2024 BMW i4 Review: Unveil Cutting-Edge Performance, Pricing, and Specifications

Overview

Electric cars compete not just with each other but also with traditional gasoline cars. The 2024 BMW i4 sedan is a great example, as it’s measured against the performance of BMW’s gas-powered M series cars. 

The 2024 BMW i4 is designed to offer both exciting driving experiences and a long driving range. It performs excellently, with the xDrive40 and M50 models delivering 396 and 536 horsepower, respectively. The i4 M50 offers better handling and ride quality than the M3, a well-regarded performance sedan.

Regarding travelling distance on a single charge, the xDrive40 leads among the i4 models, offering an EPA-estimated range of 307 miles. It also charges quickly using DC fast chargers, reaching 200 kW. 

The i4 is comfortable for everyday driving and provides powerful acceleration when needed, although its steering could be more engaging. Despite this, the xDrive40 model impressed us enough to be included in our long-term testing over 40,000 miles and chosen for our 2024 Editors’ Choice list.

Another practical feature of the i4 is its hatchback trunk, which makes it easier to load and carry more oversized items behind the rear seats.

Pros and Cons of the 2024 BMW i4

Pros:

1. Advanced Technology: With iDrive 8.5, the i4 offers one of the most sophisticated infotainment systems, enhancing connectivity and user experience.
2. Electric Performance: Offers vital performance metrics across the lineup, from the efficient eDrive35 to the powerful M50.
3. Luxurious Interior: High-quality materials and options for customization, including rose gold trim and white leather upholstery.
4. Safety Features: Equipped with essential driver-assistance technologies to promote safety on the road.

Cons:

1. Price: Starting at over $50,000, the i4 should be within reach for budget-conscious buyers.
2. Efficiency Drops with Performance: The high-performance M50 model sacrifices some efficiency for power.
3. Limited Rear Space: The coupe-like design may limit headroom and cargo space for rear passengers.

What’s New for the 2024 BMW i4?

In 2024, BMW is introducing a new i4 model with all-wheel drive called the xDrive40, which has 396 horsepower. This new car can go about 307 miles before it needs to be charged again if it has 18-inch wheels. If it has bigger, 19-inch wheels, it can go about 282 miles on a charge. Besides this new model, the i4 is the same as last year.

Pricing and Choosing One

The 2024 BMW i4 price starts at $53,195 and can go up to $70,695, depending on which version you choose and the extra features you add.

• eDrive35: $53,195
• eDrive40: $58,295
• xDrive40: $62,595
• M50: $70,695

The M50 model is the best because it’s more powerful than the cheaper eDrive35 and eDrive40 models. The M50 looks more relaxed, too, with its 19-inch wheels. It’s fun to drive fast, and it still feels smooth and comfy in the city. It also has better brakes and comes in a lovely colour. 

If you choose the optional 20-inch wheels, the car looks even better and drives better, but it won’t go as far on a charge, dropping from 270 miles to 227 miles. We’d add leather, a package with mood lighting, heated seats and steering wheel, and extra back support to make the inside nicer. 

We’d also pick some extras like better headlights, air-cooled front seats, an excellent sound system, and a way to charge your phone without plugging it in.

Electric Vehicle Motor, Power, and Performance

How the 2024 i4 Works

The 2024 BMW i4 uses electric motors to move. It can have one or two motors, depending on your chosen version.

• The eDrive35 model has one motor with 282 horsepower and uses rear-wheel drive, meaning the power goes to the back wheels.
• The eDrive40 also has one motor and rear-wheel drive but is more muscular, with 335 horsepower.
• The xDrive40 model has all-wheel drive (power goes to all four wheels) and two motors making 396 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of twisting force (torque).
• The top model, M50, has two motors and an all-wheel drive and is the most powerful, with 536 horsepower and 586 pound-feet of torque.

Speed Tests

In tests, the M50 model was high-speed, reaching 60 miles per hour in just 3.3 seconds, faster than the BMW M3 Competition with rear-wheel drive. The M50 feels strong and moves smoothly, even though it’s heavier than an M3. The xDrive40 model, with a special M Sport package, was also quick, taking 4.4 seconds to reach 60 mph.

Handling and Wheels

The way the i4 drives can change with different tyres. For example, our long-term xDrive40 felt other winter tyres. The rear-drive i4 models usually come with 18-inch wheels, but you can choose bigger 19-inch wheels. The all-wheel-drive M50 model can have 19-inch or even bigger 20-inch wheels, special dampers that adjust the ride, and steering that changes how it feels based on how fast you’re going.

