BMW i4 — The Luxury Commuter’s Saloon

The BMW i4 is arguably the most complete electric car BMW makes. It takes the beloved 4 Series Gran Coupe body and fills it with electric powertrain excellence, creating a car that appeals to both the head and the heart.

Design & Presence

The i4 shares its body with the 4 Series Gran Coupe, which means it's a sleek, four-door fastback with genuine visual drama. The large kidney grille — controversial on the petrol 4 Series — works better here, finished in a closed-off design that signals its electric nature.

At 4,783mm long, the i4 has a commanding presence on the road. The frameless doors add a touch of coupe elegance, while the fastback tailgate opens to reveal a practical 470-litre boot.

Inside, BMW's curved display — combining a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and 14.9-inch touchscreen — is excellent. The iDrive 8 system is the benchmark for automotive infotainment: fast, logical, and beautifully rendered. Material quality is high, with leather, aluminium, and soft-touch plastics throughout.

Performance & Range

The i4 eDrive40 produces 340 PS from its rear-mounted motor, reaching 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds. The 83.9 kWh battery provides up to 590 km WLTP range — around 430-480 km in real-world Irish driving. This makes it genuinely viable for cross-country trips without range anxiety.

For enthusiasts, the i4 M50 is extraordinary. Its dual motors produce 544 PS and launch the car to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds. It's a genuine M car — with adaptive suspension, M Sport brakes, and a soundtrack synthesised by Hans Zimmer. Yes, really.

Charging at up to 205 kW means a 10-80% charge in approximately 31 minutes at a fast charger. On Ireland's ESB network, expect slightly longer due to lower charger speeds, but it's still practical for a coffee stop.

Driving Experience

This is where the i4 truly excels and where BMW's heritage shines through. The rear-wheel-drive eDrive40 is the pick for driving enthusiasts. The near-perfect 50:50 weight distribution, precise steering, and beautifully calibrated suspension create a driving experience that's engaging without being tiring.

On Irish B-roads, the i4 is genuinely entertaining. It turns in sharply, maintains composure through corners, and deploys its power smoothly on exit. The one-pedal driving mode is excellent once you're accustomed to it.

On the motorway, it's equally impressive. Wind noise is minimal, the ride is compliant, and the driver assistance systems — including BMW's excellent lane-keeping and adaptive cruise — make long journeys effortless.

Practicality

The four-door layout makes the i4 practical for families. Rear legroom is adequate for adults, though the sloping roofline does limit headroom for taller passengers. The 470-litre boot is competitive, and the fastback opening provides easy access to the cargo area.

Verdict

The BMW i4 is the electric car for people who love driving. It combines genuine emotional appeal with practical range, premium quality, and that unmistakable BMW dynamic excellence. Whether you choose the refined eDrive40 or the explosive M50, you're getting one of the best electric cars money can buy.

Rating: 9/10

Best for: Driving enthusiasts, premium commuters, anyone wanting the emotional engagement that most EVs lack.

Price range in Ireland: €58,000 - €85,000