In order to fully appreciate our
2024 BMW i4, tester this week, it’s helpful to delve into the electric backstory at BMW.
The German automaker embraced the forthcoming EV revolution early on and its first-effort into mass-producing an EV was just that, a first effort. It’s amazing to zoom back a decade ago and realize how far EV range, size and know-how have evolved in such a short order of time.
The pioneering subcompact BMW i3 began as a concept in 2011, made the rounds of international auto shows a year later, entered production in Leipzig Germany in late 2013. Production ended in 2022. The quirky, four-door hatchback featured rear-hinged back side doors, a rust-free, light-weight carbon body while selling close to 250,000 units worldwide during its near decade run, although U.S. sales were slow at best. When first on sale, the futuristic looking i3 provided a paltry (by 2024 standards) 81 miles of pure electric travel before requiring a recharge, on par with another early adaptor, Nissan’s all-electric Leaf.
Fast forward a decade and our 2024 i4 Gran Coupe tester posing with a traditional, elegant BMW-like exterior and up to 279 miles of EV range. One must know where to find visual clues of its EV underpinnings as our i4 EV borrows heavily from its sporty looking, Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) version 4 Series Gran Coupe doppelganger. Both share a structural platform.
In the 2026 model year, BMW unretires the i3 name with a complete upgrade of size, styling and all-electric range available in sedan and crossover forms. The ‘i’ prefix of i3 and i4 designates BMW’s all-electric technology and all vehicles within the all-electric ‘i’ sub brand. Note: Gas-powered Bimmers during the last three decades include an i suffix at the end of its character stream, a reference to ‘fuel injector,’ the one-time advancement replacing the not-so-precise carburetor.
The compact, low-slung i4 Gran Coupe EV offers four side doors with the silhouette of a sedan, but rather than a traditional truck, the back-end window/trunk lid lifts up as one unit revealing an awaiting cargo area; call it a liftback sedan.
The tri-colored cozy interior elegantly combines black, white and chrome-like, machined gray. The i4 EV and 4-Series ICE version borrow size and design cues from the uber-popular gas-powered, compact 3-Series with a conventional trunk rather than the 4-Series liftback and coupe offerings.
For those new to EV experiences, the muscle memory gleaned from decades of Internal Combustion Engines transfers easily to the ‘quiet’ choice. Step lively on the accelerator pedal and i4, as with all EVs, provides instant torque for quick and quiet launches from a standing start. The well-balanced i4 ride tilts luxury rather than sporty with three selectable drive modes.
BMW’s all-electric i4 adds a second all-wheel drive variant in 2024, the xDrive 40. In BMW speak, the small x prefix in xDrive40 represents all-wheel drive; holds true with all gas-powered BMWs. Within EV construction, all-wheel drive includes a total of two electric/traction motors; one for each axle.
The all-new, 2024 xDrive40 joins two returning rear-wheel drive (one traction motor located on the rear axle) i4 trims, the eDrive35 and eDrive40; and its own M Series designate offering superior horsepower, the all-wheel drive M50. Sales Stateside of the i4 began in 2022.
The German automaker’s been promoting its M distinction throughout its array of vehicles for decades adding posh and sometimes confusion when BMW shopping. Our i4 xDrive40 tester included the ‘M Sport package’, largely an appearance upgrade. Many BMW vehicles promote an “M Performance” upgrade adding additional horsepower compared to its base engine. For example, a gasoline-powered M340i offers more horsepower than a base 3-Series. The separate ‘M Series’ represents the ultimate in track-ready vehicles available in limited quantities and priced as such. The stand-alone M references BMW’s Motorsports division active since the early 1970s.
Available horsepower is plentiful no matter the selected i4 trim. The two electric motors utilized within our compact xDrive40 provided an ample 394 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque. The single motor eDrive35 presents 282 horsepower. The M50 generates the most horsepower of any i4 at 536 (and 586 pound-feet of torque).
Of the four i4 trims, the new all-wheel drive xDrive40 offers the best range of 307 miles. Battery pack construction and tire size both contribute to range variation within the overall EV community. For example, an xDrive40 with 18-inch wheels achieves the top-level 307 range, when sporting 19-inch tires, top range dips to 279. By comparison, the rear-drive eDrive35 generates 276 miles of range with 18-inch tires when fully charged, and 252 miles of range with 19-inch tires. The top level 307 miles of range four within our i4 xDrive40 tester rates better than average for a compact-size EV, but not class leading.
Automakers tend to underestimate total EV range when publishing estimates. With built in regenerative braking technology, range numbers increase simply by tapping the brake pedal. Weather conditions also come into play as large lithium-ion battery packs, like humans, tend to function best in mild temperatures of about 70 degrees. When temperatures dip below zero, range estimates diminish.
