BMW i4

The BMW i4 comes with a luxurious cabin that looks and feels very high-quality. The base trim’s cabin comes with Sensatec Perforated upholstery, while the higher trim features an M interior trim with a Leather Vernasca Black/Blue contrast stitching upholstery for a sportier and more privileged interior feel. Regardless of the material, this EV’s seats provide great support and ergonomics for all passengers even on longer drives. 

Inside, you have more than enough room for four individuals. However, inserting a third adult passenger at the back might be a bit of a struggle because of its limited rear headroom and legroom. That said, the middle seat in the second row is more ideal for children or small passengers in general. But, on the plus side, you get a generous trunk space at the back for your groceries and baggage.

Both variants come with a BMW Live Cockpit Plus, which combines a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with a 14.9-inch Control Display (i.e., infotainment display). Its infotainment display offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, smartphone integration, as well as BMW ConnectedDrive services. The higher trim features a 12-speaker Harman Kardon surround sound system, while the base trim gets the 12-speaker BMW HiFi loudspeaker system. 

Aside from these, the driver also gets a sports leather steering wheel with multifunction buttons, a modern gear dial, and a wireless charging tray for enhanced passenger convenience at all times. For a more aesthetic experience inside the cabin, this EV also comes with an ambient lighting system.

In terms of dimensions, both variants of the BMW i4 are 4,783 mm in length, 1,852 mm in width, and 1,448 mm in height and span a wheelbase of 2,856 mm. 

The BMW i4’s exterior appearance offers an appealing combination of modern features and classic design cues. Upfront, the base eDrive35 sports BMW’s modern kidney grille with a blue outline, which indicates its full-electric identity on the road. Meanwhile, the higher trim M50 features an M high gloss shadow line on its grille (and other parts all around), showing-off its high-performance character. Hidden beneath its kidney grille is a state-of-the-art sensor technology that provides the driver with accurate data in real time. It flaunts assertive-looking BMW LED headlights. 

This EV’s side profile looks smart and sporty at the same time. Its frameless doors along with flush handles add a hypermodern touch to its overall appearance. The base trim gets 19-inch Style 855 aerodynamic wheels, while the higher trim features the M light alloy set (Style 861) for a more prestigious silhouette. Similar to the front end, the higher trim comes with M high gloss shadow side garnishes, while the base trim gets the standard blue version.

Aside from these, its back end is certainly an eye candy for car enthusiasts and casual onlookers. This EV comes with angular LED taillights, enhancing its sharp-looking rear at night. Both variants feature a diffuser, which is both stylish and functional. For more sportiness and aggression, the M50 trim also gets an M rear spoiler. This model line also gets an automatic tailgate for easier loading and unloading of cargo.

The M50 trim features BMW’s adaptive M suspension, while the base eDrive35 gets MacPherson Struts at the front and a Torsion Beam at the rear. Regardless of the suspension setup, both variants can confidently handle sharp turns or corners at high speeds. Both can also absorb bumps and other road imperfections in the city quite well. Overall, this model line can deliver a supple and very pleasant riding experience for everyone on board.

The BMW i4 model line offers two full-electric powertrain options. First, the higher trim M50 is powered by two electric motors that deliver 544 hp and 795 Nm of torque. Its dual-motor setup is powered by an 83.90-kWh battery pack that delivers a WLTP driving range of up to 520 km. 

On the other hand, the base trim is powered by a single electric motor that delivers 286 hp and 400 Nm of torque. Its motor is powered by a 70.2-kWh battery pack that offers a WLTP driving range of up to 483 km.

Both variants come mated to a single-speed automatic transmission system with fixed ratio. The base trim utilizes a rear-wheel drivetrain, while the higher trim features an all-wheel drive system. Using a DC fast charger (with up to 180 kW of charging power), its battery can be charged from 10% to 80% in just 32 minutes.

Taking all of these into account, both variants are peppy and smooth off the line. You’ll have no problem overtaking slower vehicles on free-flowing highways with either trim. Even though the i4 is a full-electric vehicle, you can still achieve an emotional experience while driving it thanks to its BMW IconicSounds technology. 

Ultimately, if you desire a more exhilarating experience on the road, then going with the M50 is a no-brainer. However, if you are aiming for better efficiency and a more sensible ride inside the city, then the base eDrive35 has the upper hand.

In terms of safety, both variants of the BMW i4 are equipped with active protection, cruise control with a braking function, a parking assistant, front and rear park distance control, rain sensor and automatic driving lights control, as well as a rear view camera among others. 

However, only the M50 also gets BMW’s ADAS suite, which includes lane departure warning with lane return, front collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane change warning, rear cross traffic alert, rear collision warning, pedestrian warning, and a manual speed limiter. 

Meanwhile, in terms of braking, this model line utilizes front and rear ventilated discs. Its braking setup is also supported by an anti-lock braking system, dynamic stability control, dynamic traction control, and cornering brake control among others.

The BMW i4 is a very versatile EV. It hits a sweet spot for discerning buyers who are in the market to buy a luxury EV sedan or coupe that can offer a comfortable and very refined riding experience, while delivering impressive performance and sharp handling out on the open road.