2024 BMW i4: A Comprehensive Guide On Features, Specs, And Pricing

The BMW i4 is the Bavarian brand’s entry-level four-door electric car offering, sourcing its chassis from the current-generation 4 Series. Interestingly, it is the only Gran Coupe EV that BMW offers, resulting in a sporty design and preferable interior space. The i4 competes in a very competitive segment, but brings with it a premium and executive aesthetic that sets it apart from some of the more mainstream options.

Opting for a more premium segment may inhibit its market performance, but BMW has confirmed it to be one of the best-selling models in its entire car portfolio, globally. BMW continues to drive its electromobility portfolio forward and continually innovates to improve both efficiency and performance. For the time being, the i4 will remain the EV division’s golden goose with little doubt regarding its continual success.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from websites and other authoritative sources, including BMW, MotorTrend, Car and Driver, the EPA, Euro NCAP, J.D. Power, and other reputable sources that have hands-on experience or perform independent testing.

What’s New For 2024

BMW expands the i4 range in the U.S. with a new dual-motor all-wheel drive xDrive40 option, producing 396 horsepower and 443 pound-feet. It’s essentially the new flagship trim for the i4 range, if you exclude the M50 xDrive, which BMW technically classifies as a different model due to its M Performance-specific development. The new xDrive system is a crucial addition to the range, because it improves overall versatility and performance without impacting efficiency too much.

2024 Highlights

• New xDrive40 drivetrain option
• 396 horsepower and 443 pound-feet
• Dual-motor all-wheel drive configuration
• 279-307 miles of electric range
• 0-60 MPH in 4.9 seconds
• 149 MPH top speed

Exterior Dimensions

(Specifications sourced from BMW)

Specifications And Performance

The entry-level BMW i4 eDrive35 offers modest performance capabilities with its single rear-mounted electric motor, producing 282 horsepower and 295 pound-feet. The result is a claimed 5.8-second 0-60 MPH time and 118-MPH top speed. American road testers have not put the eDrive35 to task, so we don’t have a clear indication of how fast it is in real-world conditions.

The eDrive40 takes the same motor and increases power to 335 horsepower and 317 pound-feet, resulting in a claimed 5.4-second 0-60 MPH time and unchanged top speed. Real-world test figures reveal this to be a very conservative claim, as times as fast as 4.7 seconds were reportedly recorded with ease. The newer xDrive trim adds a motor to the front axle, increasing power to 396 horsepower and 443 pound-feet. BMW claims a 0-60 MPH time of 4.9 seconds, which will be put to the test when units are handed to reviewers this year. Top speed also increases to 124 MPH.

The M50 xDrive sits at the top of the i4 hierarchy, which features a similar dual-motor configuration as the xDrive40, but with some crucial mechanical changes that increase outputs to 556 horsepower and 586 pound-feet. BMW claims that you can hit 0-60 MPH in 3.5 seconds with the Sport Boost function, but tests reveal it to be much faster, with times as low as 3.3 seconds recorded, putting it on par with the current-generation M3. Top speed is limited to 140 MPH.

Performance Specifications

(Specifications sourced from BMW and the EPA)

The eDrive35 returns a 110 MPGe combined energy estimate when fitted with the larger 19-inch wheels, and 120 MPGe when kitted out with the base 18-inch option, making it the most efficient of the range. The eDrive40 boasts an estimated 109 MPGe on the 18-inch wheels and 100 MPGe on the 19-inch set. In xDrive guise, the latter option worsens to 99 MPGe. The M50 xDrive takes a big consumption hit with a 95 MPGe estimate on 19-inch wheels, and 80 MPGe on 20-inch wheels.

BMW i4 Charging Time And Range

The eDrive35 is the only option with the smaller 66 kWh battery, but it maintains an impressive range estimate of 276 miles on 18-inch wheels and 252 miles on 19-inch wheels. This battery takes 70 hours to charge when using a Level One household plug at 110-volts. Level Two charging decreases this time down to 7 hours, while Level Three DC fast-charging recovers 10-80 percent in 30 minutes.

2024 BMW i4 Range And Efficiency

(Specifications sourced from the EPA)

All other i4 variants use the 81.5 kWh battery pack, which covers 227 to 307 miles, depending on which model and wheel size you opt for. This battery takes 100 hours to recover from a Level One plug, eight hours from a Level Two plug, and 31 minutes from 0 to 80 percent when using fast charging.

