2025 BMW i4 Reviews
The BMW i4 is an electric sedan that avoids exaggeration and instead focuses on melding the brand’s legacy of producing refined, engaging sedans with cutting-edge EV technology. Sharing some foundational elements and design cues with the esteemed 3 Series and 4 Series Gran Coupe, the four-door i4 showcases its electric status as an enhancement rather than a compromise. We agree, as the i4 has earned a spot on our Editors’ Choice List. Available in four variants, the i4 ranges from the base rear-drive eDrive35 with 282 horsepower to the all-wheel-drive M50 delivering a robust 536 horsepower.
All i4 models feature a well-balanced chassis and a comfortable ride, though some critiques highlight a lack of steering feel and feedback in our long-term i4 xDrive40. The interior maintains BMW’s high standards, with a sleek and functional infotainment and instrument screen offering vibrant colors and high resolution without dominating the cabin. Coupled with its stylish four-door design, practical liftback hatch, and a variety of options and color choices, the i4 stands out as a noteworthy contender in its segment, regardless of its powertrain.
What’s New for 2025
The 2025 BMW i4 is the all-electric counterpart to the impressive 4 Series Gran Coupe, offering a maximum range of 307 miles and a starting price around $53,500.
BMW’s electric lineup continues to impress, with the luxurious i7 sedan, the outstanding i5 sedan, and now the dynamic i4 Gran Coupe. The i4 delivers the driving excitement you’d expect from a BMW, coupled with user-friendly and highly effective technology. Its build quality and materials remain top-notch, and BMW’s commitment to sustainability is evident in practices like using hydro-electric power at their battery production facility.
The gasoline-powered BMW 4 Series is reviewed separately.
Introduced in 2022, the i4 sees updates this year, including slimmer headlights, new Laserlight technology in the taillights, fresh paint color options, and a standard matte chrome surround for the double-kidney grille.
2025 BMW i4 Pricing
The 2025 BMW i4 starts at $53,975, with the high-performance i4 M50 priced from $71,875.
| MSRP | |
|---|---|
| eDrive35 | $53,975 |
| eDrive40 | $59,075 |
| xDrive40 | $63,475 |
| M50 | $71,875 |
Among competitors, the Tesla Model 3 is the most affordable, starting around $42,000. The Polestar 2 is priced closer to $51,500. While comparing a BMW to a Kia may seem unconventional, the electric vehicle market operates differently. The Kia EV6, starting at about $43,000, is a strong contender and offers great value. However, the BMW badge does carry added prestige.
Power, Ride, and Handling
The i4 xDrive40 features a motor on each axle, delivering a combined 396 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque. This setup allows the i4 to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.9 seconds, though it often feels even quicker in practice. For comparison, the Tesla Model 3 Performance, with its 510 horsepower, claims a 0-60 mph time of 2.9 seconds and is priced lower than the xDrive40. The Polestar 2 Long Range, with 421 horsepower, reaches 60 mph in 4.3 seconds.
BMW’s signature balanced weight distribution is retained in the i4, enhanced by the battery’s low placement, which lowers the center of gravity. The M50 model features a sport-tuned adaptive suspension that further optimizes handling and performance.
The M50 is particularly engaging to drive, boasting 536 horsepower and 586 lb-ft of torque, propelling it to 60 mph in a remarkable 3.7 seconds. This performance rivals that of the BMW M3, but with additional power, all-wheel drive, zero emissions, and a lower price.
Selectable driving modes—Eco Pro, Comfort, and Sport—offer distinct driving experiences, each with its own sound profile. Eco Pro is the quietest, Comfort adds a subtle whoosh, and Sport provides a jet-like soundtrack that increases in volume and pitch with speed. If desired, these sound effects can be turned off.
Tech-Rich Interior
The i4’s interior is dominated by the Curved Display, a sleek one-piece unit that combines a 12.3-inch digital driver instrument cluster with a 14.9-inch infotainment screen.
The cabin minimizes physical controls while maintaining high-quality materials. Unlike some new models that have replaced traditional shifters with buttons, the i4 retains a lever, albeit with a modern twist. Standard features include sport front seats upholstered in perforated simulated leather and a 2-spoke polygonal steering wheel for the 2025 model year.
Rear legroom measures 34.2 inches, reflecting the i4’s compact size. It compares well to the Tesla Model 3 and Polestar 2, though the Kia EV6 offers more rear legroom at 39 inches.
The i4’s trunk space is modest at 10 cubic feet, but the 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats provide added versatility. For comparison, the Polestar 2 offers 13 cubic feet, the Model 3 has 19.8 cubic feet, and the EV6 surpasses them all with 24.4 cubic feet.
Gran Coupe Exterior
The i4 retains a strong resemblance to the combustion-powered 4 Series, including a rear-fender charging socket similar to a fuel filler. It features a 4-door hatchback body like the 4 Series Gran Coupe but includes distinct design elements such as flush-fitting door handles for improved aerodynamics, a grille primarily for sensors and cameras, uniquely designed side mirrors, and blue accents around the BMW badges. The absence of exhaust pipes also sets it apart.
For 2025, updates include slimmer LED headlights, revised taillights with optional Laserlight technology for an “intricate light graphic,” and new metallic paint colors like Cape York Green and Vegas Red.
Range and Charging
Keep in mind that wheel size impacts the i4’s range. For instance, the entry-level eDrive35 achieves a range of 276 miles with 18-inch wheels, but this drops to 252 miles with 19-inch wheels.
The eDrive40 can travel 301 miles on 18-inch wheels, or 283 miles with 19-inch alloys. The xDrive40 extends its range to 307 miles on 18s, but drops to 279 miles on 19s. The M50 offers 269 miles on 19-inch wheels and 227 miles on 20-inch wheels.
Larger wheels tend to result in a slightly harsher ride, so those seeking the maximum range might also enjoy a smoother ride with smaller wheels.
For comparison, the Tesla Model 3 offers a maximum range of 341 miles, the Polestar 2 provides 320 miles, and the Kia EV6 achieves 310 miles.
The BMW i4 can charge from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes using a 180 kW DC fast charger, similar to the Polestar 2. The Tesla Model 3 charges slightly faster, in about 25 to 30 minutes, while the Kia EV6 can charge in just 18 minutes.
4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty
BMW’s new-vehicle and powertrain warranties last for four years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first—standard among luxury European vehicles. The battery warranty extends to eight years or 100,000 miles. Additionally, BMW provides roadside assistance for the first four years with unlimited mileage.
Safety Ratings
The i4 has not yet been crash-tested by U.S. agencies. However, it comes equipped with a range of standard safety features, including forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking (for city speeds), pedestrian and cyclist detection, active blind-spot detection, lane-departure warning, and an acoustic warning for pedestrians, due to the lack of engine or exhaust noise.
