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BMW i4 Overview
The 2023 BMW i4 is a massively important car for the Bavarian brand. Not only is it BMW’s first electric sedan but it’s also its current entry-level electric vehicles, making it the electric BMW that most customers will buy. If it’s a great car, it will be a massive hit among BMW customers. BMW’s ability to take on Tesla and Lucid rides on the BMW i4’s success, so BMW needs it to do well. If you’re interesting in putting a BMW i4 in your driveway or garage, there are a few things you should know. So let’s break down the 2022 BMW i4 Gran Coupe so you know what to get when you buy one.
Price for BMW i4 Models
The most important thing that matter is price — can I afford the BMW i4? There are two models current offered by BMW; the entry-level BMW i4 eDrive40 and the high-performance BMW i4 M50. The former starts at $55,400, while the latter starts at $$65,900.
For the BMW i4 eDrive40, an M Sport package, which brings 19″ wheels, Shadowline black exterior trim, and an M Sport steering wheel; costs $2,400. If you want an upgraded paint color, it costs $550, but if you want an especially cool color, it’ll cost you $1,500. There are three different standard interior options but if you want an upgrade, it will cost you $1,450.
However, for the BMW i4 M50, it lacks an M Sport package, due to the fact that it’s already an M Performance car. You can still get Shadowline black trim, though, to black out the Cerium grey highlights.
Another exciting electric BMW coming in 2023 is the BMW i4 eDrive35. The entry-level i4 uses a single electrically-excited synchronous motor delivering 281 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque sent to the rear wheels. BMW estimates a 0 to 60 mph time of just 5.8 seconds.
The BMW i4 eDrive35 is powered by high-voltage batteries with an energy content of 70.2 kWh gross and 66 kWh net. When fitted with the standard 18-inch aero wheels, the i4 eDrive35 is expected to deliver an EPA range of about 260 miles (estimated range of up to 260 miles according to preliminary BMW AG tests based on the EPA’s test procedure standards).
Utilizing DC fast charging, the batteries can be charged at a rate of up to 180 kW and, based on early testing, owners can expect to be able to charge the HV battery from 10% to 80% in only 32 minutes.
Release Date
Both the 2023 BMW i4 40 and i4 M50 are available to order in the US market. While I’m not sure which models are/aren’t available in all markets, both are now available to order in Europe as well. Deliveries for the BMW i4 will begin March 2022 in the US.
Electric Range for BMW i4 Models
Despite having different prices, power, and motor count, both the BMW i4 eDrive40 and i4 M50 have the same battery pack, a 83.9 kWh gross battery, with 81.5 kWh net. The less powerful BMW i4 40, with its single rear-mounted electric motor, makes 335 horsepower. If you opt for the more powerful BMW i4 M50, you get two electric motors, one at each axle, and 536 horsepower. BMW i4 eDrive40 has an EPA range of 301 miles when equipped with 18-inch wheels and 282 miles when equipped with 19-inch wheels. The more powerful and M-tuned BMW i4 M50 is rated on the EPA range at 270 miles when equipped with 19-inch wheels and 227 miles when equipped with 20-inch wheels.
Both cars have a max charging speed of 200 kW, which allows the BMW i4 40 to add another 102 miles of range to its battery in just ten minutes. As for the i4 M50, ten minutes gets you 87 miles.
Infotainment System And Technology
The 2023 BMW i4 come with iDrive 8 and a brand new digital instrument cluster and an infotainment screen. The curved display is composed of two separate screens measuring 14.9 inches and 12.3 inches, respectively. The standard head-up display is integrated flush into the surface of the instrument panel. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also standard in the BMW i4. Interior tech also includes a standard 10-speaker sound system. An optional 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system is available.
Should I Buy a BMW i4?
If you want one, then you should probably order one now. The first batch of BMW i4 units set for the US has already sold out. So if you want one, you’re going to have to get in on the second round of production, so you’re going to want to order as soon as possible.
The 2023 BMW i4 Drive35 comes with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $51,400, plus a destination charge.
The 2023 i4 eDrive40 starts at $59,899 and the 2023 BMW i4 M50 is $67,300. There’s a change of rules in 2023 regarding which electric vehicles qualify for a $7,500 federal tax credit. The 2023 BMW i4 do not qualify for the tax credit. BMW also includes two years of free 30-minute charging sessions using the Electrify America network.
State incentives might apply. For example, New York’s Drive Clean Rebate scheme offers $500.
BMW i4 FAQ
Deliveries of the i4 started in March 2022. Delivery times may vary dependent on when your pre-order was placed and when your vehicle has been configured with your selected BMW Center. But definitely expect at least a few weeks of wait time for a new BMW i4.
The new IRA law eliminates tax credits for vehicles not assembled in North America, including the BMW i4.
BMW i4 takes pride in offering a design that look similar to the regular BMW 4 Series. Also, starting at $51,400, the BMW i4 offers a great value for the money. And if you buy the BMW i4 M50, then you’re getting top performance worthy of an M car.
You can’t charge your BMW i4 at a Tesla Supercharger.
S customers who buy a 2022 BMW i4 or BMW iX will get two years of free 30-minute charging from Electrify America.
The BMW i4 eDrive35 has 260 miles of EPA range, while the i4 eDrive40 has an estimated 300 miles of driving range. The BMW i4 M50’s estimated driving range is 270 miles.
2023 BMW i4
Good
- Good electric driving range
- A familiar BMW design
- A premium interior and materials
Bad
- Oversized kidney grille
- Expensive when fully loaded
- Doesn't qualify for federal tax credits
