In the most recent example of how BMW labels its models, the lengthy name of the new i4 EV tells you that it is all-wheel drive (xDrive versus the rear-wheel drive eDrive models) and the middle of the range in power (compared to the base RWD eDrive 40 and top-end M50.) Essentially, it is a less-powerful version of the AWD M50, in terms of drivetrain and performance.
What that all means, is the i4 xDrive 40 has two motors, one on each axle, generating a total of 396 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque, which in turn yields a zero-to-100 km/h time under five seconds. Which for most people is plenty powerful and quick. Of course, power and the non-consumption of petroleum products are the expected part of the EV equation; it is the rest of this or any car that needs further description.
The i4 is conceptually the EV version of a 4-Series Gran Coupe, BMW-speak for a 3-Series hatchback sedan, and indeed, it is hard to tell them apart at first glance. Apart from the rather controversial front-end design, the i4 is fairly non-descript, with smooth body surfacing and not a lot of “look at me” personality. BMW has gone quite conservative in styling.
The same might be said for the interior, which, if a bit austere, is obviously of very high quality. The front seats are, as we have come to expect, very supportive in all the right places, including under-thigh. They (and the steering wheel) are not heated, unless you have specified the Premium Essential Package, which now appears to be included with the Premium Enhanced Package, all for only $9,250.
So to get heated seats, you also had better want H/K Surround Sound Audio, alarm system, electric seats, tire pressure monitoring, and several other technological features. Most of them, you will want to have, so figure on adding $9,250 right on the top of the $69,900 base price.
Facing the driver is what has become expected in new higher-end cars, a sweeping screen that reaches two-thirds of the way across the dashboard. In front is the instrument panel, of course, and the i-Drive-controlled touch screen is in the middle. Navigating through the various system menus was easy and logical, something that wasn’t the case in its earlier versions several years ago.
Making the i4 an even more practical sedan is that it is a hatchback with folding rear seats, so there is much flexibility in dealing with cargo. On the other hand, there is no storage area (frunk) under the hood. As for the rear seats as places for people…well, this is a compact sedan, and with the front seats most or all the way back, there is little room for the legs of the occupants.
The other major option package on our tester was the M Sport package, which includes 19-inch wheels shod with 255/40-19 (rear) and 245/40-19 (front) Michelin Pilot Sport 4 summer performance tires, fat leather steering wheel, aerodynamic trim, and larger sport brakes. It’s tempting to say that you could probably do without this stuff, but it all costs only $2,500, and gives a bit more of a performance image and capabilities to what is otherwise a mainstream BMW, with such a “quiet” personality.
Driving the i4 is not a revalation in an EV sense, as instant torque of 443 lb-ft means it pulls strongly. But, of course, a BMW must be more, and the i4 is. On cold winter streets and highways, we couldn’t explore its handling as much as we’d have liked to, but the feeling is one of easy handling and flat cornering with the unmistakable BMW “feel”, which is quite an accomplishment given this car weighs 2,290 kg (over 5,000 lb!).
The driver can choose from among three driving modes – Sport, Comfort and Eco Pro, much like the gas versions. In Sport mode, you will be glad for the M Sport package, as the i4 is a very agile and eager sedan. BMW claims a 494-km range on a full charge; we saw as much as 433 km on cold winter days.
Our tester had a few other options, like the paint and some trim items, and the bottom line was $85,300. It’s fair to say that that price is towards the upper end of comparable two-motor EV sedans, but you can always expect to pay a premium for a luxury brand like BMW. As an added bonus, you would have confirmation of the i4’s overall excellence in that it has just been named the Canadian Electric Car of the Year by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada.
