Bmw I4
Used Car Review

Overview

Thinking about making the switch to electric without compromising on performance or luxury? The BMW i4 might be exactly what you’re looking for. This electric four door coupe brings together BMW’s famous driving dynamics with zero emission motoring, creating a compelling alternative to traditional petrol powered executive cars. It’s designed for drivers who want to go electric but aren’t willing to sacrifice the premium feel and engaging drive that BMW is known for.

From the moment you see it, the i4 stands out with its sleek coupe like profile and distinctive BMW kidney grille. The interior feels unmistakably BMW, with high quality materials and the latest iDrive infotainment system taking centre stage. Unlike some electric vehicles that feel like a compromise, the i4 delivers a refined driving experience that rivals like the Tesla Model S or Mercedes EQE struggle to match when it comes to traditional luxury car appeal.

Driving the i4 reveals its true character. The instant torque delivery makes acceleration smooth and effortless, while the low centre of gravity from the battery pack enhances handling precision. It manages to feel both futuristic and familiar, offering the comfort and refinement you’d expect from a BMW executive saloon while delivering the environmental benefits of electric power. While the initial purchase price reflects its premium positioning, you’re getting a car that successfully bridges the gap between traditional luxury and electric innovation.

What's the BMW i4 Like to Drive?

The BMW i4 range offers different power levels to suit various driving preferences, from the efficient eDrive35 with 286 horsepower to the performance focused M50 variant producing 536 horsepower. The eDrive40 strikes an excellent balance with 340 horsepower, delivering 0 to 60 mph in just 5.7 seconds while maintaining impressive efficiency. The instant torque delivery that comes with electric power makes every acceleration feel effortless and smooth.

Where the i4 truly excels is in its driving dynamics. BMW has managed to retain the engaging feel that their cars are known for, despite the added weight of the battery pack. The steering is precise and well weighted, giving you confidence on winding roads while remaining light enough for easy parking. The suspension setup provides excellent body control without compromising comfort, making it equally at home on motorways or country lanes. You get the sense this is a proper BMW that just happens to be electric, rather than an electric car wearing a BMW badge.

How Comfortable Is the BMW i4?

Step inside the i4 and you’re greeted by BMW’s signature driver focused cockpit design. The curved display screen dominates the dashboard, combining the instrument cluster and infotainment into one seamless unit. The materials used throughout feel premium and substantial, from the soft touch plastics to the optional leather upholstery. The seats offer excellent support and multiple adjustment options, ensuring you can find the perfect driving position for longer journeys.

The cabin benefits from the quietness that comes with electric power. Road noise is well suppressed, creating a serene environment that enhances the premium feel. Climate control works efficiently without impacting range too severely, and the heated seats and steering wheel are particularly welcome during colder months. Standard equipment includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus BMW’s latest iDrive system which, once you learn its quirks, provides intuitive access to all the car’s functions. The overall ambiance feels distinctly upmarket and modern.

The BMW i4 successfully translates the brand’s traditional strengths into the electric age. It offers the refined driving experience and premium interior quality that BMW buyers expect, while delivering the environmental benefits and low running costs of electric power. The range of power options means there’s an i4 to suit different needs, from efficiency focused commuting to genuine performance driving. The main drawbacks are the premium pricing and the rear seat space limitations imposed by the coupe styling. It’s also worth noting that the charging infrastructure, while improving, still requires more planning than simply pulling into a petrol station. However, for drivers ready to embrace electric motoring without sacrificing luxury or driving enjoyment, the i4 represents an excellent choice. It proves that going electric doesn’t mean giving up on the things that make driving pleasurable.

Nicholas Zapolski Car Expert

How Much Does It Cost to Run a BMW i4?

As an electric vehicle, the i4 offers significantly lower running costs compared to petrol equivalents. Home charging typically costs between 7p to 28p per kWh depending on your tariff, making it incredibly affordable to run for daily driving. Public rapid charging costs more, but you’ll still spend considerably less than filling up a conventional car with fuel. Insurance costs reflect the car’s premium positioning but aren’t unreasonably high for the class.

The main consideration is the initial purchase price, which starts from around £52,000 for the eDrive35. This puts it in premium territory, competing with high end petrol executive cars. However, you benefit from zero road tax, exemption from congestion charges, and potential company car tax savings. BMW offers competitive car finance packages that can make monthly payments more manageable. Servicing costs are generally lower than petrol cars due to fewer moving parts, though specialist EV knowledge is required for any repairs.

Is the BMW i4 Practical for Everyday Use?

For an electric coupe, the BMW i4 offers impressive practicality. The 470 litre boot provides ample space for shopping or luggage, easily accommodating two large suitcases or several bags of groceries. The rear seats fold down to expand cargo capacity when needed, though the sloping roofline does limit what you can fit in terms of height. Interior storage includes useful door pockets, cup holders, and a decent sized centre console.

The rear seats are where the coupe design shows its limitations. While fine for children or shorter adults on brief journeys, taller passengers may find headroom and legroom restrictive for longer trips. However, for most buyers, this represents a fair compromise for the sleek styling. The charging infrastructure continues to improve rapidly, making the i4 increasingly practical for longer journeys. For families or couples wanting a stylish electric car that doesn’t compromise too much on space, the i4 hits a sweet spot compared to other used BMW cars.

The BMW i4 stands out in the growing electric executive car market by successfully combining zero emission driving with traditional BMW values. It packages impressive performance, luxurious comfort, and advanced technology into an attractive coupe body that doesn’t look like a typical electric vehicle. The variety of power options and competitive range figures make it suitable for both daily commuting and longer journeys.

You choose the i4 because you want to go electric without compromising on the premium feel and engaging drive that makes cars enjoyable. Its blend of efficiency, performance, and luxury creates a compelling package that feels genuinely desirable rather than worthy. For drivers looking to make the transition to electric power while maintaining their expectations of luxury and driving dynamics, the i4 should be at the top of the consideration list, especially with cars under £10,000 offering excellent value in the used market.