The BMW i4 is a cool new car that runs on electricity instead of gas. It’s part of BMW’s growing collection of electric vehicles. The i4 looks like the 4-series Grand Coupe but uses a battery to power it. It’s won an award for being one of the best cars out there. There are three different versions of the i4: two use one motor and only drive the rear wheels, and the third has two motors and drives all four wheels. The eDrive35 version has 281 horsepower and can go 260 miles on one charge, while the eDrive40 has 335 horsepower and can go about 300 miles. The i4 M50 is the sportiest version with 536 horsepower, and it can go from 0 to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds. That’s faster than the M3 Competition, which is another really cool BMW car. The i4 M50 is fun to drive and handles like a sports car. Even though it doesn’t give as much feedback through the steering wheel as other M cars, it’s still really fun to drive and comfortable to ride in.
What’s New for 2023?
The BMW i4 came out last year, so the 2023 model only has a few small changes. There’s a new type of i4 called the eDrive35, which has a smaller battery that can take you 260 miles on one charge. The i4 M50 now has a special emblem called M 50 Years. You can’t get 18-inch wheels with all-season tires anymore. If you want the Iconic Sounds Electric feature, which makes sounds come out of the speakers as you speed up, you have to buy it separately from the Premium package.
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Price and Selection
We think the i4 M50 is the best option, even though it’s more expensive than the eDrive35 and eDrive40. The M50 looks more sporty with its 19-inch wheels and has a suspension that’s great for driving fast, but still comfortable for everyday use. It also has better brakes with blue calipers. We like the optional 20-inch wheels, but they reduce the driving range from 270 to 227 miles. If we were choosing the interior, we would pick vernasca leather seats, the Premium package (with ambient lighting, heated seats and steering wheel, and lumbar support), and extras like adaptive LED headlights, ventilated front seats, a Harman Kardon sound system, and wireless charging.
BMW i4 Motor, Power, and Performance
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The 2023 i4 comes with one or two electric motors, depending on the model you choose. The eDrive35 and eDrive40 are single-motor rear-wheel drive options that make 281 and 335 horsepower, respectively. The M50 has two motors, one on each axle, which make it all-wheel drive and give it 536 horsepower and 586 pound-feet of torque. The M50 can go from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.3 seconds, which is faster than a rear-wheel drive M3 Competition. The eDrive35 and eDrive40 come with 18-inch wheels, but you can choose 19-inch wheels if you want. The M50 comes with 19- or 20-inch wheels and has special dampers and steering. We drove the i4 M50 and it felt really powerful and handled well, even though it’s heavier than an M3.
Range, Charging, and Battery Life
BMW claims that the eDrive40 i4 model with a single motor and rear-wheel drive can go up to about 300 miles on a full battery, while the M50 model with dual motors and all-wheel drive has a claimed range of up to 245 miles, even though they both use the same 81.5-kWh battery. These models can charge quickly, adding between 88 to 108 miles in just 10 minutes with a 200-kW charging capacity. The eDrive35 model has a smaller 66.0 kWh battery, which is expected to provide around 260 miles of range and maxes out at 180-kW charging speeds. The i4 can also recharge using a Level 2 onboard charger, which takes less than 8 hours to go from empty to fully charged.
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Real-World MPGe and Fuel Efficiency
The most fuel-efficient i4 model, according to the EPA, is the eDrive40 with 18-inch wheels. It has ratings of 109 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) in the city and 108 MPGe on the highway. If you choose the bigger 19-inch wheels, the efficiency drops a bit, and the more powerful M50 model is less efficient too. While we haven’t tested every i4 on our 75-mile-per-hour highway route to check its real-world fuel efficiency, a tested i4 eDrive40 Gran Coupe achieved 280 miles of range, just two miles less than its EPA estimate. To learn more about the i4’s fuel efficiency ratings, go to the EPA website.
Interior of BMW i4
The i4’s interior is luxurious, with rose gold trim, white leather seats, and light wood accents. The dashboard is dominated by a massive, seamless display that spans almost two-thirds of it. It has a similar layout to other BMW models, but it’s the first to have this type of display. The i4 is a four-door car with a sleek, coupe-like profile in the back, but it has a regular trunk.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The i4 was among the first BMW vehicles to have the iDrive 8 infotainment and connectivity software. Now, the i4 is receiving a new version called iDrive 8.5 through a free over-the-air update. The iDrive 8.5 system is controlled through a large, curved display on the dashboard that combines a 14.9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. It also has a rotary controller on the center console, advanced voice commands, and popular features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.
Safety Features
The 2023 i4 comes with various advanced safety technologies that can help prevent accidents. To find out more about how well this car has done in crash tests, you can check out the websites of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Some important safety features include Automatic braking and warning system to avoid collisions, Technology that keeps the car in its lane and warns you if you drift out of it, Optional cruise control that automatically adjusts your speed based on the car in front of you, and can even bring the car to a complete stop if needed.
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Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
BMW provides a good warranty that includes free maintenance for a decent period of time. The limited warranty lasts for four years or 50,000 miles, while the powertrain warranty is eight years or 100,000 miles. Additionally, they offer three years or 36,000 miles of free maintenance.
Advantages and Disadvantages of BMW i4
Advantages:
- Electric power: The i4 is an all-electric car, which means it produces zero emissions and has lower operating costs than traditional gas-powered vehicles.
- Fast charging: The i4 can recharge its battery from 0 to 80% in about 35 minutes using a DC fast charger, making it more convenient for longer trips.
- High-quality interior: The i4’s cabin features premium materials and a modern design that is both comfortable and stylish.
- Advanced technology: The i4 comes with the latest in-car technology, including a large touchscreen display, a digital instrument cluster, and advanced driver-assistance features.
Disadvantages:
- Limited range: The i4 has a maximum range of around 300 miles, which may not be enough for some drivers who need to travel longer distances.
- Expensive: The i4 is priced higher than many other electric vehicles on the market, making it less accessible for some buyers.
- Limited cargo space: The i4 has a small trunk compared to other four-door sedans, which may be a drawback for those who need to transport larger items.
- Lack of brand recognition: The i4 is a relatively new model and may not have the same brand recognition or reputation as some of BMW’s more established models.
Conclusion
The 2023 BMW i4 demonstrates BMW’s commitment to providing a premium electric driving experience, setting the stage for a future where electric vehicles are not just practical but also thrilling to drive. It’s a vehicle that showcases the potential of electric mobility and reaffirms BMW’s status as an industry leader in innovation and performance.
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