2024 BMW i4 eDrive35 Review

In recent years, BMW has released quite a few electric vehicles and now offers an EV variant of most of its range. But there’s no denying that some of its EVs – like the i7 – are quite expensive, so to try and earn more of the lower-end EV business, the company has introduced some new lower-priced EVs like the iX1 that sneaks under the FBT exemption. The next addition to the range is a lower-end version of the i4, called the eDrive35. Does it still feel like a real BMW despite the lower price? We tested the 2024 BMW i4 eDrive34 to find out.

While the mid-size electric SUV market is seemingly saturated with offerings in Australia, the mid-size electric sedan market is not quite as popular. But there are still more than a few competitors for the i4: the popular Tesla Model 3, Polestar 2, Hyundai Ioniq 6 and the BYD Seal, for example.

How much does the 2024 BMW i4 eDrive35 cost to buy?

For now, there are three models in the i4 range and the model we have on test here is the new entry-level eDrive35. For those wanting to novate lease their EV, they will be happy to hear that the i4 eDrive35 is priced under the fringe benefits tax (FBT) threshold at $85,900 plus on-road costs (or around $94,000 drive away, depending on location). Above the eDrive35 sits the $102,900+ORC eDrive40 and the $133,900 +ORC M50 in the Australian i4 range, both of which are quite a lot more money than the 35.

i4 eDrive35 standard equipment:

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Dusk- and rain-sensing all-LED exterior lighting with front and rear daytime running lights
• Rain-sensing automatic wipers
• Keyless entry and start with a power bootlid
• Tri-zone climate control with rear vents
• ‘Sensatec’ synthetic leather seat upholstery in either tan or black
• Electric front seat adjustment with driver’s memory
• Leather wrapped steering wheel
• Heated and auto-folding mirrors with passenger-side auto-dropping in reverse
• Auto-dimming interior and exterior mirrors
• 12.3-inch digital driver’s display
• 14.9-inch touchscreen
• ‘Connected Package Professional’ with live services, live traffic information and concierge services (three-year subscription)
• Satellite navigation with live traffic information
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring
• AM/FM/DAB+ digital radio
• 205W 10-speaker sound system
• 4x USB-C ports (2x front and 2x rear)
• Wireless phone charger
• Head-up display
• Three-year Chargefox public charging subscription
• Type 2 charging cable for public charging
• Selectable driving modes
• Adjustable regenerative braking

i4 eDrive35 standard safety equipment:

• Six airbags
• Auto emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian, cyclist and intersection assistance
• Low speed reverse AEB
• Adaptive cruise control with stop and go functionality
• Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
• Lane departure warning with lane keep assist
• Auto high beam
• Tyre pressure monitoring
• Front and rear parking sensors with reversing assistant
• Reversing camera

The 2024 BMW i4 range received a four-star ANCAP rating in 2022 with scores of 87 per cent for adult protection, 89 per cent for child protection, 71 per cent for vulnerable road user protection and 62 per cent for safety assist.

i4 eDrive35 options:

• Enhancement Package (heated front seats and a sunroof): $3,000

i4 eDrive35 colour range:

• Black Sapphire: $0
• Sanremo Green: $0
• Skyscraper Grey: $0 (featured on our test vehicle)
• Sunset Orange: $0
• Adventure Red: $0
• Alpine White: $0
• Mineral White: $0

While there aren’t too many electric mid-size sedans on the market, there are still options for buyers to consider. The Tesla Model 3 (from $54,900 +ORC) takes the big share of sales in this market, but the BYD Seal ($58,798 +ORC) is also a good seller locally and the Polestar 2 ($62,900 +ORC) and Hyundai Ioniq 6 ($66,500 +ORC) are also good options to consider. We can delve into various equipment levels but the simple fact is that the Model 3 is almost $31,000 less expensive than the i4 eDrive35, while the Seal is over $27,000 less and even the Polestar 2 is $23,000 less expensive and that alone makes them much better value for money.

How far can the 2024 BMW i4 travel on a charge?

Under the bonnet of the 2024 BMW i4 eDrive35 is a 70.2kWh lithium-ion battery (67.1kWh is usable) with a claimed NEDC range of 430km (BMW does not quote a WLTP figure on the i4) based on claimed consumption of 17.4kWh/100km. The i4 eDrive30 can be charged at up to 180kW on a DC fast charger for a 10 to 80 per cent charge in as little as 32 minutes, or up to 11kW on an AC charger. Conveniently, both type two and type three cables are included with the i4’s purchase price, as is a three-year subscription to Chargefox public chargers.

The 2024 BMW i4 eDrive35 uses a single motor rear-wheel drive set up which makes a healthy 210kW of power and 400Nm of torque. The power to weight ratio is 105.5kW/tonne and the 0-100km/h sprint is done in a claimed 6.0 seconds, which is quick. By comparison, the Seal has a larger 82.5kWh battery with a claimed 650km NEDC range. It can be charged at up to 150kW (less than the BMW) for a 10-80% charge time of 40 minutes.

What is the 2024 BMW i4 like to drive?

