BMW i4 Review 2025: The Electric BMW That Finally Feels Like a BMW

You’ve tested a few electric cars. They’re quick, sure, but something always feels… off. Either the steering is numb, the cabin feels like an iPad showroom, or the range anxiety kicks in the moment you merge onto the highway. You want to go electric, but you don’t want to give up the feel of a proper driver’s car, or the quiet confidence of a premium German sedan.

That gap between "techy appliance" and "driver’s car" has been huge. And that’s exactly where the BMW i4 steps in.

The BMW i4 is BMW’s fully electric Gran Coupé, designed for people who want an EV that behaves like a BMW first and an electric car second. It’s built on the familiar 4 Series Gran Coupé silhouette, but underneath, it’s all-electric, with up to WLTP-rated long range, fast charging, and that trademark BMW chassis tuning that reviewers and owners keep talking about.

Why this specific model?

The BMW i4 isn’t trying to be a rolling gadget; it’s trying to be your everyday car that just happens to run on electrons. That’s the core appeal. Here’s what that means in the real world, based on current specs and widespread reviews from owners and automotive media:

• Familiar shape, new heart: The i4 shares its sleek Gran Coupé body with BMW’s combustion 4 Series, so it looks like a low, elegant sports sedan rather than a futuristic pod. You’re not announcing "early adopter" every time you park.
• Multiple personalities: In most markets, the lineup centers around versions like the i4 eDrive35/eDrive40 (single-motor rear-wheel drive) and the i4 M50 (dual-motor all-wheel drive performance model). The RWD versions focus on comfort and range; the M50 goes all-in on power and traction.
• Real-world range and efficiency: Owners from the US, UK, and EU on forums and Reddit repeatedly mention that the i4 can achieve close to its rated range in mixed driving, especially the rear-drive versions with the larger battery. In practice, that makes it a genuine long-distance EV, not just a city car.
• Driver-focused dynamics: Reviews consistently highlight the balance between comfort and control. The steering is sharper than many rivals, body control is tight, and the car feels planted at speed – very much in line with BMW’s reputation.
• BMW tech, not tech for tech’s sake: The latest iDrive with curved display, connected navigation, driver assistance and over-the-air updates bring it up to today’s digital expectations, but the layout still feels like a car first, gadget second.

Put simply: this is one of the first EVs that many traditional BMW drivers say they could happily daily-drive without feeling like they compromised their identity as "car people."

At a Glance: The Facts

Exact numbers vary slightly by market and configuration, but here are the headline characteristics that shape the BMW i4 experience, translated into everyday benefits:

Feature	User Benefit
Fully electric Gran Coupé with rear- or all-wheel drive	Choice between efficiency-focused long-range cruising and high-grip performance, all with zero local emissions.
High-capacity lithium-ion battery with fast DC charging capability	Long-distance travel with the ability to add significant range in a short highway charging stop, reducing range anxiety.
BMW chassis tuning with low center of gravity	Stable, confident cornering and a planted feel, even when driving quickly on winding roads or at Autobahn speeds.
Curved BMW display and latest iDrive infotainment	Modern, visually striking dashboard with intuitive access to navigation, media, and vehicle settings.
Gran Coupé body style with hatch-style tailgate	Sporty sedan looks with the practicality of a large opening trunk, making luggage and everyday cargo easier to load.
Comprehensive driver assistance and connectivity features	Helps reduce fatigue on long journeys and keeps the car updated and connected for navigation and services.
BMW build quality and premium interior finish	Quiet, refined cabin that feels solid and upscale for commuting, road trips, and everyday use.

What Users Are Saying

Across Reddit, owner forums, and user reviews, a clear consensus emerges: the BMW i4 hits a sweet spot between traditional BMW dynamics and modern EV practicality. But it’s not flawless. Here’s the honest snapshot of sentiment.

