Summary
First appearing as a concept at the 2017 Frankfurt motor show, the BMW i4 is a premium five-door saloon which is the all-electric equivalent of the 4 Series Gran Coupe.
One of the Tesla Model 3‘s key competitors in the mid-sized EV saloon market, the i4 is the fifth edition to BMW’s electric ‘i’ line-up, currently placed as the middle ground between the compact i3 hatchback and the larger iX3 SUV.
The BMW i4 range launched with two drivetrain options – the rear-wheel drive eDrive40, and the four-wheel drive M50. Both models are fitted with an 84 kWh battery, which BMW claims to deliver up to 367 miles from a full charge. The rear-wheel drive ‘eDrive35’ has since joined the range, offering a smaller range of 299 miles and less horsepower for a cheaper price.
This impressive battery range, coupled with the saloon’s rapid charging ability, has earned the i4 plenty of praise from the UK media. Several titles, including Auto Express, Carwow, and What Car?, have also been impressed by the i4’s refined interior equipped with innovative on-board tech and an “excellent” infotainment system.
Meanwhile, Car Keys is excited by the BMW i4’s pacy performance and exterior styling. That said, BMW’s new approach to its grille design is a contentious topic for reviewers and BMW enthusiasts alike.
The key criticism leveled at the BMW i4 is that it is not as enjoyable to drive as the i4’s combustion-powered equivalent, the 4 Series Gran Coupe. What Car? also asserts that the more powerful M50 variant is not as sharp as the Tesla Model 3 Performance, and points out that it also lacks Tesla’s industry-leading Supercharger charging station network.
As of November 2023, the BMW i4 holds an Expert Rating of 82%, which is a couple of points behind the Tesla Model 3 and the conventionally powered BMW 3 Series. It’s also about seven points better than the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé, which is the i4’s petrol equivalent.
i4 highlights
- The latest on-board tech innovation
- Pacy performance
- Intuitive infotainment
- Class-leading battery range
- Agile handling and body control
i4 lowlights
- Polarising front-end styling
- Rivals have more cabin space in the rear
- Expensive, base model and up
- Petrol-powered BMW saloons are more fun to drive
- Tesla offers more charging station coverage
Key specifications
Body style: Medium five-door saloon
Engines: electric, battery-powered
Price: From £49,995 on-road
Launched: Winter 2021/22
Last updated: N/A
Replacement due: TBA
Image gallery
Media reviews
Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
Auto Express
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“Sophisticated, well-built and typically great to drive, the all-electric BMW i4 is an easy car to recommend”
Author: Ellis Hyde
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Model reviewed: eDrive35
Score: 8 / 10
“The cheaper eDrive35 is a welcome addition to the BMW i4 range, sacrificing little with regards to performance and range, and nothing when it comes to standard equipment, quality or technology. It’s a significant price drop, but there’s no shying away from the fact that at nearly £50k, it’s almost exactly the same price as a facelifted Tesla Model 3 Long Range – a car that’ll officially do more than 400 miles on a charge.”
Author: Richard Ingram
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Auto Trader
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“The BMW i4 has the Tesla Model 3 in its crosshairs, this electrified take on the 4 Series Gran Coupe impressing for its tech, range and performance.”
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Autocar
Model reviewed: eDrive40 M Sport
Score: 9 / 10
“The BMW i4 eDrive40 is a quick and effortless car, still with the driver focus of other BMWs, but also with the silence and serenity of other electrics. At least from a sales point of view, the eDrive40 feels exactly like a car into which a traditional BMW saloon driver can boldly step, having made the big decision to embrace EV motoring. And that, clearly, was always the i4 plan.”
Read review
Model reviewed: eDrive50
“A dual character provides the headlining i4 model with broad driving appeal, even if it fails to deliver true five-seat accommodation owing to BMW’s decision not to base it on a dedicated electric car architecture.”
Read review
Car
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“In most respects, the BMW i4 is just as much of a cutting-edge electric car experience as the iX, wrapped up in much less controversial packaging. Whichever i4 you choose, there are still so many core BMW traits in here: alert steering, outstanding ride and handling balance, a clean, well-built and user-friendly interior, and more than ample power being just some of them. The post-petrol future is bright.”
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Car Keys
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“As an electric all-rounder, the i4 is a superb option. It’s got the pace, the style and the quality to make it stand out, while a long electric range and impressive rapid charging capability also adds to its appeal.”
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Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8.8 / 10
“BMW’s first all-electric compact executive model almost does it all and proves electric cars can indeed be fun to drive.” (Richard Ingram)
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Carwow
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The BMW i4 is the German brand’s first fully-electric gran coupe that delivers great performance, has a plush interior and excellent infotainment. Its looks might not be to everyone’s taste, though, and there are roomier alternatives.”
Read review
Discover EV
Model reviewed: M50
Score: 9 / 10
“If you’re after an EV within the premium midsize segment that’s not an SUV, The BMW i4 is a good contender. It boasts the sporting prowess and performance for which BMW is renowned, as well as useable driving range, refinement, great infotainment, comfort and usability.”
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Driving Electric
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“The electric BMW 3 Series alternative offers refinement and comfort with exceptional build quality and excellent infotainment, while the M50 packs a punch worthy of its badge.”
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Electrifying.com
Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“The BMW i4 is an all-round convincing offer for all those who do not want to completely erase their memories of the good old days when switching to electric motoring.”
