If you’re looking at a 2022 BMW i4, you’ve probably seen the headline range numbers, but what you really care about is how far it goes on a charge in the real world. This 2022 BMW i4 range test guide pulls together highway results, city driving impressions, and cold‑weather behavior so you can understand what to expect day‑to‑day, and what to watch for if you’re shopping used.
Two versions, two very different range stories
2022 BMW i4 range overview: what the numbers really mean
2022 BMW i4 headline range & battery specs
On paper, the 2022 BMW i4 eDrive40 looks like a long‑legged luxury EV: over 300 miles of EPA range with the most efficient wheel/tire setup. The M50 gives up some of that distance in exchange for serious performance, but still posts competitive numbers for a sporty sedan. Those EPA figures, though, were never meant to represent a 75 mph road trip in winter, they’re a standardized test that lets you compare cars. To understand the car you’ll live with, we have to look at how the i4 behaves in real range tests.
EPA ratings vs real‑world range tests
What the EPA rating tells you
- It’s a lab test combining simulated city and highway driving.
- Done in mild temperatures, without heavy climate control loads.
- Best used to compare different EVs, not predict your exact range.
What real‑world tests reveal
- How the i4 behaves at sustained highway speeds.
- What happens to range in cold or very hot weather.
- How much you really get from 80–90% daily charges, not 100%.
A quick rule of thumb
Highway range test: 70 mph reality check
If you road‑trip, the highway range test is the one that matters. Many independent tests of the 2022 BMW i4 at a steady 70 mph show a consistent pattern: the car is efficient for its size, but like most EVs it falls short of the official rating at interstate speeds.
Typical 70 mph highway range results
Approximate real‑world highway ranges seen in independent tests of the 2022 BMW i4, in mild weather with minimal wind and relatively flat terrain.
| Model | EPA rated range | Observed 70 mph range* | Highway efficiency (mi/kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| i4 eDrive40 (18" wheels) | 301 mi | 230–250 mi | 3.0–3.3 |
| i4 eDrive40 (19" wheels) | 282 mi | 210–230 mi | 2.8–3.1 |
| i4 M50 (19" wheels) | 271 mi | 200–215 mi | 2.6–2.9 |
| i4 M50 (20" wheels) | 245 mi | 180–200 mi | 2.3–2.6 |
Your actual results will vary based on speed, temperature, elevation changes, and wheel/tire setup, but these numbers give a realistic planning baseline.
About those ranges
On an open highway, the eDrive40 is the clear long‑leg champion. Drivers routinely see mid‑200‑mile legs in good conditions without babying the throttle. The M50 can still do solid road‑trip duty, but its extra motor, stickier tires, and often larger wheels mean it needs to stop a bit more often. If your idea of a perfect Saturday is a long twisty back‑road blast, that’ll be a tradeoff you’re happy to make.
City and mixed driving: where the i4 really shines
The 2022 BMW i4 is at its best when you mix city and suburban driving, exactly the blend many owners see commuting and running errands. In that world, regenerative braking has more opportunities to work its magic, and speeds are lower, so the car can come surprisingly close to its EPA number.
What drivers typically see in daily use
Realistic expectations for a healthy 2022 BMW i4 in mild weather, driven normally.
Short‑trip city driving
In dense city traffic with lots of stops, many eDrive40 owners report 3.4–3.8 mi/kWh. That can yield an effective real‑world range of 260–280 miles from a 100% charge if you’re gentle.
Suburban & commuting
A mix of 35–55 mph roads and surface streets usually lands in the 3.0–3.4 mi/kWh range, roughly 230–260 miles of realistic range in an eDrive40, a bit less in an M50.
Aggressive driving
If you lean on that instant torque, use Sport modes, and enjoy freeway on‑ramps, expect efficiency to dip into the 2.2–2.6 mi/kWh range, especially in the M50. Range will fall accordingly.
