New BMW i4 in-depth review: does it beat the Tesla Model 3?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 1 ก.ค. 2024
- 2022 BMW i4 review: carbyr.uk/3FHLfLb
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The BMW i4 is the German brand’s long-awaited rival to the Polestar 2 and, particularly, the Tesla Model 3. It’s based on the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe, swapping a petrol engine for a powerful electric motor. There are standard and M versions available, but both officially manage over 300 miles of range and quick acceleration times. In fact, the i4 M50 could match a petrol-powered BMW M4 off the line! But the i4 is also impressive in the corners, being one of the best-driving EVs we’ve ever tested. It’ll appeal to company-car drivers and private buyers alike, thanks to low running costs and rock-bottom tax brackets. But is it the electric car to pick? Nicola puts it to the test.
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00:00 - Introduction
01:30 - Driving
04:13 - Range and charging
05:01 - Interior and technology
07:30 - Rear seats
08:15 - Boot space
08:37 - Dealmakers and dealbreakers
09:38 - Verdict - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
This car is perfect, test drove it last week and its on its own league. Was about to buy the model 3 but this changed my mind, interior is also miles ahead of the Tesla and anything in its class
Another fantastic review from Nichola, she was spot on about everything
Perfect? Hardly. every single thing is $$$$ option. Tesla is still cheaper, faster, and more efficient than the BMW.
It's far from perfect. You're being lied to, along with everybody else:
th-cam.com/video/sytWLB4-W-M/w-d-xo.html
@@jerz8289 in the US, BMW rwd starting is ~$55k vs Tesla base model 3 ~47k. Comparing the base model of both these, BMW is faster ~5.3/4s 0-60 vs Tesla 5.8s. BMW has more range 301 mi vs Tesla 267 mi. Also in a good number of reviews I’ve seen, the general result is that BMW exceeds its estimate while the Tesla gets less range than its EPA. Let’s not even talk about BMW’s superior interior cabin quality and much better quality control. Tesla’s are too inconsistent with their builds and cuts corners with the shotty work. It’s a great vehicle still, but the BMW is extremely good for its price!
@@mh0Ang95 Tesla interior is more minimal and i like that more than bmw! I still prefer Tesla and just wait for the Tesla roadster 2.0 Lol.
@@jerz8289 I agree with u and i'am also a very big fan of Tesla, bmw is 2nd.
Great review Nicola. Placed an order 3 weeks ago for the M Sport. 'BAM' definitely describes the car's performance (felt very similar to my B9 S4 but with an immediate punch when needed). Climate control wise, the physical dials are sorely missed (however the speech recognition seemed to work quite well for the occasions I wanted to change the temperatures on the extended test drive). Test drove the etron GT last year, obviously a very different price bracket and if money was no object, being honest, I'd have been tempted to go down the Ingolstadt route for the GT's looks. Granted the GT has physical HVAC buttons but loses the MMI wheel which the i4 retains (for me personally I use that wheel more in my current S4 than the climate controls). In terms of bang for buck though, at present the i4 can't be beaten... It's 99% of the etron GT for 66% of the outlay, a hugely impressive, practical and compelling car.
Considering this now after experiencing 3 price changes within a month with the Model 3
I enjoyed watching the Video Review. Most buyers will choose the M Sport as It offers more equipment
Good review as usal with Nicola
Now that is a nice looking car, and driving it seems the best. I really wouldn’t buy a Tesla, might buy a Polestar, but this is definitely on my short list. Awesome review, BAM!
Thank you for a great video. I really enjoyed it. My car right now is there i3s version. Only reason to change for is the range. Of course the two cars is not comparable on many different ways, I know that.
Great review I drove the M50 whilst my M4 was in for work, next day I had I4 and honestly the I40 was the better car to drive, far more comfortable, but oh No what’s going on with climate controls....dangerous
At last - someone tests the i4 but not the M50. Thanks. Nice video too.
excellent review
What an awesome car, great review team! Nicola at the end of shooting: "Does anyone have a cigarette?"
This is my dream car....if only it wasn't 1.5x the price of a standard model 3 in my country....
This highly i4 Drive40 almost fully top top spec’d (not the M though) or the i5 iDrive40 midrange spec’d? I’m a bit torn
It's not nippy, it's BAM!🤣. Love it.
I wonder why the normal 3 and 4 series don't have that hatchback trunk.
