Debuted just last year, the BMW i4 was revealed as an all-new electric sedan, with up to 536 horsepower and almost 300 miles of range. Similar in appearance to the 4 Series, especially the Gran Coupe, the vehicle had more power than a new M4. BMW helped define the sport sedan environment, and now it was entering the segment with its first EV. The original "i" sub-brand BMW cars did not have much in common with existing vehicles, but now the i4 is essentially an electrified 4 Series. At this time, the top-level M trim, the one with 536 horses, would hit 60 mph in around four seconds, comparable to the new M3 and M4. Thus, the standard for success with the i4 had been established, but with strong competition, this EV just isn't getting the acknowledgment it should from consumers.

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2022 BMW i4: A New EV For The Sport Seekers

Starting MSRP: $55,200

The 2022 BMW i4 was based on BMW's most famous model, the 3 Series, despite being similar to the 4 Series Gran Coupe. The entry-level eDrive40 model features a single rear-mounted electric motor, while the next-level and top M50 adds a motor mounted up front for some impressive combined output. Both carry the same battery pack and onboard charger, but the M50 adds all-wheel drive, as well as having less range due to the increased power output.

2022 BMW i4 Specs

Of course, the performance-orientated M50 is the more exciting car, with an increased price to match. It has a driving range of 270 miles with the standard 19-inch wheels, but the optional 20-inch wheels drops that range. Meanwhile, the rear-wheel drive eDrive40 rolls on 18-inch wheels, with 19-inch an option. The M50 has a sport-tuned suspension, with upgraded brakes and blue calipers. The interior can be enhanced with Vernasca leather options, along with a Premium package that includes:

• Ambient interior lighting
• Heated seats and steering wheel
• Lumbar support

Additional individual options include:

• Adaptive LED headlights
• Ventilated front seats
• Harmon Kardon sound system
• Wireless charging

The M50 will hit zero to sixty in 3.7 seconds, compared to 5.8 seconds for the base model. Using a Level 2 charger, the i4 can charge from zero to 100 percent in 8 hours or so. Notably, the i4 was one of BMW's first vehicles to feature its latest infotainment system at the time, called iDrive 8, utilizing a 14.9-inch touchscreen that's integrated with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. Overall the M50 is cheaper than an M3 while feeling just as quick, but with an uninspiring range, and the i4 combines new EV elements with traditional BMW style.

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2023 BMW i4: What's Up With This Year Model?

With the highs and lows of 2022 for the BMW i4, Car and Driver rated it 9.5/10, before declaring this year's model a 10/10. The M50 is still faster than an M3, but that model also still has an artificial soundtrack in Sport Mode that can be undesired. Even so, the impressive powertrain wrapped up in a traditional BMW body, gives the publication hope for the EV future. In fact, Car and Driver named the BMW i4 one of its "10 Best," citing its acceleration, handling, smart package, and value as distinguishing features. This may be enough to convince the brand's faithful to switch to a fully electric BMW. For 2023, the i4 receives only minor optional changes, but a new trim joins the fray in the eDrive35.

2023 BMW eDrive35 Specs

Notice that the new base trim is cheaper than the others of course, but it also has the least power. However, with a smaller battery pack, it still has more range than the M50, while costing much less. This new base trim is great for someone looking to get into a BMW EV, one with regular brand looks. With the average new vehicle price around $50,000 today, perhaps the i4 lineup as a whole is not a bad deal for a new EV. Notably, thanks to a free over-the-air update, the i4 is now outfitted with iDrive 8.5.

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2024 BMW i4: A Look To The Future

Looking ahead into the next model year, it's more of the same for the BMW i4. It remains faster than the M3 in the M50, but the artificial sounds are still inappropriate in this sport-tuned top trim. Yet, it takes advantage of EV performance while keeping the familiar guise of the brand. Stated competitors are the Tesla Model 3, Polestar 2, and the Audi E-Tron GT.

Other competitors could be the Nissan Leaf and Bolt EV, the latter being recently killed off and quickly resurrected. Of all, Polestar is another luxury brand, but it is not as well-recognized as BMW or Audi. Overall, it seems it's the Tesla Model 3 that is maintaining its foothold within this segment, and keeping the i4 back. Having been introduced in 2017, the Model 3, and Tesla brand as a whole simply have a leg up on BMW in terms of EV recognition. The i4 may not have gone unnoticed by automotive publications, but perhaps it has been in large part by the public. In addition, BMW purists who may be undoubtedly aware of the i4's existence, may fail to accept it.

BMW i4 Pricing

All of these reasons could point towards why the BMW i4 is underrated in 2023, maybe more than any other EV, and not as successful in terms of sales as it should be when clearly it merits consideration as an EV today. Perhaps the growth of the model since its inception only a year ago has not caught up to the rest of the world, something that sets it apart from its main rivals now. Given time, the BMW i4 could become more noticed, as the vehicle ages and more manufacturing moves to EVs. Maybe it's the artificial soundtrack of the M50 that has to go, something that doesn't appear to be growing among users. Perhaps to be fully embraced, the i4 must fully embrace its own nature.