The 2025 BMW i4 is what happens when a car company known for making drivers’ cars decides to go electric—but doesn’t want to lose its soul in the process. No spaceship design, no gimmicky yoke steering wheel, just a sharp, well-balanced sedan that happens to run on electrons. So, does the i4 pull off the electric transition without alienating BMW loyalists? Let’s find out.
Design: Classic BMW, But with a Side of Futurism
Unlike some EVs that scream “HEY, I’M ELECTRIC!” with weird proportions and unnecessary creases, the i4 looks… refreshingly normal. It’s basically a 4 Series Gran Coupe with a few EV tweaks—sealed-off grille (yes, the kidneys are still there), smoother aerodynamics, and some blue accents if you’re into that.
Inside, BMW keeps things familiar but upgraded. The curved display (12.3-inch digital cluster + 14.9-inch touchscreen) is slick, and the latest iDrive 8.5 software is way more intuitive than Tesla’s “figure it out yourself” approach. Physical climate controls? Yep, BMW still believes in them—praise the automotive gods.
Performance: Still a BMW at Heart
The i4 isn’t trying to out-Tesla Tesla with Ludicrous Mode nonsense. Instead, BMW focused on making it drive like, well, a BMW. The M50 trim (dual-motor, AWD) pumps out 536 hp and does 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds—quick, but not face-melting. The real magic? The handling.
Thanks to near-perfect 50/50 weight distribution and rear-biased torque delivery, the i4 feels playful in corners. The steering is precise (unlike some numb EV setups), and the adaptive suspension keeps things composed without killing ride comfort. It’s not a full M car, but it’s way more engaging than an EQE or Model 3 Performance.
Range & Charging: Good, But Not Class-Leading
The eDrive40 (RWD, single motor) gets up to 300 miles of EPA range, while the M50 drops to around 270 miles. Solid numbers, but not groundbreaking—Lucid and Tesla still dominate here.
Charging is decent: 200 kW peak speeds mean 10-80% in about 30 minutes at a fast charger. BMW includes free Electrify America charging for two years, but Tesla’s Supercharger network is still the gold standard.
Tech & Features: iDrive > Everything Else
BMW’s iDrive 8.5 is one of the best infotainment systems out there—quick, responsive, and packed with features without being overwhelming. Wireless CarPlay/Android Auto? Check. Augmented reality navigation? Yep. A head-up display that actually works? Absolutely.
The optional Harman Kardon sound system is fantastic, and BMW’s driver assists (like Traffic Jam Assistant) are smooth and unintrusive. The only downside? No vehicle-to-load (V2L) for powering gadgets—something Hyundai and Kia have had for years.
The Competition: Who Should Buy This?
- Tesla Model 3 Performance – Faster charging, quicker acceleration, but worse build quality and no buttons.
- Mercedes EQE – More luxurious, but drives like a cloud (in a bad way).
- Lucid Air – More range and tech, but way more expensive.
The i4’s sweet spot? Drivers who want EV efficiency without sacrificing BMW’s signature driving dynamics.
Final Verdict: The EV for People Who Miss Driving
The 2025 BMW i4 proves that electric cars don’t have to be boring appliances or tech demos. It’s a proper sports sedan that just happens to be electric—engaging to drive, well-built, and packed with tech that doesn’t feel like a beta test.
Is it the longest-range or fastest-charging EV? No. But if you actually like driving, the i4 might be the best electric sports sedan under $80K.
Now, BMW, about that fully electric M3…