It adds so much praticality and was the one thing I missed when i switched from a Ford Fiesta to a 3series. Fun fact: The Fiesta is a much smaller car, but My Bicycle would fit whole. In my 3series I had to dismount the front wheel...
Saloons have a strange prestige in other parts of the world - especially China. They work particularly well in extreme climates, where you can open the boot without letting the cold/hot air into the cabin. But when it comes to practicality, hatch wins every time!
What’s the deal with supply and deliveries. I asked for quotes few weeks ago but no retailer has come back to me.
Excellent video
The best looking ev coup car. Well done BMW
Anyone know what exterior colour this car is?
I test drove a Tesla Model 3 standard range and a BMW i4 40 M Sport and was initially wowed by the Tesla technology, battery tech and the instant power available.
I then drove the i4 and found it to be the better built car with better driving dynamics so placed my order, should be picking up my Portimao Blue i40 M Sport next week, cannot wait 😊
Thank you for a great and realistic review 👍
how is your experience so far?
@@lordgamerv4943 Absolutely love my i4, no regrets at all. Take one for a test drive and let me know your thoughts.
What BHP does this have as dont think it said in video. Thanks 👍
The eDrive40 gets 335bhp, and the M50 has 537bhp.
It looks like a BMW, it feels like a BMW, it drives like a BMW and it’s a cracking car, but………it is not a family saloon and it should’ve been built as a 2 door. Unless you are 3ft6, you can’t get in the rear seats with the drivers seat in the ideal driving position for anyone over 5ft10. No way could you take your mates to the game/pub/restaurant. It beats the LR3 in every aspect except for practicality and for a 50k 4door saloon, it needs to be practical
Nice motor. just on looks alone, it totally blows away the boring looking Tesla and Polestar. I wouldnt say no to an i4.....but living in the Highlands Of Scotland, i would be concerened about the provision of Charging stations.
Polestar is a handsome beast
BMW has made plenty of beautiful cars, this isn't one of them. The 4 series front is ugly and funky grills around it make it look cheap. As for reviews this was a waste of time. If you are going to rave about the cars handling then you should actually show it, strolling around town doesn't count as a performance review.
You not got electricity at home?
Check Zap Map. There’s probably more than you think. And the best way to charge is at home.
If i didn't see that Taycan in store and thought that i would never afford one. I would not hold it that so much higher place in my heart than the i4. Now that i am saving for the Taycan and already started the basic deposit. I am not looiking back to the i4/Tesla/Polestar
Only one word to describe this review "BAM!". Brillian Nicola, well done although it did look a tad nippy out there for the review 🙂
Zip it back up laddy
LOVE the review - fab car and review!
Test drove one. Blown away. Incredible drive. Girlfriend has one on order. Made sure she got the msport pro pack with the adaptive suspension
Thanks for another perspective. I never liked the style of Teslas but considering a German luxury BEV.
What is that exterior colour name please? Is it Brooklyn Grey Metallic?
I think it is Brooklyn Grey, looks good
I always knew that once BMW and Mercedes started making EV's that they'd make the best ones.
Not sure about BMW but Mercedes is way behind...
@@davidcaia2559 this car right here. Murders the Model 3 might not be as outright fast in acceleration but the build quality will destroy it. It's better than a Model S in a lot of ways too.
@@Nickbaldeagle02 actually BMW i4 base eDrive base vs Tesla mode 3 base, the BMW i4 wins out in 0-60 time. Also BMW has more range at 301mi vs 267, and most reviews of range tests I’ve seen, the BMW exceeds its estimated rating
I drive Tesla and considering the M50, but the Tesla has the superior chassis infrastructure and integration and efficiency and more precise handling.
Yes, this car is lovely. So are the Teslas, the Polestar and the Taycan and etc… however, only one brand is scaling to satisfy demand, and let me just say it is not BMW. They will not come anywhere near satisfying demands the coming years due to their poor strategy on getting enough batteries and they will lose money until they eventually can scale to around a million EVs a year.
@@davidcaia2559 Mercedes is not behind at all. In fact they are one of the best EVs you can buy.
Ordered April hope it lives up to the hype
You've been waiting for a year to receive it?
Oh boy, BMW is having a time with their new design language
It’s not good if you can’t get one there’s such a wait for one , I ordered jan and gave up this month as I know I wouldn’t have seen my i4 until 2023
That's interesting, there must have been a huge rush of interest. I ordered mine in October 2021, and am expecting the car in July (or so they tell me...).
Here in Finland, test drove i4 M50 week ago and dealer told me that there is atleast 1 year waiting for one. Same for 40.
