The BMW i4 is a sure bet for anyone who wants an electric vehicle that can deliver incredible performance, but what do buyers get in terms of range? Range anxiety is a reality that every EV owner faces, though recent releases offer more range than before. Unfortunately, cars with more range like Tesla's Long Range variants are notoriously expensive, thereby reducing the number of people that can afford them. For the owner of an average EV, range anxiety is more prominent.
Although the i4 shares its body design with the gasoline-powered 4 Series Gran Coupe, it comes with EV credentials. Being a new product, the i4 plays a crucial role in BMW's electrification efforts. BMW, like any automaker today, is invested in unlocking the potential of electric car production. In April this year, it unveiled the i7, a luxury electric sedan designed to challenge models from Audi and Mercedes-Benz. Following the U.S. government’s recent policies, it's safe to infer that EVs are set to become a household name in the automobile industry. The country’s charging infrastructure will witness a significant expansion in the coming years, with Electrify America, Tesla, and other stakeholders expected to collaborate.
The subject of EV range has been a hotly contested one for a while. It has been argued that car-to-car charging could offset the burden of dealing with charging station scarcity. Alternatively, some people feel that by increasing the number of DC fast charging stations, the issue of range will be quickly forgotten. Regardless of which solution turns out to be best, it's likely that range will continue to be debated for a long time. The BMW i4 offers a reasonable amount of range for highway and city travel. Buyers can get the i4 either as the eDrive40 or the M50. For buyers interested in the best performance, the M50 is the better buy, though it offers 270 miles of range. For those that want more range, the eDrive40 can last for up to 301 miles. One significant difference between both trims is the number of electric motors. The eDrive40 comes with a single motor while buyers of the M50 get dual motors. Both models come with BMW’s latest technology in the infotainment, driver safety, and charging areas.
Choosing Between The BMW i4 Trims
Starting at $55,900, the eDrive40 is ideal for anyone who wants the thrill of a Gran Coupe equipped with an electric powertrain. Compared to the other trim, the eDrive40 is more affordable and offers more range. It comes with a maximum power of 335 hp, a 0-to-60 mph record of 5.5 seconds, and offers up to 109 miles of usable range with just 10 minutes of DC fast charging.
Like any vehicle from BMW's Motorsport division, the M50 is an electric beast. With a maximum power of 536 hp, the M50 takes performance to newer heights. Its 0-to-60 mph record is 3.7 seconds, considerably less than the eDrive40. However, it does come up short in the range and charging departments. 10 minutes of DC fast charging can get up to 97 miles – 12 miles less than the eDrive40. Unfortunately, neither model currently qualifies for a tax credit, following the new guidelines of the Inflation Reduction Act. However, that could change if BMW decides to relocate its EV assembly plant to North America.
Source: BMW