We can only reassure everybody who was worried that electrification might destroy BMW’s iconic sedans: “You need not be frightened”.
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because BMW has now the solution. Even at the single-motor end of the range, where the rear-drive 2023 BMW i4 eDrive40 belongs, the future appears promising.
All you need to know about the BMW i4 Review 2023:
The 2023 BMW i4 is an electric version of the 4-series Gran Coupe classified as the best electric vehicle. its name would imply Its elegant, four-door sedan-like shape is identical to that of its gas-powered sibling, with the same extended roofline, frameless door glass, and rear liftgate in place of a trunk.
The Gran Coupe offers superior rear-seat capacity and better cargo access than any 3-series sedan, so this definitely works to the i4’s advantage. It also has a beautiful appearance. In addition, the name i3 was already in use.
The 2023 BMW i4 is BMW’s response to the Tesla Model 3, Kia EV6, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and Hyundai Ioniq 6, which will also face competition in the market now. Can the i4 compete with Tesla, Hyundai, and Kia, which are built on specific EV platforms?
What are all prices of the BMW i4 2023?
prices BMW i4 In Australia, there is only one trim level available for the base 2023 BMW i4 eDrive40, with prices starting at $99,900 including on-road expenses. There is only one other model in the i4 lineup, the i4 M50, which starts at $124,900 plus applicable taxes.
all prices BMW i4 2023
Both variations come with a variety of option packages.
For a visibility package: $5800 (eDrive40)
- BMW headlights with laser light
- powered glass roof
- Metallic color (excl. BMW Individual)
For the comfort package: (eDrive40) $1500, (M50)$1300
- Lumbar support (eDrive40)
- Heated front/rear seats (M50)
- Heated front seats (eDrive40)
- Heated steering wheel
For the M Sport Plus Package: $1700 (eDrive40), $1200 (M50)
- M high-gloss Shadowline with extended contents
- M seat belts
- M Lights Shadowline (darkened)
- M rear spoiler (eDrive40)
Executive Package: $2100 (plus $3600 for eDrive40) (M50)
- Tyre pressure monitoring
- Alarm system
- Sun protection glazing
- Harman/Kardon surround sound (eDrive40)
- BMW Drive Recorder
Also, There are 12 colors to choose from, with one only being offered with the M50. Prices for colors other than white range from $2000 to $4700.
how is the 2023 BMW i4 interior?
Working with an existing platform has many advantages, including familiarity with the exterior and interior designs. And the 2023 BMW i4 really shines inside the cabin. The all-new BMW iX’s infotainment system and enormous displays are carried over to the BMW i4 specs.
the 2023 BMW i4 interior has an advantage because the new infotainment system comes with BMW iDrive 8, the most recent version of the company’s industry-leading infotainment system.
This calls for two sizable displays, one measuring 14.9 inches for the main infotainment screen and the other 12.3 inches for the driver screen. Either the iDrive controller located near the center console or the infotainment screen’s touchscreen interface is used to control it.
It Has Speech Recognition, Integrated Satellite Navigation, Connected Services, Wireless Apple CarPlay, And Android Auto. There Is An AM, FM, And DAB+ Radio In Addition To The 10-Speaker Sound System. Although the sound system is acceptable, for premium quality, you should pay for the optional 16-speaker Harman/Kardon system.
The sound system is excellent and well worth the cost. The infotainment system is quite simple to operate, has a high-definition screen, and doesn’t lack any amenities aside from the headline specifications. Additionally, it looks lovely perched atop the dashboard.
Another display in the 2023 BMW i4 interior is located in front of the driver and can be set up to show a variety of driving options. Its display style changes based on the drive mode that is chosen. Additionally, there are two USB charging connections and a wireless smartphone charging pad.
The front row has plenty of head and leg room, but the second row is where things really start to go south. There is not much room for the knees, heads, or toes. Additionally, it has a driveline hump, and a holdover from the internal combustion engine platform; in contrast, the second-row flooring of EVs built from the ground up like the Model 3, EV6, and Ioniq 5 is flat.
There is a third climate control zone, a USB charging port, and a center armrest with two cup holders. There are three top-tether points and ISOFIX points on the two outer seats. Seat heating is not included in the basic specification for either the first or second rows.
