A decade ago, the idea of combining an electric automobile with a sports brand was unthinkable. But fast-forward to the present day, and the car industry has undergone substantial change. The prevalence of hypercars and sports electric vehicles inspired BMW M to customize an electric vehicle. The BMW i4 doesn't overtly advertise its electric underpinnings on the road, unlike its rivals. It's simply another 4 Series till you look closely at the badging. Yes, the extra kidney grille almost completely engulfs the sedan's front end. However, if you can get past it (mentally and physically), the i4 is a stylish sedan with a roofline that defies its own specifications and looks stunning.
10 Pro: The BMW i4 Is A Product Of The Future
Although electric SUV sales are on the rise, not all drivers choose to sit atop their vehicles and tote about that much extra weight. The production of new electric cars has undergone substantial change, reaching levels that were unthinkable just a few years ago. The M DNA is ingrained in the technology and design of the 2022 BMW i4, which is a member of the M performance division. The BMW i4 M50 features an aggressive body kit thanks to the M package interior. There are additional options including variable sport steering, adaptive M suspension, M sports brake system, and M light-alloy wheels up to 20 inches.
9 Con: There Are Mechanical And Electrical Problems Detected In The BMW i4
The plastic adapter in BMWs is susceptible to cracking, which results in a fluid leak and lower mechatronic valve pressure output. This causes inconsistent gear shifts and transmission problems. A few drivers have mentioned BMW i4 transmission issues. Your car's transmission is one of the most important components, and it must operate properly. Numerous aspects of your car will be impacted. The right quantity of power should be translated by a transmission for the intended speed. There are electrical problems as well, and a lot of i4s have been recalled, too.
8 Pro: The BMW i4 Supports Fast Charging Up To 205 kW
The problem with EVs is that, despite being excellent vehicles, they are not the best for long journeys. The necessity to charge is the fundamental justification. A road trip in an EV also frequently requires additional route planning because there are not a lot of charging stations available yet. Fortunately, the BMW i4 offers a lot of features to help with this. The BMW i4 supports up to 205 kW fast charging. When connected to a fast charger, the BMW i4 M50 can get 87 miles of range in 10 minutes/
7 Con: The i4's 301-Mile Range Is Disappointing
The BMW i4s will also likely encounter issues due to a lack of reliable charging infrastructure. Although this issue doesn't directly harm the vehicle, it will have an effect on how you utilize the BMW i4. You may need to periodically recharge your i4 when traveling on a road, for instance. Not to mention, the three trims of the i4 offer a maximum of 256-, 270-, and 301 miles of range, which is not impressive. Therefore, there is a considerable potential that your i4 could run out of juice if you have trouble finding public charging stations.
6 Pro: The BMW i4 Is An “Ultimate Driving Machine”
BMW, a high-end German company that prioritizes the driving experience of its customers, takes pleasure in creating the "ultimate driving machine." It takes the "sports" part of the phrase "sports sedan" seriously, and the i4 is evidence that BMW wants you to be involved even with electric vehicles. The i4 eDrive40 may not have the M50's brute power on the road, but in sport mode, it is a thrill on backroads. Oversteer is a possibility with the rear-wheel-drive configuration, especially if the traction control is off. The suspension reduces the majority of road irregularities while the steering is precise and concentrated. While truly pushing the car into corners, the battery pack's weight is noticeable, but BMW engineers did a fantastic job of minimizing its impact on handling.
5 Con: There Are No Battery Crash Pads In The BMW i4
Some BMW i4s allegedly do not have crash pads for the batter. In the case of an accident, the missing hardware presents a serious risk to everyone within the electric automobile. A serious side crash involving the Bavarian EV significantly raises the chance of a short circuit. In the worst-case situation, the car might catch fire, hurting the driver and/or passengers in the process. The absence of battery crash cushions in a BMW i4 is the first issue you should anticipate. For every EV, battery crash cushions are essential. Therefore, we advise that you address this issue right now. You and your passengers may be in grave danger if your EV isn't equipped with a battery crash pad.
4 Pro: The BMW i4 Is An All-Wheel EV
Granted, there aren't many electric BMW vehicles on the road right now, but there soon will be. Two electric motors with a combined output of 536 horsepower and 586 pound-feet power the top-tier i4 model. BMW claims that the maximum range is about 235 miles and that 0-60 mph is reached in 3.9 seconds. The BMW i3 was the first electric car made and came in a variety of models with various extender choices. However, the model could only drive one axle at a time.
3 Con: BMW's Charging Infrastructure Is Not As Good As Tesla's
BMW lacks Tesla's excellent charging infrastructure. Although the car is not immediately impacted by this problem, it has an impact on how the car is used. As a result, if you want to go a great distance, you risk running out of battery life and having a difficult time finding charging stations along the route. Furthermore, the number of public CCS charging stations in Europe and the rest of the world is insufficient to provide the BMW i4 with considerable power.
2 Pro: The BMW i4 Is Mighty Luxurious For Its Price
Any vehicle produced by a company like BMW will have the best features available. Of course, some will be available only with the purchase of an enhanced package, but the BMW i4, even in standard form, is amazing. The sunroof is one of this car's standout features. It gives the car an airy, contemporary feel. Traveling is also simplified while driving a car like the BMW i4. The motorized liftgate that comes standard on this vehicle has the added benefit of increasing load capacity.
1 Con: High-Tech Features Take Away The Simplicity
Users of the BMW i4 should be prepared to deal with the excessively complex infotainment system as another issue. Drivers use infotainment systems to examine and adjust various auto settings, regulate the climate, use their smartphones, and even play music. Unfortunately, the iDrive 7 infotainment system is difficult for most BMW i4 customers to utilize. However, an overly sophisticated or intricate entertainment system, like the one in the BMW i4, can be extremely hazardous to the driver as they'll take their eyes off the road for an extended amount of time to input even a basic command.
FAQ
Q: Is BMW i4 available?
BMW expects to start the deliveries of the base variant in Q1 2023 (January-March 2023).
Q: Does BMW i4 qualify for federal tax credit?
The tax rebate for the 2023 BMW i4 is $7,500 maximum. BMW warns that, depending on when the credit phase-out regulations take effect, the anticipated credit amount may be lower. Additionally, it suggests customers speak with a tax expert to find out if they qualify for this benefit.
Q: What is the real world range of BMW i4?
With 19-inch wheels, the top-of-the-line BMW i4 M50 has a WLTP range of up to 510 km (317 miles), but the EPA result in the US is 270 km (434 miles). An 83.9 kWh battery is included with the M50's all-wheel drive system (81.5 kWh usable).
Q: Can BMW i4 use Tesla supercharger?
No! At a Tesla Supercharger, your BMW i4 cannot be charged.