The 2024 BMW i4 is what happens when a legacy sport-sedan brand builds an EV for people who still like driving. It’s a low, long, electric gran coupe that feels familiar if you’re coming out of a 3‑ or 4‑Series, but it runs silent and sips electrons instead of premium unleaded. In this 2024 BMW i4 review, we’ll unpack trims, real-world range, charging, comfort, and whether it makes more sense new or as a used EV with a verified battery report.
Quick take
2024 BMW i4 overview: what kind of EV is this?
BMW calls the i4 a Gran Coupe, but you should think of it as an all‑electric 4‑Series with a hatchback and a battery pack. The 2024 model year adds the xDrive40 all‑wheel‑drive trim and more standard equipment (ambient lighting across the range, plus heated seats and wireless charging standard on the M50). Underneath, it’s still based on BMW’s CLAR architecture, a platform that can take gasoline, hybrid, or electric power, which means you get the familiar long-hood, short-deck proportions rather than a super-tall egg-shaped crossover.
- Body style: low-slung 4‑door hatchback (BMW-speak: Gran Coupe)
- Seats: 5, though the center rear perch is best for short trips
- Drivetrains: rear‑wheel drive (eDrive35, eDrive40) or dual‑motor all‑wheel drive (xDrive40, M50)
- Battery packs: ~66 kWh usable (eDrive35) or ~81 kWh usable (others)
- EPA range: about 227–307 miles, depending on trim and wheels
Think of it this way
2024 BMW i4 trims and key specs
BMW offers four flavors of the 2024 i4, from reasonably quick to “who asked for this much torque.” Here’s the lay of the land, focused on the specs that actually matter when you’re shopping or cross‑shopping a used one.
2024 BMW i4 trims at a glance
Horsepower, drivetrain, 0–60 mph, and EPA range for the 2024 BMW i4 lineup (with standard wheels).
| Trim | Drivetrain | Power | 0–60 mph | Top speed | EPA range* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| eDrive35 | RWD, single motor | ~282 hp / 295 lb‑ft | 5.8 s | 118 mph | Up to 276 miles |
| eDrive40 | RWD, single motor | 335 hp / 317 lb‑ft | 5.4 s | 118 mph | Up to 301 miles |
| xDrive40 | AWD, dual motor | 396 hp / 443 lb‑ft | 4.9 s | 124 mph | Up to 307 miles |
| M50 | AWD, dual motor | 536 hp / 586 lb‑ft (boost) | 3.7 s | 130 mph | Up to 269 miles |
Wheel size matters: optional larger wheels shave range on every trim.
About that range asterisk
2024 BMW i4 headline numbers
Range and efficiency: how far does the 2024 i4 really go?
On paper, the 2024 BMW i4’s range is right in the thick of the compact luxury‑EV pack. The eDrive40 and xDrive40 trims are the standouts: BMW and EPA figures peg them around 301 and 307 miles of range respectively on 18‑inch wheels, with the modest single‑motor eDrive35 still doing up to about 276 miles. The hot‑rod M50 trades some of that for speed, dropping into the mid‑200‑mile neighborhood with standard wheels and as low as the 220s with big 20s.
- Expect roughly 230–260 miles of usable highway range in most trims if you’re cruising at 70–75 mph.
- Around town, the single‑motor cars can creep closer to their EPA numbers, especially in mild weather.
- Bigger wheels (19" or 20") are great for Instagram, not so great for range. Figure on losing 15–25 miles versus base wheels.
Cold‑weather reality check
Compared with rivals, the i4 is efficient but not outrageously so. A long‑range Tesla Model 3 still ekes out more EPA miles, while a Kia EV6 or Hyundai Ioniq 5 can fast‑charge more quickly but won’t feel as buttoned‑down at 90 mph on an empty interstate. The i4’s pitch is different: respectable range wrapped in a car that still thinks it’s a 3‑Series.
Charging the 2024 BMW i4: home and road-trip reality
BMW gives the 2024 i4 the hardware it needs to be a painless daily driver, as long as you have a plan for Level 2 charging at home or work. Every i4 ships with BMW’s portable "Flexible Fast Charger" plus access to two years of complimentary 30‑minute DC fast‑charge sessions with Electrify America, useful for road trips or apartment dwellers who rely on public charging.
Charging times you can actually plan around
Rough real‑world charging times for the 2024 BMW i4 (larger battery pack trims).
