Back to NewsVehicle Type: Four-door, mid-size electric sedan with a hatchback-style trunk.
Price Range: $56,395 - $66,895 - including a $995 destination fee.
Powertrain: 335-horsepower, single electric motor paired with an 83.9-kWh lithium-ion battery pack and a single-speed transmission.
Rear-wheel drive is standard with the electric motor on the rear axle.
An all-wheel-drive 536-horsepower M50 model is available with two electric motors, one on each axle.
What’s New for 2022?
The 2022 BMW i4 is an all-new electric sedan for 2022. As such, there are no previous generations to compare to this new car.
What’s Good?
- Extremely quiet cabin
- Impressive dashboard-mounted display
- Quick acceleration
- Lengthy driving range
What’s Bad?
- Small trunk and rear seat.
- The overly sensitive regenerative braking system.
- Dull cabin.
Would we buy one? Yes!
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Overview:
It has been a long time coming for BMW to produce a next-generation EV after the BMW i3 hatchback was discontinued. Fortunately, the i4 welcomes a much more universal appeal.
The i4 is a completely new BMW for the brand and bolsters the automaker's electric vehicle (EV) portfolio. Based on the Bavarian brand's most famous model, the 3-Series, the 2022 BMW i4 is a four-door, mid-size electric sedan similarly sized to the 4-Series Gran Coupe. The i4 competes well against the Tesla Model 3, Polestar 2, Porsche Taycan, Audi E-Tron GT, and Mercedes-Benz EQS.
Part of the first i4 generation introduced for 2022, the BMW i4 is a sporty drive for anyone wanting to get behind the wheel of a luxury sports sedan without the added costs of a gasoline engine. For those wanting more thrill in the environmentally-conscious EV, there is the M50 model with a more assertive appearance and added horsepower. The new i4 closely resembles the BMW 4-Series Gran Coupe with its exterior styling and size; however, the i4's architecture, electronics, and suspension are almost entirely new. The result is an EV directly aimed at competing with Tesla's Model 3.
The eDrive40 model features a 335-horsepower single rear-mounted electric motor with an output of 317 lb-ft of torque. The M50 adds a second electric motor to the front axle to help generate 536-horsepower and 586 lb-ft of torque. Both i4 models feature an 83.9-kWh lithium-ion battery pack and a single-speed transmission.
Overall Score: 3.7/5 stars
Safety Features: 3.5/5 stars
The i4 offers several standard and optional driver-assistance technology we have come to expect from BMW. Standard safety features include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and front and rear parking sensors. The Tesla Model S offers a longer list of standard features, including adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist.
Available safety features for the i4 include adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist, head-up display, parallel parking assistance, reverse automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and adaptive headlights.
Competing against the Polestar 2 is easier compared to Tesla models because the Tesla Model S takes safety features to a new level with their available automated highway driving and automated vehicle return from parking spots.
Value: 3.5/5 stars
The base eDrive40 trim carries a starting MSRP of $55,400, which is about average for the luxury electric car segment. For comparison, the Porsche Taycan starts at around $82,700, whereas the Tesla Model 3 starts at $43,990.
When comparing values between the rivals, one could look at the miles of range. A 2022 Polestar 2 may be $9,500 less to buy, but it has a lower electric-only driving range than the i4. The Tesla Model S costs nearly $40,000 more than the i4, but it gets 105 more miles of driving range. The BMW i4 carries the right price for its well-rounded offering.
The BMW i4 is available with a federal tax credit of up to $7,500. Tesla electric cars no longer qualify for the federal tax benefit because of the high volume of vehicles sold.
Additional value is seen with BMW's competitive warranty, which includes one of the best complimentary maintenance periods. There is a limited warranty for 4-years/ 50,000 miles, a powertrain warranty for -years/ 100,000 miles, and complimentary maintenance for 3-years/ 36,000 miles.
Tech Features: 4/5 stars
The i4 is one of the first BMWs to feature the automaker's latest infotainment system called the iDrive 8. It is a state-of-the-art system and several BMW i4 reviews rank highly among competitors in the segment. Standard infotainment features include a 14.9-inch touch screen, a 10-speaker stereo, Bluetooth, navigation, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Over-the-air updates keep the infotainment system updated.
The curved display and digital gauge cluster are massive, making it easy for the driver to see different settings without looking away from the road. The displays can be configured and arranged to your own preference, and there are physical controls, such as the iDrive rotary dial, for versatile and easy use of the system.
The head-up display is integrated flush into the instrument panel's surface, which helps solve several common issues with current head-up displays.
While it is difficult to compete with the futuristic technology found in Tesla EVs, the BMW i4 does overtake rivals like the Polestar 2 with a better infotainment system and a longer list of standard features.
Practicality: 3/5 stars
With only 10 cubic feet of cargo space, the i4 has a smaller trunk than most luxury electric cars in its class. Most EVs have a front trunk where a normal gasoline engine would be; however, the i4 keeps its trunk at the back.
While it may have a bottom-of-the-range small trunk, the i4 is technically a hatchback, so despite the minimal passenger space in the rear seats, you can fold them down if you need more cargo space. The three-way split seats provide increased flexibility for carrying bulkier items and passengers.
The battery pack lies under the floor of the i4, lowering its center of gravity, which is 37mm lower than the BMW 3-Series. This adds extra stability, while the battery's aluminum housing adds rigidity.
The fast-charging battery helps drivers get onto the road quickly. When connected to a DC fast charger, the battery of the i4 can go from 10 percent to 80 percent in less than 40 minutes. It can receive enough energy in 10 minutes to cover 90 miles.
