BMW i4
How it looks when you see on the street: The i4 is a fun, four-door sports sedan that runs fully on batteries, and its become one of our favorite EVs. Its form is attractive — it hits the perfect round-square look that takes advantage of the slender coupe contours, as BMW finds its stride making appealing EVs. It’s worth remembering the company has been making Evs for a very long time, dating back to the i3. Our first time in the I4 was in its hometown stomping grounds, tooling around as a passenger in Munich in 2022, the year the car debuted. it felt fresh and like BMW had found back its lane — edgy, performance driven, and confident. To keep up on its progress, the i4 receives significant update three years in for the 2025 model year that includes a re-glossed grille in matte chrome, refined head and tail lamps, and an optional M-Sport package. Spicy new paint hues for the 2025 model year include Cape York Green metallic and Vegas Red metallic.
How it makes you feel when you get in: The BMW I4 interior gives off lounge vibes and has very on-trend design options such as rose gold trim, white leather, and light wood trim — soothing and optmistic character. It was the vehicle that debuted iDrive 8, a new infotainment system that’s been refreshed at iDrive 8.5, which is a quick turnaround for software by auto industry standards, and indicates the pace that car brands are working to keep up. The 2025 model has a new steering wheel shapes available that contrasts against a more lustrous instrument panel. Voice commands worked well and all the standard connected services such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot are standard features. It’s got a host of supportive driver safety features, too. The system tracks driver’s gaze from the eyes to monitor hands-free driving scenarios.
How it drives: Like a proper, modern sports car, the i4 can be specced according to varying degrees of performance. The eDrive35 base model produces 282 horsepower and is rear-drive. At the top of the heap is the M50, which produces a whopping 523 horsepower and is equipped with all-wheel drive. Across the board, it’s a powerful, responsive, and exhilarating ride that zhuzhes up a daily drive. The base model really is the perfect California car, where rear-wheel drive, battery-power and a head-turning shape check all the boxes. Driving modes like Eco Pro and Comfort allow the driver to adjust to serene vibes. Range varies according to configuration, but all models clock under 300 miles. Fast-charging takes about 31 minutes, give or take 30 minutes if public charging at Electrify America, where timing is never straightforward.
Space for people and things: The trunk space is surprisingly good despite the i4’s coupe-like contours. And with the seats down cargo space is ample.
What should you compare it to: Tesla Model 3, Hyundai Ioniq 6, Polestar 2.
How much does it cost: The base price is $61,600 and the M Sport package is priced out at $77,920, which adds flexible fast charging, Harman Kardan surround sound, sporty features like M suspension and sports brakes, dual zone climate and M-branded details like a steering wheel, 19-inch wheels, and aluminum trim.