Mike Hagerty
Oct 20, 20232 min
Yes, the headline says "2022". Sometimes, a manufacturer will still have last year's model in the press fleet, especially if there are no changes, or very minor changes, to a vehicle. We drove this one in August of 2023, when most manufacturers were rolling out the '24s.
But that's not important now.
Want to own an EV but not answer all the questions or put up with the static from haters? As I outlined in my review of the BMW i4 M50, BMW's offering EV buyers a choice: Some electrics that scream "I'm different" (the iX being a prime example) and some that look just like their gasoline-powered counterparts.
In this case, the i4 is a zero-emissions version of the 4 Series Gran Coupe.
While the BMW i4 M50 I reviewed in September of 2022 was a hot rod (the M performance badge means that car gets 536 horsepower from its dual electric motors), the i4 eDrive40 makes do with 201 fewer ponies.
Still, all electrics are quick, and this 335-horsepower, rear-wheel drive BMW is no slouch---with 0-60 sprints taking just 4.8 seconds. Range per charge? 282.
Inside, the only clues that you're in the electric version are the full-width screen and the start/stop button, which is blue instead of red.
The base price of the 2022 BMW i4 eDrive40 is----irrelevant. You're not gonna find one at the dealer. So let's spec a 2024 using BMW's consumer "build it" tool. Base price is $58,295 including destination.
Standard at that price---navigation, auto-dimming mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, and what BMW calls a "HiFi" sound system (no shade, it's good, it's just an antiquated term).
As we've noted in most BMW reviews, it's from here that the price can run up very quickly. Extra-cost options on our tester included the Tanzanite Blue II metallic paint ($1,500), the Dynamic Handling Package---adaptive M suspension and sport brakes--- ($1,750), the Drivers Assistance Pro Package---extended traffic jam assistant and active driving assistant pro--- ($1,700), the Shadowline Package---M Shadowline lights and extended trim--- ($400), the M Sport Package---variable sport steering--- ($2,400), the Parking Assistance Package ($700), the Premium Package---heated steering wheel, lumbar support, heated front seats and ambient lighting--- ($950), Iconic Sounds Electric ($100), wireless device charging ($200), in-car 5G ($300) a curved display with HUD ($1,000) and an upgraded Harman Kardon surround sound system ($875).
Only Porsche can pack 'em better than BMW, and the bottom line on the i4 leaps to $70,170.
That's actually higher than the base price of the i4 M50 for 2024, but you'll play the same option game with that car, too---and end up somewhere in the $80,000-plus range.
That's not to say you couldn't exercise some restraint on the options and end up with a very satisfying i4 for $65,000-ish---and just figure never buying gasoline again, plus some not insignificant maintenance savings, are helping you pay for it.