ON TEST: BMW i4
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i4 leads BMW charge as it switches to electric motoring Andrew Walker takes a spin in BMW’s latest electric sensation, the i4, and reckons the Germans have got pretty much everything right As 2021 ended, BMW was firmly focused on the electric car sector, with the launch of two new models, the iX and the i4. We got to spend some time in both, beginning with the i4. It’s an electric five-door coupe based on the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe. While many brands are launching electric cars that look different, BMW is mixing its responses up. So, while the iX premium SUV look very different from all that has gone before it, the i4 looks just like a 4 Series Gran Coupe and, in our opinion, is all the better for it. It’s pitched in a competitive sector alongside the Tesla Model 3, Polestar 2 and Jaguar I-Pace, but comes with so much of BMW’s traditional class and premium touches that it is an immediate contender for your cash. Two versions are offered, starting with the i4 eDrive40, which we tested. The 40 has a single electric motor driving the rear wheels only. It’s still impressively rapid though, with 340hp and 430Nm of torque and will go from 0-62mph in 5.7 seconds. Top speed is limited to 118mph. Entry level Sport costs £51,905, while our test model M Sport retails at £53,905. The more powerful M50 version starts at £63,905.
(£3,800), a Technology Pack (£3,800) and an M Sport Pro Pack (another £2,500).The i4 is also available with a selection of up to 40 driver assistance functions. Battery range Taking advantage of heat pump technology as well as excess heat from the electric motors, the i4 features improved heating efficiency, which BMW claims can improve driving range by up to 15 per cent in cold weather. It all goes to help BMW claim a range of 556km/345 miles for the 40 M Sport, with an economy of 17.kWh per 100km/62miles.
Charging All versions of the i4 are equipped with a 205kW DC charger, meaning charging from empty to 80 per cent is just 35 minutes. However, at home it’s more likely you’ll be using a 7kWh AC charger like our own Rolec, so expect 0-100% to take 13 hours.
Exterior You’d be hard pressed to tell the difference between an i4 and a 4 Series Gran Coupe. The front kidney grille is finished in black plastic, you get aerodynamic alloy wheels, some blue ‘electric’ highlights and there’s no exhaust pipes at the rear. That’s about it.
Specs and extras Standard equipment on entry level i4 Sport 40, includes air con, a reversing camera, 18” alloys, Shadow Line exterior trim and heated front seats. Our M-Sport added lightweight 18” alloys, M Sport exterior styling, an M Sport leather steering wheel, BMW Shadow Line lights, sun protection glass and M Sport seat belts. As ever with BMW, you can quickly put £10,000 on the price by adding equipment packs. For example, our test car was finished in a rather stunning Sanremo Green (at an extra cost of £695) and included a Visibility pack
Interior and infotainment Things are more interesting inside the i4. While it’s very BMW familiar, the dashboard is dominated by the curved twin screens which are joined seamlessly in front of you. A 14.9” infotainment screen and a 12.3” screen that features the digital dials, which along with the head-up display, are customisable. The graphics are sharp, response is quick and the fact you can scroll left and right on the screen itself, as well as via the rotary controller located between the front seats, also make it easy to use. It’s all powered by the latest BMW
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Operating System 8, which can also be utilised through voice gestures. The i4 benefits from BMW’s impressive build quality, with all surfaces beautifully finished; they are a million times better than the inside of a Model 3. The steering wheel and switchgear will be familiar to existing BMW customers and overall, it’s a comforting environment to be in. Practicality There’s plenty of room inside for four adults. Unlike most EVs the rear floor features a ‘transmission’ tunnel, limiting the centre seat’s leg room. This actually contains extra batteries to complement the larger battery located under the floor plan. Cabin storage is okay, with two cup holders in front of the gear lever, twin USBs, under armrest storage and generous door pockets. Rear passengers get their own climate controls and twin USBs. Boot space is 470 litres with the rear seats in place, which increases to 1,290 litre with them folded. The floor is flat, with two extra storage spaces on either side and cargo nets to prevent slippage. There’s space under the boot floor for storing charging cables. What’s it like to drive? When it comes to sporty saloons, BMW’s ‘Ultimate Driving Machine’ moniker has left it with very little wriggle room. Happily, the i4 continues to show why BMW invariably gets this right, even with an electric car. Continued on page 30 www.companycarandvan.co.uk
