The 2023 BMW i4 is a comfortable and spacious EV with good real-world range and impressive in-car tech. However, it lacks standout design and features and has a relatively high base price with middling standard equipment. While it offers a premium feel and overall comfort, the lack of value may be a deterrent for some.
Part of the first i4 generation introduced for 2022
What is the i4?
Looking all the world like a BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe, the i4 offers the same comfortable interior and sporty driving dynamics but with an emissions-free electric powertrain. This all-electric four-door sedan is available in two trim levels. The entry-level eDrive40 uses a single rear-mounted electric motor to put out 335 horsepower and offers an EPA-estimated range of up to 301 miles. The high-performance M50 trim level packs two motors, one on each axle, to produce a stout 536 hp and offers a max range of 270 miles per the EPA. An M50 with an estimated range of 227 miles overachieved on our real-world EV test, going 268 miles.
Because the i4 was only just introduced last year, we don't expect BMW to change anything of consequence on its electric sedan. At most, we could see a new wheel design and maybe a regrouping of options, but by and large, the i4 should remain the same for 2023.
The elephant in the room, or in the EV segment, in Tesla. Offering healthy power and range and some of the latest technology, the Model 3 has set the pace for the segment. Other EVs similar to the i4 are the Polestar 2, the Kia EV6 and the Ford Mustang Mach-E. The Kia and the Ford might resemble crossovers more than sedans, but they are similar to the BMW in capabilities and range, as well as price.
Edmunds says
The BMW i4 offers more mainstream styling than most EVs and maintains BMW's high standard for sport sedans. Whether you choose the more standard but still capable eDrive40 or want to experience the thrills offered by the M50, the i4 is as competitive as any EV in the segment, even if it is a little more expensive. Since we don't expect any major changes for 2023, now is as good a time as any to take one for a test drive.
According to GeoTab’s data, if the observed degradation rates are maintained, the vast majority of batteries will outlast the usable life of the vehicle.
Estimated battery warranty remaining is 6 years or 72,000 miles for this car.
EV Tax Credits & Rebates
$4,500
Available Rebates. Restrictions apply.
Restrictions:
Under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offers taxpayers a Used Clean Vehicle Tax Credit equal to 30% of the sale price up to a maximum credit of $4,000 for the purchase of a used plug-in electric or hydrogen fuel cell vehicle. Beginning January 1, 2024, Clean Vehicle Tax Credits may be initiated and approved at the point of sale at participating dealerships registered with the IRS. Dealers will be responsible for submitting Clean Vehicle Tax Credit information to the IRS. Buyers are advised to obtain a copy of an IRS "time of sale" report, confirming it was submitted successfully by the dealer. Not every version of the vehicle models will necessarily qualify. Please check with the dealer/seller to determine the eligibility of your specific vehicle.
For the vehicle to qualify:
Price cannot exceed $25,000.
Need to verify the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
Must be at least two model years older than the current calendar year in which the vehicle was purchased.
Must be sold through a dealership, private sales not permitted.
Not have already been transferred after August 16, 2022, to a qualified buyer.
For individuals to qualify:
Must meet income eligibility, depending on modified adjusted gross income (AGI) and tax filing status.
Must not be the first owner of the qualifying vehicle.
Has not been allowed a credit under this section for any sale during the 3-year period ending on the date of the sale of such vehicle.
Purchased for personal use, not a business, corporation or for resale.
In 2020 we built a net-zero house with a 15 kW solar array, so when the lease on our 2019 Honda CR-V ended, we shopped for an EV to replace it. We tested the Model Y, Mach-E, ID.4, EV6, Ioniq 5, BMW iX, and BMW i4, settling on an i4 eDrive 40 with the M-Sport package. This was a big step for us not only in the switch to an EV, but also because it replaced an AWD SUV (our other car is a … 2018 Audi S4). We chose the i4 based on driving dynamics, range, and build quality, figuring that the large hatchback would manage 99% of the hauling tasks of an SUV or wagon. We chose the RWD i4 for better range and driving dynamics than the AWD i4 M50. Living on the south coast of MA, winters are mild so we anticipated that RWD and the OEM all-season (i.e., no season) tires would be sufficient all year round, particularly as we have the S4 with an 18" winter wheel and tire package for those few days when RWD might be dicey.
