New BMW i4 in-depth review: does it beat the Tesla Model 3?

The BMW i4 is the German brand’s long-awaited rival to the Polestar 2 and, particularly, the Tesla Model 3. It’s based on the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe, swapping a petrol engine for a powerful electric motor. There are standard and M versions available, but both officially manage over 300 miles of range and quick acceleration times. In fact, the i4 M50 could match a petrol-powered BMW M4 off the line! But the i4 is also impressive in the corners, being one of the best-driving EVs we’ve ever tested. It’ll appeal to company-car drivers and private buyers alike, thanks to low running costs and rock-bottom tax brackets. But is it the electric car to pick? Nicola puts it to the test.

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00:00 - Introduction
01:30 - Driving
04:13 - Range and charging
05:01 - Interior and technology
07:30 - Rear seats
08:15 - Boot space
08:37 - Dealmakers and dealbreakers
09:38 - Verdict

[rg]

This car is perfect, test drove it last week and its on its own league. Was about to buy the model 3 but this changed my mind, interior is also miles ahead of the Tesla and anything in its class

Another fantastic review from Nichola, she was spot on about everything

[Marinedude]

Considering this now after experiencing 3 price changes within a month with the Model 3

[whitemoor]

It's not nippy, it's BAM!🤣. Love it.

[richardchester]

Great review Nicola. Placed an order 3 weeks ago for the M Sport. 'BAM' definitely describes the car's performance (felt very similar to my B9 S4 but with an immediate punch when needed). Climate control wise, the physical dials are sorely missed (however the speech recognition seemed to work quite well for the occasions I wanted to change the temperatures on the extended test drive). Test drove the etron GT last year, obviously a very different price bracket and if money was no object, being honest, I'd have been tempted to go down the Ingolstadt route for the GT's looks. Granted the GT has physical HVAC buttons but loses the MMI wheel which the i4 retains (for me personally I use that wheel more in my current S4 than the climate controls). In terms of bang for buck though, at present the i4 can't be beaten... It's 99% of the etron GT for 66% of the outlay, a hugely impressive, practical and compelling car.

[carlnock]

It looks like a BMW, it feels like a BMW, it drives like a BMW and it’s a cracking car, but………it is not a family saloon and it should’ve been built as a 2 door. Unless you are 3ft6, you can’t get in the rear seats with the drivers seat in the ideal driving position for anyone over 5ft10. No way could you take your mates to the game/pub/restaurant. It beats the LR3 in every aspect except for practicality and for a 50k 4door saloon, it needs to be practical

[jasonbrody]

The best looking ev coup car. Well done BMW

[jamiep]

I enjoyed watching the Video Review. Most buyers will choose the M Sport as It offers more equipment

[mizaru]

This is my dream car....if only it wasn't 1.5x the price of a standard model 3 in my country....

[Nickbaldeagle]

I always knew that once BMW and Mercedes started making EV's that they'd make the best ones.

[adamwright]

Test drove one. Blown away. Incredible drive. Girlfriend has one on order. Made sure she got the msport pro pack with the adaptive suspension

[keyadventure]

Now that is a nice looking car, and driving it seems the best. I really wouldn’t buy a Tesla, might buy a Polestar, but this is definitely on my short list. Awesome review, BAM!

[alanwayte]

Great review I drove the M50 whilst my M4 was in for work, next day I had I4 and honestly the I40 was the better car to drive, far more comfortable, but oh No what’s going on with climate controls....dangerous

[SilverfoxThe]

At last - someone tests the i4 but not the M50. Thanks. Nice video too.

[ggr]

Nice motor. just on looks alone, it totally blows away the boring looking Tesla and Polestar. I wouldnt say no to an living in the Highlands Of Scotland, i would be concerened about the provision of Charging stations.

[steveemmerson]

I test drove a Tesla Model 3 standard range and a BMW i4 40 M Sport and was initially wowed by the Tesla technology, battery tech and the instant power available.
I then drove the i4 and found it to be the better built car with better driving dynamics so placed my order, should be picking up my Portimao Blue i40 M Sport next week, cannot wait 😊
Thank you for a great and realistic review 👍

[muzaffarteja]

What’s the deal with supply and deliveries. I asked for quotes few weeks ago but no retailer has come back to me.

[aussiebae]

Totally agree, I wish BMW would put the knobs back.

[manuelg]

I wonder why the normal 3 and 4 series don't have that hatchback trunk.
It adds so much praticality and was the one thing I missed when i switched from a Ford Fiesta to a 3series. Fun fact: The Fiesta is a much smaller car, but My Bicycle would fit whole. In my 3series I had to dismount the front wheel...

[anthonystevens]

Only one word to describe this review "BAM!". Brillian Nicola, well done although it did look a tad nippy out there for the review 🙂

[christopherwright]

It’s not good if you can’t get one there’s such a wait for one, I ordered jan and gave up this month as I know I wouldn’t have seen my i4 until 2023