1. Intro / Design and Appearance 
2. Interior and Features / Space and Practicality 
3. Driving Experience / Competition, Pricing / Conclusion

Interior and Features 

The i4 is an interesting case of evolution: While it runs on the BMW CLAR platform (what underpins the 3 Series, 5 Series and more) it has big elements of the next-wave of BMW as embodied by the iX SUV. Contrast this with the iX3, which also uses the CLAR platform, but has the previous infotainment screen/software setup OS 7. 

As your eyes travel from the seats and lower console area upward, the cabin goes from familiar to new. Replacing the discrete twin displays is the BMW Curved Display, with the main infotainment screen upsizing from 10.25- to 14.9-inches, while the 12.3-inch driver’s display stays the same. The big change is now both screens reside behind one curved pane of glass (hence ‘Widescreen’ though it’s not actually one entire display). Because climate control is migrated into the screen, the overall layout looks cleaner than that of the 4GC. 

As mentioned in our review of the iX, we’re still getting to grips with OS 8, with the plus points being a polished, modern feel with slick graphics and deep tech integration. The downside is that after years of evolution of iDrive and the classic menu layout nothing is in the ‘right’ place, and the menu icons are uncharacteristically tiny. 

Dramatic tech aside, it’s a biggish BMW so the level of fit and finish is typically high, and the equipment list is very good. Active safety is present in spades, with  lane departure warning/keeping, forward and rear collision prevention/warning, pedestrian detection, rear cross traffic alerts, speed limit info. 

Space and Practicality 

Like the 4GC, the i4 is a five-door fastback, so a wide tailgate with an automatic open feature is great for loading up bulky items. Boot space is the same, at 470 litres, going up to 1,290 litres with the seats (40/20/40) folded down. 

Passenger space is where we suspected the i4 had to trade in some points, and we were right. With the battery occupying the floor of the vehicle, it does feel like a higher perch for the rear passengers with the “EV high knees” effect in play. Headroom is less on the i4 than the 4GC – anyone close to 1.8 metres tall will brush the ceiling, whose sides also slope inward. Another drawback of the styling: Rear visibility is not very good. 

The driving position is still low-slung enough, as fitting a BMW, but the tradeoff here is that if you like sitting low to the ground as a driver, your rear passenger’s feet will have nowhere to go. To sum up, it’s a little less comfortable in the back of the i4, but it’s still perfectly decent for two average-sized people.    

BMW’s app-connectivity means you can keep tabs on the car with your phone, and also use your phone’s NFC chip as a car key. 

Remember what we said about the i4 being an interesting case? It’s also currently the fastest-charging BMW EV, capable of a DC fast charge rate of 200kW, so it’s actually quicker charging than the iX (150kW). The car’s price includes a Mode 2 charge cable (which is like a giant laptop power supply), and a wallbox.

Page 3: Proof is in the lithium pudding – how does the i4 drive?

1. Intro / Design and Appearance 
2. Interior and Features / Space and Practicality 
3. Driving Experience / Competition, Pricing / Conclusion

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