Strangely, whenever any of the doors open, the windows roll around halfway down. When a door without a window frame opens and closes, the window often rolls down a little, but it’s exceptional when it rolls down about halfway each time.
We searched the menus in search of a setting that would address this problem, but we were unsuccessful. With the second row in position, there are 470 liters of cargo space. With the second row folded flat, that grows to 1290L. A tire repair kit can be found underneath the cargo floor. There isn’t much room for storage beneath the cargo floor and none under the bonnet.
BMW i4 eDrive40 motor, and Battery.
A single electric motor is fitted to the rear axle of the base model 2023 BMW i4. It generates 430 Nm of torque and 250kW of power. The 84kWh battery pack is used by the single electric motor, which transmits traction to the back wheels.
It mentions a driving range of 590 km that is WLTP-certified and an official economy value of 16-20 kWh/100 km. On a three-phase circuit, AC charging has a maximum capacity of 11kW. With a maximum charge rate of 200kW and an average charge rate of 120kW during the charging cycle, DC charging is quite outstanding.
The 2023 BMW i4 Range and Performance.
Not everything is about speed. The 2023 BMW i4 range easily beats the M50 in terms of range, which is the other side of the EV coin and is of far greater interest to many. Both i4 models share an identical 81.5 kWh liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery pack, although as is customary in these situations, the single-motor car has a longer range.
In comparison to the M50’s 270 miles on 19-inch wheels or merely 227 miles with high-performance 20-inch tires, the eDrive40 has an EPA-rated range of 301 miles with 18-inch wheels and 282 miles with optional 19-inch wheels.
The 2023 BMW i4 driving abilities.
With a key and a start button, you enter, exit, and start one of the fastest cars in the world! 2023 BMW i4 in a manner similar to the combustion-powered 4 Series. What happens next is when the experience completely diverges. BMW hired renowned composer Hans Zimmer to create the car’s “Iconic Sounds” feature.
There is a Zimmer-designed noise that plays through the speakers when you turn it on/off or apply the gas firmly. When it comes to the type of noise that emanates from the speakers when you press the throttle, it really sounds pretty fantastic and isn’t as cringe-inducing as some automakers. If it’s not your thing, it can also be completely disabled.
BMW also seems to be changing its dynamics philosophies right now. It originally caught my attention on the iX, and it seems to continue with the i4. The ride is more pleasant than comparable internal combustion versions of the same automobile and is purposefully restrained.
With the 2023 BMW i4, traveling within and outside of the city is hassle-free and comfortable. It doesn’t stress about small flaws in the road, and the difference between Comfort and Sports modes is obvious. A BMW will typically start out too hard and only get firmer as you switch between drive modes. The i4’s standard 19-inch alloy wheels with 40-profile tires are also advantageous.
The chassis fits this drivetrain setup perfectly as well. Just enough power is available to enjoy yourself and accelerate when necessary, and the battery is large enough to provide a decent amount of driving range.
It weighs more than the Tesla Model 3; the equivalent Model 3 Long Range weighs just under 1850kg compared to the i4 eDrive40’s weight of a little over 2000kg. This is a drawback of loading EV components onto a carryover internal combustion platform.
The 2023 BMW i4 is tremendously agile and enjoyable to drive, just like the 4 Series. The i4 was actually just as entertaining and engaging as a rear-wheel drive petrol version of the 4 Series when driving in closed quarters on the morning we shot the video.
BMW simulates an LSD using a clever electronic-type differential lock, so you can hang out and drive it like you would a sporty 4 Series. This narrative continues at higher speeds and through turns, where the incredibly responsive drivetrain consistently produces smiles.
There are several vehicles in this market where it is not possible to say that the rear-wheel drive feels exactly like an internal combustion 4 Series. Bespoke EV platforms frequently have long wheelbases, which are combined with lighter batteries.
results in a loss of body control when the body oscillates, as we previously saw with the Ioniq 5 when we evaluated it at our testing facility. Contrarily, the i4 is remarkably composed and, more significantly for a BMW, a lot of joy to drive.
However, the regen modes may use some improvement. I’d love to see a single-pedal driving mode a la Tesla, Hyundai, or Kia that operates a little more aggressively and intelligently than the 2023 BMW i4’s present system.