Regenerative braking, (which BMW refers to as ‘energy recovery’) rates as a byproduct of all levels of electrification including EVs, plug-in hybrid electrics (PHEVs) and self-charging hybrid-electric vehicles (think conventional Prius). Each time braking engages, kinetic energy gets captured and restored back into the large DC battery pack; in a sense recycling mechanical energy.
The i4 offers four ‘brake energy’ recovery levels (adoptive, low, medium, high) to choose from the center multi-function home screen within the ‘driving settings’ icon (a relatively easy nesting find). Medium earned the preferred level during testing combining comfort and braking resistance.
Our 2024 xDrive40 tester started at $61,600 and BMW, in general, adds a significant assortment of stand-alone and option packages. A big hit includes $4,500 for the Mora Metallic exterior paint; a great-looking purple hue but with pricing more than triple what most premium exterior color art costs from other luxury brands.
Other extras include Oyster White interior leather ($1,500), aforementioned M Sport Package ($2,200), Parking Assist Package with surround view in-dash camera ($700), Premium Package with lumbar support and heated front seats ($1,900), shadow line package featuring black mirror caps ($950) and driving assistance pro package ($1,700). When added to base pricing, the bottom line ended at $77,920 after adding the $995 destination charge. The 282-horsepower rear drive i4 eDrive35 starts at $52,200, the lowest priced of the four.
The 2024 i4 fails to qualify for any portion of the Federal Government’s $7,500 EV tax credit largely because of assembly outside the United States. Plus pricing starts above $55,000, another disqualifier. However, in most instances, leasing provides a viable avenue to utilize the tax credit.
The State of Illinois’ Electric Vehicle Rebate Program’s $4,000 incentive (in the form of a check signed by the Illinois EPA) seems enticing, but a byzantine process with narrow time frame application cycles and limited fiscal-year funding that dries up quickly have frustrated many. The program includes many pluses as it targets moderate- and lower-income households, but the demand from EV buyers has outstripped funding.
The familiar twin-port BMW grille design dominates the front with a small inlaid bluish ‘i’ icon, a nod to its EV technology, and one of the few distinguishers from the ICE 4-Series counterpart. The familiar BMW blue and white circular medallion rests between twin grille. The on-board plug port houses on the driver side rear fender behind a swing-open door, similar to a traditional gasoline-style hinged door. Side door handles take on a flat, flush-mounted appearance. When opened, doors sport a frameless window design.
An elegant BMW-worthy premium interior awaits travelers on par with its 4-Series/3-Series gas counterparts. The lower-style coupe-like roof doesn’t hamper front headroom but does come into play with row two. Electric vehicles not sharing a platform with a gasoline counterpart generally enjoy spacious leg room in the back row; i4’s rates tight in comparison. Row two seatbacks fold semi-flat onto cushions in a split fashion opening up into the liftback/cargo area.
The long, wide, gently curving panorama-style glass screen dominates the attractive dashboard. The right portion (14.9 inches) remains touch sensitive and houses audio, temperature, EV functions and multiple other useful/semi useful information. The left side (12.3 inches) houses the all-digital instrument panel. This similar-style cinema experience dons newish BMWs throughout its lineup.
A pair of stylish, long, narrow air vents separate the screen form one of the few buttons found on the dash, a small twistable, on/off orb also controlling volume. To its right, a red hazard light button, front/rear defroster buttons and forward/reverse push buttons.
Secondary screen interaction takes place through a rotary dial between front bucket seats. It’s popular in other Bimmers and marketed as ‘iDrive.’ It’s used to highlight and select (by pushing down upon the chrome orb) in-screen icons to speed up the process (with some practice). Also moving the process along, quick-select push buttons surrounding the orb summoning home screen, media, map, telephone and navigation.
Apple Car Play and Android auto compatibility comes standard. Wireless smartphone charging is available when adding the recommended Premium package.
Both the blue-hued electronic start/stop button and electronic transmission apparatus locates between comfortable, firm and supportive front bucket seats. It’s a convenient location especially for the start/stop button which many times finds itself on the lower central dash blocked from direct use by the steering column/wheel. Narrow pen lighting accents adorn the doors and dash with a cadre of color selections available from the touch screen menu.
The one-speed, fixed ratio automatic transmission eliminates the traditional fist-fitting grab knob for a dainty finger operated tilt bar. Tilt/push the narrow/wide bar forward to engage reverse, back for drive. Park commands from a nearby rectangular push plate with prominent ‘P.’ Up front, dual side-by-side beverage holders await; if no cans or cups are in sight, a retracting cover presents a cleaner surface look. Three vertically arranged drive mode buttons (sport, comfort, eco) reside nearby too, within easy reach of the driver.
