2024 BMW i4: Electric and Cheaper Than a 3 Series
- by Guideautoweb.com
- Sep 30, 2024
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RWD or AWD
Our tester was an AWD-equipped, dual-motor BMW i4 xDrive40 positioned in the middle of the lineup. With 396 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque on tap, acceleration is a treat (0-100 km/h in 5.1 seconds) whether in Comfort mode (default) or Sport mode. Need more? We’d beg to differ, but for good measure the company can sell you an i4 M50 xDrive with Boost mode that increases output and torque to 536 horsepower and 586 lb-ft, respectively.
AWD may be a requisite for many drivers, but it’s not so much important with an electric sedan like this one, with a lower centre of gravity and more ideal weight distribution. During winter, for example, a good set of tires will make a bigger difference. Consequently, we feel like plenty of people will be satisfied with the RWD-only, single-motor i4 eDrive40, which delivers a commendable 335 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque (0-100 km/h in 5,7 seconds). The 83.9kWh battery is the same, and maximum range is naturally longer—up to 512 km versus 462 km.
Photo: Guillaume Rivard
Those are the official NRC ratings for the 2025 model, to be clear. Our i4 xDrive40 came with 19-inch wheels and was theoretically good for 431 km as a result of its average energy consumption of 22.4 kWh/100 km, but beating that range is easily doable as we wound up with a combined 19 kWh/100 km. So, in the case of the i4 eDrive40, driving well over 500 km shouldn’t be a problem in fair weather conditions, although you could travel farther with a Model 3 Long Range or single-motor IONIQ 6.
At this point, we need to talk about the price. The BMW i4 xDrive40’s MSRP is just shy of $70,000, therefore no federal or provincial incentives apply. The i4 eDrive40 is a different story. Priced below $64,000, it qualifies for a $5,000 federal rebate and another $7,000 if you live in Quebec (or $4,000 if the car is delivered and registered after December 31, 2024). It doesn’t take a math genius to see the major cost difference between the two models. How badly do you need AWD and a bit more muscle?
On the other hand, choosing a RWD-equipped i4—it could also be the entry-level i4 eDrive35 that we haven’t covered yet and retails for less than $55,000, cheaper than a gas-powered 3 Series—means you’ll be denied a heated steering wheel and heated seats unless you opt for a package that minimally will relieve you of $5,500. Now that’s something to seriously think about, too. In fact, as is generally the case with BMW, customers need to be extremely careful about optional features that can jack up the price in a hurry.
Photo: Guillaume Rivard
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