Full expert breakdown
Buying a new car in India is a big decision, right? We all think about a lot of things: How much will it cost? Is it safe for my family? What about monthly maintenance? Does it have all the cool new features? And what about company service after buying? These are super important questions, especially when looking at luxury cars or even better, electric vehicles (EVs). Today, we are taking a close look at an exciting electric sedan that is making waves in the Indian market: the new BMW i4. It is BMWs answer to a luxury electric sedan, combining their famous driving pleasure with emission-free motoring. Let us dive in and see if the BMW i4 is the right electric luxury car for you in India.
Main Highlights
Powertrain Options and Specifications
The BMW i4 is available in India in two main variants, each offering a distinct driving experience:
- BMW i4 eDrive40: This is the rear-wheel-drive (RWD) variant. It features a single electric motor producing a healthy 340 hp of power and 430 Nm of torque. It can go from 0 to 100 km/h in a brisk 5.7 seconds.
- BMW i4 M50: For those who crave more performance, the M50 is an all-wheel-drive (AWD) model with two electric motors. This powerhouse delivers a massive 544 hp and 795 Nm of torque, rocketing from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds. This makes it a true performance EV.
Both variants use an 83.9 kWh (gross) or 80.7 kWh (net) battery pack. The eDrive40 offers an impressive WLTP certified range of up to 590 km, while the high-performance M50 gives a range of up to 521 km.
Design Overview
The BMW i4 stands out with its sleek and sporty Gran Coupé design, blending elegance with a touch of aggression.
- Exterior: It looks very much like a traditional BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé, but with unique EV touches. The signature BMW kidney grille is largely closed off for aerodynamic efficiency. It has frameless doors, a flowing roofline, and aerodynamic wheels. The LED headlamps and taillamps give it a sharp, modern look.
- Interior: Inside, the i4 feels premium and futuristic. The highlight is the new BMW Curved Display, which seamlessly integrates a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen. The cabin is well-appointed with high-quality materials, comfortable seating, and a driver-focused layout.
Key Features
The BMW i4 comes loaded with features to enhance comfort, convenience, and connectivity:
- BMW Curved Display (12.3-inch instrument cluster + 14.9-inch infotainment)
- Latest iDrive operating system
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- My BMW App integration
- Electric glass sunroof
- 360-degree camera (Parking Assistant Plus with Reversing Assistant)
- Wireless smartphone charging
- Three-zone automatic climate control
- Harman Kardon Surround Sound System (standard on M50, optional on eDrive40)
- Sport seats with electric adjustment and memory function
- Ambient lighting
What is the Ground Clearance of BMW i4?
The BMW i4 has a ground clearance of 125 mm. While this is lower than many SUVs, it is typical for a sporty sedan and helps with stability and aerodynamics.
What is the Boot Space of BMW i4?
The BMW i4 offers a practical boot space of 470 litres. This can be expanded to a generous 1,290 litres by folding down the rear seats, making it quite versatile for luggage.
What are the Dimensions of BMW i4?
- Length: 4,783 mm
- Width: 1,852 mm (without mirrors)
- Height: 1,448 mm
- Wheelbase: 2,856 mm
Safety Features
BMW does not compromise on safety. The i4 is equipped with a comprehensive suite of active and passive safety features:
- Multiple airbags (front, side, head)
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Brake Assist
- Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with Dynamic Traction Control (DTC)
- Cornering Brake Control (CBC)
- ISOFIX child seat mounts
- Active Protection System (pre-crash safety)
- Driving Assistant features like Lane Departure Warning, Front Collision Warning, and Speed Limit Info
- Parking Assistant Plus, which includes a 360-degree camera, Parking Assistant, and Reversing Assistant.
NCAP Rating Table
Safety is a top priority, and heres how the BMW i4 performs in crash tests:
| Rating Agency | Model | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Euro NCAP | BMW i4 eDrive40 (2022) | 4 Stars |
| Bharat NCAP | BMW i4 | Not yet rated |
The 4-star Euro NCAP rating is respectable, especially considering the stringent tests. It shows good adult and child occupant protection.
Rivals of BMW i4
The BMW i4 competes in a growing segment of premium electric vehicles in India. Its main rivals include:
- Kia EV6
- Hyundai Ioniq 5
- Mercedes-Benz EQE Sedan
- Volvo C40 Recharge
How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)
Every car has its strengths and weaknesses. Here is a balanced look at the BMW i4:
Pros:
- Thrilling Performance: Especially the M50 variant offers supercar-like acceleration.
- Impressive Range: The eDrive40s 590 km range is excellent for an EV, reducing range anxiety.
- Premium Build Quality: Typical BMW solid construction and high-quality materials.
- Feature-Rich Cabin: Loaded with modern tech and comfort features.
- Engaging Driving Dynamics: True to BMWs reputation, it offers a fun and precise driving experience.
- Stylish Design: A head-turner with its sporty Gran Coupé looks.
Cons:
- Price: Being a luxury EV, it is quite expensive, limiting its accessibility.
- Charging Infrastructure: While improving, public charging infrastructure in India can still be a concern for long trips.
- Rear Seat Space: While adequate, the sloping roofline might slightly limit headroom for very tall passengers in the rear.
- Ground Clearance: 125 mm can be a bit low for some of Indias challenging road conditions, requiring careful navigation over large speed breakers.
Conclusion
The BMW i4 is a fantastic electric car for the Indian market, especially for those looking for a luxury EV that does not compromise on performance or driving enjoyment. It offers strong range, a feature-packed interior, and the unmistakable BMW driving feel. While it comes with a premium price tag and some common EV challenges like charging infrastructure, its a brilliant step into electric mobility for the brand. If you are in the market for a high-performance, luxurious, and technologically advanced electric sedan, the BMW i4 should definitely be on your test drive list. It offers a compelling blend of sustainability and sheer driving pleasure, proving that electric cars can be incredibly exciting.
