BMW i4 Review 2024

BMW i4 At A Glance

5/5
Honest John Overall Rating
The BMW i4 is excellent to drive and has an impressive interior. We like how it looks, too, and it's sure to be less divisive than the BMW iX SUV. The downside? It's not cheap...

+Impressive range of up to 367 miles. Genuinely enjoyable to drive. Tech-packed interior is comfortable and premium.

-Prices start from nearly £52,000.

New prices start from £51,905

BMW looked to be at the forefront of desirable electric cars way back in 2013/2014 when it launched the truly innovative BMW i3 and the plug-in hybrid BMW i8 sports car. Things have all gone quiet since then – but now it's back, and it's very serious about attracting customers away from upstarts like Tesla and Polestar. Find out more in our BMW i4 review.

Alongside the love-it-or-loathe-it BMW iX – a slightly garish electric SUV that's attracting more than its fair share of flack online – you can now buy an electric version of the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe. It's badged the BMW i4 and we think it's one of the most desirable electric vehicles on sale today.

Aimed at the kind of buyer that would have traditionally bought a BMW 3 Series, the BMW i4 doesn't have a great deal in the way of direct competition. There's the extremely popular Tesla Model 3, of course, while you might also be considering it alongside electric SUV competitors like the Audi Q4 e-tron or Mercedes EQA.

There are two key BMW i4 models available: the entry-level eDrive40 (which is available in Sport or M Sport derivatives), or the flagship BMW i4 M50. We rate the BMW i4 eDrive40, which produces a healthy-enough 340PS and 430Nm of torque.

Perhaps more significantly, the BMW i4 eDrive40 can cover up to 367 miles between charges, while the M50 has a 316-mile range. Both these figures are impressive, while 200kW charging means you get a significant boost in range in just 20 minutes or so.

Electric cars don't tend to be cheap and, when you're considering one with a BMW badge on the bonnet, you're at the opposite end of the market to a Renault Zoe. The BMW i4 eDrive40 Sport starts at £51,905, while the M Sport version is £53,405. You'll pay nearly £64,000 for a BMW i4 M50.

Still, it's clear where your money goes. As well as being one of the most entertaining electric cars to drive, the BMW i4's interior is simply brilliant. It feels every bit worth the cash, while its new dual-screen infotainment setup is pure brilliance.

The BMW i4 scores highly for practicality, too. It has a bigger boot than most rivals, while you can squeeze a pair of adults in the back without too much discomfort.

As an electric all-rounder, we reckon the BMW i4 is impressive enough to tempt many buyers away from their traditional premium cars. Read our full review to find out whether it should be on your new car shortlist.

Looking for a second opinion? Read heycar's BMW i4 review.

Ask Honest John

Can you tow a caravan with an electric car?

"I have a small caravan, 1200kg max. I’m looking at changing my Nissan X-Trail to an all-electric. Would you advise I hang on for a bit or what EV would you recommend for towing it?"
There are actually a number of electric cars that can comfortably pull a 1200kg caravan, so you have plenty of choice. One thing to be mindful of is that towing something this heavy and the extra aerodynamic drag will reduce the range of any electric vehicle by some margin, so it is worth factoring this in when purchasing an electric car and planning your journeys. The Hyundai Ioniq 5, the related Kia EV6 and the Genesis GV60 can all pull 1600kg, as can the BMW i4, all of which will manage your caravan with capacity to spare.
Answered by David Ross

Should I buy a used Jaguar I-Pace or Porsche Taycan?

"I purchased a new Nissan Leaf Tekna in November and am very pleased apart from the range. In real terms I can only go around 45-50 miles and back unless I drive very carefully. I am considering selling it with 2,800 miles and I won't lose much. I run my own company so have lots of tax perks. I would love a used Jaguar I-Pace costing around £65,000 but am very concerned I will be paying too much. With so many excellent EVs coming out I wonder if I might regret the purchase in six months if prices tumble. My other choice would be the basic Porsche Taycan at £80,000 but unregistered, so a wait of six to nine months. I'm happy to keep the Leaf for that duration and it will still only be under one year since registered. So should I bite the bullet and buy a used I-Pace or order a new Taycan? Or wait and see what comes out this year? "
It's a difficult one as prices are inflated at the moment – that means you'll get your money back on your Leaf, but also you'll pay more for any replacement. In an ideal world you'd sell your Leaf now and buy something else once the bubble's burst... but you might be waiting for a while. In your situation, I'd be looking at something like the new Hyundai Ioniq 5 or Kia EV6. While they don't have a premium badge, they're two of the best electric cars on the market with a very useable real-world electric range. Obviously a Porsche Taycan will be a more luxurious choice – if you're looking for something upmarket, take a look at the latest BMW electric cars, such as the i4 and iX.
Answered by Andrew Brady

What electric vehicle should I buy for £60,000?

"I drive a Tesla Model 3 Long Range and am looking for an electric vehicle for retirement. I am seeking good quality build, comfortable seats and a decent range (300-plus miles). The boot (preferably hatchback) needs to be big enough for golf clubs and trolley. My budget is £60,000. What can you recommend?"
I'd be tempted to tell you to stick with your Tesla because of its excellent powertrain and access to the Supercharger network. On your budget, there aren't many EVs that fit your needs but the car I would recommend is the BMW i4 which has a range of nearly 375 miles. You'll find the BMW's interior takes a big step in quality next to your Tesla and it's also more engaging to drive. That said, it isn't quick unless you got for the M50 model which has a 320-mile range and costs a little over £60,000. The BMW's fastback style boot lid should make it easy to load your clubs.
Answered by Russell Campbell

Should I order a new car now or wait for stock?

"I would like to purchase the BMW i4 M50. I understand that delivery could be in June 2022 if I order one now but am concerned that this could take longer although deliveries in Germany are earlier than expected. What do think if I just sit tight and try to get hold of a car in stock later? If I order a new one will I be able to cancel without penalty if it is not delivered as promised? "
Supply should gradually improve this year but I think you will be lucky to get hold of a car in stock and you would be best ordering now. Whether you can cancel your order without penalty will depend on the terms and conditions of the contract, although dealers have been more flexible. So check all the paperwork carefully and ask the dealer before committing to anything.
Answered by Sarah Tooze
More Questions

What does a BMW i4 cost?