BMW i4 Gran Coupe: A High-Performance Electric Vehicle

The i4 Gran Coupe by BMW is one of the newest electric vehicles. Based on the BMW 4-series Gran Coupe, the i4 transitions this sporty concept to an all-electric format. While the 2022 model has been available for a while, the 2023 release is just on the horizon, making now a perfect time to review this epic EV in full detail.

With several variations and trim levels available, the BMW i4 Gran Coupe caters to a few different audiences. You can opt for the ultra-efficient eDrive35 or the sporty M50. Now that BMW is embracing the all-electric trend, how does their newest model compete with other EVs?

Let’s explore the exciting new EV, its most characteristic features, and how the public responds to it.

6 Facts about the BMW i4 Gran Coupe

• The BMW i4 Gran Coupe eDrive40 can top 60 mph from a standing start in 5.5 seconds, almost two seconds slower than the M50 version.
• The i4 has a unique grille with self-healing tech like the iX SUV. A hot day or a few minutes with the hair dryer will eliminate minor scratches and rock chips.
• eDrive version of the i4 Gran Coupe can go up to 301 miles on a single charge.
• Both versions of the Gran Coupe support fast charging using an SAE combo connector or flexible, fast charging cable.
• The BMW i4 Gran Coupe includes various driver assistance technologies, including iDrive, cruise control, multi-zone climate control, keyless entry, and Apple or Android connectivity.
• Features like Adaptive M Suspension and M Sport Brakes ensure a smooth and sporty ride.
• BMW includes a generous four-year, 50,000-mile warranty, an eight-year, 100,00-mile battery warranty, and a 12-year unlimited mileage rust perforation warranty.

BMW i4 Gran Coupe Specs

BMW i4 Gran Coupe: Where to Buy

Demand for last year’s model outstripped the supply. The entire year’s allocation was sold out by October. Fortunately, this year’s production has improved. 2022 models have been available from BMW dealers since March.

The starting price for the 2023 BMW i4 eDrive40 is $55,900, although optional extras will push the total closer to $60,000. Sitting on the higher end of the price range is the BMW i4 M50. Many critics say the M50’s value is not as good as the eDrive, retailing at $67,300 before accounting for optional extras.

Similar electric vehicles in this class include the Polestar 2 and the Tesla Model 3. The BMW i4 Gran Coupe offers a more premium finish, luxury, and design. The only compromise is BMW’s higher price tag.

The History of the BMW i4 Gran Coupe: What To Know

Despite BMW’s recent commercial success with EVs, the company’s history with electric vehicles is extensive. BMW’s first electric vehicle project was in 1972 when they designed a modified car known as the 1602e for the Munich Olympics. While the car could only travel 37 miles on a single charge, it would lay the foundation for future innovation.

BMW found mainstream success with its EV lineup with the launch of the i3 in 2013. While not as popular as similar compact EVs like the Chevy Volt, Nissan Leaf, or Volkswagen e-Golf, the BMW i3 secured the company’s position in the EV market.

The company toyed with the idea of electric sports cars when they launched the i8, a plug-in hybrid capable of doing 0 to 60 in under 4.2 seconds. However, nothing happened until the i4. First unveiled in 2017 at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the BMW i4 would go into production in 2021. 

BMW i4 Gran Coupe Versions: Each Edition

There are a few different variations of the BMW i4 available. Each model has its advantages and drawbacks. Entry-level buyers will opt for the eDrive35 for its lower price tag. At the opposite end of the spectrum sits the i4 M50, with its sportier style and horsepower. The eDrive40 is the sweet spot, marrying the best performance and efficiency.

i4 eDrive35

Economy version: MSRP $52,395

With significantly less horsepower and torque than the other models, the eDrive35 is the entry-level addition to the pack. You still enjoy the high-tech features and stylish design of the BMW i4 Gran Coupe, but the eDrive35 lets you get in at the lowest price. At less than $55,000 MSRP, this is the most economical model.

i4 eDrive40

Midrange version: MSRP $55,900

The BMW i4 eDrive40 is the sweet spot for the Gran Coupe. You still get amazing performance, though not as eye-popping as the M50. However, at a lower price point than the M50, the benefits become obvious. The biggest advantage of the eDrive40 is the range. Topping out at over 300 miles on a single charge, this is the most efficient version of the BMW i4.

i4 M50

Sporty version: MSRP $67,300

With the most horsepower, at the expense of range, this model is designed for fun over function. That’s not to say it isn’t practical. You still get the same spacial interior and high-tech features. But you also get a fine-tuned suspension, upgraded brakes with blue calipers, and more aggressively designed wheels.

