2024 BMW i4 Prices and Reviews
Electric vehicles aren’t just competing with other EVs—especially in the case of the BMW i4 sedan, which is often compared to the gas-powered M cars that came before it. As a result, the i4 has to excel in both performance driving and range. On the performance front, it delivers impressively. The single-motor eDrive35 produces 282 horsepower, while the eDrive40 offers 335. For even more power, the xDrive40 and M50 models crank out 396 and 536 horsepower, respectively. In fact, we’ve found that the i4 M50 has better ride and handling than the M3, which is already one of our top high-performance sedans.
In terms of range, the xDrive40 leads the pack with an EPA-estimated 307 miles. It also boasts solid DC fast-charging capability, with speeds of up to 200 kW. The i4 is a comfortable daily driver that can deliver thrilling performance when you hit the accelerator, though its steering feels somewhat numb due to technological over-refinement. Even so, the i4 xDrive40 impressed us enough to earn a spot in our long-term fleet for a 40,000-mile test and a place on our 2024 Editors’ Choice list.
To top it off, the i4 comes with a hatchback trunk, providing extra flexibility when it comes to loading cargo behind the rear seats.
What’s New for 2024
The 2024 BMW i4 compact luxury sedan delivers superb road manners without compromise, even with its all-electric powertrain. Starting at $52,200, the i4 embodies BMW’s signature blend of luxury, cutting-edge technology, and dynamic driving performance, appealing to both enthusiasts and everyday drivers. It’s essentially the BMW 3 Series reimagined for the electric era—fun, aspirational, and relatively accessible.
The i4 lineup now includes the xDrive40, the fourth model in the range. Unlike the rear-drive eDrive40, the xDrive40 boasts a more powerful all-wheel-drive system, giving it a distinct performance edge.
Additionally, BMW has updated the i4’s infotainment system to be more user-friendly, with a revised interface requiring fewer taps to access key functions. A new QuickSelect feature places a vertical array of widgets—like entertainment, contacts, and climate settings—on the driver’s side of the display for easier navigation.
2024 BMW i4 Pricing
The 2024 BMW i4 starts at $53,195, with the top-tier i4 M50 priced from $70,695.
| MSRP | |
|---|---|
| eDrive35 | $53,195 |
| eDrive40 | $58,295 |
| xDrive40 | $62,595 |
| M50 | $70,695 |
BMW also offers two years of complimentary 30-minute charging sessions on the Electrify America network.
In comparison, the Tesla Model 3 begins in the low $40,000s, while the more SUV-like Polestar 2 starts in the high $40,000s. Although it’s not typical to compare a Kia to a BMW, the Kia EV6 starts around $42,600 and features the high-performance 576-horsepower GT, which we find particularly impressive.
Power, Ride and Handling
The 2024 BMW i4 offers impressive performance across its lineup, starting with the eDrive35. Equipped with a single electric motor delivering 281 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels, this model accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in a swift 5.8 seconds. Given the instant torque of electric motors, this figure feels conservative.
The eDrive40 also features a single-motor rear-drive configuration, but it ups the ante with 335 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. It’s slightly quicker, reaching 60 mph in 5.7 seconds.
For those seeking all-wheel-drive capability, the new xDrive40 delivers a dual-motor setup producing 396 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque. This model accelerates to 60 mph in a brisk 4.9 seconds, making it a strong performer in the i4 lineup.
If you crave even more power, the i4 M50 is the ultimate thrill. With 536 horsepower and 586 lb-ft of torque, this model rockets from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds, rivaling the BMW M3 in performance. It’s also one of the most engaging electric vehicles we’ve driven.
Every i4 comes with selectable driving modes: Eco Pro, Comfort, and Sport, each providing a distinct driving experience with unique soundtracks. Eco Pro is quiet, Comfort offers a subtle whooshing, and Sport delivers an increasingly loud jet-like sound as speed increases, which may be over-the-top for some.
BMW’s signature balance and weight distribution are intact in the i4, enhanced by its low-slung battery placement that improves stability and handling. The M50, with its sport-tuned adaptive suspension, takes full advantage of this low center of gravity.
