2024 BMW i4 Expert Review
Reviewed by Duncan Brady
Watch out, Tesla. The BMW i4 is the first electric compact sport sedan from a German luxury manufacturer and one of the few luxury alternatives to Tesla's popular Model 3. Now in its third model year, the i4 has the most comprehensive powertrain lineup in its segment, bolstered by a new addition for 2024. Alongside the aforementioned Tesla, the 2024 BMW i4 also competes with the Polestar 2.
What's New
BMW has a new dual-motor AWD offering for its entry-level EV. The xDrive40 joins the lineup for 2024, providing an AWD option for those who don't need the extra power (and expense) of the i4 M50.
What We Think
We have little bad to say about BMW's first crack at a semi-affordable electric vehicle. Driving the M50, we were pleased with its frictionless thrust, as well as great ride quality. It feels planted and sporty. The i4 never hides its weight—over two tons—and combined with isolated steering, the M50 isn't quite as engaging at the limit as a gas-powered M3 Competition. Still, it would dust the gas car in a drag race.
The more accessible i4 eDrive40 is a sweet ride, too, retaining the outstanding ride and handling balance we hope for from BMW while providing generous range and strong performance. We also dig the hatchback cargo area; it has a much wider opening than the sealed trunk of the Tesla Model 3. The i4 struggles with the same lack of physical buttons and overreliance on touch controls as other entries in the current BMW lineup, though, and the rear seats are a little tight. We also wish the i4 had a one-pedal drive mode.
Battery, Range, and Charging
Few electric vehicles have as many different drivetrain, battery, and motor options as the BMW i4. They can also take advantage of 350 kW fast chargers, in some cases adding 90 miles of range in 10 minutes.
2024 BMW i4 eDrive35
- Drivetrain: RWD
- Battery: 70.2 kWh (gross); 66.0 kWh (usable)
- Efficiency (comb): 113 mpg-e (with 18-inch wheels)
- Range: 256 miles (with 18-inch wheels)
- Max Charge Rate: 180 kW
2024 BMW i4 eDrive40
- Drivetrain: RWD
- Battery: 83.9 kWh (gross); 81.5 kWh (usable)
- Efficiency (comb): 109 mpg-e (with 18-inch wheels)
- Range: 301 miles (with 18-inch wheels)
- Max Charge Rate: 200 kW
2024 BMW i4 xDrive40
- Drivetrain: AWD
- Battery: 80.7 kWh (usable)
- Efficiency (comb): Not yet rated
- Range: 307 miles (with 18-inch wheels)
- Max Charge Rate: 205 kW
2024 BMW i4 M50
- Drivetrain: AWD
- Battery: 83.9 kWh (gross); 81.5 kWh (usable)
- Efficiency (comb): 96 mpg-e (with 19-inch wheels)
- Range: 271 miles (with 19-inch wheels)
- Max Charge Rate: 200 kW
Performance
No surprise here: The i4 M50 is the quickest of the bunch. BMW claims this 536-hp car will hit 60 mph in 3.7 seconds, but our test team managed the task in 3.3 seconds. We're curious to see how the new xDrive40 performs with its dual-motor powertrain achieving a total of 396 hp.
The i4 eDrive40 is plenty quick, too. The 335-hp sedan scooted to 60 mph in a brisk 4.7 seconds during our tests. The base eDrive35, which makes 282 hp, is expected to be slower.
Safety Features
All i4 models include automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane keep assist, traffic sign recognition, automatic high-beams, and parking sensors. Buyers can opt for the Driver Assistance Professional package that adds adaptive cruise, lane centering, and front cross-traffic monitoring.
Cargo Space and Interior Room
The i4 benefits from a hatchback cargo area with a wide opening, but the Polestar 2 executes the same idea with more space. Tesla reports a huge 19.8 cubic feet in its sealed trunk, though that type of cargo area is measured differently than hatchbacks and SUVs. The BMW may be able to accommodate larger single objects due to its form factor.
Technology
Like most modern BMWs, the i4 has a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment display, both of which sit in the same curved glass housing. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, too, as is a power liftgate. Optional features include a wireless charger, head-up display, premium audio, and heated and ventilated front seats.
Recommended Trim
The new i4 xDrive40 seems like it may be the best of the bunch. Not only does this configuration achieve the highest range in the lineup, the dual-motor xDrive40 will likely split the difference performance-wise between the eDrive40 and M50. What's not to like?