BMW i4 Gran Coupe: Range and Recharging

BMW claims the i4 eDrive40 can reach 301 miles on a single charge. Its rear drive and single motor are better than the BMW i4 M50. While not as efficient, with its dual-motor, all-wheel drive system, the M50 can reach up to 271 miles on a single charge. The entry-level eDrive35 has the shortest range, at just 261 miles.

The BMW i4’s battery can recharge from zero to 100 percent in under eight hours, as long as you’re using the Level 2 onboard charger. For rapid charging, you can use a 200kW DC fast charger to go from 10 to 80% in about 30 minutes. Additionally, you can take advantage of two years of complimentary 30-minute charge sessions courtesy of BMW.

BMW i4 Gran Coupe: Performance

While the eDrive35 and eDrive40 models are designed for comfort and efficiency, the M50 is focused on performance. As BMW’s first all-electric performance car, the M50 sets a solid first impression. Generating 536 horsepower, the M50 surges from zero to 60 in 3.7 seconds. Enabling Sport Boost mode lets you take full advantage of the dual electric motors.

While going from 0 to 60 in 3.7 seconds sounds promising on paper, the way the i4 M50 naturally charges ahead as you step onto the throttle has to be felt to be appreciated properly. The only thing you’ll hear is the rumble of the tires against the pavement and the wind across the windshield. Of course, the true BMW experience isn’t complete without the iconic generated engine sounds played through your speakers. While this is turned off by default, you can turn it on to enhance the thrill of driving your BMW.

BMW i4 Gran Coupe: Interior

The BMW i4 Gran Coupe is packed with technology. As soon as you hop in the driver’s seat, you are surrounded by a high-tech cockpit. Taking up almost two-thirds of the dash, you’ll find a curved 14.9-inch touch display containing a wealth of controls and options. The digital design is continued with the driver’s instrumentation panel, with a fully digital instrument cluster.

All of the icons and settings are customizable using the iDrive software. You can populate the main menu with your eight most frequently used apps to make it easier to do common functions. Additionally, you can access some inputs via the steering wheel controls, gestures, and voice control using the “Hey BMW” hot word.

There are built-in options for navigation and radio, but most drivers like to connect their phones. You’ll be able to use both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, depending on your phone. Thanks to USB-C connectivity, you can plug your phone in or connect wirelessly via Bluetooth. Either way, all of your passengers can charge their phones thanks to two USB ports in the center console and two additional USB-C ports in the back.

A luxurious interior finish selection is available for the i4, and you can take your pick from rose gold trim, white leather upholstery, and light wood trim. Additionally, several ambient lighting elements are installed within the cabin, and alternate colors are based on the driving mode. There’s a bit of cabin space lost because of the battery under the i4’s floor, but it’s not too bad. The i4 M50 has nearly identical space above its floor, and its rear seat still folds down 40/20/40 so you can comfortably load items into the back.

BMW i4 Gran Coupe: Tech and Options

You also get standard driver assistance technologies like adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-departure warnings. The i4 features forward collision protection with automatic braking to avoid collisions and additional protection systems like automatic high beams and low-speed pedestrian protection.

While the base model does not include every tech goody–you will have to add a few options to get everything. The Parking Assistance Package adds features like a surround-view camera, two front and rear parking distance sensors, and parking assistance. This car will take all the work out of parallel and perpendicular parking. The price for this upgrade starts at around $700.

You can opt for the Driving Assistance Professional Package if you want even more tech upgrades. For an additional $1700, you can get features like lane-keeping steering assistance and Traffic Jam Steering Assistance. With this little upgrade, your car will do all the steering for you in low-speed traffic conditions, provided you’re going under 40mph. It’s not full self-driving like a Tesla, but it is a neat little trick to have up your sleeve.

The Public Response

BMW’s sales for the i4 Gran Coupe speak for themselves. While 2600 units sold in the first half of 2022 doesn’t sound like much, it is a major success for the company. With the low popularity and general distaste for the BMW i3, sales figures stagnated for years. When the BMW i4 Gran Coupe came along, the company saw a sharp increase in sales for the first time in several years.

Many reviewers praise the BMW i4 Gran Coupe for its bold yet familiar styling, reminiscent of the 3-series. Unlike earlier electric models like the i3 and i8, which sported unique, aggressive designs, the i4’s subtle tone and accents give it a classic presence, which accounts for much of its praise. PCmag calls the i4 Gran Coupe impressive enough “to be a true rival to Tesla.” This is saying something since most luxury car makers haven’t been able to compete in the luxury EV space like Tesla.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©VanderWolf Images/Shutterstock.com.