Styling & Design: 4/5 stars
The front seats are very supportive and comfortable; however, the space gets very tight in the back of the car and may not suit taller passengers who need more headroom and legroom.
The i4's cabin offers luxury materials and a great fit and finish one would expect from a luxury car; however, some reviews note the appearance is dated and not wholly befitting of the futuristic feel offered by other rivals in its class.
The dashboard is rigorously uncluttered, which helps make the dual-screen unit of the infotainment system really stand out for the driver since it spans almost two-thirds of the dashboard. The digital gauge cluster is in easy reach to prevent distraction from the road, while the thick-rimmed steering wheel is devoid of too many controls.
There are no exhaust pipes, which allows the area below the rear bumper to become a full rear air diffuser. The corporate grille doesn't need to cool the electric drivetrain, so it's on double duty to accommodate the front-facing camera and ultrasonic and radar sensors.
The BMW i4 M50 model has exterior side vents to help keep the brakes cool.
Driving Experience: 4/5 stars
The i4 M50 can sprint from zero to 60 mph in as little as 3.7 seconds. This time is on par with some sports cars; however, its output of 536-horsepower is not looking as good as the Tesla Model 3 performance stats.
Selectable levels of brake energy regeneration enable one-pedal driving, which can be oversensitive. Overall, the i4 is engaging to drive, but some reviews note that it does not transition smoothly between braking and acceleration when in one-pedal "B-Mode" driving. Most found the driving more pleasurable and smoother when using the brake pedal.
There are three driver-selectable modes: Eco Pro, Comfort, and Sport mode. In Eco Pro, the i4 is almost completely silent. In Comfort mode, you will hear subdued performance sounds (BMW IconicSounds), and in Sport mode, you will be hear synthesized aircraft-inspired Hans Zimmer soundtrack that gets louder as your increase your speed; this can be overbearing.
The i4's steering is quick and precise, although it doesn't feel truly sporty. For long distances, the i4 is comfortable, and its low center of gravity helps it move confidently and gracefully.
Efficiency: 4/5 stars
The most efficient BMW i4 is the eDrive40 model with the standard 18-inch wheels, according to the EPA. This model earned EPA ratings of 109 MPGe city and 108 mpg highway. The i4 overtakes rivals like the Polestar 2 dual-motor, which gets below-average estimates with an EPA-rated 89 MPG-equivalent.
With 19-inch wheels, the eDrive40 model earned EPA ratings of 100/ 98 MPGe city/highway.
The BMW i40 M50 earned EPA ratings of 94/ 98 MPGe city/highway with 19-inch wheels and 79/80 mpg city/highway with 20-inch wheels.
The eDrive40 model can get 301 miles of range on a full charge with 18-inch wheels and 282 miles of range with 19-inch wheels on a full charge. The Polestar 2 tops out at 265 miles of range.
The M50 model can get 270 miles of range on a full charge with 19-inch wheels and 227 miles of range with 20-inch wheels on a full charge.
What’s it Going to Cost Me?
The all-new electric BMW i4 is available in two trim levels; the eDrive40 and M50. Both models have an 83.9-kWh lithium-ion battery pack and single-speed transmission; however, the powertrain specs and range are the main differences between the two.
The BMW i4 eDrive40 has a starting MSRP of $55,400, excluding the $995 destination fee. This RWD model is equipped with a rear-mounted single electric motor with an output of 335-horsepower and approximately 300 miles of all-electric driving range on a full charge.
Standard features include a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, a 14.9-inch touch screen, satellite radio, a 10-speaker stereo, navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hot spot, navigation, a moonroof, tri-zone automatic climate control, a power liftgate, forward automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, front and rear parking sensors, rear cross-traffic alert, and a rearview camera. Every i4 also has simulated leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and LED cabin lighting.
At the time of writing, BMW has not yet released official pricing for all of its available packages. A Premium Package adds a heated steering wheel and heated front seats.
The Driving Assistance Professional Package adds adaptive cruise control, traffic jam assist, front cross-traffic alert, and lane-keep assist.
The Parking Assistance Package features a surround-view parking camera system and parallel park assist.
The Dynamic Handling Package costs $1,750 and adds M Sport brakes, adaptive M air suspension, and a rear spoiler.
The M Sport Package costs $2,400 and adds an M steering wheel, an aerodynamic kit, and alloy wheels in either black or grey.
Other available options include adaptive Laserlight headlights, leather upholstery, a head-up display, ventilated front seats, a Harman Kardon stereo with 16 speakers, wireless device charging, and a drive recorder.
There are also some performance and styling options available individually, including an adaptive M air suspension, a rear spoiler, M Sport brakes, variable sport steering, and Shadowline exterior trim.
The BMW i4 M50 is the range-topping model with a starting MSRP of $65,900, excluding the $995 destination fee. This AWD model has an electric dual-motor setup with an output of 536-horsepower and approximately 245 miles of all-electric driving range on a full charge.
In addition to the features of the standard model i4 eDrive40, the M50 adds the M styling and performance equipment, including an adaptive M air suspension, a rear spoiler, M Sport brakes, variable sport steering, and Shadowline exterior trim.
Available for the M50 is the M Carbon Exterior Package ($2,800) and a Cooling and High-Performance Tire Package ($2,500).
If it were our signature on the check for a new 2022 BMW i4, we would choose the M50 model over the base eDrive40. It may be more expensive, but you get a lot more horsepower, and you get all-wheel drive with only a small loss in driving range. The M-badged model also boasts a more assertive appearance, especially with the optional 20-inch rims. By BMW standards, the M50 is reasonably priced.
