sport trim) and goes up to £60,865 (M Sport trim). The top of the range all-wheel drive i4 M50 is priced at £70,900.