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Green Car Guide
Model reviewed: eDrive40 M Sport
Score: 10 / 10
“The BMW i4 commands a premium price tag but absolutely justifies it, both with the quality of the interior and with the depth of engineering which is immediately apparent. The combination of excellent range, strong performance, outstanding refinement, excellent ride comfort, and engaging handling is unmatched by any rival.” (Paul Clarke)
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Model reviewed: M50
Score: 10 / 10
“The BMW i4 M50 offers a solution for motorists who want both an electric car and a driver’s car, thanks to its huge performance, rewarding handling and driver-focused BMW interior.”
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Honest John
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 10 / 10
“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.”
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Move Electric
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“BMW hasn’t been as daring with the i4 as rivals, but for many its familiar feel will be a big selling point. It’s also great to drive, has a classy interior, enough space for most and an interior that is luxurious and packed with useful technology.” (James Disdale)
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Parkers
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8.4 / 10
“Five-door coupe with great electric tech that’s superb to drive”
Read review
The Intercooler
Model reviewed: i4 M50
“Like many fundamentally well-engineered but hefty cars, it’s fine if you’re just knocking along at a decent clip without over-extending either yourself or the machinery. Effective for sure, but entertaining? Not so much.” (Andrew Frankel)
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The Telegraph
Model reviewed: eDrive40 M Sport
Score: 10 / 10
“Is the entry-level BMW i4 a Tesla beater? Yes, it is. There’s simply no question that it’s the better car of the two. The i4 is more comfortable, built better, feels better to drive and has a roomier boot. It’s even cheaper to buy. That makes this one of the best EVs on the market.” (Alex Robbins)
Read review
Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“Refined, good-looking and rapid, the BMW i4 certainly takes the fight to Tesla. It handles, rides and – apart from the super-sized grille – it’s lovely to look at. Its faults, such as they exist, are mainly inherent with battery-electric driving, but this is the best alternative to fossil fuels I’ve come across.”
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Top Gear
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“We like the Tesla Model 3 and Polestar 2, but there’s still a vacancy for a really sweet-driving alternative. The BMW i4, especially in RWD spec, is that alternative.”
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What Car?
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 10 / 10
“The BMW i4 M50 is fast (especially so in M50 guise), comfortable and extremely hushed at high speeds. Factor in a decent range, a great infotainment system and a plush interior and it’s a compelling alternative to a Tesla Model 3.”
Read review
Which EV?
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“The i4 is a solid return to electric form for BMW. The eDrive40 has excellent range and is quite fast, while the M50 is one of the best performing and handling EVs currently on the market, with good range. Couple this with generous interior and cargo space plus a well-designed and luxurious interior, and you have a very tempting luxury EV, although you pay a premium for the BMW brand. A superb electric car.” (James Morris)
Read review
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Overall score: 4 stars
Date tested: July 2022
Read the full Euro NCAP review
Adult protection: 87%
Child protection: 87%
Vulnerable road users: 71%
Safety assist: 64%
Although it is based on the on the 3 Series saloon, which was given a full five-star rating in 2019, the i4 has been awarded a four-star rating by Euro NCAP in 2022. This is likely due to the significant structural differences caused by the engine, gearbox and associated mechanicals being swapped out for an electric motor and batteries.
While the BMW i4’s adult and child occupant protection scores are high by current standards, the saloon’s safety assistance technology score lags behind other electric saloons, and is actually markedly lower than the safety assist score given to the Toyota Aygo X city car.
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
As of November 2023, the BMW i4 has not been lab tested by Green NCAP.
As of August 2023, we don’t have enough reliability data on the BMW i4 to generate a reliability rating.
The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively for us using extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy. As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the i4, we’ll publish the score here.
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
Electrical efficiency | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
EV models | 4.2 m/KWh | B | 3.8 – 4.4 m/KWh | B – C |
Insurance group | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
All models | 37 | C | 35 – 50 | C – F |
Service and maintenance | Cost | Score |
Year 1 | £214 | B |
Year 2 | £407 | A |
Year 3 | £705 | A |
Year 4 | £875 | A |
Year 5 | £1,193 | A |
Overall | £3,394 | A |
It is an expensive upfront purchase, but the BMW i4 is very cheap to run, according to numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.
It’s electrical efficiency (the EV equivalent of miles per gallon for a petrol or diesel car) is good, while insurance premiums should be good compared to other electric cars of this size as well. But the even better news is that scheduled servicing costs for the i4 are excellent.
Awards
Trophies, prizes and awards that the BMW i4 has received
2023
- Auto Express Awards – Best Premium Electric Car
- Pocket-Lint Awards – Best Car
2022
- Auto Express Awards – Best Premium Electric Car
- Business Car Awards – Best Electric Car over £40k
- Carbuyer Awards – Best Company Car
- DrivingElectric Awards – Best Electric Company Car
- Fleet News Awards – Best Premium Car + Best Zero Emissions Car over £40k
- GQ eCar Awards – Best Saloon
- News UK Motor Awards – Best Company Car
- Parkers New Car Awards – Best Company Car
- Top Gear Electric Awards – Best Electric Executive Car
2021
- Top Gear Car Awards – Best Saloon (i4 M50)
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the BMW i4, you might also be interested in these alternatives
Audi e-tron | Audi Q4 e-tron | BMW iX3 | Ford Mustang Mach-E | Hyundai Ioniq 5 | Kia EV6 | Mercedes-Benz EQC | Polestar 2 | Skoda Enyaq | Tesla Model 3 | Volkswagen ID.4
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