Common praises:

• Driving feel: Owners frequently describe the i4 as "the first EV that feels like a BMW." The steering weight, chassis balance, and low center of gravity earn strong praise, especially on the M50 version.
• Acceleration: Even the single-motor variants feel more than quick enough for daily driving, while the dual-motor performance version delivers instant, effortless overtakes that many report as "addictive."
• Real-world efficiency: Many drivers report that in mixed driving, the i4 achieves respectable efficiency and range, often close to WLTP/official claims in moderate weather, particularly with the rear-drive trims.
• Interior and comfort: The seats, materials, and sound insulation receive high marks. The cabin feels familiar to BMW owners, premium without being overly minimalistic.

Common complaints:

• Firm ride on some configurations: Several owners mention that with larger wheels or on the performance model, the ride can be firmer than some competitors, especially over poor road surfaces.
• Trunk and rear space: While the hatchback opening is practical, rear headroom and space aren’t as generous as some more upright EVs; the sleek roofline has a price.
• Pricing and options: A recurring theme: the base price can climb quickly once you start adding desirable packages and larger batteries or higher trims.
• Charging network (region-dependent): In areas where non-Tesla infrastructure is still developing, some owners note that the car is excellent but the public charging experience can still lag behind.

Overall sentiment skews strongly positive, particularly among those coming from older BMW 3 and 4 Series who wanted to modernize without abandoning the BMW feel.

It’s also worth noting that BMW AG, the manufacturer behind the i4 and listed under ISIN: DE0005190003, has decades of experience in building premium vehicles, and many buyers cite that long-term engineering heritage as part of their decision.

Alternatives vs. BMW i4

The premium mid-size EV space is crowded now – and that’s good news for you. Here’s how the BMW i4 typically stacks up against popular alternatives conceptually:

• Versus Tesla Model 3 / Model Y: Tesla often wins on fast-charging network convenience and software-centric features. The BMW i4 counters with a more traditional premium interior, a quieter and more refined ride, and driving dynamics that many enthusiasts prefer. If you prioritize the supercharger ecosystem above all else, Tesla has an edge; if you care more about feel and finish, the i4 pushes ahead.
• Versus Polestar 2: Both position themselves as design-forward, driver-focused EVs. The Polestar 2 leans into Scandinavian minimalism and Android-based infotainment, while the i4 feels more like a classic sport sedan. Many reviewers consider the BMW stronger in range and performance options, with the Polestar appearing as a stylish alternative with a different design philosophy.
• Versus Mercedes-Benz EQE / EQE SUV: Mercedes tends to lean into comfort, isolation, and futuristic cabins. The BMW i4 sacrifices a bit of that lounge-like feel in exchange for more engagement behind the wheel, plus a smaller footprint that can be easier to live with in cities.
• Versus Hyundai Ioniq 6 / Kia EV6: These offer excellent efficiency and fast charging, sometimes at lower prices. However, the BMW badge, interior ambience, and signature handling still make the i4 feel more like a traditional premium sports sedan.

If your priorities are: "I want my EV to feel like a genuine driver’s car with a high-quality cabin," the i4 quickly climbs toward the top of the list.

Final Verdict

The BMW i4 is for the person who’s been quietly frustrated by the EV revolution. You don’t want a tablet on wheels. You don’t want a car that feels like it was designed by a smartphone company. You want something that turns every commute into a small event, yet fades into the background when you just need to get things done.

That’s exactly what the i4 delivers: the calm quiet of electric driving, the instant torque that makes merging and overtaking effortless, wrapped in the familiar, slightly understated elegance of a BMW Gran Coupé. It feels special without shouting, modern without gimmicks.

Is it perfect? No. The ride can be firm depending on spec, rear space isn’t limousine-like, and pricing – especially with options – will push it into full premium territory. And, as with any non-Tesla EV, your experience will depend heavily on the charging infrastructure where you live.

But if you’ve been waiting for an electric car that feels less like a compromise and more like a natural evolution of the sport sedan you already love, the BMW i4 should be very high on your test-drive list. It doesn’t just make going electric acceptable; it makes it genuinely desirable.

For more detailed specifications and configurations, it’s worth exploring BMW’s official pages, including the dedicated BMW i4 overview and the broader BMW Group site, to see how this model fits into the brand’s expanding electric lineup.