I love performance cars, which is the i4 is not, but it is so rewarding to drive that I hardly drive the S4 anymore. The dynamics are good. Steering lacks feel but is accurate with crisp turn-in and good centering (we got the dynamic steering option). We got the M-Sport package since that was the only way to get adaptive dampers. The car corners fairly flat and its comfort mode hits an excellent balance between absorbing bumps while limiting excess body motions. The car can hustle and has decent grip on the OEM Pirelli P Zeros, but the 4680-pound curb weight makes it more of a luxury cruiser than a sport sedan, despite the pretense. Given that weight, we opted for the uprated brakes, but they hardly ever get used since the regen works so well. At least the brake pedal feel is good and the transitions from regen to mechanical braking are imperceptible. The single motor i4 has more than adequate acceleration (high 4 to low 5 sec 0-60 according to reviews) and has the typical EV benefit of instant torque that makes merging on highways easy.
The interior build quality and feel are great, and the car is very quiet on the road. We got the Harmon Kardon sound system and it's worth the money, particularly with the minimal background noise. This is the first car I've owned where listening to classical music is worthwhile. The interior downsides are the center tunnel (this is a dual-purpose ICE/EV platform) and limited rear passenger leg and headroom. Not a problem for us but could deter some. The hatch works well, and the car can easily haul a bicycle or all our trash & recycling for the dump run.
The iDrive 8 infotainment system is on par with better end of those in EVs we tested (ID.4 the worst) but the lack of physical buttons for some functions is irritating. My biggest gripe is with turning on the seat heaters (at least the steering wheel has a one-level physical button) and the lack of physical audio preset buttons. Voice control works well but is too laggy for flipping between Sirius XM channels. The graphic quality of the display is excellent, and we haven't had any issues with using it in bright sun or at night. The HUD works well and shows next turn instructions from Waze via Android Auto. Seeing Waze guidance on the HUD was intermittent at first, but that issue went away. Maybe an OTA update fixed it? We initially optioned dynamic cruise control and 360-degree parking camera, but those became unavailable as the wiring harnesses were made in Ukraine. Damn Putin!
A downside of the M-Sport package is that it only comes with staggered width 19" wheels. Those large contact patches cost about 7% of range compared to the 18s on the base e40. Given the way we drive the car, I'd happily give up some grip for better range. Despite big wheels, the car has been more efficient than we expected. Lifetime average consumption now stands at 3.8 mi/kWh with 47,000 miles is driven. In summer it's usually in the low 4s with predominantly highway driving, which translates to about 300 miles. In winter, efficiency drops by 25%. Since I limit the batter SOC to 80%, the S4 gest used for longer trips, particularly in foul weather. If the Ionna network really grows, I wouldn't worry about longer trips.
The first scheduled maintenance was at 36,000 miles based on 2-year interval (otherwise 40K). It was trivial, but the rear tires needed replacement. I could have pushed them longer, but winter was approaching. Around 45,000 miles the infotainment screen started periodically going dark but automatically reboots within a minute or two. This only happens when using Waze and was not cured by a soft reboot (press the radio on/off/volume button for 30 seconds. It's not too bothersome and I still use Waze all the time. I could wait until the next routine service visit but should probably get it looked at before the 50,000-mile warranty limit. Other than that, the car has been perfect.
I doubt the brakes will need anything for the first 100,000 miles since I mostly slow with regen, and it's great not having to pay for oil & filter changes every 7,500 to 10,000 miles, or spark plugs & timing belts.