Totally agree , I wish BMW would put the knobs back.
Good review apart from the dodgy colour grading in the video. Check out 6:34
You need a 360 degree interior shoot in the future. Also there was no mentioning of the assistance systems and possible updates, sad. Plus I just did the comparison, a Model 3 standard range comes in 25000 euro cheaper in Switzerland. I mean it‘s nice but that‘s not competitive enough yet. A Model 3 Performance is twice as fast with better range and still cheaper. I see the point on design and interior, but at that point BMW is still behind and lacking production capacity.
Not for long.
For people who want a BMW, and love a BMW it's amazing. Way better quality than TM3 - that's for sure. Just ordered the i4 m50 and so excited!
Saying the M3P is twice as fast is not a direct comparison. They aren’t the same cars - the M50 matches it however.
mmmmm nice i wont one... msport i4 for me please, it a proper car it has an interior and it hugs you when you sit in it... i test drove one
What is the standard warranty on this for the batteries? Anyone knows?
8 years battery and motors
the i4 looks great
Want one… I’ll be trading up from my 330e in time.
Expect you're not the only one...!
Yes but what about the differences in the very expensive price compared to the Tesla
Most range at the moment have Lucid Air 520 mile 835km. Can you please ad metric system info in vids as well. :)
Do metric countries add Imperial measurements into their videos? No.
@@raftonpounder6696 If you need that information, then write them. But as vids are international as net, would be nice to concider other aswell. ;)
@@insightq2x I agree with you.
@@raftonpounder6696 Actually, a lot of reviewers use both.
Major concern is repair costs.... Bmw isn't well known for reliability when it comes to electrical components. And now they've added a huge battery. They have trouble with small items such as window regulators. Hmmm .....
lol what decade are you living in?
@@rottwylor this decade. Until you can prove otherwise I just can't trust BMW and Tesla battery technology is just light years ahead of German batteries technology.
They will make maybe 100,000 of these cars but nowhere near the volume as Tesla they'll make it just for regulatory purposes but it is way too late for BMW Tesla is eating its lunch in Norway already
The i3 is from 2014, and proved to be an extremely reliable car.
Nice ev ! Price Hmm !
Great review. Its good to see manufacturers putting some serious effort into EVs. Been driving Tesla Model S P85 125,000 uk miles since I got it new in 2015. Driving, performance, range, running cost, reliability, resale value, charging all just spot on. Still love the thing. I also run a Zero SRF EV motorbike so I get the experience public charging at the same time as Teslas own Supercharger network.That and the thought of having to deal with BMW dealers again means ill stick with my "classic" Tesla despite being a classic its quicker and arguably better looking not bad for a 2012 design. Oh and plus point Teslas up to 2016 come with the rights to free supercharging for life (goes with the car on resale) beat that!
What would Jeremy Clarkson say about this kind of electric?
Probably love it.
I notice the heating controls were so difficult to use that you decided to wear a coat, scarf and gloves inside the car...
Now let’s see if BMW engineers can make a reliable BEV. My last X1 was garbage.
I don’t like the red interior, can that be changed?
Of course.
No. Car manufacturers never offer different interiors.
@@Nickbaldeagle02 He-he...
If the electric version of the 4 series is i4, I wonder what they'll do with the name when they decide to make the electric versions of 3 series or 8 series
E3 & E8
The i3 has just launched in China. It's an electric version of the 3 Series saloon!
@@carbuyer interesting considering the i3 used to be a cute little electric compact car!
@@ridgeguyatSOK I see the confusion. But isn’t it like with the Mini 😂
@@oolleehaagan6212 Oh don't get me started with Mini haha
Can you do a real world range test
We mentioned @ 4:22 that we were getting around 300-320 miles in real world driving. Hope that helps!
@@carbuyer oh wow really not many have reached above 300 always just shy of it.
Do not compare a budget/yellow pack cheap brand with a German designed premium car.
I want buy BMW
Not sure why this channel was recommended. Definitely better when Matt Watson was doing the reviews.
Even if you want one you can't get one 😛
I like you more than the car👍👍👍🤙🤙🤙😍😍😍🥰🥰
Only a good deal if a company worker with salary sacrifice scheme, then you get the car 60% retail. Love my beemers and owned many and company just introduced salary sacrifice scheme, still £550 a month out of your pocket for a e35 i4, otherwise be £800+. So…no…not for the masses.
How to tell the Tesla fanboys have shown up... Look at the Dislikes.