Driving Range, Charging, and Battery Life

How Far Can It Go?

• The i4 eDrive40 has one motor and rear-wheel drive and can travel about 301 miles on a full charge.
• The xDrive40, with all-wheel drive and more power (396 horsepower), can go about 307 miles with its standard 18-inch wheels. If you choose the more prominent 19-inch wheels, it goes down to 282 miles.
• In our tests, an i4 eDrive 40 Gran Coupe reached 280 miles, which is very close to its official number from the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency).
• The more powerful M50 model, with two motors and all-wheel drive, can go up to 245 miles on a charge.

Charging the Battery

• Most i4 models can charge fast, adding 88 to 108 miles of range in 10 minutes with a 200-kW charger. For example, we set our i4 xDrive40 using a fast charger from 10% to 90% in 38 minutes.
• The eDrive35, the simplest model, has a smaller battery and a slower charging speed. It can still charge up quickly enough, going from zero to complete in less than 8 hours at home with a Level 2 charger.

Fuel Economy and Miles Per Gallon Equivalent (MPGe)

How Much Electricity They Use

• The eDrive35 model with standard 18-inch wheels is the most electricity-saving i4. It gets 122 MPGe in the city and 119 MPGe on the highway.
• If you put bigger 19-inch wheels on it, it uses more electricity, getting 111 MPGe in the city and 107 MPGe on the highway.
• The M50, which is more powerful and fast, uses more electricity. It gets 94 MPGe in the city and 98 MPGe on the highway. With even bigger 20-inch wheels, it goes down to 79 MPGe in the city and 80 MPGe on the road.

Real-World Experience

• Our xDrive40 car is using more electricity than expected. So far, it’s getting 71 MPGe, less than the 100 MPGe the EPA thought it would get. This might be because it was cold for a while, and cold weather can make cars use more electricity.

Inside the Car: Design and Features

What It Looks Like Inside

• The inside of the i4 is very nicely decorated. You can have rose gold decorations, white leather seats, and light-coloured wood.
• The design inside is like other BMW cars, but the i4 has something special—a big screen that stretches across most of the dashboard.

Comfort and Space

How It Feels to Sit In

• The i4 is a four-door car but looks like a sporty two-door because its roof slopes down at the back. Even though it looks sporty, it still has a regular trunk for storing things.

Entertainment and Staying Connected

The i4’s Cool Tech System

• The i4 has a unique system called iDrive 8 that allows you to use the radio and maps and connect your phone. It’s now updated to iDrive 8.5 without needing to go to the shop, just through the internet.
• This system has a big 14.9-inch screen that works with a 12.3-inch screen right in front of the driver, all on one big curved display.
• You can control it by touching the screen, using a dial between the seats, or talking to it. It can do many things, like connect to your phone with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, and even has Wi-Fi for the internet.

Keeping Safe on the Road

How the i4 Helps You Drive Safely

• The i4 has technology to help prevent accidents, like warnings if you’re about to crash and automatic brakes to stop the car.
• It also warns you if you’re drifting out of your lane and can help steer to keep you in it.
• You can also get an option that controls the speed and distance from cars in front, even stopping and going again in traffic.

What’s Included if Something Goes Wrong

BMW’s Promise to Fix It

• BMW has a warranty that covers fixing the car for four years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first.
• The parts that make the car go, like the engine and electric motor, are covered for eight years or 100,000 miles.
• They also include check-ups and essential maintenance for free for three years or 36,000 miles.

FAQs

Q1: What is the range of the 2024 BMW i4?

The range varies by model, with the eDrive40 offering up to 301 miles. At the same time, the performance-oriented M50 has a shorter range due to its dual motors.

Q2: How long does it take to charge the i4?

Charging times vary based on the method, but the i4 can be charged from 10% to 90% in about 38 minutes with a DC fast charger.

Q3: Does the 2024 i4 support Android Auto and Apple CarPlay?

Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are supported, allowing seamless smartphone integration.

Q4: Is the i4 good for long trips?

Yes, models like the eDrive40 offer a more extended range and comfortable interior for long-distance travel.

Conclusion

The 2024 BMW i4 is a compelling electric vehicle that combines BMW’s signature driving dynamics with the benefits of electric power. It offers a sophisticated blend of performance, technology, and luxury. 

While the price and performance trade-offs may be a consideration for some, the i4 represents a significant step in making electric vehicles more desirable and accessible to a broader audience. 

With its comprehensive warranty and maintenance coverage, the i4 is a strong contender in the luxury EV market, appealing to those seeking sustainability without sacrificing performance or comfort.