BMW i4 Review

In recent years, the competition in the D-segment luxury electric sedan market has gradually intensified. Consumers want both BMW's iconic sporty DNA and practicality with daily commuting range. The 2025 BMW i4 eDrive 35 M Sport is designed to meet these demands. It is priced 21,000 MYR higher than the 2023 eDrive 35 but features upgrades such as a lithium iron phosphate battery, M Sport package, and wider tires, while the range has increased from 483km to 500km. In this test drive, we aim to validate whether these upgrades are worth the value and see if it strikes a balance between performance, comfort, and range.

From the exterior, the 2025 i4 eDrive 35 M Sport stands out with high recognizability. The overall design maintains the smooth lines of BMW's four-door coupe. While the signature kidney grille lacks the air intake function of traditional fuel-powered cars, its size exudes grandeur, and combined with the sharp LED headlights on both sides, the sporty vibe is accentuated. Along the side of the car, the M Sport package's side skirts and 18-inch wheels enhance the visual tension. The front and rear tire specifications are 245/45 R18 and 255/45 R18, respectively, which are wider than the same-sized tires of the 2023 model, promising better grip. At the rear, the LED taillights adopt BMW's signature L-shaped design, offering high recognizability when illuminated. The diffuser design of the rear bumper also emphasizes the sporty characteristics.

Stepping inside, the interior exudes a luxury and technology vibe simultaneously. The center console is designed with a driver-oriented layout, and a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster is seamlessly integrated with a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment display, offering high resolution and smooth operation. The multifunction steering wheel supports electric adjustment, and its leather wrapping provides a delicate touch. The buttons on the left side control driving assistance functions, while those on the right handle multimedia and phone settings. The seats are electrically adjustable, with sufficient support for the front row, ensuring comfort even during long drives; the rear seats support a 40:20:40 split-folding configuration. The trunk offers a capacity of 470 liters, enough to accommodate several suitcases or a stroller. Standard features include keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, and rear air conditioning vents, ensuring high practicality.

In terms of space, the vehicle dimensions of 4,783mm x 1,852mm x 1,448mm (length x width x height) and a wheelbase of 2,856mm place it on par with other mainstream D-segment sedans. After adjusting the front row to a comfortable seating position, a 175cm-tall passenger still has a fist’s space above their head, while in the rear, there’s over two fists of legroom and four fingers of headroom. Even with three adults seated in the back, it doesn’t feel cramped. The storage space design is user-friendly, with a front center armrest box and door storage bins offering ample room for small items. The rear row also has independent cup holders and power outlets to cater to daily needs.

Sitting in the driver’s seat and starting the car, the 210kW (286PS) rear-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor provides instantaneous throttle response. The official 0-100km/h acceleration is rated at 6 seconds. During daily driving, a gentle press on the accelerator delivers a noticeable push-back sensation, while pressing harder for overtaking results in smooth and sustained power output, with no signs of power lag, even at high speeds. There are three driving modes to choose from: Eco, Comfort, and Sport. In Eco mode, power output is slightly subdued, making it suitable for urban commutes. In Sport mode, the steering becomes heavier, and power response is more sensitive, ideal for occasional spirited driving.

The handling performance continues BMW's sporty DNA. The combination of front MacPherson independent suspension and rear multi-link independent suspension is tuned for sportiness while maintaining comfort. During cornering, body roll is well-controlled, and the steering is precise with no slack; when facing bumpy roads, the suspension filters out most minor vibrations, maintaining road feel without compromising ride comfort. The steering feel is delicate, with moderate weight, being effortless at low speeds and steady at high speeds.

Range and energy consumption are the core metrics for electric vehicles. In this test drive, we covered mixed routes of city roads and highways, totaling approximately 200km, with highways accounting for about 40%, and the air conditioning running throughout the trip. The displayed range dropped from a full 500km to 280km, achieving about 60%. This result is above average among electric vehicles in the same class. The energy consumption was approximately 18.7kWh per 100km, aligning closely with the official data. Fast charging requires 0.53 hours (about 32 minutes) to charge from 10% to 80%, while slow charging takes 7 hours, making it very convenient to use public fast-charging stations for daily recharging.

Regarding driving comfort, noise control is done quite well. When driving on city roads, tire and wind noise are not prominent; on highways, wind noise slightly increases at speeds over 100km/h, but it does not affect normal conversations. The energy recovery system offers multiple levels of adjustment. When set to the highest level, releasing the accelerator produces a noticeable drag, approaching a one-pedal driving mode, which can save a lot of energy; when set to the lowest level, coasting distances are longer, providing a driving experience closer to that of a fuel-powered car. The seats offer excellent support and cushioning, ensuring that even long drives do not cause discomfort in the back or waist.

Compared with vehicles in the same segment, the 2025 BMW i4 eDrive 35 M Sport has obvious advantages: it is nearly RM10,000 cheaper than the 2022 BMW i4 eDrive40 M Sport and RM5,000 cheaper than the now-discontinued 2023 BMW i4 eDrive35 M Sport, while offering a longer range and wider tires. In terms of configuration, safety features such as ACC adaptive cruise control, lane change assist, and active braking are all standard, making it more equipped than other luxury electric sedans at the same price point. However, its rear parking camera is a single-lens system and lacks a 360-degree panoramic view, which is slightly disappointing.

Overall, the 2025 BMW i4 eDrive 35 M Sport is a luxury electric sedan that balances sportiness, comfort, and range. It is suitable for consumers who want both BMW's brand identity and practicality for daily commuting—such as 30 to 40-year-old family users or young professionals seeking quality. If your budget is around RM300,000 and you are looking for a luxury electric car with no significant shortcomings, this model is worth considering.