Range and Charging
Wheel size has a notable impact on range in the i4. The eDrive35 achieves a range of 256 miles on 18-inch wheels, but switching to 19-inch wheels reduces that to 235 miles.
The eDrive40 can travel up to 301 miles on 18-inch wheels, or 282 miles with 19-inch wheels. The xDrive40 offers the longest range at 307 miles on 18-inch wheels, while opting for 19-inch wheels drops the range to 282 miles. The i4 M50 has a range of 271 miles with 19-inch wheels, which decreases to 227 miles when fitted with 20-inch wheels.
While larger wheels improve responsiveness and aesthetics, they can also make the ride firmer and reduce range. Drivers who prioritize range may want to stick with the smaller wheels for a smoother ride and better efficiency.
In comparison, the Tesla Model 3 has a maximum range of 333 miles, the Polestar 2 offers 270 miles, and the Kia EV6 reaches 310 miles.
The i4 can recharge from 10% to 80% in just 32 minutes at a public DC fast charger with a maximum charge rate of 180 kW. The new xDrive40 supports faster charging at 205 kW, likely reducing charge times, though BMW has yet to provide exact figures.
For context, the Tesla Model 3 charges slightly faster, taking 25 to 30 minutes to recharge from 10% to 80%. The Kia EV6 leads the pack, requiring just 18 minutes.
Tech-Rich Interior
Inside the i4, BMW’s Curved Display sets the tech tone. This single unit integrates a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch touchscreen for infotainment and vehicle functions.
The cabin is minimalist, with high-quality materials and few physical buttons. Unlike some modern cars that use buttons to replace traditional shifters, BMW sticks with a lever for gear selection, giving it a futuristic twist.
Rear legroom is 34.2 inches, which is on par with competitors like the Tesla Model 3 (35.2 inches) and the Polestar 2 (34 inches). If rear-seat space is a priority, the Kia EV6 offers a more spacious 39 inches.
Cargo space in the i4 measures 10 cubic feet, enough for a couple of golf bags. The rear seats fold down in a 40/20/40 split for added flexibility. The Polestar 2 offers a slightly larger 13 cubic feet of cargo space, while the Model 3 leads with 19.8 cubic feet. The Kia EV6, with its SUV-like design, dominates with 24.4 cubic feet.
Familiar Exterior
The i4 bears a close resemblance to the gas-powered BMW 4 Series, even down to the location of the charging socket, which is where a fuel filler would be on a combustion model. The i4 has a 4-door body with a hatchback design, like the 4 Series Gran Coupe.
However, several details distinguish the i4, including flush-fitting door handles for improved aerodynamics, a grille designed more for housing sensors than for cooling, specially shaped side mirrors, blue accents on the BMW badges, and, of course, no exhaust pipes.
Battery and Efficiency
BMW’s electric motors are designed without rare-earth magnets, relying instead on current-excited technology. They are powered by high-voltage lithium-ion batteries sourced from an Australian mine with favorable working conditions. The battery enclosures are manufactured in a German facility using hydroelectric power.
The i4’s battery capacity ranges from 66 kilowatt-hours (kWh) to 81.5 kWh, which is comparable to that of the Tesla Model 3 and Polestar 2. The i4’s efficiency varies between 80 MPGe and 113 MPGe. In comparison, the Tesla Model 3 starts at 113 MPGe and exceeds 130 MPGe, while the Polestar 2 ranges from 95 MPGe to 107 MPGe.
4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty
BMW provides a standard four-year or 50,000-mile warranty for both new vehicles and powertrains, typical for European luxury brands. The battery itself is covered for eight years or 100,000 miles. Additionally, BMW includes roadside assistance for the first four years with no mileage limit.
Safety Ratings
As of now, the i4 has not undergone crash testing by U.S. agencies. However, it comes equipped with a comprehensive array of standard safety features, including forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking (operating at city speeds), pedestrian and cyclist detection, active blind-spot detection, and lane-departure warning. To compensate for the absence of engine noise, the i4 also includes an acoustic warning system for pedestrians.