2024 BMW i4 Battery And Charging Specs

(Specifications sourced from BMW)

All i4 models come standard with the Flexible Fast Charger and two years of complementary 30-minute charging sessions with Electrify America. The BMW Level Two Wallbox costs $600, which excludes Qmerit’s installation services, which can set you back by $799 to $1,999, depending on which state you live in.

Interior Technology, Luxury, And Comfort

Best Interior Features Of The BMW i4

• Perforated SensaTec upholstery with Anthracite headliner and black high gloss trimmings
• BMW Curved Display with a configurable 12.3-inch instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch central information display
• HiFi Sound System with 205-watt digital amplifier
• Automatic-dimming interior rearview mirror and driver’s-side exterior mirror
• Three-zone Climate Control including micro-filter and automatic air recirculation
• Multi-color adjustable ambient lighting

All BMW i4 models come standard with a two-way power glass sunroof with one-touch operation and sliding interior sunshade, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and three-zone climate control with a micro-filter. Additional aesthetic features include a multi-color adjustable ambient lighting package and electrically adjustable front seats with memory functions.

For $900, you can get the Convenience package, which adds lumbar support and heating for the seats. These are also included in the $1,900 package, which also adds a heated steering wheel. The SensaTec dashboard costs $350, and the front ventilated seats, are also $350. The M50’s specification differs slightly, with the inclusion of heating and four-way power lumbar supports for the front seats. It also gets the SensaTec dashboard at no cost.

BMW upholsters all i4 models with Perforated SensaTec upholstery, in a choice of Canaberra Beige, Tocara Red, Cognac, or Black. Vernasca leather upholstery costs $1,500, and can be had in Tacora Red, Black, Mocha, and Oyster. Blue contrast stitching is only available for the Black shade, but you must add the Premium Package and SensaTec dash.

Technology

BMW fits all i4 models with its BMW Curved Display with a configurable 12.3-inch instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch central information display, powered by iDrive 8.0. This system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, navigation, BMW ConnectedDrive, and TeleServices. The Connected Package Professional is also included as standard. This adds the My BMW App functionalities, real-time traffic data, and more.

All systems feature the HiFi Sound System with a 205-Watt digital amplifier and a year’s subscription to SiriusXM. BMW offers a Drive Recorder dashcam function for $100 and the Harman Kardon surround sound system for $875. The latter is standard for the M50 xDrive.

Interior Dimensions

(Specifications sourced from BMW)

Safety And Reliability

All BMW i4 derivatives are fitted with the brand’s Active Protection System, an anti-theft alarm system, and the BMW Assist eCall with an SOS button. In the event of a collision, airbags positioned in front of the driver and front passenger, sides, curtains, and knees, keep you secure.

The IIHS and NHTSA have not crash-tested the i4, so we don’t have a clear indication of how secure it is in a collision. The Euro NCAP grants the i4 a four-star overall rating, which is concerning for a premium German electric car. However, European safety standards are different from American ones, so only consider this as merely a reference.

The BMW i4 is proving to be a fairly resilient product for the brand, as the 2024 model is not subject to any recalls. J.D. Power gives the EV a 74/100 rating for quality and reliability, which it considers an average ranking.

Driver Assistance Features

BMW fits all i4 models with its Active Driving Assistant, which includes frontal collision warning, automatic city collision mitigation and braking, active blind spot detection, lane departure warning and keep assist, speed limit information, and dynamic cruise control.

• Dynamic cruise control
• Frontal collision warning
• Automatic city collision mitigation and braking
• Active blind spot detection
• Lane departure warning and keep assist
• Speed limit information

The $3,100 M Sport package adds an Active Driving Assistant and Park Distance Control. Active Driving Assistant Pro and extended traffic jam assistant is available via the $1,700 Driving Assistance Professional package.

IIHS Crash Testing

(We’ve included the Euro NCAP’s crash test as a reference. European crash test standards and model specifications do not align with the American market)

• Recalls (NHTSA): 0
• NHTSA Investigations: 0
• NHTSA Consumer Complaints: 0

Warranties

BMW offers all i4 derivatives with its Ultimate Care package, which includes a maintenance package for 36 months or 36,000 miles, a 48-month or 50,000-mile limited warranty, 12-year and unlimited-mile rust perforation coverage, 48-month or unlimited-mile roadside assistance, and eight-year or 100,000-mile battery warranty. You can specify a series of non-transferable Care Plus packages that increase coverage by up to four years for $2,749.

