In describing an automobile, the terms "performance" and "efficiency" don't typically go together, but the 2022 BMW i4 Gran Coupe does both. If correctly outfitted, the tiny electric car is strong, quick, and has an amazing all-electric range.
Against all the competition:The i4, especially the M50 trim, is amongst the fastest compact EVs. However its small backseat is a hassle and it lacks features such as a frunk.
The BMW i4 will join the new iX in BMW’s electric vehicle line-up for 2022. The i4 is more traditional looking than the iX, which has an out-there EV look. It features a coupe-like design and a familiar version BMW’s signature grille.
The i4 has a range of EV distance of up to 301 m. This is comparable to the Tesla Model 3's range of 272 to 358 m, depending on which trim level. However, the i4's hatchback configuration makes it a competitor to the Tesla Model Y. The EPA claims that the Y can travel between 244-330 miles, depending upon configuration. Compare the models.
Trimmings can vary greatly in power and range
2022 BMW i4-M50I tried the M50 trim with 20 inch wheels. It is the most sporty of the i4 models. According to the EPA, it has a dual-motor allwheel-drive setup that produces 536 horsepower and an electric range of 227 mi. But wait! What happened to the 300-mile range?!
There are two things. First, the performance-oriented i4 offers more power than the base model but less range. This is a huge problem as it's the only option to purchase an AWD i4. The base eDrive40 models are equipped with a single-motor rear wheel-drive setup making 335 horsepower. It can travel up to 301 mi. You also need to consider your wheel size. I tested the M50 with 20-inch wheels. They look cool, but they are not very efficient and limit your range. The M50 can travel a maximum of 270 miles on 19-inch wheels. With eDrive40 trim the M50's maximum range drops to 301 to 282 miles.
Larger wheels can also affect ride quality. This is especially true in urban areas where potholes are common and pavement problems abound. The standard adaptive suspension on the i4 helps to dampen bumps, making it never uncomfortable. Overall, the i4 is composed and solid with sharp handling. However it's not as agile or agile as other compact BMWs due to increased EV poundage. The M50 is 26% lighter than a BMW M340 AWD: 5,018 versus 3,968 lbs.
The i4's near instant power puts you in your seat from a stop. This makes it a joy to use on the highway. You can merge and pass with ease by tapping the throttle. The car's speed is almost unstoppable. Sport mode can sharpen throttle response and stiffen the steering. In addition, it unlocks a boost mod that can deliver 67 hp for about 10 seconds and 48 poundfeet of torque, giving you 536 horsepower.
But all that power is not so much fun around town. Driving in cities is not something the M50 enjoys, and it was difficult to control its speed on urban streets. Regenerative braking is difficult to learn and is very touchy. Before I learned how to control the pedal, my passengers complained about lurching starts or abrupt deceleration when I took my foot off of the accelerator. These characteristics can be adjusted but it took some practice to find my (and your) comfort zone.
One-pedal driving is possible by setting the i4 to a B mode via the gear selector. This will allow the car to come to a complete halt without the need for the brake pedal. The brakes can be harsh, and have an unpleasant feeling. But it is also the setting that conserves the most energy. So it is worth getting used too. This is an example: After driving several miles in B mode, and leaving with a 100% battery charge, I noticed that the range was . I started one trip with a full charge and 227 miles range. After driving 119.1 mi, my car indicated that I had a 45% remaining battery charge and a range of 111 miles. This is slightly more than the 227-mile estimated total range.
However, my test showed that the car's range estimate, gauge, and speedometer were both accurate, but other editors noticed inconsistencies. Joe Bruzek, Managing Editor, noted a more fluid range on a shorter trip. He drove 35 miles in bumper-to–bumper traffic using one-pedal driving mode. The predicted range decreased only 2 miles. From 185 miles at 100% to 183 at 85%, Bruzek noticed a decrease in range. Bruzek explained that although the i4 was optimistic regarding its range, the majority of cars drop closer to 1:1 (predicted range versus actual distance traveled); having more detailed range information at the start of the trip isn’t very helpful.