Cant anymore
@@colm112 u can with a simple add on
@@georgedowns4034 ???
How can you compare a car to another when you only drive one?
Because we drive different cars every day!
@@carbuyer This makes it even worse.
A stunning looking car,, worthy of one of the very best reviewers around.
I am looking forward to your driving the new Model X,, so I can write:
Nicola, Tesla
Oh, I just did, never mind
Tesla not in the same ball park as BMW, why do reviewers keep comparing them. You buy a BMW because you enjoy driving and like a quality product, not marketing hype.
I agree. Get tired of hearing about Tesla. Overhyped. Compare this to Jag, Mercedes, Porsche, maybe Polestar. Not Tesla.
Can we stop pretending that £50k cars are available to the masses? They might be lovely but what’s the point of the vast majority of people can’t afford one?
And wait till the government starts taxing them
Erm this is a car review channel for new cars...
Lease. I never thought I could afford a £42000 BMW X1 4 years ago until I discovered leasing. The loan repayments over 4 or 5 years for a 6 or 7 grand used car which I then would have to replace and start again, are roughly the same as leasing a brand new car. My next car will be a good £40-50K and I'll love it. I'm just a plumber on £30K a year before you ask.
You are right mate. The manufacturers want you to take out finace on the vehicle, they make more money on the finance than on paying cash for the vehicle. Also these cars are geared towards temporary ownership i.e pcp, company car etc….
Chill out why watch if u can't afford it 😂
The grill is a massive turn off, I think BMW has lost its way style wise these days.
Tesla fans. Sad, sad people.
I want to see Nicole show us her driving skills on a track day in a GT4
3:09 learning how to build an electric drive train is easy. Learning how to build a proper car - not so.
Bugs Bunny ,,,,that's all folks.
Who was the designer, bugs fucking bunny!
She conveniently forgot to talk about over the air updates which is a game changer and puts that i4 in the category of a blackberry vs. the Tesla being the iPhone. & No Frunk
All BMW cars are now getting over the air update.
Tesla fanboys (= Tesla shareholders) are furious now... TESLA IS NOT CAR COMPANY IT IS... IT IS.... a software company :p
If you can afford it...
I can.
@@Nickbaldeagle02 Lucky you...😀
there is only one reason now for anyone to buy a Tesla. 0-60 times. every other premium car maker are now building better electric cars.
The i4 M50 is faster than Model 3 Performance
BAM MAM WHAM!🤭👌
wrong wrong... this car gets no where near to the ranges she mentioned.
I have one and the same spec. It does!
If you're one of those people who thinks that this forced transition to EVs is genuinely about the environment, and that in a few decades everything will just be as it is now except that everybody will be driving an EV instead of a diesel or petrol car, you're in for a very nasty shock within the next 5-8 years. The forced transition to EVs has *nothing* to do with helping the environment whatsoever, that's just used as a smokescreen to dupe and manipulate the well-intentioned masses into going along with the forced obsolescence of ICE cars.
The EV obsession exists for two reasons and two reasons only:
1. EVs are far easier and cheaper to fully automate than ICE cars due to their inherent ability to cope with the large power requirements and their use of drive-by-wire controls.
2. Electricity is far easier for the state to have total and immediate control over than is the supply of a fuel such as petrol, diesel or hydrogen.
This guy gives a great explanation of why the environmental argument makes no sense: th-cam.com/video/sytWLB4-W-M/w-d-xo.html
"Electricity is far easier for the state to have total and immediate control over than is the supply of a fuel such as petrol, diesel or hydrogen." It is the exact opposite actually. That guy made no sense whatsoever.
@@Hyrppa95 It really isn't.
Its quite simple. The Tesla is the best computer, the BMW the best car.
Tesla's are ugly, this has style and class. BMW for me.
$$$$. Who cares about 0-60? My commute, including freeway & city averages 42 mph. How about a reliable and affordable EV for the average family car buyer?
It's called a chevy bolt.
@@TheSlideshowtube Almost. In Vancouver, the Bolt costs $41,000, which is a pretty steep price. A new 2022 Corolla is $21,295, almost half the cost. For $20,000 I can buy a lot of gas.
BMW marketing dept seems to have treated these folks well with nice resort like accommodations and it shows in this review. No supercharger network, no panoramic sunroof, very poorly designed software that’s a generation behind, no frunk, no ginormous sub floor in the trunk, poorly designed phone app, ridiculous dealer markups and the list goes on. But the paid off Carbuyer reviewers could not be bothered by those pesky little details, right?