Level 1 (120V wall outlet)
Use only if you must:
- ~3–4 miles of range per hour
- Roughly 70–100 hours for 0–100%
- Okay for plug‑in hybrids, too slow for an i4 you drive daily
Level 2 (240V home / workplace)
What you really want:
- 11 kW onboard charger on i4
- ~30–35 miles of range per hour
- Full charge from empty in about 8–9 hours overnight
DC fast charging (public)
For road trips and quick top‑ups:
- Up to ~180–200 kW peak on most trims
- 10–80% in about 30 minutes under good conditions
- About 100–200 miles added in a half‑hour session
Plan your charging with your life, not the brochure
If you’re considering a used i4, this is where a platform like Recharged can de‑risk things. We pair vehicles with verified battery‑health diagnostics and can help you right‑size a home charging setup, from choosing an appropriate Level 2 unit to understanding installation costs and electrical panel requirements.
Driving impressions: is the i4 a real BMW?
Short answer: yes. The 2024 BMW i4 doesn’t feel like a science project. It feels like a 4‑Series Gran Coupe that happens to eat kilowatt‑hours. Steering is accurate if not brimming with feel, body control is tight without being punishing (on sensible wheels), and the dual‑motor cars have enough thrust to make you question the health of your driver’s license.
Single‑motor (eDrive35, eDrive40)
- Rear‑wheel drive gives them that classic BMW balance.
- More than quick enough for daily duty; the eDrive40 in particular feels sprightly.
- Lighter front end means a slightly more relaxed, fluid steering feel.
- Best efficiency and range in the lineup.
Dual‑motor (xDrive40, M50)
- All‑wheel drive traction and brutal straight‑line acceleration.
- xDrive40 is the sweet spot: quick, controlled, still efficient.
- M50 is a bit of a hooligan: 3.7‑second 0–60 mph, firmest ride, shortest range.
- Heavier nose, but BMW’s chassis tuning keeps things composed.
The sweet spot
Noise levels are where the i4 really distinguishes itself from the Tesla school of minimalism. Wind and road noise are well suppressed, and the car feels solid in that old‑money German way. On a long highway slog, it simply feels more grown‑up than most of its peers, even if its charging speeds aren’t quite on the bleeding edge.
Interior, tech, and practicality
Inside, the 2024 BMW i4 walks a line between traditional and touch‑everything modern. You get BMW’s sweeping curved display: a 12.3‑inch digital gauge cluster flowing into a 14.9‑inch central touchscreen, running BMW’s latest iDrive software with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There’s still a physical volume knob and a rotary iDrive controller, small mercies in a world of climate controls buried in submenus.
2024 BMW i4 cabin highlights
Where the i4 feels premium, and where it doesn’t.
Driving position
Low, cocooning, and familiar to anyone coming from a 3‑ or 4‑Series. Front seats are supportive, and the optional sport seats are great for long drives.
Tech & infotainment
The curved display is sharp and quick. Wireless CarPlay/Android Auto, ambient lighting, and a decent audio system are all standard. Higher trims get more toys like a premium Harman Kardon system.
Practicality
Hatchback trunk with a wide opening, but the sloping roofline eats into rear headroom. Rear legroom is fine; three across is a squeeze. There’s no front trunk.
Mind the back seat
On the driver‑assist front, the i4 offers the usual modern portfolio: adaptive cruise control, lane‑keeping assistance, blind‑spot monitoring, and more, depending on packages. It doesn’t chase Tesla for headline‑grabbing "self‑driving" features; instead it quietly does the Level 2 basics well, which frankly is what you want in a 4,500‑pound battery sled.
2024 BMW i4 vs. Tesla Model 3, Polestar 2, and others
Shopping a 2024 BMW i4 inevitably raises the question: why not a Tesla Model 3, Polestar 2, or one of the newer Korean entries like the Kia EV6 or Hyundai Ioniq 5? Each takes a different angle on the same "compact electric family car" brief.
