2024 BMW i4 Review: Revolutionizing Luxury Electric Driving

Exterior: Affordable Luxury Redefined

The 2024 BMW i4 eDrive35 has set out to redefine the association between BMW and affordability in Australia. Priced in the mid-$80,000 range before on-road costs, it takes a bold step by offering a competitive alternative, making electric luxury more accessible. Coming in at $17,000 cheaper than its predecessor, the i4 eDrive35 opens the door for a broader audience without compromising on the quintessential BMW experience.

Interior: Elegant Simplicity

Stepping inside the BMW i4, the cabin reflects the brand’s commitment to sophistication even in its base model. The interior mirrors its more premium siblings, with a sleek, minimalist design that banishes the era of blank buttons. The slim-rimmed steering wheel and slightly more economical seat leather distinguish it as the entry point in the range. The technology, however, is anything but basic. The curved, dual-screen display delivers sharp visuals, and BMW’s latest software improvements enhance user experience. The wireless Apple CarPlay connection and Hey BMW voice prompts contribute to a tech-savvy and enjoyable driving environment.

Mechanics: Power and Efficiency Redefined

Under the hood, the i4 eDrive35 boasts a single-motor electric drivetrain with a 67kWh lithium-ion battery. Generating 210kW of power and 400Nm of torque, this rear-wheel-drive electric sedan ensures a quick and responsive driving experience. Weighing in at 1990kg, the i4 achieves an impressive energy efficiency of 15.8kWh/100km, offering a claimed range of 430km. The Adaptive regenerative braking stands out as a noteworthy feature, utilizing front-facing radar to intelligently manage regenerative braking, adding efficiency to every drive.

Driving Experience: Elegance in Motion

BMW hasn’t emphasized sportiness in the base i4, choosing instead to craft a car perfectly suited for daily commuting. The eDrive35 excels in delivering a quiet, comfortable, and sufficiently quick driving experience. Its adept handling smoothens out road imperfections, making it ideal for city streets. The electric powertrain, while the least powerful in the lineup, provides seamless acceleration, outperforming conventional counterparts like the 330i in real-world scenarios. The i4’s adaptive cruise control and lane-centering system make highway drives effortless, while its regenerative braking truly stands out, showcasing innovation in electric driving.

Safety: A Four-Star Guardian

While the i4 wears a four-star ANCAP safety rating, it is essential to note that it’s the only model in BMW’s lineup without a five-star rating. It scored well in adult and child occupant protection, receiving 87% and 89% respectively. However, the safety assist score of 62% fell below the five-star threshold. Despite this, BMW’s commitment to safety is evident, providing reassurance for drivers and passengers alike.

2024 BMW i4 Standard Safety Features:

• Autonomous emergency braking
  • Car-to-car
  • Vulnerable road users
  • Junction assist
• Adaptive cruise control with stop/go
• Evasion Aid
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Forward collision warning
• High-beam assist
• Lane departure warning with steering intervention
• Lane keep assist
• Speed limit recognition.

Cost to Run: A Balanced Equation

BMW’s local lineup includes a comprehensive five-year, unlimited-kilometer warranty, providing peace of mind for owners. The high-voltage battery, a crucial component in electric vehicles, is covered for eight years or 160,000km. For added convenience, the i4 offers a six-year Service Inclusive Basic plan at a reasonable $1980, ensuring a hassle-free ownership experience.

Final Thoughts: The Electric BMW for Everyone

In the realm of luxury electric vehicles, the 2024 BMW i4 eDrive35 emerges as a game-changer. Its affordability without compromising the essence of a BMW makes it a compelling option for a broader audience. With elegant interiors, efficient mechanics, and a driving experience that blends comfort and performance, the i4 proves that luxury electric driving can be accessible without sacrificing the qualities that define the BMW brand. As BMW continues to push the boundaries of electric mobility, the i4 eDrive35 stands as a beacon, illuminating the path towards a more inclusive and electrifying future.

2024 BMW i4 eDrive35 Main Highlights:

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Tyre repair kit
• LED headlights
• High Beam Assistant
• Driving Assistant
• Active Cruise Control incl. Stop&Go
• BMW Iconic Sounds Electric
• Acoustic pedestrian protection
• BMW Live Cockpit Professional
  • 12.3-inch instrument cluster
  • 14.0-inch infotainment system
  • BMW Operating System 8.0
• Connected Package Professional
• Wireless Smartphone Integration
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Android Auto
• Wireless smartphone charger
• DAB+ radio
• HiFi Loudspeaker system
• BMW Head-Up Display
• Parking Assistant
• Accent highlights in Frozen Grey
• Automatic climate control, 3-zone
• Electric seat adjustment, front
• Sport seats, front            
• Sensatec leatherette upholstery
• Comfort Access system
• Ambient interior lighting
• Galvanic embellishers for controls
• Automatic tailgate
• M headliner Anthracite
• Storage compartment package
• Flexible Fast Charger
• Public charging cable, Mode 3
• 1yr Chargefox subscription

Enhancement Package: $3000 (eDrive35)

• Metallic paint
• Electric sunroof
• Seat heating, front

2024 BMW i4 Video Review

Source: carexpert.com.au

2024 BMW i4 Media Gallery