The 2022 #BMW i4 full review is sponsored by NordPass! Get an exclusive NordPass deal plus 1 additional month for FREE here: https://nordpass.com/rbr or use code 'rbr' at the checkout!

Don’t you think we have too many #EV’s trying to look like Buzz Lightyear’s spaceship? Like BMW’s own IX SUV. Isn’t it great then, that BMW took a normal looking car like the 4 Series GranCoupe, ripped out the combustion engine, and shoved in their latest and greatest EV drive components from the IX and I7 into it - with almost no discernible trade off?! In a world of stupid looking EVs, the i4 is very simply a sporty BMW sedan - one with that typical focus on driving enjoyment and luxury - that just happens to be electric, with good range.

Our car today is a Brooklyn Grey BMW G26 i4 eDrive40 M Sport with #BMWM Sport Pro Package - the longest name they could think of for the entry level RWD gran coupe. Today I’ll explain what powers both the edrive40 and the i4 M50, and then we’ll see how the car drives and if it truly is the electric bimmer we’ve been waiting for.

Now what they’ve done to electrify a 4 series? Amazingly the body in white is the same as our standard 4 Series, it doesn’t use the fancy aluminium space frame with “Carbon Cage” that the IX uses. Like the IX and new I7 - It features BMW’s 5th Generation E Drive technology. This unit combines electric motor, power electronics and transmission in one unit - this saves space and gives far improved power output given it’s size. Unlike most EVs like the Taycan or Mercedes models which use the same basic principle of Permanently Excited Electric Motors - The i4 uses an electrically excited motor, so doesn’t require rare earths in order to use magnets, and BMW says the power density is thus also high.

This all runs by a single speed transmission in the same housing, and a 83.9KW battery at the heart — one shared by both variants of this car. Overall they both have a lower centre of gravity than the 3 Series, helping negate some of that extra weight. FYI, it weighs in at 2122KG, almost identical to the RWD Taycan.

Our eDrive40 is Pure RWD - with one of those motors on the rear. It produces 340 BHP all made by the rear motor, with 430NM and a slow sprint to 60 of 5.5 seconds. More crucially, 365miles WLTP range - which we measure in reality of 320miles.

The I4 M50 has xdrive, so has an additional motor on the front, producing 255, and a less powerful rear motor with 308. Making altogether a potent 544 BHP! Torque is a massive 795NM and the overboots allows a launch control of 3.7 seconds; range way less at 318 miles WLTP. The Xdrive system adds weight, at 150KG more - 2276KG. Also, that figure is only temporary in Sport Boost mode, with the normal figure being less at 476BHP.

For the suspension, we have specific chassis tech for the i4 with an aluminium sheer panel and multiple struts and our front axle subframe with a fixed connection to the battery case. to help with rigidity, and the M50 get an additional aluminium brace between the front suspension too. The i4 has Steel springs on the front AND air suspension as standard on the rear.

Our car today has the M Sport Pro Pack which gives all the best goodies of the M50, like adaptive M suspension, variable steering, and M sport brakes - meaning we’ll get to see the best of what the eDrive40 has to offer! IB integrated brake system as we saw on the M3. Helps both brake feel and stopping power and can recoup energy at up to 195KW too.

Iconic Sounds is standard, by Hans Zimmer - will show you the comfort and sport sounds, as well as start up/turn off. Some good work here by BMW. On design: It’s funny how BMW is the company that can make the ugly IX, can also make a totally normal looking EV! I’m glad it exists. Will compare it to the m440i, show you the i4 m performance parts and what a future M4 Electric car could look like!

So, this i4 is 63K as spec’d - the 430i Gran Coupe is just over £50,000, but has way less power at 242bhp. The Taycan, much more at 20K plus! Does this car do everything we need from a modern sports sedan ev? Let’s find out today!!


Up next on on RBR is the new BMW M240i review and MUCH MUCH More!! Subscribe to support us and see it first. :)

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Driving disclaimer:

Please note all driving shots have been filmed either by professionals in a safe environment, or on closed roads. Please drive safely.