Good news for commuters
Winter driving: how cold weather hits range
Every EV takes a range hit in the cold, and the 2022 BMW i4 is no exception. The battery’s chemistry slows down, the cabin heater draws more power, and wet or snowy roads add rolling resistance. For most owners in colder U.S. climates, winter can shave 25–40% off the best‑case numbers.
Estimated winter range impact for 2022 BMW i4
Approximate ranges in typical cold‑weather scenarios, assuming a healthy battery and appropriate tires.
| Conditions | eDrive40: realistic range | M50: realistic range |
|---|---|---|
| Cold but dry (25–35°F), mostly highway | 160–190 mi | 140–165 mi |
| Cold and mixed city/highway (25–35°F) | 180–210 mi | 155–185 mi |
| Very cold (0–15°F), mostly highway | 130–160 mi | 115–145 mi |
| Very cold, short trips, lots of heat use | 120–150 mi | 105–135 mi |
Preconditioning the cabin and battery while plugged in can significantly reduce these losses, especially in short‑trip use.
Short trips are hardest on winter range
Battery health on a used 2022 BMW i4
A 2022 BMW i4 is now a few years old, which means battery health becomes part of the range story. The i4’s pack is liquid‑cooled and well‑managed, and most owners who’ve charged sensibly, avoiding constant 100% charges, not living at very high or low states of charge, are seeing modest degradation, often in the single‑digit percentage range over the first 3–4 years.
How small losses feel in real life
How to gauge battery health on a 2022 BMW i4
Ask for recent range figures
Have the seller show you the car at <strong>100% charge</strong> and note the estimated range in Eco/Comfort mode on a mild day. Compare that to what other owners report for the same trim and wheels.
Look at long‑term consumption
Ask to see the <strong>long‑term mi/kWh</strong> or kWh/100 km figures in the trip computer. Extremely inefficient driving history can hide battery loss, while very efficient history can make a weak pack look better than it is.
Consider climate history
Cars that spent their life in <strong>very hot climates</strong> and fast‑charged constantly are at higher risk of faster degradation, even with good thermal management.
Get a professional battery test
A data‑driven health check, like the <strong>Recharged Score battery diagnostic</strong>, can estimate remaining capacity and spot abnormal wear better than seat‑of‑the‑pants impressions.
How Recharged helps here
How to get the best range from your BMW i4
No matter which 2022 BMW i4 you drive, a few habits can stretch every kilowatt‑hour. Think of them as free range upgrades: they don’t change the car, they change how the car uses its energy.
Practical range‑boosting habits
Simple changes that can deliver real‑world gains of 10–20% in many situations.
Use preconditioning
Preheat or precool the cabin while plugged in, especially in winter. Warming the battery and cabin before you unplug means less energy wasted once you’re driving.
Watch your speed
Aerodynamic drag climbs quickly above 65 mph. Dropping from 78 to 70 mph can save 10–15% range without adding much time to your trip.
Drive in efficient modes
Use Eco Pro or Comfort when you care about range. Sport modes sharpen responses but make it easy to burn extra energy for the same trip.
Mind your tires
Wider, stickier tires and big wheels look great but usually cost range. Keep tires properly inflated and consider all‑season efficiency tires if you’re range‑sensitive.
Plan charging smartly
On trips, it’s usually faster overall to charge more often from 10–60% than to sit waiting from 80 to 100%, where charging slows dramatically.
Charge at home overnight
A Level 2 home charger lets you start each morning with a comfortably full battery, so you rarely need to stretch to the last mile of range.
Charging strategy & road‑trip planning
On a long highway day, your 2022 BMW i4’s usable range is more about how you charge than the EPA label. Both trims can fast‑charge at up to around 200 kW under ideal conditions, but that peak happens when the battery is warm and low on charge, and only for a short window.
- Plan your legs around 10–60% state of charge when possible. That’s the sweet spot for fast charging speed and battery comfort.
- Aim for 150–180‑mile legs in most conditions for an easy, low‑stress rhythm, roughly 2–3 hours between stops.
- Use in‑car navigation or charging apps to choose stations just past your minimum comfortable buffer, not directly at it.