As you’d expect for a car that’s based on the 3 Series – or the best sports sedan of all time – the 2024 BMW i4 eDrive35 drives well and can be quite fun. It’s no lightweight at 1,990kg (tare) – or almost 200kg more than the Model 3, which is a sign of its ICE-based platform – but it feels lighter than that from behind the wheel thanks to light steering and keen handling. Thanks to the modest 18-inch wheels, the ride in the i4 is sublime – it’s such a comfortable car and even bigger bumps fail to unsettle it, though a quick succession of bumps can make it feel its weight. Overall though, it rides better than the Model 3.

The handling of the i4 is great, with a composed and balanced feel from behind the wheel. The steering is quite light but is sharp and the refinement in the i4’s cabin is excellent, perhaps because of the smaller wheels. The i4’s active safety systems do a good job of aiding the driving experience without impeding too much on the driver. The lane keep assist is subtle yet effective, the adaptive cruise control maintains a good distance between you and the car in front and the forward collision alert is not too sensitive. However, there’s no full adaptive lane guidance or centre airbag, if that matters to you.

How practical is the 2024 BMW i4?

Step foot into the cabin of the 2024 BMW i4 eDrive35 and you’ll note that this is a car with excellent build quality, as you’d expect for a car from the BMW brand. The doors feel heavy and solid when you open them and even though the leather trim is BMW’s synthetic ‘Sensatec’ option in keeping with the eco-friendly EV vibe, it still feels great. The dash and controls of the i4 also feel sturdy and the cabin has an overall polished and expensive look thanks to ample use of soft touch materials.

Storage in the i4 is quite good with two cupholders in front of the gear selector, a wireless phone charger in front of that, door bins in each door, a big glovebox, a centre console with a USB input and a small cubby by the drivers right knee, which we found good to put the charging card in. Front seat comfort is pretty good, with a good amount of electric adjustment – though no lumbar adjustment is irritating.

The Convenience Package is definitely worthwhile optioning, in our opinion. The sunroof makes the cabin feel airier and the heated seats are handy on colder days or for those with bad backs. It’s not cheap at $3,000 and we think that these items should be standard equipment, but it’s a nice addition.

The large 14.9-inch touchscreen uses BMW’s iDrive8.5 system and the quality of the screen is excellent. All of the climate controls have been moved to the screen, but luckily there are shortcut buttons on the bottom of the screen to help navigate certain functions. The wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto worked well for us and the native satellite navigation works well too, thanks to its live traffic functionality. The standard 10-speaker sound system was also better than expected.

Like the Polestar, the i4 is a liftback, which is more practical than a sedan. In the back of the i4, there is plenty of leg room, though headroom isn’t amazing thanks to the sloping roofline. Three kids or two adults could fit comfortably, though. The i4’s rear seat amenities include air vents with a separate climate zone, map pockets, two USB-C ports, a centre armrest with cupholders and door bins. For child seats are three top-tether points and two ISOFIX points.

Open the power tailgate of the i4 eDrive35 and it will reveal 470-litres of boot space, which is increased to 1,290L with the rear seats folded – a Model 3’s boot is larger at 594L but the Seal’s is smaller at 400L. In the boot is a cargo net to secure items, under and side storage areas and cargo tie down points. Disappointingly however, there is no front boot in the i4.

What warranty covers the 2024 BMW i4?

Like other new BMW products, the 2024 BMW i4 is covered by a five-year/unlimited km warranty with three years of roadside assistance, while an eight-year/160,000km warranty covers the main battery. BMW does not quote pay-as-you-go service pricing, but a six-year service package costs $2,450 or $408 per service. Like other new BMW products, the i4 uses condition-based servicing, where the car decides when it needs a service but once-yearly/every 15,000km is given as a general guide.

BYD’s new-car warranty bests BMW’s by one year offering six years/150,000km of coverage with an eight-year/160,000km warranty for the battery, but its roadside assistance lasts for just 12 months. Servicing the BYD is required every 12 months or 20,000km and five years of servicing will cost owners $1,628 for an average yearly cost of $325.60. Tesla covers the Model 3 with a four-year/unlimited kilometre warranty but says that it does not need to be serviced, just a change of brake fluid every four years.

Should I buy a 2024 BMW i4 eDrive35?

Overall, if you’re after a great quality, fun to drive, comfortable and well equipped electric non-SUV that’s priced under the FBT threshold, the 2024 BMW i4 eDrive35 is a pretty compelling option. Despite being an entry-level model and using some sustainable materials like synthetic leather trim, its cabin quality is excellent with lovely feeling switchgear. It’s also practical – although the rear seat space isn’t huge and there’s no frunk, the boot is massive. Finally – in a big win for enthusiasts – the fun driving dynamics make the i4 eDrive35 feel like a proper BMW from behind the wheel. What’s not to like?

Well, while it’s good value for an electric BMW, it’s significantly more expensive than its key rivals – one could buy a fully loaded rival for the price of this entry-level BMW – and its range is nothing special either. The rear seat space is also compromised because of the ICE platform on which it’s based and there’s no front boot either. But overall, it’s great seeing BMW adding to its electric offerings and despite its lower pricing, we think that the i4 eDrive35 definitely feels like a BMW.