The all-electric 2022 i4 sedan is BMW's first attempt at a genuinely mass-market BEV. Building off of the legacy of the BMW i3 and i8, the i4 sedan is available solely as a totally electric car that competes directly with the likes of the Tesla Model 3 and Polestar 2.

The BMW i4 brings traditional engaging BMW engineering to the electric car scene at a price that keeps it aggressive within the luxury EV field and well below many other newcomers. A strong dealership network and an even stronger name enviably position the i4 amongst a sea of startups and new brands. It is now clear that BMW's heritage will make a name for itself in the electric age.

2022 BMW i4

8.40 / 10
Key Features
  • iDrive 8 Infotainment
  • Information Projection Display
Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: i4
  • Segment: Array
  • Engine/Motor: Single Electric Motor / Dual Electric Motor, 81 kWh Lithuim-Ion Battery
  • Horsepower: 335-536 hp
  • Torque: 317-586 lb-ft
  • Drivetrain: RWD / AWD
  • Transmission: 1-Speed Direct Drive
  • Range: 270-301 miles
Pros
  • Free DC Fast Charging For Two Years
  • Competitive Range
  • Incredible Build Quality
Cons
  • More Expensive Base Price than Model 3
  • No AWD Available on Base

Silent And Potent Powertrains

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2022 bmw i4

The 2022 i4 launches in a base trim level alongside a performance variant in traditional BMW fashion; both iterations utilize an 83.9 kWh battery, though a smaller battery variant available in Europe could potentially make its way to the states in 2023 as a lower cost option. Even more impressively the launch i4 sees the first production automotive battery that does not use precious metals. Production of the battery and drive components also takes place in a facility running on 100% wind and solar energy. The base i4 eDrive 40 features a single rear electric motor that directly sends 335 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels. The base eDrive 40 features a 301-mile EPA range rating in mix driving.

The performance-ready i4 M50 comes standard with both front and rear electric motors, which send 536 horsepower and an astounding 586lb-ft of torque. The range on the performance variant suffers only mildly, with an EPA estimate of 270 miles. The i4 can reach an 80% charge in less than 30 minutes and add over 100 miles of range in less than ten using a DC quick charger. The BMW i4 also includes 2-years of complimentary fast charging on Electrify America's rapid charging network. With over 2,400 chargers with strategic placement along America's interstate highways and plans to triple that over the next three years, the i4 is sure to be a competent road trip car.

Related: Here’s How The BWW i4 Compares With The Tesla Model 3

Roundel Worthy Performance

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2022 BMW i4 on bridge

The BMW name stands as a commitment to providing one of the most engaging driving experiences on the automotive market, and the i4 carries the tradition on valiantly. The i4 eDrive 40 reaches 60 in 5.5 seconds with a top speed of 118 mph. Meanwhile, the performance i4 M50 proves it is worthy of an 'M' moniker with a 0-60 time of only 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 140 mph. More importantly, drivers can feel that the car's soul is still there in its handling dynamics.

The i4 goes forward with a sure-foot, and the rear-wheel-drive bias is obvious—the low-slung sedan cruises along through steep banks with agility comparable only to the M3. Most of the vehicle's weight is in the floor of the cabin, which houses the battery keeping the center of gravity low and center. The i4 feels like a BMW in every aspect. The 2022 BMW i4 could be the first enthusiast's electric car, as it evokes a sense of emotion that its competitors fail to capture.

Technology And Practicality For The 2020s

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BMW i4 interior

The cabin of the 2022 BMW i4 is as forward-thinking as the rest of the car, without making a big deal out of it. Stepping inside, consumers will immediately notice the frameless door glass and low gran-coupe style roof. Once inside, it is a very typical BMW. Fit and finish are excellent, something lacking in competition, with an abundance of high-quality materials on every panel. A three-spoke steering wheel provides ergonomic grips for sportier driving, and perfect armrest alignment makes for a highly comfortable driving experience. Consumers can choose between vegan or genuine leather, both of which are available in several colors and patterns.

The highlight of the interior is the massive 14.9-inch ultra HD display which features a unique rounding curve toward the driver. The screen displays both the center infotainment functions and the gauge cluster on a single monitor, which are highly configurable. More importantly, the system runs iDrive 8 software, potentially the most significant advancement in automotive infotainment this decade. The highly complex system ensures a rapid startup and functions as quickly as most smartphones.

Over time, the system also gets better as it learns the occupant's voices to recognize commands better. It can even understand when you are addressing it. For example, randomly blurting out "My feet are cold" will trigger the system to blow heat into the footwells. The system will also advance over time, utilizing over-the-air updates through an extremely quick onboard 5G capable routing system. The fully color head-up display works in tandem with the infotainment and displays speed, navigation, and media readouts.

Related: How The iX and i4 Are Important To BMW’s EV Plans

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BMW i4 rear hatch

Surprisingly the 2022 BMW i4 is also proficient in another area, practicality. Its low-slung style will indeed deceive many into not realizing that the sedan also features a hatchback. The electric rear liftgate can open up from the swipe of a foot underneath the bumper to reveal a spacious cargo area that only grows with a back seat that folds flat. A unique 40/20/40 split seats allows long items to travel without sacrificing the outboard seats. Perhaps the only disappointment is no front trunk like its competitors. A mass array of computers and wiring occupy the space underneath the hood of the i4.

Pricing Reflective Of Quality

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BMW i4 rear quarter view

The BMW i4 is the finest attempt at an all-electric sedan from a traditional automaker rather than a newcomer. It comes with a high fit and finish standard and incredible overall build quality, something that puts it above its main competitors, the Tesla Model 3 and Polestar 2. Base pricing for the BMW i4 starts slightly higher than its competitors though performance variant pricing is almost equal. The i4 eDrive 40 starts at $55,400 while the M50 starts at $65,900.

There are few surcharges for options besides $1,700 for a driver assistance package that adds steering assistance for highway travel. Consumers can expect a cheaper base model with less range and features sometime in 2023. BMW provides an excellent bumper-to-bumper 4-year/50,000-mile warranty as well as an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty on the battery and drive components to help ease those with worries of battery degradation. Overall, the 2022 BMW i4 is an excellent competitor on the electric car scene and could possibly even be the first enthusiast's electric car.