2023 BMW i4

History/Overview

In 2022, BMW launched the i4, a compact four-door fastback based on the more conventional gas-powered 4 Series. It’s priced and configured to compete with some of the marketplace’s most popular compact luxury battery electric vehicles (BEVs), while being styled and equipped to appeal to BMW’s loyal fan base.

What’s New/Key Changes From Last Year

For the i4’s second year on the market, BMW has added a new eDrive35 base model to slot in below last year’s eDrive40 entry point.

Available Trims

BMW offers the i4 in eDrive35, eDrive40, and M50 trim levels, each of which boasts more performance than the last. The first two configurations are rear-drivers, while the speediest M50 gets a dual-motor powertrain that provides all-wheel traction.

Standard Features

In eDrive35 and eDrive40 forms, the i4 comes with 18-inch wheels, leatherette upholstery, a sunroof, auto-dimming interior mirror, LED headlights with automatic high beams, forward collision mitigation, satellite radio, digital gauges, a power tailgate, and sport seats.

M50 models get 19-inch wheels, a sport boost drive mode, M sport brakes, adaptive suspension, and high-performance tires.

Key Options

A premium essential package adds auto-dimming/power-folding side mirrors, passive keyless entry, heated/power front seats with memory, a heated steering wheel, front and rear parking sensors, and an upgraded stereo. The premium enhanced package builds on that with an upgraded gauge cluster, head-up display, and surround view cameras.

In the eDrive40, the M sport package brings aerodynamic tweaks, an M steering wheel, and gloss black window surrounds; an M sport pro package adds more black exterior trim elements, a rear spoiler, and upgraded brakes.

M50 buyers can add an advanced driver assistance package that brings BMW’s full suite of safety assists, including a traffic jam assistant for more relaxed highway driving.

Fuel Economy

As we write this in late 2022, BMW has only published energy consumption estimates for the eDrive40 model, which is rated for 2.1/2.2 Le/100 km (city/highway). Last year, the M50’s rankings were 2.5/2.4 Le/100 km, which will likely remain the same (or be very similar) for 2023. We’re still waiting for BMW’s estimates for the new eDrive35 configuration, but we suspect they will be nominally lower than those for the eDrive40.

Competition

With the i4, BMW takes on the Tesla Model 3, which is among Canada’s best-selling EVs. There’s also the Polestar 2, a crossover coupe that is sized and priced similarly to the i4, though its more rugged styling is in contrast to the BMW’s sleek looks.