2022 BMW 2022 i4 eDrive: renowned luxury for the EV Lifestyle

BMW has combined its renowned class and luxury with the benefits of a pure electric in its 2022 i4 eDrive 40 Gran Coupe. With an EPA-estimated range of 300 miles, this eye-catching EV is a distinctive champion of the electric lifestyle. The Bavarian carmaker’s latest 5th-generation eDrive technology combines with BMW’s hallmark engineering to rewrite the rules for electric coupe performance driving.

By John Coulter

There are two trims; the i4 eDrive40 and the i4 M50.

Important facts about the pure electric i4 eDrive40:
• Starting MSRP is $55,400
• The xDrive50 is eligible for a $7,500 Federal Tax Credit
• Maximum horsepower is 335hp 
• The EV reaches 60mph in 5.5 seconds
• The 83.9kWh permanent magnet synchronous Lithium Ion battery provides a 300-mile range
• The battery is replenished up to 108 miles in 10 minutes
• The EV has a rear-mounted electric motor and rear-wheel drive
• Cargo space is 16.6 cubic feet with the rear seats up, 45.5 cubic feet with seats down

Important facts about the pure electric i4 M50:
• Starting MSRP is $65,900
• The xDrive50 is eligible for a $7,500 Federal Tax Credit
• Maximum horsepower is 536hp 
• The EV reaches 60mph in 3.7 seconds
• The 83.9kWh  permanent magnet synchronous Lithium Ion battery provides a 245-mile range
• The battery is replenished up to 88 miles in 10 minutes
• The EV has 2 electric motors, mounted on the front and rear axles, which create All Wheel Drive (AWD)
• Cargo space is 16.6 cubic feet with the rear seats up, 45.5 cubic feet with seats down

Says forbes.com reviewer Bill Howard about the 2022 eDrive 40: “The electric-drive BMW i4 is the four-door coupe from the 4 Series family, reimagined and re-engineered with electric motors in place of gasoline engines. The transplants work, and the patient not only survived but thrives with mind-boggling acceleration, handling and – here’s looking at you, Tesla Model 3 – real attention to quality control.”

Both trims come with two screens combined together to provide a display which stretches across 2/3rds of the cockpit. The instrument panel (digital guage cluster) is 14.9” wide and the center display for navigation, infotainment and apps is 12.3.” Non-reflective glass covers them and the seam is hidden by the steering wheel. The display of important driving data – navigation, speed and infotainment are projected in a convenient, easy-to-read format.

The iDrive cockpit control is now 20 years old – its the iDrive 8. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility are standard and display in the instrument panel as well as the infotainment panel. iDrive 8 allows control of the center display with touch, voice, control wheel, and gesture.

The M50 is $5,000 cheaper than the M4 gas version and its performance is close to identical. Remember when EV versions of a car were many thousands of dollars more than their gas-powered counterparts? That’s no longer the case!

Also take note that the Tesla Model 3 Performance is $59,190, with an estimated pure electric 315 miles. The i4 M50 MSRP is $55,400 and gets 300 estimated pure electric miles. Both BMW i4s qualify for up to a $7500 Federal Tax credit, while Tesla has used up its tax credit allocations.

Built for balance, the i4 M50 embraces BMW’s near-perfect 50/50 weight distribution for better balance and responsiveness. The EV’s low-slung battery decreases the center of gravity and improves body rigidity. The car’s suspension components, body panels and chassis are made from lightweight aluminum. The i4 M50 includes standard Adaptive M Suspension, M Sport Brakes, and M wheels – plus the distinctive designs and badging of BMW M.

BMW calls the 2022 i4 “the most aerodynamically BMW every built, with a finely designed rear diffuser and aerodynamic wheels in up to 19-inch diameter.” Both elegant Gran Coupes project strength and refinement in every detail. A long wheelbase, short overhangs and a flowing roofline define their exterior silhouettes.

Every BMW i4 comes equipped with the new Flexible Fast Charger. This portable device, compatible with any 120V or 240V outlet, delivers optimized charging wherever you go.

Says forbes.com reviewer Bill Howard says the 2022 i4 is “a fabulous sport sedan (coupe) with a lot of advantages. Performance is fantastic, the sounds are cool (really), iDrive works well for those who first read the manual, and this begins BMW’s serious transition to electrification beyond the vast network of plug-in hybrids among current BMW models. BMW has learned from its interim EVs such as the i3 small sedan and i8 super-sports car. Now it’s tackling the premium mainstream market. So far, so good.”  

WRITTEN NOVEMBER 2021