The BMW i4 combines instant electric power, luxury design and 484 km of range
BMW hasn’t reinvented itself with the i4. It’s simply made a fully electric version of the car its fans already love.
BMW built its name on delivering the “ultimate driving machine.” The i4 eDrive40 brings that tradition into the electric age without losing the feel longtime drivers expect.
The BMW i4 eDrive40 is an all-electric midsize sedan, aimed at the likes of the Hyundai Ioniq 6, Lucid Air, Polestar 2 and Tesla Model 3.
It looks like a fairly conventional four-door, although it’s unmistakably a BMW thanks to the two large oval openings dominating the front end. That distinctive kidney grille isn’t functional on an EV, of course. It’s just trim, but it closely resembles what you’d find on one of BMW’s gas-powered models.
What’s remarkable about the i4 is how little it draws attention to its electric powertrain. There’s no steep learning curve for drivers switching from gasoline. It feels like a regular sporty, midsize luxury sedan—just one that happens to be electric.
The cabin is equal parts sporty and refined. It’s mainly black inside, with white stitching on the seats and light grey wood trim across the dash. Controls are clearly laid out. A row of buttons lets you quickly access navigation, media, phone and other functions. A rotary knob makes it easy to zoom in and out on the map—a safer alternative to the screen-tapping many competitors rely on. The large nav screen is cleverly angled toward the driver.
BMW hasn’t forgotten its roots. The driving position is excellent, the seats are unusually comfortable, and the steering wheel is a standout: thick, flat-bottomed, with pronounced grips at 10 and 2.
The eDrive40 model I tested delivers 335 horsepower from an 84.3 kWh battery. BMW claims up to 484 kilometres of range. Like most EVs, actual range can vary depending on driving style and cold weather—something Canadian drivers should keep in mind. The car sits on a 2,856 mm wheelbase, is 4,783 mm long and weighs in at 2,035 kilograms.
Base MSRP (manufacturer’s suggested retail price) is $63,900. The test car added the $9,900 Premium Enhanced Package with driving assistant, cross-traffic alert and lane departure warning; the $2,500 M Sport package; a $500 M leather steering wheel; $900 for Cape York Green Metallic paint; and $250 for Fineline Light Open-Pored Wood Trim. Final price: $80,040.
For buyers comparing trims, the i4 lineup also includes the eDrive35, with a 210-kW motor starting at $54,990; the all-wheel-drive xDrive40, which starts at $69,900; and the M50 xDrive, starting at $80,500.
Heavy rain during my test drive limited my ability to properly explore acceleration. But Car and Driver clocked the M50’s 0–60 mph sprint in just 3.3 seconds, and the eDrive40 shouldn’t be far behind.
The i4 recently won Electric Car of the Year from the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada—a national group of automotive writers and broadcasters who test vehicles in Canadian driving conditions. “AJAC’s expert jury ranked this high-performance EV the highest for its electric powertrain which delivers both power and range, its impressive regenerative braking system, and its interior quality,” said AJAC president Evan Williams.
Canadians looking to offset the cost should note that the federal EV rebate program (iZEV), which previously offered up to $5,000 off eligible vehicles, is currently paused after funding ran out in early 2025. The federal government has indicated a new rebate program is in development, but timing and details remain unclear.
Our Verdict
The BMW i4 eDrive40 is a strong choice for Canadians looking to go electric without giving up the familiarity, comfort and performance of a premium gas-powered sedan. It’s refined, practical and enjoyable to drive, and while it doesn’t come cheap, it delivers exactly what BMW loyalists expect. If you’re ready for an EV that feels like a BMW first and electric second, the i4 makes a compelling case.
Dale Johnson is an award-winning author, broadcaster and journalist who has worked in TV, radio, print and online. While the manufacturer provided Dale with a vehicle to test drive, the content of this review was not reviewed or accepted by the manufacturer.
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