You may have heard by now that the future of the automotive industry is the electric vehicle. The evidence is clear from the wide range of plug-in EVs that have graced the market even in the last few years. The EV revolution is well underway, and most big-name manufacturers want a slice of the pie. Some have fallen short, but other manufacturers have taken it upon themselves to pick up the slack where many have faltered, and there’s no better example of this than the BMW i4. Today, we’ve put together a buyer’s guide so that when you visit BMW of Cincinnati North––your BMW i4 dealer in the greater Cincinnati area––you’ll already have a fair bit of knowledge on what you can expect from the 2023 model.
Three Variations
The BMW i4 is available in a few configurations. At the base level, the BMW i4 eDrive35 has a starting price of $51,400.[a] The BMW i4 isn’t a cheap vehicle by any means, but you certainly get what you pay for in regards to performance, luxury, and especially technology. The eDrive35 is no joke––the experience you get with even BMW’s base model is leagues beyond the EVs most other manufacturers produce. We’ll get deeper into the specifications momentarily, but upgrading from the eDrive35 to the eDrive40 gives you a notable performance increase coupled with a longer range on a single charge. Lastly, the top dog in the lineup is the i4 M50. This model is a performance bargain with a starting price of $67,300.[a]
The eDrive35 is all-new this year, allowing the 2023 BMW i4 to start at a lower MSRP than its predecessor, meaning drivers interested in the i4 can save some money by shaving off some of the performance and range. The battery is the most significant change for the new model, with the eDrive35 using a smaller 70.2 kWh battery and rear-wheel drive. Meanwhile, the eDrive40 and M50 retain the familiar and efficient 81.5 kWh battery. Like last year, the eDrive40 uses rear-wheel drive like the eDrive35, but the M50 adds a front motor for an all-wheel drive setup. All three options are compatible with DC fast charging and can add over 80 miles of range in just 10 minutes.
What makes the eDrive35 such a compelling offer is a powertrain that outpaces most other base-level electric cars we’ve seen, with its impressive 281 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The smaller battery powering the i4 eDrive35 still gives you an estimated range of 256 miles on a single charge. However, if that isn’t enough, the i4 eDrive40 takes the foundation laid by the eDrive35 and expands upon it with more raw performance and a greater travel distance on a fully-charged battery. This model outputs an ample 335 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque for a 0-60 mph time of 5.5 seconds. Driving with a fully charged battery in your i4 eDrive40 means you’ll have a range of 301 miles––a sizable jump from the eDrive35.
What about the BMW i4 M50 we mentioned earlier? The M50 is one of the fastest EVs you’ll come across, and it’s even quicker off the line than the BMW M3 Competition. The i4 M50 outputs 536 hp and 586 lb-ft of torque––yes, you read that right. The M50 should be the first EV on your mind if you want a luxurious and exceptionally well-crafted electric sports sedan. Better yet, the i4 M50 can travel 271 miles on a single charge. While this may not sound like much of an improvement over the eDrive35, it’s worth remembering that the nearly 6% increase in range is accompanied by a 91% increase in horsepower and a 99% increase in torque.
Many Standard Features
One of the best parts about buying the 2023 BMW i4 is that you’ll get plenty of standard features regardless of which of the three i4 models you buy. For example, if you want to save money by purchasing the eDrive35, you’ll still get the incredible 14.9-inch infotainment center and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, which are combined in what looks like one large pane of glass. Features like this make the i4 stand out amongst the crowd with one of the most luxurious interiors, blending advanced technology and traditional luxury in a way no other electric vehicle manufacturer has managed.
The infotainment center and digital instrument cluster hybrid screen are part of BMW’s latest iDrive suite. iDrive was one of the first infotainment centers ever in regards to how we know these systems today, as it combined the likes of the radio with a computer. Years later, we now have iDrive 8, which is making its debut in vehicles like the i4, and the new and improved screen is one of its most notable highlights. In addition to controlling the system through the large central touchscreen, you can use a touchpad controller or voice commands. Simply say, “hey, BMW,” and the car will listen to you.
With the 2023 BMW i4, various features come standard regardless of which model you purchase, like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto––not surprising but highly useful. However, what is helpful is the integrated 5G connectivity, which is becoming increasingly relevant. Additionally, you can enhance your multimedia experience with a premium audio system courtesy of Harman Kardon that combines 16 speakers in your cabin pumping 464 watts of power. However, the 205-watt Hi-Fi audio system that comes standard is no slouch either. Your i4 will also come with power-adjustable seats in the front, so you don’t have to fall back on old-school methods like levers.
Safety at No Additional Cost
Something else drivers won’t have to put much thought into when buying the 2023 i4 is whether or not they’ll be getting an assortment of safety features. For the price of the i4, you’d expect some driver-assist technology. However, BMW goes above and beyond with more features you still aren’t going to find in every corner of the industry. This includes a parking assistant that will take over from the driver and automate the parking process, even in the trickiest spots. The i4 also includes features like Lane Departure Warning and an advanced Frontal Collision Warning with City Collision Mitigation, allowing for automated braking at upwards of 35 mph––an impressive amount of speed for this feature to still work with.
It’s a Spectacle
We have to say that we’re impressed with the 2023 BMW i4, and we feel that you will be too. Whether you’ve owned a BMW before or not, get ready for the ride of your life. Once you’re the proud owner of the latest i4, you will question how you went this long without one. The BMW i4 will revolutionize the way you think about travel with its silent propulsion and instant torque. Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular each year, but the i4 is one of the best examples we’ve seen to date, and there’s never been a better time to jump on the EV trend. BMW of Cincinnati North is proud to bring you the 2023 BMW i4, and we hope to see you soon at our Cincinnati dealership.