BMW i4 Review: One of the Best Electric Cars Available?

The BMW i4 is one of the most convincing electric cars on the market, especially for drivers who want premium quality, strong performance and a familiar driving experience. Unlike many electric vehicles designed purely around futuristic styling, the BMW i4 feels like a true BMW first and an EV second. It combines the sleek design of a Gran Coupé with electric power, impressive range and high-end technology.

For Irish buyers looking for a used premium electric car, the BMW i4 is a strong option to consider. You can start your search here: Browse BMW i4 cars on Bargaindigger.

Exterior Design

The BMW i4 has a sleek, athletic and premium appearance. Based on the 4 Series Gran Coupé body style, it has a low roofline, long bonnet, wide stance and flowing profile. This gives it a more traditional car-like look compared with many electric SUVs.

At the front, the large BMW kidney grille remains a key design feature, although it is mostly closed off for aerodynamic efficiency. Slim LED headlights, sculpted bumpers and sporty alloy wheels give the i4 a dynamic appearance. From the side, the sloping roofline and frameless doors help create a stylish Gran Coupé silhouette.

At the rear, the i4 looks elegant and muscular, with narrow LED lights and a practical hatchback-style tailgate. M Sport versions add more aggressive styling, while higher-performance models such as the i4 M50 or newer M-badged versions bring a sharper and more performance-focused look.

Interior Quality and Comfort

Inside, the BMW i4 feels every bit like a premium BMW. The cabin is well-built, comfortable and driver-focused. Materials are generally high quality, with soft-touch surfaces, attractive trims and supportive seats. The driving position is excellent, giving the driver a low, sporty feel without sacrificing comfort.

Front passengers get plenty of space, and the seats are suitable for long journeys. Rear space is decent, although the sloping roofline means taller passengers may find headroom slightly tighter than in a taller electric SUV. Still, for daily use, commuting and family driving, the i4 offers a refined and comfortable cabin.

Sound insulation is also strong. Because the car is electric, there is no engine noise, and BMW has done a good job keeping road and wind noise under control. This makes the i4 feel calm and refined at motorway speeds.

Technology and Infotainment

Technology is one of the BMW i4’s biggest strengths. The dashboard is dominated by BMW’s curved display, which combines a digital driver display with a large central infotainment touchscreen. The system looks modern and premium, while still offering a high level of functionality.

BMW’s iDrive system is among the better infotainment setups available. It can be controlled by touch, voice commands or the rotary controller on the centre console. This makes it easier to use while driving compared with systems that rely only on touchscreen controls.

Depending on specification, the BMW i4 may include features such as satellite navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, heated seats, head-up display, premium audio, wireless phone charging and advanced driver assistance systems.

For buyers comparing used premium electric cars, it is worth checking exact trim levels and optional equipment, as BMW models can vary significantly depending on specification.

Performance and Driving Experience

The BMW i4 is one of the best electric cars to drive because it still feels like a proper BMW. It is smooth, quiet and refined, but also sharp and engaging when you want a more dynamic experience.

Electric power gives the i4 instant acceleration, making it feel quick and responsive in everyday driving. Even entry-level versions offer strong performance, while more powerful models deliver serious pace. The i4 M50, for example, is known for its rapid acceleration and all-wheel-drive grip.

The steering is precise, the suspension feels well controlled, and the low-mounted battery helps give the car a stable feel through corners. It is heavier than a petrol or diesel 4 Series, but BMW has tuned the chassis well, so the i4 still feels composed and enjoyable.

Around town, the i4 is quiet and easy to drive. On motorways, it feels stable and refined. On twistier roads, it offers more driver involvement than many electric cars in its class.

At this point in your research, you can compare available used electric BMW listings here: Search BMW i4 electric cars on Bargaindigger.

You can also browse all available auctions here: View all car auctions on Bargaindigger.

Safety Features

The BMW i4 comes with a strong range of safety and driver assistance technology. Depending on the model year and specification, features may include lane departure warning, front collision warning, automatic emergency braking, parking sensors, reversing camera, adaptive cruise control and blind spot monitoring.

Higher-spec versions may also include more advanced assistance systems, such as lane keeping support, parking assistant features and enhanced driver assistance packages. As always with used BMW models, equipment can vary, so buyers should check the exact car they are considering.

The i4’s strong structure, modern driver aids and predictable handling make it a reassuring choice for daily driving, motorway journeys and family use.

Practicality and Cargo Space

The BMW i4 is more practical than its sporty shape might suggest. Thanks to its Gran Coupé design, it has a large hatchback-style tailgate rather than a small saloon boot opening. This makes loading luggage, shopping bags or travel items much easier.

Boot space is useful for everyday needs, and the rear seats can be folded down for larger items. It may not offer the same cargo flexibility as an electric SUV, but it is far more practical than a traditional coupé.

For families, commuters and company car drivers, the i4 offers a good balance between style and usability. However, rear passenger space is not as generous as in some taller EVs, so buyers who regularly carry adults in the back should test the rear seats before purchasing.

Fuel Economy / Engine Options

The BMW i4 is fully electric, so it does not use petrol or diesel. Instead of traditional fuel economy, buyers should focus on battery range, charging speed and energy efficiency.

The i4 range has included different versions, such as rear-wheel-drive eDrive models and more powerful all-wheel-drive performance versions. The eDrive models are usually best for efficiency and range, while the performance-focused versions are better for drivers who want maximum acceleration and grip.

Charging can be done at home, at work or at public charging stations. Home charging is usually the most convenient option for everyday use, especially for Irish drivers with a driveway or dedicated parking space. On longer trips, rapid charging can help reduce waiting times, but real-world charging speed depends on the charger, battery temperature, battery condition and state of charge.

When buying a used BMW i4, it is important to check:

Battery health
Service history
Charging cables included
Software updates
Warranty status
Tyre condition
Exact trim and optional equipment

Why Buy a Used BMW i4?

A used BMW i4 can be an excellent choice because it offers premium electric motoring at a lower price than a new model. Depreciation can make used examples more attractive, especially for buyers who want BMW quality, strong performance and modern EV technology without paying full new-car prices.

The i4 is ideal for drivers who want an electric car but do not want to give up the feel of a traditional premium saloon or coupé. It looks stylish, drives well and offers enough practicality for daily life.

It is especially suitable for:

Business users
Long-distance commuters
Drivers with home charging
Buyers moving from petrol or diesel BMWs
People who want a premium EV without choosing an SUV

Pros and Cons

Pros

The BMW i4 offers excellent performance, premium interior quality and a highly refined driving experience. It feels more engaging than many electric cars and has a stylish Gran Coupé design. The infotainment system is modern, the cabin is comfortable, and the hatchback boot makes it more practical than expected.

Cons

The i4 can be expensive compared with some mainstream electric cars. Rear headroom is limited by the sloping roofline, and the car is quite heavy. Some desirable features may only be available on higher trims or optional packages. Used buyers should also pay close attention to specification, battery condition and charging history.

Final Verdict

The BMW i4 is one of the best electric cars available for buyers who want a premium EV with genuine driving appeal. It combines BMW’s traditional strengths — performance, comfort, quality and handling — with the benefits of electric power.

It may not be the cheapest used EV, and it may not be as spacious as an electric SUV, but as an all-round premium electric car, the i4 is extremely impressive. For Irish drivers who want a stylish, fast and practical electric car, the BMW i4 should be high on the shortlist.