- Andrew Lambrecht compared the BMW i4 to the Tesla Model 3 with its driving experience and features.
- The i4 offers a refined interior, but he said it lacks some intuitive tech compared to Tesla.
- Despite its higher price, the i4 will appeal to those seeking a unique driving experience.
Several years ago, the Tesla Model 3 was the de facto choice in the electric car market, offering performance, range, and technology at a reasonable price. Last summer, I bought my second used Tesla Model 3. It's still a great car, but the Model 3 now faces some actual competition.
One of these entrants is the BMW i4, an all-electric take on the Bavarian automaker's 4 Series sedan. It offers good range, solid performance, and a somewhat competitive price point. The German EV costs more than other electric sedans, but BMW is not known for being the affordable option.
I wanted to see just how good the i4 is and what it offers over other electric sedans, so I rented one on Turo.
The BMW i4: The trims and specs
The BMW i4 has four different powertrain options: the eDrive35, eDrive40, xDrive40, and the 536 horsepower M50. My review model was an eDrive35, which most recently started at $53,975.
The base spec i4 can achieve a zero-to-sixty time of 5.8 seconds and offers a peak charging rate of 180 kilowatts. These numbers are not groundbreaking, though they align with the discontinued Model 3 Standard Range.
Standard features for the 2025 version include wireless phone charging, an opening sunroof, BMW digital key access, heated front seats, a power tailgate, wireless Apple CarPlay, and a light array of safety features, including a blind spot monitor.
The Harman Kardon premium sound system, adaptive cruise control, lane centering, heated steering wheel, parking assistance package, and ventilated seats are not standard but cost extra. Add those on, and the price will increase to $60,000.
For comparison, the 2024 Tesla Model 3 starts at $44,130 and qualifies for the $7,500 tax credit, effectively making it $36,630 for most buyers.
First impressions of BMW's EV
Turo lent me seven booking days to test the BMW i4. This i4 would've cost around $83 a day to rent if I paid.
Despite featuring frameless windows, the doors deliver a solid "thunk" when closing. The front seats are well-bolstered and have adjustable thigh support, dramatically increasing comfort on long road trips. The cabin is frankly a nice place to be.
Put your foot on the brake and press the start/stop button, and the dual curved displays will come to life with an electronic sound. The i4 features a 12.3-inch driver's display and a 14.3-inch center touchscreen, placed together as one panel. The center screen is crisp and responsive, though it requires a bit of a learning curve.
It's not the most intuitive system, as the climate control system is difficult to adjust, and the map's electric route planner is abysmal. If you're going on a road trip, BMW's system is complicated and outdated. Tesla and Polestar's route planners are far more usable and intuitive.
One area where the i4 truly shines is in the auditory department. While the base sound system won't impress anyone, Hans Zimmer's acceleration soundscapes will. The base i4 offers two futuristic sounds that change based on throttle input and speed.
BMW: The ultimate driving machine?
The i4's best feature is its driving experience. Unlike the Tesla, which uses electrically assisted steering, the BMW uses good old-fashioned power steering. The Tesla feels more sensitive to inputs, almost too much so, but the i4 has good responsiveness without being too sensitive.
The BMW is also an incredibly playful EV to drive. You don't get this in the Tesla or even the Polestar. When traction control is disabled, the rear wheels can easily lose grip. Especially on wet roads, the i4 is truly a blast to drive. Despite my rental i4 being the slowest variant, it still felt quick.
One of the most remarkable features is the car's performance display screen, which shows real-time horsepower, torque, and temperature information.
The i4's quietness on the road further entrenches you in the realm of prestige. On rougher roads, I did notice some rattles around the headliner and sunroof.
Range and charging
BMW's 256-mile EPA range estimate is accurate in real-world driving. Some EVs, like older Teslas, get much less range in real-world driving.
Charging the i4 is not a bad experience, but I've tested better cars. On an 11kW unit, the i4 can add up to 31 miles of range per hour.
The one issue I had was with DC fast charging. I used Google Maps on CarPlay to route me to a fast charger for my testing. I forgot to enter the options menu and manually precondition the battery before arriving, which meant more time waiting for charging.
I recorded 34 minutes to charge from 20 to 80%. This is not particularly fast. BMW says 10 to 80% should take 31 minutes in ideal conditions. This aligns with the Polestar 2 and Tesla Model 3 but is far behind the Hyundai Ioniq 6, which can manage just 18 minutes from 10 to 80%.
The gripes of the i4
The BMW i4 is not cheap, but some parts don't express luxury like others. Tesla, Rivian, Lucid, Polestar, Volvo, and Ford have front trunks in their electric cars. With such a large hood, there should be a large front storage space in the i4. Open the hood, and you'll be disappointed to find a gaping hole.
Moreso, since the i4 uses the same platform as the gas-powered one, there's a massive transmission hump, taking up valuable legroom for backseat passengers. This makes the back seats feel very cramped.
To buy an i4 or not to buy an i4
The BMW i4 is not for everyone. It costs more than other electric sedans but offers one of the best driving experiences among similarly-sized EVs. The price premium goes somewhere.
The i4 looks elegant and understated and is also fun to drive but manageable. The eDrive35 won't transport you to another dimension like the Model 3 Performance does, but it'll conjure a smile.
For most buyers, including myself, I'd say buy a Model 3. Its price-to-features ratio is simply unrivaled. For those who want something that looks, drives, and feels different from most EVs, the BMW i4 might be your best choice.
