BMW’s facelifted and watered-down electric 4 Series GranCoupe could just be the best measure of fun, for those who crave an engaging drive, while having your greens
Singapore – I have the opinion that when this watered-down BMW i4 Gran Coupe eDrive35 was first introduced, BMW was on to something. Not counting in the COE, the eDrive35 cost a little less coin then the slightly more powerful eDrive40, which means that in this period of ridiculously high COE prices, BMW have made their Compact Executive four-doored EV more palatable.
While not very extensive, the LCI work that BMW have done on the i4 is still noticeable. This includes new LED headlights, which boast a new lighting signature, and laser tail lights (identifiable by their warning label) – the latter which were first seen on the M4 CSL. The controversial grille has been given a few tweaks to modernise it, while the signature EV blue trim which has not aged well design-wise, has largely been wiped out.
On the inside, things are largely “business-as-usual”, where quality measures up. As with many downstream variants, the eDrive35’s upholstery is layered with Sensatec synthetic leather, which actually looks and feels largely convincing.
A positive change is its new sporty flat-bottomed steering, which adds a dash of sportiness. It also wears on it, redesigned air-conditioning vents, which now feature ‘Waterfall Ambient Lighting’. However, I am not sure if I am a fan of the indirect vent adjusters.
The single curved widescreen which sits proud on the dashboard, and houses the same 12.3-inch multifunctional instrument display and 14.9-inch control display. However, it is now duly upgraded to the newer Operating System 8.5. To keep navigating the infotainment simple, there is a quick-access bar at the base of the screen, which makes accessing more often-used functions a page or two away.
Less is Not More, But it is Still Made to be Driven
The eDrive35 is RWD, which means that it drives quite naturally (for an EV). However, while this example communicates white-knuckled driving dynamics with its M-badging, it is only in reference to the decorative trim. So you will not have the advantage of the Adaptive M Suspension, which you will get on the M50 variant.
That said, BMW engineers have tuned the fixed suspension to deliver that sweet spot between handling and comfort, which I feel is near-perfect. Overall, it feels as extremely balanced as a BMW cliché, and it beckons you to “find joy” around the turns… Yes, that is another BMW cliché! But this i4 Gran Coupe is absolutely entertaining and punchy, even if it is delivering the goods with “only” 282hp and 400Nm. Just remember that BMW sells a petrol 2.0 with the same form factor, which produces around 180hp and 300Nm.
The i4’s regenerative braking can be adjusted from a Kinetosis-inducing one-pedal drive mode, to a ‘low’ setting, but cannot be turned-off, unlike the system found in some Audi cars. However, there is sufficient “free-wheeling” when you lift-off the accelerator pedal, allowing for some coasting. I find that overall, the BMW i4 drives the best in its lowest regenerative mode.
While BMW says that 483km of range can be milked from the i4’s 67.1kWh battery, I would seriously start thinking of having the car charged, by the time I have covered something like 300km. Perhaps, it could be the result of more spirited driving, but I note that its range significantly falls, when the battery level is somewhat midway.
At this point, the BMW i4 has no natural frenemies, apart from the Polestar 2 (which I see as a class lower, being about the size of an Audi A3 and BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe), where the closest match being the Standard Range Single Motor, is significantly less costly, with a difference of about $77,000. All that said, there is news that Audi will have their new A4 e-tron available between the end of 2025 to the first half of 2026.
Overall, I feel that the i4 eDrive35 delivers very well on daily usability, but where I appreciate it most, is that though it is watered-down, it is not made worse.
Text & Photos: Clifford Chow
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Smooth delivery from electric drive | Quite expensive |
| Very beautifully balanced | Battery should come closer to saying what it does on the box |
BMW i4 Gran Coupe eDrive35 M Sport
| Drivetrain | Full Electric |
| Layout | Single Motor, Rear Drive |
| Motor power / torque | 282hp / 400Nm |
| Battery capacity | 67.1kWh |
| Efficiency | 19.0kWh/100km |
| Electric Range | 483km |
| 0-100km/h | 6.0 seconds |
| Top Speed | 190km/h |
| VES Band | A1 |
| Dealer | Performance Motors / BMW Eurokars Auto |
| Price | S$335,888 with COE and VES |
| Verdict | Quite perfectly the best blend comfort and driver engagement |
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