I take it you haven’t driven one then? The car is every bit as good as the reviews suggest.
Where u charging this then, in the broken charger networks all over the uk, yup good luck! stick with Tesla Superchargers thanks.
Charge at home.
you are funy
*funny
Well, can't comment on the car itself as I haven't actually seen it but,
should the reviewer not 'match' the cars intend? Clearly it is not meant for a hunting expedition so the dress code should reflect this too? (dress, heels, etc.)
I just think it would have enhanced the claim of purpose and feel; just sayin...😅😇
Of course it beats, BMW rules always!!! 👍🤘🔥 Because Tesla is a Donald Ducks car. 🤭
What a freak deaign! LOL!!!!
Freakingly good?
Totally agree, good looking car!
Hideous to look at and really inefficient too! I’ll never need four wheel drive (what a con!). And I’d bet they never get anywhere near the quoted figures or your fantasy ones… Plus there BMWs terrible image! Easy “no” here!
It’s rear wheel drive, it’s efficient and it goes as far as it suggests.
Range won't be more than 200 miles in reality, good luck charging it come October!
Wrong, 300+ isn’t hard in the car.
@@emjbee101 absolute rubbish! Manufacturers exaggerate range. The reality is half to three quarters of quoted at absolute best.
@@stuartcraigon2003 well I must be imagining achieving those figures in my i4 then? Not me speculating, I have one. They are efficient cars if driven sensibly. Sorry if that doesn’t suit your narrative 🤷♂️
tesla...lol!!!!
Why is this woman doing reviews?
What are you writing comments on TH-cam?
Lovely review. I'm not a BMW fan... and frankly the 0-60 isn't all that great for an EV... I think I have an issue with a few things on this car... Absolutely unimaginative in the interior and exterior. Click controllers? tiny screens? And what is that thing that looks like a gear shift??? Seats are a vomit-inducing colour. And I have to say... anyone who thinks twisty-turny knobs in an EV are OK is frankly hanging on to the legacy look of what a car should look like. At the end of the day, EVs are computers on wheels. So, as a software test engineer, my questions are always "How often is the software updated?" "Are they over-the-air updates?", "What new software features are in the pipeline?" and "Do you still need to take in for a service each year?". I am sure that this car will appeal to BMW lovers who want to make that change to EV, but I'll pass on this. Having test driven a fair few EVs over the years, I have yet to find anything that beats the Mustang and the Tesla Model X. This, BMW is not it - for me - but Kudos to BMW for having a go.
This appeals to normal car lovers who don’t want a stupid iPad for a dashboard.
@@raftonpounder6696 Yes 👏👏
the rotary wheel for controlling idrive absolutely makes so much more sense than all touch screen. I would avoid a car that was completely touch screen only. I want to drive a car...not sit in a computer!
That "Tacora Red" color looks much better in person (more dark maroon than red), but one thing BMW gives you that Tesla does not is choices (and I totally understand the Tesla business decision to limit choices to make more cars and keep prices lower). Seats can be Black, Brown, Red, Beige, Cognac or Black with blue stitching in either leather or "Sensatec". Lots of exterior paint and interior trim choices too. Yes, the i4 supports over the air updates by wifi or 5G (and has available 5G personal eSim). I know there have been software updates already even though there are very few delivered yet, but not sure how frequent they will be. Supports wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto (so maybe not as reliant on the infotainment being perfect as Tesla is). I for one am glad to see more EV choices out there because different cars appeal to different people for different reasons. Some of us are interested in an EV but love cars and are not ready to trade them in for a "computer on wheels", but hey, I'm well into my fifties!
@@mikeballou well said. You don’t have to be over 50 like us to appreciate a fine driving, stylish, well built car. The polar opposite of a Tesla.
Such an ugly car
Nothing short of a BMW infomercial!!!
BMW paying for this?
Nope! But that doesn't stop the i4 being one of the best electric cars we've ever driven...
Tesla fan warning!
@@carbuyer just ignore the Tesla fanboy crying because the big German boys have finally decided to take this electric game seriously 😏
Says the guy who subscribes to at least 5 Tesla focused TH-cam Channels. Just because another electric car is getting praise doesn't take anything away from Tesla or their cars. All you are doing is making people dislike Tesla indirectly through negative association.
My point is not against praising the virtues of the BMW, but not at the expense of making negative comments of Tesla. That is what really tells the story.