The visibility out the front and sides is excellent; the visibility out the back window is a little less good, but it’s not a major problem. A rear-wheel drive vehicle’s turning circle at 12.5m is larger than you may anticipate at slower speeds. The ride is excellent at greater speeds and a complement to the chassis, just like it is at low speeds.
We achieved a combined average of about 20kWh/100km during our trip. Just over 18kWh/100km was the reading for the car as it left the factory. The actual driving range would be about 444 kilometers.
What are the 2023 BMW i4 options and features?
2023 BMW I4 EDrive40 Highlights:
- M Sport Package
- Driving Assistant Professional
- Instrument panel in Sensatec
- Adaptive M Suspension
- Comfort Access System
- M Sport brakes
- BMW head-up display
- LED headlights incl. High Beam Assistant
- 19-inch M Light Alloy Wheels
- Sport seats for driver and front passenger
- Parking Assistant Plus
- Leather ‘Vernasca’ upholstery
- Through-loading system
- Model 2 Domestic Charger
- Model 3 Public Charging Cable
- Live Cockpit Professional
- Connected Package Professional
- Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- HiFi Loudspeaker System, 10 Speakers
- Wireless Charging
- DAB+ Digital Radio
- Automatic Tailgate
- Electric Seat Adjustment
- Ambient Light
- Galvanic Embellishers For Controls
- Storage Compartment Package
- BMW Iconic Sounds Electric
- Charge Ox 5 Years Unlimited Charging
The 2023 BMW i4 M50 adds the following:
- M Performance tuning and elements
- xDrive (AWD)
- M Rear Spoiler
- Metallic paintwork
- Harman/Kardon surround sound system, 16 speakers
- Glass roof, electric
- 19-inch M light alloy wheels with performance Tires
- M Technology Package
- Lumbar support
- Seat heating, front
- BMW Laserlight
Is the 2023 BMW i4 eDrive40 secure?
Although the 2023 BMW i4 still provides excellent occupant protection (87 percent for adult occupants and 87 percent for child occupants), good protection for pedestrians and for vulnerable road users (71 percent), and all of this is hindered by the subpar Safety Assist category score of just 64 percent, the i4 still offers excellent occupant protection.
Nevertheless, the 2023 BMW i4 has not yet undergone crash testing by ANCAP or Euro NCAP. Even if the two-door 4 Series Coupe received five stars in 2019 testing, it is more difficult to transfer the crash test data to the new EV. due to its different dimensions and drivetrain.
The following features come as standard on Australian models:
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Driving Assistant Professional
- Adaptive cruise control with stop/go
- Steering and Lane Control Assistant (semi-autonomous mode)
- Evasion Aid
- Front cross-traffic alert
- Forward collision warning
- Lane-keep assist
- Parking Assistant Plus
- incl. 360-degree cameras
- Speed limit recognition
- Lane departure warning
- High-beam assist
How much does it cost to run a BMW i4 eDrive40?
BMW offers a three-year, unlimited-mile new car warranty for its entire lineup. The cost of servicing can be prepaid for four or six years at a rate of $1240 or $1765, with intervals set by the infotainment system of the car based on condition.
“FastElectricCars” point of view about the BMW i4 eDrive40:
The 2023 BMW i4 actually surprised me. The i4 truly shines and seems like it was developed from the ground up as an EV, unlike the majority of other companies with an EV fashioned on an internal combustion chassis.
There are no trade-offs in choosing this over an identical internal combustion 4 Series because of the smooth ride, quick acceleration, and sporty handling.
It’s held down by a lack of space in the second row and the price, which is much higher than the comparable fast electric cars now on the market. This could ultimately hinder sales for BMW. Aside from that, I have no hesitation in recommending this to the segment’s rivals as a strong challenger. It competes well and has a sporty BMW vibe.
2023 BMW i4 eDrive40 pros and cons:
PROS:
- Replicates the appearance, feel, and handling of an internal combustion 4 Series
- EV specifications are comparable to those of the rest of the class.
- Excellent iDrive 8 infotainment system integration from BMW
CONS:
- Insufficient space in the second row
- not as well packed as EV platforms built from scratch.
- Price can be abrupt