BMW claims that there are many factors that can influence range. According to BMW, entering a destination into its native navigation system will increase range accuracy.
The EPA estimates that the base i4 uses 30.9 kilowatthours to travel 100 mph. However, the M50 trim consumes more energy. The i4 isn't the most efficient EV, but the rear-drive Tesla Model 3 uses 25, kilowatt hours per 100 miles.
For me, the charge times proved to be accurate. BMW claims the i4 can go from a dead battery to fully charged in just 7.5 hours using a Level2 charging. The charge rate is up to 11 Kilowatts.
Solid Infotainment
1/202022 BMW i4 m50There are many things to love about the i4’s control interface. However, there is one thing that makes it less appealing. But you don't need to use it.
First, I love all of the screens. The big center touchscreen flows seamlessly into gauge cluster screen. It is easy to reach, has sharp graphics and the menu setup intuitive. The home screen is organized in clear sections. Swiping to reveal additional information such as charging data and battery usage, further enhances the logical organization. Drivers can create individual IDs to allow them to adjust settings and control specific users. I found the i4 system to be much simpler than Tesla's complicated control layout.
Android Auto was easy to use via my i4's wireless network. The AA interface takes up the entire width of your screen. This is unlike other cars that only show a small portion of the screen, and waste space. It also has a head-up display above the gauge cluster that works well with this interface. It can be configured to display car data like the next direction, if you are using AA. The screen is discreet and unobtrusive and easy to use.
The only thing that is distracting is the center console-rotary controller. If you've ever been in a BMW, it will be familiar as it has been an infotainment device for years. While it can be used for controlling everything on the touchscreen, it is not comfortable and distracts from the road. It is redundant, however, as the touchscreen can be used for all functions.
1/92022 BMW I4 M50The i4 is slightly longer overall than the Tesla Model Y. However the Model Y's backseat has a little more headroom and legroom. The i4 is a little longer than the Model 3 but the Model 3 has a much larger backseat. The backseat of the i4 seats three adults, but it is very narrow back there. It's narrow, and it sits high above a rather intrusive floor bump.
Children in car seats have it worse. There are Latch anchors lower for car-seat installation. However, space is still an issue. I had difficulty fitting a rear-facing infant car seat back there. It also severely limited the front passenger's legroom. My twins are now in booster seats. The seatbacks fit much better when I removed the headrests so they were flush against the seatback. It was difficult to do because I had to put a key in a small hole to unengage the restraint. My kids had difficulty finding the buckles and using them without my help. You can read the BMWi4 Car Seat Check to find out more.
While the trunk is large enough, competitors offer even more. BMW calls the BMW i4 a Grand Coupe, but it really just means that it has an angled rear roofline and hatchback-style cargo doors. It's hard to see out from the back because of the roofline. However, the hatchback offers decent cargo space. The cargo area is spacious and tall, with lots of space. The manufacturer claims that the i4 has only 10 cubic feet more space than the Model 3's 19,8 cubic feet. But it isn't an apples-toapples comparison. methods differ between sedans with enclosed trunks and hatchbacks with open cargo areas.
The i4's 30.2 cubic foot space behind the backseat of the base Model Y is still smaller than that comparable to its iX. The i4 does not have a trunk or trunk, which is a departure from other electric cars. I find the frunks in both Model 3 and Model Y useful.
Safety and Value
2022 BMW i4 m50The 2022 I4 is very affordable. The base i4-eDrive40 model starts at $56,000. The M50 costs around $10,000 more. A base Tesla Model 3 costs around $49,000 while a base Model Y costs around $69,000. The base i4 eDrive35 will join the lineup in 2023. This model starts at $52,000 and has an estimated range to 260 miles.
The i4 includes a range of active safety features including pedestrian and bicycle detection, automatic emergency brakes, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. Semi-autonomous options, such as a self parking system and active cruise with stop, can be added to the i4.
The 2022 BMW i4 is a refined, powerful, and efficient road cruiser. But make sure that you select the right trim level.