- Expect longer stops in very cold weather, when the pack may need extra time to warm up to optimal charging temperature.
- If you’re new to EV road trips, plan your first day a little conservatively; once you see how the car behaves, you can stretch your targets.
Don’t chase 100% on the road
2022 BMW i4 vs other EVs on range
If you’re cross‑shopping the 2022 BMW i4 against other used EVs, its range story is competitive. It doesn’t match the longest‑range Teslas on paper, but it offers a strong blend of usable highway distance, BMW driving character, and a familiar sedan silhouette that some shoppers prefer to taller crossovers.
How the 2022 BMW i4 stacks up on range
Ballpark comparison of EPA range and typical 70 mph highway range for similar‑era EVs.
| Model & year | EPA range (approx.) | Typical 70 mph range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 BMW i4 eDrive40 | 301 mi | 230–250 mi | Strong highway cruiser; efficient for a sporty sedan. |
| 2022 BMW i4 M50 | 245–271 mi | 180–215 mi | Performance costs range, especially on 20" wheels. |
| 2022 Tesla Model 3 Long Range | 358 mi | 260–290 mi | Still the highway range benchmark in this class. |
| 2022 Polestar 2 (long range, single motor) | 270–270 mi | 210–230 mi | Similar real‑world legs to an i4 eDrive40 on bigger wheels. |
| 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 (RWD, long range) | 303 mi | 220–240 mi | Crossover shape; very fast charging but more wind drag. |
Exact figures vary with wheels, tires, and options, but this gives you a sense of where the i4 lands in its peer group.
What this means for you
Buying a used 2022 BMW i4: range questions to ask
When you’re shopping the used market, the 2022 BMW i4’s official specs are just the starting point. What really matters is the car in front of you: how it’s been used, how it’s been charged, and how its battery has aged. Here’s how to bring range into the buying conversation.
Range‑smart questions for a used 2022 BMW i4
Which trim and wheels?
Confirm whether it’s an <strong>eDrive40 or M50</strong>, and which wheels it wears. Big 19‑ or 20‑inch wheels look great but typically cost some range and ride comfort.
What’s your typical trip?
If the seller commutes 30 miles a day, they may not notice 10–15% range loss. Ask about the <strong>longest single‑day drives</strong> they’ve taken recently and how often they had to stop.
How was it charged?
Home Level 2 with occasional DC fast charging is ideal. A steady diet of high‑power DC fast charging, especially in very hot climates, can accelerate battery wear.
Can we do a short range test?
On a test drive, note the <strong>state of charge and estimated range</strong> when you set out, then again after 20–30 miles of mixed driving. The difference will give you a feel for real consumption.
Is there documentation?
Maintenance records, dealer health checks, and any previous battery‑related service can all help you understand how the pack has lived so far.
Is there an independent battery report?
Buying through <strong>Recharged</strong> means you get a <strong>Recharged Score</strong> battery health report up front, plus expert guidance on what that number means for your everyday range and long‑term ownership. If you’re buying elsewhere, consider having the car evaluated by an EV‑savvy shop.
2022 BMW i4 range test: FAQ
Frequently asked questions about 2022 BMW i4 range
Bottom line: is the 2022 BMW i4’s range enough?
Viewed through the lens of real‑world range tests, the 2022 BMW i4 is a capable, efficient long‑leg sedan, especially in eDrive40 form. You won’t match the EPA label at 75 mph in February, but very few EVs do. What you get instead is a car that can handle typical American commutes with ease, road‑trip comfortably with smart charging stops, and still deliver the kind of driving experience you expect from a BMW.
If you’re shopping used, focus less on the original brochure number and more on how the specific car you’re considering has been treated. A healthy battery, sensible charging history, and the right trim for your driving pattern matter far more than the last digit in an EPA rating. Buying through Recharged adds one more layer of confidence: every EV we sell comes with a Recharged Score Report detailing verified battery health, pricing grounded in real‑world data, and EV‑savvy experts to help you decide whether a 2022 BMW i4 fits your range needs today, and for years down the road.
