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Consumer Reviews for the BMW i4
Read recent reviews for the BMW i4
Our first EV
BaronofGreymatter, 03/22/2023
2023 BMW i4 eDrive40 4dr Sedan (electric DD)
In 2020 we built a net-zero house with a 15 kW solar array, so when the lease on our 2019 Honda CR-V ended, we shopped for an EV to replace it. We tested the Model Y, Mach-E, ID.4, EV6, Ioniq 5, BMW iX, and BMW i4, settling on an i4 eDrive 40 with the M-Sport package. This was a big step for us not only in the switch to an EV, but also because it replaced an AWD SUV (our other car is a … 2018 Audi S4). We chose the i4 based on driving dynamics, range, and build quality, figuring that the large hatchback would manage 99% of the hauling tasks of an SUV or wagon. We chose the RWD i4 for better range and driving dynamics than the AWD i4 M50. Living on the south coast of MA, winters are mild so we anticipated that RWD and the OEM all-season (i.e., no season) tires would be sufficient all year round, particularly as we have the S4 with an 18" winter wheel and tire package for those few days when RWD might be dicey.
I love performance cars, which is the i4 is not, but it is so rewarding to drive that I hardly drive the S4 anymore. The dynamics are good. Steering lacks feel but is accurate with crisp turn-in and good centering (we got the dynamic steering option). We got the M-Sport package since that was the only way to get adaptive dampers. The car corners fairly flat and its comfort mode hits an excellent balance between absorbing bumps while limiting excess body motions. The car can hustle and has decent grip on the OEM Pirelli P Zeros, but the 4680-pound curb weight makes it more of a luxury cruiser than a sport sedan, despite the pretense. Given that weight, we opted for the uprated brakes, but they hardly ever get used since the regen works so well. At least the brake pedal feel is good and the transitions from regen to mechanical braking are imperceptible. The single motor i4 has more than adequate acceleration (high 4 to low 5 sec 0-60 according to reviews) and has the typical EV benefit of instant torque that makes merging on highways easy.
The interior build quality and feel are great, and the car is very quiet on the road. We got the Harmon Kardon sound system and it's worth the money, particularly with the minimal background noise. This is the first car I've owned where listening to classical music is worthwhile. The interior downsides are the center tunnel (this is a dual-purpose ICE/EV platform) and limited rear passenger leg and headroom. Not a problem for us but could deter some. The hatch works well, and the car can easily haul a bicycle or all our trash & recycling for the dump run.
The iDrive 8 infotainment system is on par with better end of those in EVs we tested (ID.4 the worst) but the lack of physical buttons for some functions is irritating. My biggest gripe is with turning on the seat heaters (at least the steering wheel has a one-level physical button) and the lack of physical audio preset buttons. Voice control works well but is too laggy for flipping between Sirius XM channels. The graphic quality of the display is excellent, and we haven't had any issues with using it in bright sun or at night. The HUD works well and shows next turn instructions from Waze via Android Auto. Seeing Waze guidance on the HUD was intermittent at first, but that issue went away. Maybe an OTA update fixed it? We initially optioned dynamic cruise control and 360-degree parking camera, but those became unavailable as the wiring harnesses were made in Ukraine. Damn Putin!
A downside of the M-Sport package is that it only comes with staggered width 19" wheels. Those large contact patches cost about 7% of range compared to the 18s on the base e40. Given the way we drive the car, I'd happily give up some grip for better range. Despite big wheels, the car has been more efficient than we expected. Lifetime average consumption now stands at 3.8 mi/kWh with 47,000 miles is driven. In summer it's usually in the low 4s with predominantly highway driving, which translates to about 300 miles. In winter, efficiency drops by 25%. Since I limit the batter SOC to 80%, the S4 gest used for longer trips, particularly in foul weather. If the Ionna network really grows, I wouldn't worry about longer trips.
The first scheduled maintenance was at 36,000 miles based on 2-year interval (otherwise 40K). It was trivial, but the rear tires needed replacement. I could have pushed them longer, but winter was approaching. Around 45,000 miles the infotainment screen started periodically going dark but automatically reboots within a minute or two. This only happens when using Waze and was not cured by a soft reboot (press the radio on/off/volume button for 30 seconds. It's not too bothersome and I still use Waze all the time. I could wait until the next routine service visit but should probably get it looked at before the 50,000-mile warranty limit. Other than that, the car has been perfect.
I doubt the brakes will need anything for the first 100,000 miles since I mostly slow with regen, and it's great not having to pay for oil & filter changes every 7,500 to 10,000 miles, or spark plugs & timing belts.
The negatives are minor so far. The M steering wheel is too thick and the metal trim on its spokes are cold in winter and take a long time to warm up despite the heated wheel. The outside doorhandles are oddly designed, making it easy for your hand to slide off when trying to open them. The blind spot warning lights in the side mirrors are too small and peripherally placed to be ideal. Our Audi S4 has big warning lights in the side mirror bezel that is much better, but the mirror placement in i4 wouldn't allow it. The back of the car is a dirt magnet. Not sure if that's got to do with aerodynamics, but it never stays clean the and the rear-facing camera lens requires frequent cleaning in winter. That and the occasional screen blackout is all I have to complain about so far.
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