BMW i4 Gran Coupe: A High-Performance Electric Vehicle

The BMW i4 Gran Coupe is one of the automaker‘s newest electric vehicles, bringing BMW‘s luxury and performance pedigree to the EV market. Based on the sporty BMW 4-series Gran Coupe concept, the i4 transitions this platform to a fully electric powertrain available in several trim levels.

I‘ve been eagerly awaiting the chance to review the i4 Gran Coupe in depth, assess how it stacks up to competitors, and see if it lives up to the BMW driving experience. As a tech enthusiast and self-proclaimed EV expert, I‘m going to analyze this vehicle from every angle.

A Brief History of BMW‘s Electric Vehicles

BMW may be newer to the EV game than brands like Nissan or Tesla, but they have been experimenting in the space for decades.

Their first prototype was the 1602e model built for the 1972 Summer Olympics. With lead-acid batteries providing just 12 kWh capacity, range was extremely limited at only around 37 miles. Still, it sparked ideas for BMW‘s engineers.

In 2009, a test fleet of Mini E hatchbacks were leased to select drivers. These were powered by 35 kWh lithium-ion battery packs and could reach around 100 miles per charge. Feedback from the trial helped develop what would become the i3.

Launched in 2013, the i3 was BMW‘s first production EV sold to the public. Its 22–33 kWh battery allowed up to 114 miles of range. Over 200,000 i3s were sold globally.

Next came the i8 in 2014 – a sporty plug-in hybrid coupe using a 96 kW electric motor alongside a 3-cylinder petrol engine. Capable of reaching 60 mph in 4.2 seconds, the i8 made a statement for BMW‘s electric performance potential.

These earlier models laid the groundwork for BMW‘s latest chapter – the i4 and iX EVs launched in 2021. Representing the automaker‘s new generation of electric vehicles, they aim to compete head-to-head with market leaders.

Introducing the BMW i4 Gran Coupe

First unveiled as a concept at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show and hitting the market in 2022, the production i4 leverages technology from BMW‘s previous EVs in a much more mainstream package.

Available as both a Gran Coupe and standard Coupe, the i4 brings distinctive BMW styling cues to the midsize 4-door segment in an all-electric format. While you might mistake it for a gas-powered 3-series or 4-series at first glance, the enclosed kidney grille and blue accents give away its electrified nature.

BMW offers the i4 in three variations:

• i4 eDrive35 – Entry-level rear-wheel drive model with single electric motor
• i4 eDrive40 – Mid-range rear-wheel drive with improved range and performance
• i4 M50 – High-performance all-wheel drive using dual electric motors

This covers a wide spectrum from efficiency to performance, giving buyers options on how sporty or economical they want their electric BMW.

Detailed Model Comparison

To help decide between the i4 trims, let‘s analyze the specs and pricing differences in more depth:

Battery and Motors: All models use an advanced Gen 5 BMW eDrive system, but battery size and motor layout impact performance. The eDrive40 extends range thanks to its larger 83.9 kWh battery. The M50 adds front-wheel drive from its dual electric motors to enhance power.

Acceleration: In terms of acceleration, there is a sizeable gap between the trims. While the eDrive35 and 40 cruise comfortably, the M50 delivers a snarling 3.7 seconds 0-60 time to compete with Tesla‘s performance models.

Pricing: The starting MSRP ranges from an attainable $55k for the eDrive35 to a more costly $70k for the top-end M50 before extras or incentives. Compared to alternatives like the Model 3 and Polestar 2, BMW sits at the higher end of midsize luxury EVs.

Our Pick: The eDrive40 strikes an optimal balance. Its 80+ kWh battery achieves an EPA rated 301 miles per charge – exceeding all rivals not named Lucid or Tesla. More range for under $60k makes the eDrive40 the choice for tech-focused buyers wanting maximized daily usability.

Exterior Design and Styling

The BMW i4 smoothly translates the automaker‘s latest styling language into something familiar yet uniquely electric. Its sportback silhouette conjures up visions of the 4-series Gran Coupe while the enclosed front grille creates a futuristic focal point.

Trademark Kidney Grille: The i4 receives BMW‘s now-signature closed off grille with intricate patterning. Special eDrive badging and blue accents around the grille and logos indicate the car‘s electrified status. A self-healing surface helps reduce minor rock chips and scratches.

Sportback Profile: Gran Coupe models feature a fastback roofline tapering into a liftback opening for improved cargo access. Multi-spoke alloy wheels, aggressive fascia, and diffuser-like rear bumper maintain the vehicle‘s sporting personality.

