A Week With: 2022 BMW i4 eDrive40

When BMW launched its “i” electrical automobile sub-brand in 2011, it appeared like each automobile could be one thing straight out of science fiction — both the closely stylized and uber-sexy i8 plug-in hybrid, or the funky i3 hatchback. 

You possibly can hardly blame BMW for that, although. Each automaker did one thing of the type. If an EV didn’t look so odd that you might spot it two blocks away, what was the purpose?

Because it seems, making an EV that isn’t a rolling advantage sign is sweet enterprise, and it signifies that automakers are taking the transition away from ICE critically finally. 

Overview

The i4 is the most recent mannequin to be constructed on BMW’s modular Cluster Structure (CLAR) platform, which helps inner combustion, hybrid or EV purposes. The gasoline-powered 4-Sequence is constructed on the identical platform, with some modifications. Consequently, the i4 appears to be like very very similar to its customary 4 Sequence Gran Coupé stablemates — and that’s factor. 

The i4 is obtainable in rear-wheel drive as a single-motor mannequin, or because the twin-motor all-wheel drive M50, however in each circumstances the physique is a five-door liftback coupe. Our take a look at automobile for the week was the much less highly effective rear-drive mannequin, however even that one gives sufficient efficiency to make an EV convert of probably the most die-hard BMW followers.  

Exterior

As talked about, the i4 lives within the 4 Sequence Gran Coupé physique, with a handy “five-door” liftback design that gives easy accessibility to the trunk space. Predictably, BMW stored the controversial outsized grille therapy of the 4 Sequence on the i4, though the “grille” shouldn’t be truly purposeful on the EV. Like it or hate it, the beaver-tooth entrance finish is the brand new BMW signature. 

Inside

Inside, the i4 gives the most recent in BMW luxurious. The entrance seats are supremely comfy, whereas the again seats are little shy on legroom if the entrance seat passengers are on the taller aspect. Nonetheless, you may match adults again there, albeit on shorter journeys. 

The remainder of the inside is all ultra-modern simplicity. As befits a contemporary luxurious EV, there’s only one massive display screen that stretches greater than midway throughout the sprint, and it’s a touchscreen, although BMW nonetheless contains the iDrive rotary dial on the console. 

Powertrain

The i4 eDrive40 take a look at automobile comes with a single electrical motor housed within the rear axle. The ultimate drive is there, too, so there’s no transmission to talk of. You’ll get 335 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque from the motor, which is sweet for a 5.5-second 0-60 sprint, and a high velocity of 118 mph. Extra to the purpose of real-world driving, the i4 has loads of energy on faucet to make a go on a brief passing lane, even when the opposite driver tries to race you for it.

BMW additionally didn’t skimp on the battery pack, with 81.5 internet kWh of capability. That’s sufficient to take you 301 miles in keeping with the EPA, and perhaps 280 by our unscientific real-world estimation. You possibly can regenerate fairly a bit, nonetheless, by utilizing the utmost regen setting when going downhill. 

Better of all, the i4 accepts as much as 200 kW DC Quick Charging, which is able to drop sufficient juice to get the automobile to 80% cost in 31 minutes, or drop 102 miles into the automobile in simply 10 minutes. We charged from 65% to 98% in 38 minutes on a DC Quick Charger within the neighborhood whereas getting lunch throughout the road. Utilizing the standard 240-Volt Stage 2 chargers that almost all EV house owners have put in of their properties, you may cost the i4 from 0-100 in lower than eight hours, so that is an EV you may actually dwell with. 

Security and Expertise

Neither the Nationwide Freeway Site visitors Security Administration nor the Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security have rated the i4 but, however it comes with the same old refinements that you’d count on from a BMW. 

The one one that actually pushes itself into your consciousness is the lane-departure warning, which fits off on a regular basis on narrower roads. It takes a little bit little bit of poking across the menu system to search out the choice to show it off, however as soon as turned off, it stays off. 

Additionally notable, the adaptive cruise management talks to the highway signal recognition and it may be set to maintain the i4 on the posted velocity restrict, in addition to sustaining following distance to the automobile forward. 

The infotainment system has improved by leaps and bounds because the unhealthy previous days of BMW iDrive. Now you may contact the display screen, twiddle the dial, or simply press a button and converse your instructions. When you acquire even a passing familiarity with the system, it’s simple to make use of. Oh, talking of issues you may take without any consideration, the optionally available Harman Kardon stereo sounds nice. 

One unhappy trombone second: We simply obtained a brand new iPhone 13 Professional Max and in its protecting case, it doesn’t match into the wi-fi system charging cubby within the i4. That will actually be a peeve if we owned this automobile. 

Driving Impressions

The 4 Sequence is likely one of the greatest driving experiences you may get from BMW. The two Sequence is my favourite, however the 4 comes shut. It’s full of life, quick, secure, and the suspension handles tough roads with nice aplomb. With the i4, the middle of gravity is about 2 inches decrease than the remainder of the 4 Sequence due to the battery location within the ground, which helps with experience and dealing with.   

Then on high of that, the electrical drive expertise is surpassing quiet and easy, so you actually get the most effective of all doable worlds with the i4. Solely the lane-departure warning stored my pleasure from being full, and that was quickly mounted. 

2022 BMW i4 eDrive40 Specs

Wrap Up

The BMW i4 eDrive40 is itself the bottom trim stage. You possibly can transfer as much as the dual-motor i4 M50 with 536 horsepower and a 3.7-second 0-60 time, and that can set you again $67,300, however the fundamental i4 we examined begins at $55,900. Fairly than offer you a bunch of trims, BMW gives simply a few possibility packages — a black exterior trim pack and a heated seats and steering wheel pack, however actually you may choose and select your choices a la carte. 

If it had been as much as us, actually, we’d in all probability splurge and purchase the i4 M50 as a result of that form of energy is addictive. But when we had been outfitting a base i4, we’d pay for the heated seats bundle for $950 and the ventilated entrance seats for $350 are a no brainer. For tech, we’d positively purchase the head-up show for $1,100 and the improve Harman Kardon sound system for $875. 

With all that stuff, we’d nonetheless carry our i4 house for lower than $60,000, and for an EV with that form of vary and efficiency, we’d name {that a} deal. 

2022 BMW i4 eDrive40 ­— Regularly Requested Questions