BMW i4 2022 Review

The luxury all-electric four-door coupe market has seen an increasing number of options in recent years, but finding a model that combines brand identity, driving pleasure, and everyday practicality isn't easy. The 2022 BMW i4 eDrive40 M Sport, a key product in the brand's electrification transformation, not only extends the sporty genes of the 3 Series and 4 Series but also offers a smoother experience with its electric drive. On top of that, it claims an official range of nearly 600km—all these elements combined hit the sweet spot for many users who want to switch to an electric vehicle but aren't ready to give up driving habits. This time we took the test car to see if it can truly balance the 'convenience of electric' with the 'handling of BMW' and whether it's really practical for everyday use.

From an exterior perspective, the i4 eDrive40 M Sport shares a similar silhouette with the combustion engine version of the 4 Series Gran Coupe, but you can spot some adjustments for electrification in the details. The front retains the large kidney grille but switches to a closed design, with blue trim and the "i" badge declaring its identity. The sharp LED headlights on both sides integrate seamlessly with the grille, providing high recognition when the daytime running lights are on. The body side features smooth lines and a fastback design extending from the B-pillar to the rear, paired with 19-inch sport wheels and wide tires (245/40 R19 front, 255/40 R19 rear), exuding a sporty vibe. At the rear, the L-shaped LED taillights are consistent with the combustion version, but the rear bumper ditches the exhaust pipes in favor of a sleeker diffuser design, achieving a cohesive yet still aggressive style overall.

Stepping inside, the interior exudes both luxury and technological sophistication. The dashboard is wrapped in large areas of soft-touch materials with a delicate texture, while the M Sport-exclusive Alcantara steering wheel and sport seats add a sense of sportiness. The most striking feature is the combined 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster and 14.9-inch central touchscreen, forming a curved display system with smooth operations that supports gesture controls and voice interaction, making it easy to find commonly used features like navigation and music. The configuration is also extensive: the front row sports memory-enabled electrically adjustable sport seats, offering great support and wrapping; rear seating provides about two fists of legroom for occupants up to 175 cm tall, although headroom feels slightly confined due to the fastback design, but it's sufficient for daily family use. The trunk boasts a capacity of 470L, with rear seats offering a 40:20:40 split-fold function, accommodating larger luggage without issues. Additionally, features like dual-zone automatic air conditioning, rear air vents, wireless charging, and a 17-speaker Harman Kardon sound system are all included, addressing both practicality and comfort.

Dynamic performance is BMW's strong suit, and the i4 eDrive40 M Sport does not disappoint. It is equipped with an electric motor delivering a maximum power of 340PS and a peak torque of 430N·m. Despite its rear-wheel-drive layout, the power response at launch is still immediate—stepping on the accelerator pedal provides an instant push-back sensation. The official 0-100km/h acceleration takes just 5.7 seconds, making overtaking or highway cruising effortlessly smooth. There are driving modes to choose from—Eco Pro, Comfort, and Sport. In Eco Pro mode, the power output is smoother, suitable for urban commuting; in Sport mode, the throttle response becomes more sensitive, and the steering wheel feels heavier, enhancing the driving experience. The suspension setup features front MacPherson independent suspension, tuned for a sporty feel but not overly stiff. It absorbs most bumps when going over speed bumps and controls body roll well during high-speed cornering. The steering precision is consistent with BMW's usual standard, instilling confidence while driving.

In terms of range, the official 590km range performs well in actual tests. Simulating daily commuting scenarios, with 70% city roads and 30% highways, and the air conditioning set to 24°C in automatic mode, the range achievement rate is approximately 85%, allowing for an actual drive of around 500km. Charging once a week is generally sufficient. The charging speed is also acceptable, taking about 40 minutes to charge from 10% to 80% using DC fast charging, while slow charging takes about 11 hours. Additionally, the vehicle's noise control is excellent; tire noise and wind noise are barely noticeable when driving on highways. Along with the inherent quietness of the electric motor, the cabin environment is serene. The energy recuperation system offers three adjustable levels; at the highest level, releasing the accelerator produces a noticeable drag, suitable for single-pedal operation, while the lowest level delivers a coasting experience similar to fuel vehicles, which is easy to get used to.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2022 BMW i4 eDrive40 M Sport are prominent: it combines BMW’s handling quality with the smoothness and low running costs of an electric vehicle, and its configuration and space can also meet family-use demands. Compared with the Tesla Model 3 Performance in the same class, it excels in luxury and chassis tuning; versus the Polestar 2 Long Range version, it has an advantage in range and brand influence. This car is suitable for users who want the convenience of an electric vehicle without sacrificing driving enjoyment, and who also have certain requirements for brand and features—for example, families aged 30-40, or young office workers pursuing quality.

All in all, the i4 eDrive40 M Sport is a "balanced" candidate. It maintains BMW's traditional strengths without compromising them for electrification, and it does not neglect daily practicality despite its sporty positioning. If you are looking for a pure electric coupe that balances driving, family needs, and brand, it is worth considering.