It has taken a while since the electric i-range from BMW released a new car in its range.
With the i3 and i8, BMW arrived at the party early, but after that they went quiet. Whilst the competition kept releasing electric cars.
Now however, BMW is back with a whole range of electric cars. We already saw the iX3 and the iX, and now they've presented this BMW i4. An electric...
version of the 4-series Gran Coupé, and it's very low. Also, it's immediately available as an i4 M50, the first electric M-car.
I do have to nuance that actually. BMW proudly shouted it was the first electric M, but it's actually an i4 M50, and not an i4 M.
That means it's just an M-Performance, like the M340i, instead of M3. Having said that, the power output would try to convince you otherwise.
It's got two electric motors, one at the front and one at the back, and together they produce 544 horsepower and 800 Nm of torque.
You do have to engage the Sport Boost Function, otherwise you'll lose 68 horsepower and 65 Nm of torque.
But it'll remain crazy quick. However, it's even quicker when you use all of the 544 horsepower. It's disgustingly quick.
More importantly, it feels the part as well. BMW uses a different kind of electric motor, called an synchronous motor.
However, instead of permanent magnets, it's got spools. When they are spooled up through the current, they generate the magnetic field.
The advantage of that is, besides not needing precious minerals, is that you can control the flow of the magnets even better.
According to BMW that is. It also comes with the added benefit that the power keeps coming, even at higher speeds.
And it works. Not only is the throttle response incredibly direct, but until you reach 200 km/h, it will keep producing power.
Until that moment, it feels like a landmine. It doesn't matter what speed you're at. Also, the noise you're hearing is optional. It's the...
BMW Iconic Sounds-pack, and it can be turned off. Especially for people like me, who tolerate the noise because it's there instead of choosing...
it to be there, that's very nice. But back to the drivetrain. It's impressive, quick, direct, the brake transitioning is very good, you name it.
But that brings us to another point. I mean, it's nice that it's quick, but what about 'freude am fahren'?
It's present, but it's a seriously heavy car. Over 2.200 kg. Impressively, it's built on the same platform as the 4-series Gran Coupé.
That means it's eligible for plug-in hybrids, combustion drivetrains and electric cars, as we know now.
And the funny thing is, despite the high weight, it doesn't feel that heavy. I'm driving on a mountain road right now which is wet, but the car...
remains predictable. You're deep in the car, you're low in the car. I already mentioned the brakes feel good, the steering isn't too sensitive,
but very direct and precise. Whenever you enter a corner, you always have the right line.
The seats are deep, so it really is a car which you drive with all of your limbs. Your body always knows what's going to happen.
For a car this heavy, that's very impressive. It's only whenever you encounter a hairpin turn when you're going downhill on bad surfaces you'll...
be reminded of all of the mass. Whenever it starts moving around, you'll be confronted with how much it actually is.
But until you reach that point, the car remains incredibly impressive. It's enjoyable, it's got great steering, it involves you in the drive,
but at the same time, it's very comfortable. If you put it in Comfort-mode, the air suspension at the back and the adaptive dampers make it...
smoother than you'd expect. It's not as smooth as an M340i, which has quite sturdy springs, but still feels more certain on bad surfaces.
But for something this heavy and this fast, the balance between what it's able to do at high speeds and at low and comfortable speeds,
is really impressive. BMW did a really good job there. So as a total package, also considering the efficiency, is very good.
If you just drive it around, you should be able to do 20 kWh per 100 kilometres. Or at least, that's what the board computer says.
I mean, I'm driving in the mountains during a press ride, so I've got to test everything. And I already have 23 kWh on my screen.
So as a whole, it's all alright. However, there's one big problem with this car. And I'm not talking about the ridiculous grille.
I'm talking about the Tesla Model 3 Performance. That's €10.000 cheaper, it's faster from 0-100 km/h, it's got a higher top speed,
it can quickcharge up to 240 kW and it's got a bigger WLTP-range.
So what does the i4 put up against that? Well, for example, the BMW has a more refined chassis. It can't turn any quicker because...
of it, because the Model 3 Performance is still very impressive when it comes to that. But the BMW seems more controlled. Also, it's more...
comfortable on bad surfaces. Additionally, the interior looks better as well. The seating is better, there's more adjustment-possibilities,
more support in the seats, but you actually get an interior instead of a shelf with a big tablet in the middle.
Also, BMW offers i-Drive. But I have to say, it takes some getting used to. BMW has moved stuff I was very charmed by, like buttons for...
the airconditioning or shortcuts or anything, to the touchscreen. Luckily, the central controller has remained, so you can always...
find what you're looking for. If we look at the interior space, it's clear there's a battery pack in the floor.
Your legs are in a weird angle and the headroom is just okay. You shouldn't be taller than me.
But again, the seating itself is nicer than in the Model 3. More supportive too.
If you look at the boot, it's not more spacious than in the Tesla, but the entry is bigger, because it essentially is a big hatchback.
So as a whole, the finished product feels more like a real car. But at the same time, it doesn't make the Tesla irrelevant.
That means it will be a very interesting comparison.