2022 BMW i4

BMW’s coming out charging with their latest performance EV models.  Who’s going to take on Tesla?  The Germans, of course!  Audi, Mercedes and BMW are releasing some exciting new EVs that have that lovely combination of build quality, attention to detail, and that all important x-factor drive.

2022 is an exciting year for motoring.  There will be many new models added into the mix, many of them pure EV as well as Hybrid.  BMW has introduced their special i4 models: the base model BMW i4 eDrive40 M Sport RWD and the BMW i4 M50 AWD.  The Germans never like to introduce a model that has not been thoroughly designed, tested, and proven, and the outcome of all their hard work is this stunning i4.

Initially just having the two i4 models makes sense.  At around $110k, the BMW i4 eDrive40 M Sport offers sweet RWD handling and dynamics, 250 kW of electric energy sent instantly to the rear wheels, and a sensible WLTP (World harmonised Light vehicle Testing Procedure) claimed range of 590 km.

BMW’s i4 M50 AWD is the performance model, zapping you with 400 kW of instant energy sent to the adept AWD system.  In this form, the i4 sees 100 km/h come up in 3.9 seconds from a standstill.  If the battery in the M50 has enough charge, the driver can activate Sport Boost.  This exciting button increases the combined power for a duration of 10 seconds, providing extra acceleration capacity.  You also get a special M-Sport soundtrack where the driver can experience an audio experience akin to driving the gas-powered car. That’s not to say that the BMW i4 eDrive40 M Sport is a slouch.  The same sprint in this model takes around 5.7 seconds.  If you’re going to draw heavily the M50’s extra grunt, it does take a toll on the driving range.  BMW state the i4 M50 AWD has a range of around 465 km.

2022 BMW i4

BMW state that with the 200 kW DC charger, one can charge the i4 from 10% to 80% capacity in 31 minutes.  When hooked up to a Level 2 home charger on AC power, the i4 will take just under 8 hours to charge the battery from empty to 100%.

To pack this much power and deliver a lengthy drive before having to recharge the battery means that both of the i4 models weigh in at over 2000 kg.  The weight, of course, comes from the advanced battery pack, cleverly hidden away beneath the rear seats.  Weight is not always a bad thing because with more mass comes a more settled ride quality.  Electronically controlled front and rear shock absorbers are standard on the BMW i4 M50 and optional on the eDrive40.  These shocks let the driver choose between stiffer set-ups for agility and softer settings for comfort.  Both models have a rear air suspension as standard.  In addition to the self-levelling ride height, the suspension adjusts to balance the car’s ride comfort and handling capabilities.

More mass also means having to incorporate a stronger body shell, beefier chassis componentry, better brakes, etc., to hold it all together out on the road.  Safety equipment is impressive, with all the kit present, including ABS (Antilock Brakes), Brake Assist, Automatic Emergency City Braking, Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control, Pedestrian Alert (Audible Warning for Silent Vehicles), Cameras (360 degrees), Cross Traffic Alert (Front and Rear), a First Aid Kit, Lane Departure Warning, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Fully Automated Parking Assistance, Auto Dipping High Beam, LED Headlights, Six Airbags (curtain airbags included), Rain Sensing Wipers, and Cruise Control.  Pretty decent, wouldn’t you think?

Forward collision warning (FCW), automatic emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane departure warning (LDW), and lane keeping assistance (LKA) are standard on both i4 models. Blind spot warning (BSW) is part of the optional Driving Assistant feature, which includes rear cross traffic warning (RCTW) and a rear collision prevention system.  The active cruise control feature maintains a set distance when following another vehicle, and this is optional. It includes the ability to come to a stop in slow-moving traffic, then it will resume driving again once the vehicle in front begins moving.

2022 BMW i4

The new i4 is not overly gregarious, so drivers of any current BMW with an ICE will feel right at home inside the i4.  So the familiar classic BMW dash styling, door handles, window controls, indicator and wiper stalks, steering wheel buttons, the iDrive control knob, centre console and digital dash is all similar.  This is a great move by BMW because it makes the shift from ICE to EV that much smoother and less intimidating.  As with any other BMW, there’s a selector along with buttons on the centre console for the different driving mode choices.

On the 2022 BMW i4’s dash sits a larger infotainment screen than you’ll find in some of the other BMW models.  This screen incorporates both the gauge cluster and the infotainment system.  So the digital driver’s display/gauge cluster is a 12.3-inch screen directly adjacent to the separate 14.9-inch infotainment and control system display.  The infotainment and controls boast BMW’s latest iDrive 8 hardware and software.  The familiar control knob on the centre console between the seats can be used to select and adjust all its functions, however a new natural voice Personal Assistant is also available to handle infotainment tasks.

Exterior looks are very pleasant on the eye; the new BMW i4 eDrive40 and M50 sedans look similar to the existing BMW 4 Series vehicles.  I like it that way, and again it makes for a less scary transition from ICE to EV.  For EV-focused buyers who might otherwise choose a 3-Series Beemer, the new i4 will provide an opportunity to stay with BMW, thus stemming any exodus by some buyers toward a Tesla Model 3 or even Polestar 2.  Of course, the lure of owning a new EV BMW with i4 performance should also attract new buyers into the BMW fold.  BMW’s Group manufacturing plant in Munich, Germany, has made use of secondary raw and recycled materials where possible in the i-division.

2022 BMW i4

The 2022 BMW i4 models include the:

• BMW i4 eDrive40
• BMW i4 M50 AWD

For any more information on a new BMW i4 or, for that matter, any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181.  If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quote requests out to our national network of BMW dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours. Private Fleet – car buying made easy!