BMW i4 Expert Review

The i4 is the all-electric derivative of the 4 Series Gran Coupe (not sold here), which itself is the four-door coupe version of the 3 Series. The i4 has a classic, long-bonneted BMW sedan silhouette. The oversized kidney grille is polarising but actually looks better in person. A flowing roofline, frameless windows and a high-deck boot add to the i4’s glamour quotient. The optional M Performance kit that brings stylised bumpers and 18-inch wheels does wonders for the i4’s look.
 

Blue accents subtly hint at the i4’s electric nature. The curved display with a 14.9-inch touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital dials adds a modern vibe. The touchscreen is slick and supported by a rotary controller, though climate controls being screen-only is a hassle.
Material quality is high, with open-pore wood and synthetic leather giving the cabin a plush feel. Front seats offer excellent support. At the back, however, the low roofline and high centre tunnel make the space feel tight. The knees-up posture from the battery placement doesn’t help either. Boot space is a useful 470 litres, though a spare tyre uses much of the available space.

The i4 eDrive40 gets a 340hp and 430Nm, rear-mounted motor that can power the BMW from 0-100kph in 5.7sec. It is quick but what makes the i4 really likeable is the nice progression to the power delivery. It gives you its all only when you ask for it. 

Being an EV, the i4 runs quiet and the cabin is also well insulated from ambient noise.

The i4’s 83.9kWh battery enables a WLTP range of 590km, with 400km+ achievable in real-world conditions. Charging options are ample; the included 11kW wallbox takes 8.5 hours for a full charge, and there’s also support for up to 205kW DC charging. 

Ride comfort is impressive, with damping tuned just right. But with only 125mm of clearance, large speed breakers need extra caution. Still, the i4 handles like a proper BMW—agile and well balanced, with its low centre of gravity helping mask its weight.

The i4 is well-kitted with LED headlights, ambient lighting, a sunroof, three-zone climate control, powered seats with memory, and a 17-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. Misses include a 360-degree camera, keyless entry and ADAS.

At Rs 69.9 lakh (ex-showroom), the i4 is priced in sporty sedan territory. Stylish, powerful and offering ample range, the i4 does offer enough to draw you away from a like-priced petrol sedan.