We’ve noticed two camps, well okay, at least two camps when it comes to EVs. There’s one that celebrates all that’s different and unique – the Hyundai Ioniq 5 comes to mind – and the other, which makes it a very easy transition from gas to electric. Our tester, the BMW i4 is a perfect example. And BMW sweetens the pot for 2025, with notable upgrades inside an out. So, is the i4 the Ultimate Driving Machine for you? Let’s find out.
Gran Style
We’d have to say that the Gran Coupe – essentially a 5-door hatchback – is one of the nicest looking models BMW offers.
Up front, the massive and somewhat controversial BMW double kidney grille has been massaged, and we think that – combined with familiarity – bothers us less than it did when the new vehicle bowed a couple years ago.
BMW has freshened the front end, by finishing the surround of the grille in matte chrome, and the grille of the i4 now has a fully enclosed upper section – subtle but serving up a more integrated look. Less subtle are new headlights with Low and high beams generated from a single LED module, while a pair of vertical and subtly arrow-shaped LED units house the side marker lights, daytime running lights, and turn signal functions.
The new headlights generate a Welcome Light animation once the driver and key come within 10 feet of the vehicle, which we liked. We also liked that added aggressiveness of our tester’s M Sport Package which gives larger lower grilles that make this one of the meanest looking EV’s from the front.
The profile seems unchanged, and we’re fine with that, the sleek coupe-like lines of the 4-door helps sell the sporty vibe, and we loved the new 19-inch M Aero Bicolor wheels that are also part of the M Sport Package, a perfect frame for the M Sport Brakes with blue calipers.
The rear also gets a new look, with a black high-gloss finish on rear diffuser on M Sport models. Subtle, but nice. Finishing off our tester’s handsome looks was the beautiful optional Portimão Blue Metallic finish. We love BMWs in blue! If blue is not your hue, among the wide range of choices are two new colors, Cape York Green metallic and Vegas Red metallic.
Supermodel Interior
If you think the exterior is great looking, wait till you get inside.
It starts when you open the door, and notice, thanks to the Gran Coupe body style, there are no window frames, which results in the door feeling lighter, and with the window down a cleaner more open appearance. It may seem a little thing, but frameless windows are a rare thing these days!
No small thing is the gorgeous BMW curved display. While many premium automakers now feature these, BMW was one of the first, and we think it’s still one of the best. With a combo of 12.3-inch digital display and 14.9-inch touchscreen, it’s a panoramic presentation that never feels to catch the eye.
The BMW iDrive info-tainment system gets a nice upgrade for 2025, reducing the number of buttons and controls. The climate control, seat and steering wheel heating can now be operated by touch on the display, or by voice command, and new adjustment controls for air vents air flow. Small, but notably nicer improvements.
The beauty of the interior continued in our tester with a lovely two-tone scheme with black on the dash/instrument panel and a creamy Canberra Beige on the lower dash, doors, seats and center console.
The seats are excellent with ultra-supportive standard sport seats in perforated Sensatec. Vernasca leather trim is optional. Our tester had the Sensatec, but you could have fooled us – it does a great impersonation of leather!
Since our tester had the M Sport package, the interior gets a nice bump with a new M Sport 3-spoke steering wheel with a flat bottom rim and a black center stripe at the 12-oclock position. Offering a sporty contrast was Aluminum Rhombicle Anthracite trim.
BMW also points out that the Sensatec upholstery covering the instrument panel now has a smoother, more refined surface that extends to the upper portion of all four door panels. Nice.
All the controls are where you would expect them, BMW’s familiar iDrive– for 2025 a new version 8.5, and a rotary controller that’s easy to use. We love the vertical tiles in the home page that are not only simple but look high-tech and futuristic. And BMW also makes sure you have a volume knob. Yay!
The rear seat is comfy, but it’s not exactly spacious. Legroom is tight, and those sweet coupe-like lines mean anyone over 5’9” will be hitting their head in the roof.
Carrying cargo is a better deal, with plenty of room with the rear seats up, and they fold flat to create loads of cargo space. You might not need an SUV after all! The large rear hatch opening makes loading a snap. An underfloor storage tray holds the remote charger and cable for home charging.
The Ultimate Whooshing Machine
Driving the i4 answers our biggest question – can an EV still feel like a BMW?
The answer is yes – and then some.
You have a wide range of power choices, starting with the eDrive35 at 282 horsepower and rear wheel drive. Our tester was the i4 eDrive 40, also rear drive, but with a prominent bump up 335 horses. Add AWD and that becomes 396 hp, and if that isn’t enough – you Barbarian! – the M50 AWD serves up 536 hp! Gulp.
With just 335 electric ponies our tester was still a rocket ship, hitting 0-60 around 5 seconds and doing it with that relentless, silent push that makes performance EV’s so much fun. And it does it in the polished way that BMW has always served up thrills. We actually liked Sport mode that pipes in a bit of sound for drama, and extra thrills.
The rest is typical BMW, which is to say, wonderful. Handling features nicely weighted steering through that fat M Sport wheel, with wonderful balance in the turns and a ride that’s the perfect blend of supple and firm.
Throw it around hard – and yes, it goads you to do so – and you’ll appreciate the grip of those sport seats. Head for the commute and it gives you a smooth, compliant ride, and the braking power feels immense – BMW must be one of the best giving traditional brake feel while providing regenerative braking.
And with all the modern goodies like adaptative cruise with stop and go, the daily grind is a smooth, rich roast. This is a superb blend of good stuff and could make even the most ardent petrol head a fan of EVs.
Range and Charging are friendly, too. Our tester showed an EPA rating of 295 miles, and with a 200-kW charging, and BMW says you go from 10-80% battery in as little as 31 minutes – perfect for grabbing a quick lunch or workout! Adding to the ease, you can digitally store up to five individual Plug & Charge- enabled charging contracts, for automatic billing at compatible charging points. Nice!
How Much to be Plugged In?
Okay, you also know this is a BMW from the pricing. This is a premium luxury brand with a long list of available options. Our i4 eDrive40 Gran Coupe started at $57,900. Add in the Portimao Blue paint ($650), Driver Assistance Pro Pkg ($1,700), M Sport Package ($3,100), Parking Assistance Package ($700), and Premium Package ($1,750). Add in $1,175 for Destination, and we rang the bell at $66,975. Also worth noting, BMW throws in maintenance for 3 years or 36,000 miles free.
Those looking at European goodness could consider the 2024 Audi Q4 Sportback 50 e-tron® at a comparable $66,745. It’s more of a crossover, though so it’s not exactly apples-apples. Those wanting crazy performance could consider the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N at $67,495.
We also think the Porsche Taycan is drop-dead gorgeous, but at over $100,000 starting it’s way more expensive. It seems the BMW has a nice little niche for itself in the market!
With some tasteful updates and Bavarian goodness, the 2025 BMW i4 is an awesome performance vehicle that just happens to be an EV!
Ben Lewis grew up in Chicago, and after spending his formative years driving sideways in the winter – often intentionally – moved to sunny Southern California. He now enjoys sunny weather year-round — whether it is autocross driving, aerobatics, and learning to surf.