1st Drive BMW i4 40 - 'Miles' better than the M50 | 4K

This is the ultimate i4, more range, more feel, less weight, a lot less money...

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Running Order of this video:

Thanks for watching as always, see you at at the next video!

DISCLAIMER:
*Some footage from this video may be edited and or sped up for cinematic affects.
*Some footage was also filmed on private land.

[JoeAchilles]

Thanks for watching as always!

Hopefully see some of you on the 13th 👌

Peace ☮️

[EVsteve]

Thank you for your review. I went back in forth between ordering the eDrive 40 M sport and the M50. Finally decided on the eDrive 40 with most options. After your review, I’m glad I did! Thank you for validating my decision.

[richardn.]

Glad you liked it, seems like "basic" rwd models of electric cars are often the better choice for us driving enthusiasts.

[steveberridge]

Very impressive. Looked very secure given the weather and condition of the road you were using. Potential successor for those of us still driving diesel BMs!

[tsher]

picking mine up tomorrow. your video mitigates buyer's remorse.

[Tanax]

I think as for range you really need to try it first. BMW have a history of under-reporting the range, to be on the safe side. In a real world test by Björn Nyland, he got the same model you had to go 416 miles (670 km) on one charge. That was longer than he was able to get Tesla M3 LR.

[johnminshall]

The ‘40’ was always the one to go for for maybe 90% of i4 buyers. Nice machine!

[adrianbroome]

Great review Joe and very honest for some one who loves ICE cars. I take delivery of my high spec BMW i4 eDrive 40 M sport in 3 weeks time. I can’t wait.

[DavidWilliams-csuf]

Hi Joe, I have seen most of the other i4 reviews and yours best answers the big question: "What's it like to drive?". Battery weight is definitely the main issue with most EVs. One exception, the BMW i3 does so by using carbon fibre and aluminium, so it's a fun driver's car but is limited to about 180 miles of range, thus we also run a 320d EDplus just for long trips, it averages 68mpg. However good the i4 is, if you are someone who must go on long distance trips, there is a dreaded problem, yes, the unfortunate charging infrastructure - just travel the M5 to see how trying it gets. At chargers stations you are waiting and so you speak to other EV drivers, they often say "I wish I had a Tesla". So like you, I love my Beemers but practicality determines that, for now anyway, the realistic alternative (because of the Tesla supercharger network) is a Tesla model 3 or an even more practical model Y and their great acceleration and tech is a compensating factor.

[fatbikedad]

Hi Joe, thanks for the review. Came to the same conclusion after test driving both…. E40 feels lighter on its feet! The added range and lower payments are a bonus… e40 is now signed!

[nuckv]

in canada once you properly spec an i4 40, you get close to the base price of the m50 which comes with way more standard features so its a no brainer to go m50 unless you really need the extra range

[hadyanth]

I'm on a journey of videos to make my mind up on an M50 (and other cars) and I saw people mentioned the e40. What I've noticed that there is a lot of confirmation bias whichever side you're looking for. M50 was proven on a track by a competent racer and yes it was heavy, but with the right config it handled sufficiently. The e40 being the 'proper M car' as some people have put it, is nonsense (confirmation bias). But I will continue to research. Thanks for a great video.

[Driver]

I kind of like the "base" steering wheel more than the M wheel. The adaptive suspension, stereo upgrade, and the ventilated seats are the options I would choose.

[paulsimpson]

I have a model 3 and love one pedal driving. It reminds me of driving a carbureted car with manual transmission that provided engine braking.

[minimalist]

Thanks for the honest review. Living outside of Chicago, the AWD is more appealing for driving in snow. Does anyone have experience driving either I4 in the snow?

[thomaspaaruppedersen]

I'm very happy with my eDrive 40 M-sport with adaptive suspension, laser lights and head-up display 🙂

The rear seat is surprisingly cramped, and with less space than the F30 3-series I had before. Well, we're a family of 3 and my wife and child are not too large, so not a problem.

[waynegriffiths]

Have m50 0n order, and got to drive one at the weekend. It’s replacing my M3 CS, and yes, it’s not the same …. But I was hugely impressed with it, and looking forward to taking delivery several months from now 🤣
Salary sacrifice scheme at work makes EV very compelling if you have the option 👍🏻

[Nick_Smith]

Thanks Joe, great review. I was hesitant on ordering the edrive40 until I had test driven it, as on paper, it's slower than my 435d. I needn't have worried. I can confirm, it feels way quicker. Mine is due September. 😁

[richardkennett]

Hi Joe, I had an oppertunity 2 weeks ago to drine the M50 and then the drive 40 back to back. The local dealer was swapping cars and I was told I was possibly the first to be able to do this outside of the press. I agree with you the performance is so close, but some how the traction felt more controlled and the steering had so much more feel. Add this to the refinement and range it is pretty much a no brainer to chose the I4 40. Couple of points. If you chose the Sport model instead of the M option pack you get a light roof liner which makes the car much less claustrophobic. The car you have there optioned up though is still well nearly £63K. I think I is a car which options you really need is going to affect the price. I still think key options are the technology pack and steering heating. I know the laser lights are amazing but the Led lights are pretty good. So is it worth £1500? Not sure. A comfort pack with memory seats and heated steering is more important if you share the car with your wife / partner. But this i4 40 is such a great balance. What tyres did the car have. I am sure if it had Michellin Pilot Sport 4S tyres the grip would be even better. The Pirelli P zeros just scramble all over on the M50. Did you have a look? 

My experience with EV motoring is after completing 20K in a Taycan 4S and the i4 looks to be the most compelling replacement as a business car. Range, refinement, cost and great ride!

I would say the i4 40 suits the M badge better than the lifeless M50. That car just doesn't have the calibration right for the steering or traction.

Great reviews by the way! Keep up the great work.

[tommytinkler]

Have to agree just tested this car myself and it's the first EV I could live with, a fun drive. Still not the same quality as my BMW 6 gran coupe 640d.