BMW’s transition to electricity is already in motion and after the BMW i3, which is now fully electric, the brand will introduce another EV model – the i4. We already know that the four-door EV will be offered in two versions - a base one with a single electric motor and a more powerful, twin-motor version. The BMW i4 will debut in November, this year and will compete with the likes of Tesla Model 3 and Audi E-Tron GT.

2022 BMW i4

Specifications
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  • Model: 2022 BMW i4

2022 BMW i4

Specifications
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Drivetrain & Performance

When it debuts, the BMW i4 will be available in two versions. The base eDrive40 will have a single electric motor, powering the rear axle. It provides an output of 340 horsepower (250 kilowatts) and 317 pound-feet (430 Nm), which is enough for a 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 5.5 seconds

The second version is called the M50 and thanks to a twin-electric-motor setup, it sends power to all four wheels. That said, the rear electric motor is more powerful than the one at the front, so think of it as a rear-wheel-drive-biased setup. The system is good for 544 horsepower (400 kilowatts) and 586 pound-feet (795 Nm). This allows the i4 to sprint from 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 3.7 seconds.

Interestingly enough, the i4 has a center of gravity 53 mm lower than the 4 Series Gran Coupe, which should make it even more planted than its internal combustion counterpart.



Range & Charging

Both the eDrive40 and the more powerful M50 will feature the same 81.5 kWh battery. BMW says that the i4 will come with 200 kilowatts of charging capacity and a 90-mile charge can be replenished in just 10 minutes. On a household charger (typically a 7-kilowatt system) the i4 would need about 12 hours for a full charge. However, if you use the Level 2 onboard, which is up to 11 kilowatts, you can have a 100 percent charge in just eight hours.

According to WLTP standards, the single-motor eDrive40 is capable of almost 373 miles (600 km) while the more powerful M50 is capable of 317 miles (510 km). Of course, in cold weather conditions, expect about a 20 percent smaller range. Towing will definitely be a big hit on the i4’s range, but despite that, the model comes with a retractable hitch rated at 3,527 pounds (1,600 kg).

Exterior

The BMW i4 is the EV equivalent of the 4 Series Gran Coupe, which perfectly explains the uncanny resemblance. At a first glance, you might not even distinguish one from the other, but once you take a second look, you will notice a few differences. BMW’s big grille design is talked about a lot, so let’s start with that. On the i4, it’s still there, only it’s not a grille anymore. Since EVs don’t need air for combustion, the grille has been closed off for aerodynamic reasons.

Moving to the side, we see the familiar from BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe silhouette. Of course, the i4 has a few distinctive elements, such as the model-exclusive wheels, which on the eDrive40 are 18-inch as standard or, optionally, 19-inch. The i4 M50 comes with 19-inch wheels as standard, but optional 20-inch are available.

There is also an indentation just above the rocker panels, which spans from wheel arch to wheel arch. The design element is finished in bright blue in order to signify that this is an EV model. At the rear, you’ll see the typical BMW design language with the curved LED taillights and what resembles a very subtle, integrated ducktail spoiler.

At the same time, the entire lower section is finished in black, which lifts the rear of the i4. It seems BMW i4 features a nostalgic element to its design, since flanking the diffuser are two, finished in bright blue, sections that signify where you would normally find the exhaust tips on an internal combustion car.

The 4 Series Gran Coupe is a very aerodynamic car in itself, with a drag coefficient of 0.30. However, its EV counterpart – the i4 – improves upon that, by achieving a drag coefficient of 0.24.



Interior

The interior of the i4 will be as familiar to you as the exterior. It’s the typical plush BMW interior, with a nice blend of digital screens and physical buttons. It’s neither too futuristic, nor too traditional, which is a good thing for a car that comes from an old, established brand that’s heading into the future. There are just enough physical buttons for quick access to some of the more important functions. There’s even a proper shifter, as well as the iDrive selector.

As seen in the images, the center console is angled towards the driver, but the main highlight is BMW’s curved screen. It actually consists of two different screens – a 12.3-inch driver display and a 14.9-inch infotainment screen. While on the subject of infotainment systems, the i4 will come with the brand’s iDrive 8 operating system. The i4 will also come with Apple CarPlay Android Auto, and 5G mobile connectivity.

Practicality

The BMW i4 has plenty of space for four adults and one additional person in the center rear seat. In terms of cargo capacity, the i4 can give you 16.6 cubic feet (470 liters) of minimum space. Once you fold down the rear seats, it opens up a 45.55-cubic feet (1,290 liters) cargo area with a flat surface. Moreover, the hatchback-style tailgate will make for much easier access.

Price

We already know the starting prices of both versions of the BMW i4. The base eDrive40 will start at $56,395, while the more powerful M50 version will start at $66,895. Of course, this doesn’t include the official list with standard and optional equipment and as we know, German automakers love charging extra.

Competition

Tesla Model 3

The most established EV brand is, without a doubt, Tesla. The Model 3 is the smaller of the two sedans currently offered by the brand and starts from $37,990. Comparative to the eDrive40 is the Model 3 Standard Range Plus, which also has a single electric motor that powers the rear wheels. It puts out 325 horsepower (242 kilowatts) and 310 pound-feet (420 Nm). This allows for a 0 to 60 mph time of around 5.3 seconds. This version of the Model 3 is good for a 263-mile (423 km) range on a single charge.

At the other end of the spectrum is the Model 3 Performance Long Range, which similar to the M50, has two electric motors that drive all four wheels. This arrangement packs 487 horsepower (360 kilowatts) and 471 pound-feet (639 Nm). The range-topping model boasts a range of 353 miles (568 km). Even more impressive is the 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) time of 3.1 seconds, despite having less power and torque than the BMW i4.

Read our full review on the Tesla Model 3

Audi E-Tron GT

Another serious competitor comes from Audi. The E-Tron GT shares a platform with the Porsche Taycan and even in its base form, offers impressive performance. Even in base form, the EV features a “Quattro” all-wheel drive, thanks to its twin-electric-motor setup. This means 469 horsepower (350 kilowatts) or 522 horsepower (389 kilowatts) on overboost and 464 pound-feet (629 Nm) or 472 pound-feet (640 Nm) on overboost.

The 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) takes 3.9 seconds (with overboost), while the top speed is 152 mph (245 km/h). According to EPA standards, the E-Tron GT has a range of 238 miles (383 km), which is less than the i4 and Model 3. To make matters worse, the Audi E-Tron GT starts at $99,900, without incentives.

Read our full review on the Audi E-Tron GT

Conclusion

It's refreshing to see that, despite the inevitable transition to electricity, BMW has come up with a rather nostalgic EV four-door coupe. A while back we found that BMW plans to make an EV equivalent of all its models and the i4 proves it by adopting the overall design of the 4 Series Gran Coupe and giving it a more futuristic twist. At the same time, the EV is reminiscent of internal combustion engines, especially with the finished in bright blue placeholders where you would normally find exhaust tips.

Can the i4 deliver in the "excitement" department? At least on paper, it seems like it. One thing is certain - the BMW i4's artificial "voice", composed by non-other than Hans Zimmer should make for a more epic and less silent commute.