Subtle Electric Touches: Beyond the custom grille, there aren‘t many overly futuristic or quirky design elements. You get the feeling BMW intentionally maintained a level of familiarity for brand loyalists. Even the charge port sits discretely behind a front fender.

Personalization: Available upgrade packages open customization options. Adding the M Sport package brings an even sportier body kit, shadowline trim, M logos, and unique 19” or 20” wheels. Exclusive paint choices include striking Adelaide Grey and Brooklyn Grey metallics.

The Takeaway: The i4 Gran Coupe evolves BMW‘s design language just enough to be fresh while staying true to the core styling 4-series customers appreciate. It blends right in among BMW‘s range yet has enough unique touches hinting at its high-voltage identity.

Inside the Cabin, Tech Reigns Supreme

The interior of the i4 showcases BMW‘s commitment to high-tech user experiences with screens and features galore. Hop in the sculpted driver‘s seat and a curved display spanning the whole dash immediately grabs your attention.

Next-Level Digital Displays: A single seamless curved screen houses both a 12.3” digital instrument panel for the driver and 14.9” infotainment touch display. This uses the latest iDrive 8 software for intuitive control of navigation, media, and menus.

Enhanced Voice Assistant: You can access many features hands-free using the “Hey BMW” voice assistant. It allows adjusting climate settings, dictating navigation destinations, and more through natural speech. Voice recognition is speedy and accurate in my experience.

Wireless Connectivity: The i4 supports both wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Connect your smartphone and its interface mirrors onto the central touchscreen without any cables. You also get Bluetooth and multiple USB-C charging ports spaced throughout the cabin.

Sustainable Materials: BMW aimed for sustainability as evidenced by trim pieces made from recycled plastic bottles, olive leaf extracts, and FSC certified wood. Synthetic leather comes standard, with upgrades to natural leather alternatives using olive leaf and castor oil.

Spacious Rear Seat: Despite the tapered sportback roof limiting headroom slightly, there is generous legroom in the rear seats thanks to the flat floor made possible by the skateboard-style battery layout. The seats fold in a practical 40/20/40 split.

Final Impressions: BMW hits it out of the park by combining digital interfaces and connected services with eco-conscious materials for a thoroughly modern and premium EV interior. The experience feels just as high-tech and well-appointed as anything from Mercedes, Audi, or Tesla.

Engaging Performance with Instant Torque

One of BMW’s biggest assets across all its vehicles is the reputation for excellent driving dynamics. Fans can rejoice as the BMW i4 maintains this pedigree thanks to a low center of gravity and near-perfect 50/50 weight distribution afforded by the floor-mounted battery pack.

Let’s examine how the eDrive technology translates into an exhilarating behind-the-wheel encounter for drivers:

Lightning Quick Acceleration: Mash the throttle pedal and the immediate torque from the electric motors launches you ahead swiftly and smoothly. Even the entry-level eDrive35 zips to 60 mph in a rapid 5.5 seconds – not far off the M340i’s 4.1 seconds despite being down over 100 horsepower.

Composed High Speed Handling: Take the i4 M50 to its electronically limited 130 mph top speed and the precise steering, adaptive M suspension, wide sticky tires, and low center of gravity keep things stable with only mild tire noise apparent. Confidence inspiring for drivers who like some autobahn antics.

Rear-Wheel Drive Balance: Despite utilizing a large battery pack, BMW optimized weight distribution close to 50/50 across all models. Even equipped with all-wheel drive, the M50 exhibits only mild understeer and still eagerly rotates its rear on command.

Blissful Silence: Accelerating with no sound other than wind and tires amplifies the sensation of speed. You can add synthesized sounds via the audio system if desired, but I preferred the unique acoustic experience highlighting the electric drivetrain’s characteristics.

One Pedal Driving: Like most modern EVs, lifting off the throttle triggers regenerative braking, allowing for one pedal driving. This soon becomes intuitive, while the brake pedal itself has a consistent and easy to modulate feel.

Range-Maximizing Eco Modes: When efficiency is critical, switching the i4 into Eco Pro or Eco Pro+ dulls throttle response and limits power output to help achieve every last mile. The upside is these modes engage more aggressive regenerative braking for maximum energy recovery.

The Takeaway: Combining rear/all-wheel drive, balanced handling, urgent acceleration and high levels of refinement, the BMW i4 demonstrates EVs can offer driving enjoyment matching the best internal combustion alternatives…with the added drama of a silent soundtrack.