(Information sourced from BMW)

2024 BMW i4 Versus Its Competitors

The BMW i4 competes with the Tesla Model 3 and Hyundai Ioniq 6. The latter is technically a less premium option, but few EV options are competing in the segment as manufacturers are more focused on the crossover market.

How The BMW i4 Compares To The Tesla Model 3

• 2024 BMW i4

  Model

  BMW i4

  Engine:

  Single- or dual-electrically excited synchronous motors

  Torque

  295-586 LB-FT

  Range

  227-307 miles

  Transmission

  Single-speed automatic

  Driveline

  Rear- or all-wheel drive

  MSRP

  $52,200

  Charge Time

  7-8 hours @ 240V

  0-60 MPH

  5.8-3.7 seconds

  Fuel Economy

  80-120 MPGe

  Horsepower

  282-536 HP

• 2024 Tesla Model 3

  The 2024 Tesla Model 3 introduces an all-new generation of the model in the guise of a comprehensive facelift, characterized as the Highland update. This new configuration keeps the same base rear-wheel drive and mid-trim Dual Motor Long Range. Information regarding the flagship Performance model is pending. The update introduces an array of styling updates, new technological features, and more.

  Model

  Tesla Model 3

  Engine:

  Single- or dual-permanent-magnet motors

  Torque

  N/A

  Range

  272-341 miles

  Transmission

  Single-speed automatic

  Driveline

  Rear- or all-wheel drive

  MSRP

  $38,990

  Charge Time

  10 hours @ 240V

  0-60 MPH

  5.8-4.2 seconds

  Fuel Economy

  133-132 MPGe

  Horsepower

  241-346 HP

The Tesla Model 3’s new Highland update makes it a considerable foe that is bound to continue its dominance in the new electric car market, globally. It undercuts the BMW i4’s price by a substantial amount, while offering better performance, range, and efficiency across both its rear- and all-wheel drive options.

The Highland update is all-new, with the claim that Tesla has significantly improved the quality levels. It maintains its minimalist interior design, which may appeal to some, but there’s little diversity in its catalog compared to BMW’s abundant offering of interior materials and exterior paint shades.

How The BMW i4 Compares To The Hyundai Ioniq 6

• 	2024 BMW i4	2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6
  Model	BMW i4	Hyundai Ioniq 6
  Engine:	Single- or dual-electrically excited synchronous motors	Single- or Dual-Motor
  Torque	295-586 LB-FT	258 – 446 LB-FT
  Range	227-307 miles	205 – 361 Miles
  Driveline	Rear- or all-wheel drive	RWD or AWD
  MSRP	$52,200	$42,450 – $50,150
  Charge Time	7-8 hours @ 240V	As fast as 18 mintes at 350 kW
  Horsepower	282-536 HP	225 – 320 HP

BMW’s pricing strategy indicates that it does not see Hyundai as a market competitor, but the specifications alone say otherwise. The Ioniq 6 falls slightly short of matching the non-M Performance i4’s straight-line performance abilities. The BMW is also no match for the Ioniq 6’s highly efficient powertrains and class-leading range estimates.

Opting for the Ioniq 6 will come at the cost of prestige, but this is a worthy trade for the level of quality, safety, performance, and efficiency you get in return. The i4 also excels at being a more driver-oriented car, as reviewers note the Ioniq 6 to not be the sportiest of EVs currently available.

How Much The 2024 BMW i4 Costs

The BMW i4 range starts at $52,200 for the base eDrive 35, followed by the $57,300 eDrive40 and $61,600 xDrive40. The M50 xDrive tops the range off at $69,700. Options not yet mentioned in this guide include the $650 metallic paint options, $1,500 Individual paints, and $3,600 Frozen paints. $1,400 gets you a Dynamic Handling Package with improved suspension characteristics.

(Pricing sourced from BMW)

Is It Worth Buying The BMW i4?

The BMW i4 is a great entry point for the brand’s electric car catalog, but it’s still a costly option to consider, especially when compared to the compact BMW i3. The Bavarians offer a diverse range starting with a basic rear-wheel drive option, and ending with the M50 xDrive, developed by BMW M, with loads of paint and material options to choose from, giving you the ability to make a truly unique specification. The model also benefits from world-class safety features and next-generation digital systems.

The i4 may be relatively expensive, but BMW confirms it to be a best-seller among its current car offerings on a global scale. Still, it lags behind the likes of Tesla, who continues to push its market share across the world. Regardless, BMW is doing a great job at showing the world that it knows how to make great electric cars, controversial designs aside.