BMW i4 Blends Sharp Handling With Silent Speed Like No Other

Plenty of manufacturers have launched electric saloons in recent years, but few have managed to make one that feels as naturally planted behind the wheel as the BMW i4. This is a car that wears its battery-powered drivetrain lightly, delivering the kind of composed, driver-focused experience that BMW has built its reputation on for decades. Whether you are carving through a set of B-road bends or quietly devouring motorway miles, the i4 feels every bit as sharp and polished as its combustion-powered siblings, and that is no small achievement for a car weighing north of two tonnes.

Three powertrain options cover a wide range of performance. The rear-driven eDrive35 puts out 282 bhp and covers the 0 to 62 mph sprint in a flat six seconds, while the eDrive40 lifts output to 335 bhp and shaves that time to a brisk 5.6 seconds. For those who want genuinely startling straight-line pace, the twin-motor M60 delivers 593 bhp to all four wheels and dispatches the same benchmark in just 3.9 seconds, enough to trouble a good number of dedicated sports cars. What impresses most, though, is the refinement. The i4 proved to be one of the quietest electric saloons on test, even against the improved Tesla Model 3, with wind and road noise kept firmly in check across all driving conditions.

Through the corners, the i4 genuinely surprises. Despite carrying significant battery weight in its floor, the low centre of gravity sits 53 millimetres beneath that of a 3 Series saloon, which helps the car change direction with precision and confidence that feels genuinely rewarding. Steering is direct and communicative, grip levels are high, and there is no trace of the nose-heavy push that plagues some heavier electric rivals. Adaptive suspension, available on M Sport models and standard on the M60, adds another layer of versatility, allowing drivers to toggle between a softer comfort setting that absorbs broken surfaces and a firmer sport mode that tightens the whole car up for faster roads.

Real-world usability is another strong suit. Every version of the i4 officially exceeds 300 miles of electric range, with the eDrive40 stretching to a claimed 380 miles on a full charge. Charging speeds top out at 207 kW on the larger-battery models, meaning a 10 to 80 per cent session takes just over half an hour at a compatible rapid charger. A standard heat pump across the range helps preserve range in colder weather, which is a thoughtful inclusion that keeps the car practical year-round. The hatchback tailgate also gives the i4 a genuine edge over rivals like the Tesla Model 3 and Hyundai Ioniq 6 when it comes to loading luggage, with 470 litres of boot space expanding to 1,290 litres with the rear seats folded.

Inside, the cabin follows BMW’s familiar recipe of high-quality materials, solid construction and intuitive technology. The curved dual-screen display pairs a 12.3-inch instrument cluster with a 14.9-inch central touchscreen, and the retention of the iDrive clickwheel gives the i4 a tactile advantage over rivals that have gone fully touch-based. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integrate seamlessly into the system, and the standard kit is generous even on the entry-level Sport trim. The i4 earned four out of five stars from Euro NCAP, falling just short of the maximum due to a handful of specific criticisms, though standard driver assistance systems are comprehensive. For anyone seeking an electric saloon that drives with genuine soul, looks quietly handsome on the road and never feels like a compromise, the BMW i4 remains a tremendously compelling package.