The negatives are minor so far. The M steering wheel is too thick and the metal trim on its spokes are cold in winter and take a long time to warm up despite the heated wheel. The outside doorhandles are oddly designed, making it easy for your hand to slide off when trying to open them. The blind spot warning lights in the side mirrors are too small and peripherally placed to be ideal. Our Audi S4 has big warning lights in the side mirror bezel that is much better, but the mirror placement in i4 wouldn't allow it. The back of the car is a dirt magnet. Not sure if that's got to do with aerodynamics, but it never stays clean the and the rear-facing camera lens requires frequent cleaning in winter. That and the occasional screen blackout is all I have to complain about so far.
Ultimate EV Driving Machine
5 out of 5 stars
Razvan Simonica, 11/09/2022
2023 BMW i4 eDrive40 4dr Sedan (electric DD)
I have owned the BMW i4 now for 2 weeks and it has not disappointed. The comfort level is outstanding and battery distance is unbelievable 300+ miles. It rides so nice and have receive multiple compliment on the choice of color, the San Remo Green. If anyone is contemplating an EV and wants something other than the same old Tesla I would highly recoutaki g a look at this beauty.
I love my 2023 i4 eDrive40
5 out of 5 stars
Mick1969, 12/28/2022
2023 BMW i4 eDrive40 4dr Sedan (electric DD)
I got very lucky in that someone had backed out on their VERY well spec'd 2023 I4 eDrive40 in late Dec 22. It has everything I want and only missing what I don't want (such as parking assistance).
This car is fast, smooth, comfortable and relaxing to drive. The Harmon Kardon is the best I've heard in a car (I've owned many, many BMWs) and dare I compare the sound to the Bowers and … Wilkins? It sounds that good. And the hatchback is just awesome!
Two thumbs up on this well built, good looking EV. Some of the comments made by the two testers are wrong (such as the cons - they shouldn't compare the engagement to an ICE vehicle), but they're entitled to make those type of comments.
Who’s car it is anyway…
5 out of 5 stars
OmahaNick, 10/11/2023
2023 BMW i4 eDrive40 4dr Sedan (electric DD)
Well, my idea was not to buy a full EV yet, when local Toyota dealer asked 10k on top of the 40K+++ RAV4 Prime in 2022… the decision was far from hard. We traded our 4-5 years old Prius Prime for an 2023 BMW I4 e40. I have to admit, waiting months for a car… is an odd feeling. Especially when you can see interest rates change week after week… yet we (I) was persistent and in late October … last year… here it was, waiting on the parking lot for me.
I have to admit, in the last few years I was lucky to be able to drive several cars, but never luxury “ultimate driving machine”… and after a year being the owner of one, it is… the ultimate driving machine.
Let’s get the range question settled from the beginning. Depends on the season your range will vary. It did on my Prius Prime, it does on my I4. That is how electricity behaves. However… for the price Kw/Mile… and getting there in few (low few) seconds. Is well worth it. Furthermore… you would not notice you are driving well over 80-90 miles per hour on the interstate. The ride is sooo smooth… and the motor, responsive.
I would suggest getting a second set of weeks and tires for the winter season. That much torque without the proper friction may cost you much more than a set of wheels and tires.
Comfort… well, the car knows who drives it and adjust seating and entertainment accordingly. You forgot your key… not to worry, your phone can be a key.
So… after a few drives, my wife concluded that I need to go buy myself a car, the beemer is her car now. I guess, I’m on the market for a new car.
Update... 11000 miles later... and I5 test ride later, my I4 rocks... it is the perfect size for in city and just right for interstate. If I have issues, it is the fact I cannot get the mileage advertised as it recalculates constantly. You cannot plan a long trips, especially in the upper Midwest, where chargers are rare and far apart.
The other thing is... being such a "new" technology and having a premium vehicle... I wonder what is coming after the 4 years of factory warranty expires. I already had a high voltage error, I was told it is the parking assist, thinking there is an issue while on neutral going true the car wash. This is my first BMW so... my skepticism is based on other brands and services... we shall see. as time passes
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2023 BMW i4, so we've included reviews for other years of the i4 since its last redesign.
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