Auto review by Veeno Dewan

The 2022 BMW i4 eDrive40 is a revelation, a sporty All-Electric vehicle that does not look weird or excessively over styled like so many EV vehicles out there. The i4 is all-electric with mostly new architecture, suspension, and electronics. Its five-door fastback profile is well styled and it thankfully does look like a traditional BMW with its tight premium styling. Only a blue ring surrounding the blue and white propeller roundel on the hood denote its EV credentials. BMW calls the I4 its first “performance-focused” EV.
The 2022 BMW i4 arrives in two versions: eDrive40 and M50. The eDrive40 is equipped with a single rear-mounted electric motor that produces 335 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. Step up to the performance orientated M50 and you’ll get a dual-motor powertrain for all-wheel drive and a combined motor output of 469 hp and 538 lb-ft. In Sport Boost mode, output increases to 536 hp and 586 lb-ft for about 10 seconds. In terms of charging, a Level 2 charger supplies up to 11 kW, and DC fast charging happens at up to 200 kW. BMW says, in terms of charging time, 150 km is available in 10 minutes and 10-80 per cent in 35 minutes. We tested the i4 eDrive40 that has an all-electric range of an impressive 475- 484 km, before recharging is needed.
Standard equipment on the eDrive40 model priced at a base of $54,990 includes: 18-inch wheels, LED headlights, Sunroof, Power liftgate Keyless entry and ignition, Dual-zone automatic climate control, Simulated leather upholstery, digital instrument cluster, 14.9-inch center touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto smartphone integration (with wireless connectivity). Options for the eDrive40 include: a Premium package, Dynamic Handling package, Upgraded brakes with blue or red calipers, Adaptive suspension, M Sport package, Automated parking system, 360-degree camera system and more. Some of the features above can be added as stand-alone options. Other features that can only be ordered separately. The final tally on our eDrive40 came to $71,890 with options.
Every i4 also comes with comprehensive safety such as: Automatic emergency braking, Lane departure warning, Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert and much more.
Inside, the interior is an all-contemporary BMW, and current 3- and 4 Series BMW owners will feel completely at home in terns of driver controls and ergonomics. Only a few touches of blue trim around the BMW roundel on the steering wheel and some more on the centre console delineate the EV specification. High quality materials, real or faux leather and a neat fastidious cabin are all hallmarks.
There is a cool new glass panel in the dash that houses two widescreen displays. In front of the driver is a 12.3-inch configurable info display and to its right is a 14.9-inch touchscreen control display that integrates with the main screen. The new iDrive 8 interactive system is smooth and responsive in operation. Front and rear cabin ambience is great with comfortable, well bolstered front seats upfront and good general all-round roominess, only rear headroom is compromised a little by the sloping roofline. Cargo space is rated at 470L and 1,290 L with the rear seats down.
On the road, the i4 offers quick straight-line acceleration and handling performance is exceptionally stable. There is excellent traction on all road conditions and when accelerating out of a corner. Body roll and front dive are both well taken care of and modulated. Note that the i4’s battery resides in the floor, keeping the centre of gravity low for excellent stability. Selecting the eco drive mode delivers the best efficiency and combined with the highest regenerative braking setting engaged enables one-pedal driving for the majority of the driving time. BMW has made the i4 very quiet even by EV standards and both wind and road noise are very well insulated making the car enjoyable and relaxed to drive. Fuel Economy comparable to gas engine figures are around: 2.5 / 2.4 / 2.5 Le/100 km, city/hwy/combined km range.
Downsides are few, attractive must-have options jack up the price rather frighteningly! And performance is not as exhilarating as the gas engine BMW sedans due to the weight of the large capacity battery. However, the i4 won’t disappoint BMW fans who want the key advantages of an EV: namely, responsive, quite acceleration, proper green credentials and just as importantly that blue and white badge on the hood. It’s also an attractive proposition if you want an EV that looks serious and has brand name cache. Highly recommended as the premium sports performance EV to get.
BMW i4 eDrive40 – Base Price $54,990. Price as tested with options – $71,890.

More info at: www.bmw.ca