2024 BMW i4 vs key rivals
High‑level comparison of the 2024 BMW i4 against popular alternatives.
| Model | Character | Max range (approx.) | Charging edge | Ride & handling |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW i4 | Luxury sport hatch with a traditional BMW feel | Up to ~307 mi | Solid DC speeds, not class‑leading | Taut, refined, very composed |
| Tesla Model 3 | Tech‑forward, minimalist, efficiency champ | Up to ~330+ mi | Excellent Supercharger network, fast charging | Light, agile, but noisier and less plush |
| Polestar 2 | Scandinavian design, smaller footprint | Around 270–320 mi (newer trims) | Good charging, not top of pack | Firm, sporty, more compact cabin |
| Kia EV6 / Hyundai Ioniq 5 | Utility‑minded, ultra‑fast charging | Up to ~300+ mi | Among the fastest DC charging today | Comfortable, more crossover‑like |
Exact specs vary by trim; focus on the character of each vehicle rather than chasing single numbers.
The i4 is not the spec‑sheet hero. It doesn’t have the most range, the absolute quickest charging, or the lowest price. Its appeal is in the way it mixes old‑school driving polish and cabin quality with modern EV performance. If that blend matters to you more than maximizing range per dollar, the i4 makes a compelling case, especially on the used market, where the initial depreciation has already been paid by someone else.
Battery health, warranty, and used-i4 considerations
BMW backs the i4’s high‑voltage battery with an 8‑year / 80,000‑mile warranty (or similar, depending on market) against excessive capacity loss, on top of the usual 4‑year/50,000‑mile bumper‑to‑bumper coverage. That’s in line with most major EV players and important if you’re thinking three owners down the line.
Buying a used BMW i4: what to look for
1. Get a real battery‑health reading
Don’t rely on the dash guess-o‑meter alone. A platform like <strong>Recharged</strong> uses diagnostic tools and proprietary modeling (the Recharged Score) to estimate remaining usable capacity and how the pack has been treated over time.
2. Ask about charging habits
Frequent DC fast charging and constant 100% charges can age a pack faster. A car that mostly lived on home Level 2 and rarely sat at full charge is a happier, healthier i4.
3. Check for software updates
BMW has rolled out software improvements for charging behavior and efficiency. Make sure the car has been regularly serviced and updated; a BMW dealer or EV‑savvy shop can confirm.
4. Inspect wheels and tires
Big‑wheel M Sport packages look great but often come with lower‑profile tires and a firmer ride. Replacing 19–20" tires on a heavy EV isn’t cheap, so budget accordingly.
5. Verify included charging equipment
Confirm the OEM portable charger is present and working, and decide if you’ll need a dedicated home Level 2 unit. Factor installation into your total cost of ownership.
Don’t skip a pre‑purchase inspection
Battery degradation on modern BMW packs has generally been modest when owners charge thoughtfully, but real‑world outcomes vary. That’s why a data‑backed view of pack health is the closest thing you’ll get to a crystal ball about how the car will age over the next five to eight years.
Who the 2024 BMW i4 is (and isn’t) for
Great fit if…
- You love the way a BMW drives and don’t want to trade that in for a jelly‑bean crossover.
- You can install (or already have) reliable Level 2 charging at home or work.
- Your typical daily driving is under 80–120 miles, with occasional road trips.
- You value a quiet, solid cabin and tidy handling more than maximum spec‑sheet range.
- You’re open to buying used to let someone else absorb the steepest depreciation.
Maybe not ideal if…
- You frequently drive 250–300+ miles in a single shot with limited charging options.
- You need big‑SUV levels of rear headroom and cargo space.
- You prioritize the lowest possible price per mile of range (a base Model 3 still wins here).
- You can’t install home charging and local DC fast‑charging is sparse or unreliable.
2024 BMW i4 FAQs
Frequently asked questions about the 2024 BMW i4
Bottom line: is the 2024 BMW i4 a smart buy, especially used?
The 2024 BMW i4 isn’t the cheapest or the flashiest compact EV, and it won’t win a spreadsheet war against a Model 3 on dollars per mile of range. What it does deliver is a deeply sorted driving experience, a cabin that feels genuinely premium, and performance that ranges from "swift" to "who needed this much power?" depending on trim. It’s an EV built by a company that understands long‑distance, high‑speed travel, and that heritage shows every time you merge onto a fast highway.
New, the i4 is a luxury purchase. As a used EV, however, it can be a smart, emotionally satisfying choice, provided you have clear data on battery health and a solid charging plan. That’s exactly the gap Recharged exists to fill: pairing you with late‑model used EVs, including the i4, that come with verified battery diagnostics, transparent pricing, and EV‑savvy guidance from first click to final delivery. If the idea of a quiet, quick, genuinely driver‑focused electric BMW appeals to you, the 2024 i4 deserves a serious look, especially once someone else has paid for that first year of depreciation.
