For years BMW has flourished by offering exceptional base models and a range of more powerful and better handling M versions for more money. That has allowed buyers who want to save money to afford a genuine BMW car or SUV, while enthusiasts with money can fulfill their dreams.
Now BMW has committed to an electrified future and is applying the same strategy to its EVs. A case in point is the i4, an all-electric four door hatchback that straddles the line between a compact and a midsize, and is available with the same range of versions as the company’s legendary gas-powered vehicles.
The obvious question is, are they as good as their gas-powered equivalents? I recently tested a top-of-the-line 2024 BMW i4 M50 Gran Coupe and the answer is a resounding “yes, but.”
On the “yes” side, the i4 rides as well but is smoother and quieter than an equivalent 3-series. That is to be expected of EVs, of course. And, if Car and Driver is to be believed, the i4 M50 is also faster than the top-of-the-line 3-series, racing from zero to 60 in just 3.3 seconds.
On the “but” side, all trim levels of the i4 are significantly more expensive than their gas-powered equivalents. Like about $9,000 across the board. That’s also to be expected for EVs, of course, although the gap is slowly closing. Still, it’s one reason so many EVs are luxury vehicles, marketed to the wealthy who can afford to demonstrate their environmental cred.
There is another “but,” however. The most expensive and top performing EVs come with an additional cost – less range. In the case of the i4, the entry level single-motor, rear-wheel-drive version is EPA rated at 307 miles of range, which is about average for such a vehicle. That drops to 227 miles for the most expensive, most powerful, dual-motor, all-wheel-drive M50 version, which is less range than a compact Chevy Bolt.
Of course, the most powerful gas-powered vehicles get worse mileage than less powerful ones. But gas stations are plentiful. Reliable public EV charging stations are not. So I personally consider a home Level 2 charger that allows full overnight recharging a must for anyone considering an EV. And no one should undertake a trip that exceeds about 80% of the maximum range without knowing where to find public charging stations along the route and crossing their fingers.
But buyers who can manage that will find the 2024 i4 to be one of the best EVs on the market at any price. The base eDrive35 starts at around $52,000 (slightly more for the 2025 version), is rated at a respectable 281 horsepower and 295 foot-pounds of torque, and delivers everything expected from a BMW, included a classy design with a practical fastback hatch, high quality construction, impeccable interior materials, and a wide range of advanced technologies.
The M50 version starts at $69,700, is rated at a more impressive 536 horsepower and 586 foot-pounds of torque, includes suspension upgrades that improves the ride and, naturally, better performance with the power supplied to all four wheels. My tester included numerous other M-related and other upgrades, bringing the total price to $87,845.
Although all EVs are considered relatively quick because maximum torque is instantly available, the i4 M50 was very easy to drive slowly through residential neighborhoods and busy downtown traffic. But acceleration is sudden when much pressure is applied to the pedal, although the silence and lack of vibrations make it easy to underestimate the speed.
Except in the most responsive Sport mode, which include a turbine-like soundtrack that mimics a traditional exhaust. Although some reviews are offended by it, I found the rising and falling spinning sound amusing, at least during the few times I used it. Yes, it's a gimmick, but so is the ambient lighting found in so many cars.
BMW considers the i4 a compact executive sedan, meaning it is relatively small but offers a lot of rear seat leg room, enhanced by the flat floor. Like even less expensive EVs these days, the interior features a large display, in this case a tasteful vertical screen instead of a tall horizontal one. The 14.9-inch touchscreen is integrated with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel across the top of the dash. Physical buttons help access basic controls and adjustments can be made by a large console-mounted dial. The result is as refined as any BMW should be.
I happened to receive the i4 for testing during an extended heat wave, when temperatures topped 100 degrees for several days. The air-conditioning was very strong and did not appear to drop the range much when turned on, which is much better than some other EVs that I’ve tested in hot weather. I wasn’t afraid to run it continuously, either, because I have a Level 2 charger at home. I did not need to do so very often, however, because the range is more than enough for a few days of normal driving.
The bulbous nose on current BMW sedans put me off when the design was first introduced a new years ago, but I’ve since gotten used to it, much like the shields on previous Acura’s and Lexus spindle grills. Other than that, anyone who can afford and has thought through buying a luxury performance EV sedan should consider the i4 M50 Gran Coupe, especially with the practical hatch disguised as attractive fastback styling.
2024 BMW i4 Gran Coupe
Base price: $52,200 (eDrive35)
Price as tested: $87,845 (M50)
Type: Compact executive EV hatchback sedan
Drivetrains: Single rear electric motor (281 hp, 295 lbs-ft); dual front and rear electric motors (536 hp, 586 lbs-ft – as tested)
Transmission: Single speed automatic
Drive modes: Eco Pro, Comfort, Sport
EPA estimated range: 227 miles (dual motor – as tested) to 307 (single motor)
EPA estimated economy: 79/80 MPGe to 122/119 MPGe to
Overall length: 188.5 inches
Curb weight: 5063 pounds
Final assembly: Munich, Germany
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