Overview
BMW is no stranger to electrified models (see the funky little i3 and wildly styled i8 for proof), and the 2022 i4 sedan looks to further bolster the brand’s EV portfolio. Based on the Bavarian automaker’s most famous model, the 3-series, the upcoming i4 is a low-slung four-door that’ll compete with the Tesla Model 3 and the Audi e-tron GT, among others. The eDrive40 model features a single rear-mounted electric motor making 335 horsepower, and the M50 adds a motor up front that helps generate 536 total horses. Both feature an 81.5-kWh battery pack, but while the rear-drive version boasts an estimated driving range of 300 miles, the all-wheel-drive i4 will have about 240 miles of range.
What’s New for 2022?
The BMW i4 is an all-new electric sedan that is expected to compete against the Tesla Model 3 and other mid-size EV sedans when it finally hits showrooms in 2022.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
While the German automaker has revealed starting prices for the eDrive40 and the higher-performance M50, we’re still waiting to hear the full list of standard and optional features. Once that information is made available, we can recommend which i4 to buy and how to outfit it.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The 2022 i4 will feed electrons to either one or two electric motors, depending on the model. The eDrive40 features a single motor on the rear axle that makes 335 horsepower. This setup is said to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The M50 has an electric motor on both axles, which together provide all-wheel drive and produce 536 horsepower and 586 pound-feet. The increase in power will provide a decrease in acceleration times, with zero to 60 mph allegedly arriving in 3.9 seconds. The rear-drive i4 rolls on a standard set of 18-inch rims; 19-inchers are optional. Conversely, the all-wheel-drive M50 is fitted with either 19s or 20s, and it has adaptive dampers and a variable-ratio steering system.
Range, Charging, and Battery Life
BMW says the single-motor, rear-drive i4 eDrive40 will have the ability to travel up to 300 miles on a full battery. The dual-motor, all-wheel-drive M50 has the same 81.5-kWh battery, but its range is expected to top out around 240 miles. We’re also told the i4s will have a 200-kilowatt charging capacity that can add an extra 90 miles in just 10 minutes. Using the Level 2 (up to 11 kW) onboard charger, the i4 can recharge its battery from zero to 100 percent in less than 8 hours.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The EPA hasn’t yet released estimates for the i4’s fuel economy or driving range, so all we have to go on are BMW’s range claims. Once we get an i4 for testing, we’ll take it on our 75-mph highway route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, and determine its real-world efficiency.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Inside, we expect the cabin to be richly appointed, including the availability of rose gold trim, white leather upholstery, and light wood trim. We know the car will share its underpinnings with the company’s 3-series sedan, so the interior will likely be equally as spacious. The i4’s roofline is more dramatic than the 3, though, offering a four-door-coupe body style and what appears to be a large rear liftgate that opens to reveal a large cargo area like that of BMW 4-series Gran Coupe.ÂÂÂÂ
Infotainment and Connectivity
The i4 will be one of the first BMWs to feature the company’s latest infotainment system and connectivity features. Called iDrive 8, it’ll operate through a 14.9-inch touchscreen that’s integrated with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel on a huge curved display on the dashboard. Along with a rotary controller on the center console, the system will offer advanced voice commands and myriad popular features. These include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and 5G mobile capability.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The 2022 i4 offers a variety of standard and optional driver-assistance technology. For more information about the Bimmer’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
- Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
- Available adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go technology
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
BMW currently offers a competitive warranty that includes one of the better complimentary maintenance periods. Since the i4 is an electric vehicle, its battery components will also be covered, likely for eight years or 100,000 miles.
- Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers eight years or 100,000 miles
- Complimentary maintenance is covered for three years or 36,000 miles
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