2022 BMW i4 eDrive40 Review: A Solid EV That Still Trails Its Gas-Powered Sibling

The 2022 BMW i4 eDrive40 is supposed to be the bridge between BMW’s storied past and its electric future – a Gran Coupe that looks and drives like a 4 Series, just without the tailpipe.

We spent a week with BMW’s all-electric four-door coupe, and while I was suitably impressed with the refinement, range, and familiar rear-drive balance, i4 eDrive40 also left me wanting more, especially when compared to the similarly priced BMW M440i that we recently tested.

For all its EV smoothness and silent thrust, the BMW i4 eDrive40 honestly feels a step down in premium feel, engagement, and even tech execution – a surprising result for a car marketed as the future of the Ultimate Driving Machine.

Design & First Impressions

At first glance, the 2022 BMW i4 eDrive40 doesn’t scream “electric car” – and that’s exactly the point. BMW didn’t reinvent the wheel here; they took the sleek, low-slung 4 Series Gran Coupe silhouette and subtly reworked it for the EV era. The result is a handsome four-door fastback that looks like it belongs in the lineup rather than some futuristic science project.

Up front, you’ll notice the controversial oversized kidney grille, now mostly sealed off since there’s no need for a big radiator behind it. It’s a design choice that divides opinion, but it does give the i4 some road presence, especially when paired with the aggressive LED headlights and sculpted hood creases. The long hood, short overhangs, and muscular fenders give off classic BMW vibes, while aerodynamic details like flush door handles, active air flaps, and a subtle rear diffuser help slice through the air efficiently.

Viewed from the side, the i4’s proportions are arguably its best angle. The sweeping roofline flows seamlessly into the hatch-style rear, giving it a more athletic stance than most EV sedans. The rear end ties it all together with slim LED taillights and a clean, minimalist design that feels modern without being shouty. Overall, the i4 nails that “premium but understated” look. It’s the kind of EV that blends in with BMW’s lineup rather than standing apart from it, and that’s likely to appeal to buyers who don’t want their car to double as a statement piece.

Performance & Driving Dynamics

With 335 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque going to the rear wheels, the i4 eDrive40 isn’t slow.. But it isn’t fast either. It hustles from 0–60 mph in about 5.5 seconds and delivers that signature EV punch right off the line. The low-mounted battery gives it a planted feel through corners, and the ride strikes a good balance between sporty and smooth, with a composed chassis and linear handling. This feels like a BMW in how it responds to steering inputs and carves through turns.

But here’s the catch: it’s not as fun. The M440i, with its inline-six and rear-biased xDrive system, feels more alive and engaging. Its throttle response is sharper, the steering more communicative, and the overall experience more rewarding. The i4 is quick and competent (and the instant torque is addictive), but the car never fully captures that “Ultimate Driving Machine” magic that BMW is known and loved for.

Now, I realize that the i4 M50 would be a better comparison to the M440i, given that it’s the performance-oriented model with 536 horsepower and all. But a comparably equipped i4 M50 would be north of $70K, which would put it in M4 territory. And therein lies the rub about wanting to go the EV route with BMW, you’re paying a premium for a “lesser” car. 🙁

Interior & Tech: Familiar but Frustrating

Climb inside and the i4 greets you with BMW’s new curved display and iDrive 8 infotainment system. It’s modern and packed with features – voice assistant, over-the-air updates, EV-specific navigation, but it’s also more complicated and less intuitive than past versions. Touch targets are smaller, menus feel buried, and basic tasks often take more steps than they should.

Material quality is another letdown. Despite its ~$60K price tag, the cabin doesn’t quite match the plushness of the M440i. The plastics feel cheaper, some trim lacks heft, and overall it doesn’t exude the same premium vibe. It’s comfortable and quiet, sure, but you never forget you’re in BMW’s entry-level EV, even if the price suggests otherwise.

Range, Charging & Everyday Use

BMW claims up to 301 miles of range on a full charge, and I saw real-world numbers in the high-200s, which is pretty impressive and competitive in this segment. DC fast charging tops out at 200 kW, letting you go from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes in a perfect world. That makes road-tripping feasible, though the network still lags far behind Tesla’s Supercharger experience, which is the gold standard.

As a daily driver, the i4 works well. As you can see in the pics below, the hatchback design offers solid cargo space, rear seat room is decent for adults, and the quiet cabin makes commuting stress-free. Driver-assist tech is plentiful and generally smooth in operation.

Verdict: Great EV, Just Not a Great BMW

The 2022 BMW i4 eDrive40 is a well-rounded, refined, and genuinely enjoyable EV. It proves that going electric doesn’t mean giving up classic BMW dynamics. But it also highlights how tough it is to replicate the soul of a great gas-powered performance car.

If you’re committed to going electric and want something that feels familiar, the i4 is a strong option. But if outright driving pleasure and interior quality matter most, the M440i remains the better buy. It’s more engaging, more premium, and ultimately more satisfying – even if it means sticking with the pump for a few more years.

2022 BMW i4 eDrive40
Base Price: $55,400
Price As-Tested: $63,485