Charging and Range – Go the Distance

A significant consideration for any electric vehicle shopper involves assessing real-world range and charging capabilities. BMW has made long-distance road tripping practical in the i4 by utilizing 400-volt battery architecture supporting quicker DC fast charging.

Range Estimates: BMW advertises 301 miles for RWD eDrive40 models, which proved reasonably accurate during my testing. 270+ seems easily attainable driving at legal highway speeds. The AWD M50 is rated for 270 miles as motors and weight impact efficiency.

DC Fast Charging: Using a 200kW charger, the i4 can add roughly 90 miles of range in just 10 minutes. Hitting from 10 to 80% charge takes as little as 31 minutes – on par with most competitors. This supports convenient stops during longer drives.

AC Level 2: A more common 11kW Level 2 charger fully replenishes the battery overnight in around 7-8 hours using the onboard charger. Ideal for home charging, this conveniently covers daily commuting and local driving from a 240-volt outlet.

Complementary Charging: BMW provides new owners with $100 in charging credits along with 2 years of 30-minute complimentary charging sessions from Electrify America’s network – extending range even further at no cost.

Cold Weather: As with all EVs, estimating range is trickier in cold weather as batteries lose capacity. However, heat pump technology helps reduce vampire drain when parked, and preheating the battery helps maximize range when setting off on cold days.

The Takeaway: 301 miles from the RWD models keeps range anxiety at bay for most drivers. Having among the quickest charging times on the market makes the i4 a feasible road trip option too. Just be conservative with max range estimates in freezing winter temperatures.

Packed With Advanced Driver Assistance Systems

Today‘s cars boast more sensors and automated driving aids than ever before. BMW bundles the latest technologies into the optional Driving Assistance Package. Building upon standard safety systems, it opens semi-autonomous capabilities via a swarm of cameras and radar.

The Standard Package Includes: Forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert and automatic high beams. These functions covered day to day driving scenarios reasonably well during my test drives.

Driving Assistant Professional: This $1,700 optional upgrade adds clever capabilities pushing the boundaries of autonomy. Namely “Traffic Jam Assistant” for stop/go traffic under 40 mph and advanced cruise control with lane centering for highway driving.

Parking Assistance Package: While not equipped on my test car, this $700 option enables auto parking functions, a surround view camera system and front/rear parking sensors relieving headaches when navigating tight spaces.

Driver Attention Monitoring: A camera tracks eye movements and steering inputs, alerting you when it’s time to take a break after extended highway driving. This tech could help reduce accidents due to drowsy or distracted drivers.

The Last Step Before Autonomy: Adaptive cruise control drives smoothly, responds appropriately to traffic, and has some semi-automated lane change functionality when signaling. Overall, these aids operate seamlessly to reduce fatigue without being overly intrusive.

Sales Success Points to a Promising Future

The BMW i4 got off to a respectable start last year from both a critical and commercial standpoint – selling over 26,000 units globally. It seems their electric models have finally gained some traction after past misfires.

Reviews praise the i4‘s upscale and familiar styling inside and out while highlighting performance on par with BMW’s best internal combustion sedans. This bodes well for converting EV skeptics. When even die-hard BMW fans are trading their 3-series for electric alternatives, the tides might be changing.

More importantly, early sales eclipsed total lifetime volumes for the i3 and i8 combined – proving the i4 resonates better with luxury buyers.Expanding model options and nationwide inventory improves accessibility over niche past offerings, enticing more drivers to go electric.

If momentum continues building for BMW’s EV portfolio, the automaker looks on track to meet ambitious electrification targets aiming for EVs to represent half their global sales this decade. Given increasing consumer appetite for premium electric vehicles, the i4 makes hitting these goals a possibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the i4 all-wheel drive? Only the M50 performance models offer dual motors for AWD. Other versions are exclusively RWD.

Does the BMW i4 have a front trunk? No. The i4 retains a standard front hood and engine bay rather than a frunk storage area. Ample cargo room comes via the rear hatchback design instead.

What is the real world range? Based on my experience, the EPA rated 301 miles for RWD models seems realistic at highway speeds. 270+ miles should be comfortably attainable regardless of configuration.

Does the i4 still qualify for the $7500 tax credit? Yes. The i4 falls under the $55,000 maximum MSRP threshold, so buyers can still benefit from the full $7,500 Federal EV tax incentive amount.

How much will a 2023 BMW i4 cost? Pricing starts at $58,700 for the eDrive40 rising to $69,100 for the M50 before factoring in options or available incentives which can sweeten the deal.