Unlike an ICE designs with multi speed gears (6, 7, 8 etc.) electric motors deliver maximum low-end torque at zero rotations per minute (RPMs). It’s one major happy highlight born into EV technology.
When it comes time to resupply i4 with charged ions, a conventional Alternating Current (AC) household outlet, also known as a Level 1, takes considerable time to reach 307 miles of ready charge.
During our testing, 15 hours of plug time using a Level 1 120-volt outlet added about 50 miles of travel and required no additional equipment as the Level 1 cord provided with the i4 plugs directly into a conventional wall socket. That’s on par with the industry average as a Level One charger generally adds about 4 electric miles per hour.
Employ a Level 2 (240-volt) AC wall-charger and the potent 11kw On Board Charger (OBC) helps fully charge in under 10 hours (according to BMW), easily accomplished overnight and the method of choice for large-capacity electric vehicles. The OBC converts (or rectifies) alternating current (AC) from the wall socket to direct current (DC) for storage within the DC lithium-ion battery pack and also acts as a choke point so as not to overcharge the DC battery.
The national average for installing/purchasing a Level 2 wall-mounted charger is around $1,300. Illinois offers rebate programs for EV wall charger installation including one from Com Ed introduced in February of 2024. Automakers working through their dealer network may also kick in.
A 240-volt outlet is the same source supporting traditional washers and dryers. Different size/capacity OBCs populate EV choices hastening or slowing the process slightly.
The 2024 i4 utilizes a Combined Charging System (CCS) plug port when DC fast charging. This changes in 2025 when all BMW EVs make the switch and adopts the lighter weight Tesla-style plug. In the long run, consider this a good turn of events. Non-Tesla CCS plugs depend upon third-party vendors (Electrify America, EVgo, Charge Point) to supply a network of fast charging DC stations off interstates and in urban/suburban parking lots. Tesla’s Superchargers (Tesla’s name for its network of DC fast chargers) far outnumber its CCS rivals and have proven more dependable, at least up to this point.
Visiting a DC Fast Charging network/station with CCS capabilities when traveling long distances significantly cuts down charging time compared with Level 2 by feeding direct current into the battery pack, effectively bypassing the OBC. The tradeoff being DC Fast Charging costs two-to-three times more than Level 2, but BMW offers i4 buyers a perk highlighted in the final paragraph of this evaluation.
A DC station’s charging rate is measured by its maximum output in kilowatts. EVgo, Charge Point and Electrify America franchises include plug ports with varying maximum outputs generally consisting of 50kw, 100kw, 150kw and the ultra-fast 350kw. Generally, the larger the kilowatt maximum output the faster the charge.
Keep in mind each EV includes its own kilowatt acceptance level and many max out at around 200 kilowatts (as does the i4 xDrive40). Plus, rarely during ion fill ups does the charging speed reach its maximum output level of say 150kw or 350kw. Credit cards and Smartphone Apps are the preferred payment methods as cash is not yet king and rarely accepted at these largely self-serve kiosks.
Utilizing a DC Fast Charger with a 150kw maximum output, xDrive40 increases from a 10 percent to an 80 percent state of charge in about 30-minutes during optimal conditions according to BMW. This translates to approximately 200 miles of EV travel.
The xDrive40’s ample, 83.9-kilowatt hour DC lithium-ion battery pack (a substantial kwh output in a compact vehicle) measures less than 5 inches in height and situates low in the floor. The German automaker employs lithium, cobalt, nickel, manganese and graphite materials inside a thin, prismatic battery cell format (think squarish picture frame) which group together in modules and then form one long, rectangular pack.
A prismatic battery format is one of three designs found within the EV community and, for now, the most widely utilized. Many Tesla-branded vehicles found success with a cylindrical format (shaped like a conventional AA flashlight battery, but larger). Another design, the ‘pouch’, mimics the flexibility and flatter shape of the prismatic style.
Another enticing perk BMW offers with i4 and all its 2024 EVs involves a working partnership with the Electrify America franchise of DC fast-charging outlets. Two years of complimentary 30-minute charging sessions is standard during purchase, saving hundreds of dollars a year when fast charging during extended trips away from the Level 2 at home wall charger.
2024 BMW i4 xDrive40/19-inch tires
Price as tested: $77,920
Battery: 83.9-KWh Lithium-Ion
Dual Electric Motor Horsepower: 396
Electric Range: 279 miles
Wheelbase: 112.4 inches
Overall Length: 188.5 inches
Overall Height: 57 inches
Overall Width: 72.9 inches
Curb weight: 5,056 pounds
High-voltage Battery Warranty: 8-years/100,000 miles
Assembly: Munich Germany