Electric vehicles (EVs) are no longer a futuristic fantasy. They’re sleek, silent, and here to stay. But for many drivers, the “soul” of a car – that exhilarating performance feel – seems to be missing. Enter the 2024 BMW i4, an electric gran coupe that roars (well, not literally) into the Australian market with a bold promise: power, comfort, and zero emissions. Let’s see if it delivers.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: Breathtaking design, impressive range, sporty handling, luxurious interior, two exciting variants.
- Cons: Four-star safety rating (depending on options), can be pricey, some rivals offer more cargo space.
How Much Does it Cost?
The beauty (and sometimes the beast) of German engineering is that it often comes with a premium price tag. The good news is, the i4 offers two variants, making it more accessible. The entry-level i4 eDrive35 starts at a competitive $85,900 (before on-road costs). Craving some extra muscle? The high-performance i4 M50 will set you back $133,900.
Features and Benefits: Geared Up for the Future
Slide into the driver’s seat and you’re greeted by a futuristic wonderland. The curved infotainment screen and digital instrument cluster scream high-tech. But BMW hasn’t forgotten comfort. The i4 boasts spacious seating for five, with ample legroom and headroom even for taller passengers.
Now, let’s talk about the star of the show: the electric powertrain. The i4 eDrive40 boasts a mighty 590km driving range, meaning you can conquer those weekend getaways without range anxiety. The M50 sacrifices a bit of range (510km) for pure, unadulterated power, churning out a staggering 400kW and 795Nm of torque. That translates to a 0-100km/h sprint time of a jaw-dropping 3.9 seconds.
But performance isn’t everything. The i4 handles corners like a dream, thanks to its near-perfect weight distribution and BMW’s legendary driving dynamics. It’s a car that feels planted and confident, even on twisty backroads.
Safety: Not Quite Stellar
This is where things get a little interesting. The i4, depending on the options you choose, has received a four-star safety rating from ANCAP. Some key driver-assistance features, like AEB – Junction Assist and Lane Support Systems, are not standard on the base model. However, BMW Australia maintains that the i4 sold here comes with more advanced safety systems compared to the European version tested by ANCAP. It’s worth checking with your dealer to ensure you’re getting the full suite of safety features.
See How It Compares
Running Costs: Kind to Your Wallet and the Planet
This is perhaps the biggest benefit of electric car ownership. Unlike its petrol-guzzling counterparts, the i4 runs on electrons, making it significantly cheaper to maintain. Plus, with government incentives for EVs in Australia, the overall ownership cost becomes even more attractive.
Standing Out from the Crowd: Who are its Competitors?
The i4 isn’t alone in the electric luxury car arena. It faces stiff competition from the likes of the Tesla Model 3 Performance and the Porsche Taycan. The Model 3 offers a similar driving range but with a more minimalist interior and a starting price that undercuts the i4. The Taycan, on the other hand, boasts superior performance and handling, but at a significantly higher price point.
Conclusion
A compelling Blend of Performance, Luxury, and Sustainability
The 2024 BMW i4 is a game-changer. It’s a car that proves EVs can be exciting, luxurious, and practical all at once. While the safety rating might be a concern for some, the sheer driving pleasure, impressive range, and stunning design make it a compelling option for the environmentally conscious driver with a penchant for performance.
Rating: 8.5/10
The i4 might not be perfect, but it’s a significant leap forward for electric vehicles. It’s a car that whispers luxury, roars with performance, and leaves a lighter footprint on our beautiful planet. So, if you’re looking for an electric car that excites as much as it calms your conscience, the 2024 BMW i4 deserves a serious look.
