Is the 2022 BMW i4 a True Performance EV With Practical Range?

The 2022 BMW i4 successfully merges exhilarating electric performance with real-world usability, but its capabilities vary significantly depending on the trim level and options you choose. This Gran Coupe delivers a driving experience that feels authentically BMW, yet its compact interior and lack of a front trunk (or "frunk") are notable compromises against key rivals like the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y. Based on our assessment experience, the i4's standout feature is its ability to offer both rapid acceleration and a respectable driving range, a combination that is often difficult to achieve in a single electric vehicle.

How Does the BMW i4's Performance and Range Compare Across Different Trims? The heart of the i4's appeal lies in its powertrain options, which present a clear choice between maximum range and all-out performance. The entry-level eDrive40 model features a single electric motor powering the rear wheels, producing 335 horsepower and achieving an EPA-estimated all-electric range of up to 301 miles. For those seeking more power, the high-performance M50 trim utilizes a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup, boosting output to a remarkable 536 horsepower. However, this performance comes at a cost to range, which is rated at 227 miles on standard 20-inch wheels.

• Wheel Size Impact: The choice of wheels has a direct impact on range. Opting for 19-inch wheels on the M50 increases its maximum range to 270 miles. Similarly, selecting larger wheels on the eDrive40 trim reduces its range from 301 to 282 miles.
• Driving Dynamics: Despite its significant weight—the M50 weighs 5,018 pounds, which is 26% heavier than a comparable gas-powered BMW M340i—the i4 feels composed and stable. The steering is sharp, and the standard adaptive suspension does a commendable job of absorbing road imperfections, though the ride is firm, especially with the larger wheels. The immediate torque delivery provides effortless acceleration, making highway merging and passing exhilarating.

What Is It Like to Drive the BMW i4 in Everyday Conditions? Around town, the i4's immense power can be a handful. The regenerative braking system (a system that captures kinetic energy during deceleration to recharge the battery) has a pronounced effect that takes some getting used to. In its standard setting, lifting off the accelerator results in strong deceleration, which can lead to jerky stops and starts until the driver learns to modulate the pedal smoothly.

The i4 offers a one-pedal driving mode (activated by selecting 'B' on the gear selector) that can bring the car to a complete stop without using the brake pedal. While this mode is the most efficient for energy recapture, its braking feel is abrupt. During testing, we found the car's range prediction gauge to be generally accurate. In one instance, after driving 119.1 miles, the remaining range prediction was almost exactly aligned with the initial total estimate.

How User-Friendly is the i4's Technology and Interior Space? The i4’s infotainment system is a highlight, centered around a large, curved display that integrates a 14.9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. The graphics are crisp, the menu structure is intuitive, and it supports seamless wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. A configurable head-up display projects key information onto the windshield. While a traditional rotary controller is present on the center console, the excellent touchscreen makes it largely redundant.

Where the i4 faces its biggest challenges is interior space, particularly in the rear seats. It is tighter on headroom and legroom than both the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y. The center rear seat is especially cramped due to a large floor hump. Installing child seats is also difficult; a rear-facing infant seat significantly compromises front-passenger legroom.

As a hatchback, the i4 offers a useful cargo area, but BMW quotes a trunk space of just 10 cubic feet, a figure that isn't directly comparable to a sedan's enclosed trunk. In practical terms, it offers less utility than the Model Y's 30.2 cubic feet of space. Notably, the i4 does not have a frunk, a feature found in many competitors.

Is the 2022 BMW i4 a Good Value? Pricing for the 2022 i4 starts around $56,000 for the eDrive40 and $66,000 for the M50. This positions it against the Tesla Model 3 (starting around $49,000) and the Model Y (starting around $69,000). Standard safety features include forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking.

The 2022 BMW i4 is best suited for drivers who prioritize engaging performance and premium interior quality but can compromise on rear-seat comfort and maximum cargo utility. Your choice between the eDrive40 and M50 trims is critical: opt for the former for maximum range, or the latter for blistering acceleration. Carefully consider wheel size, as it directly impacts both ride comfort and how far you can travel on a single charge.