BMW i4 M50 EV | Impressively Normal

Summary

The BMW i4 is an electrified vehicle with a mix of traditional and modern design elements, offering a blend of old-school BMW interiors with new features. Despite some ergonomic and electronic quirks, the i4 provides a solid driving experience with impressive acceleration and a unique sound designed by Hans Zimmer. It's a capable contender in the electric vehicle market, offering a more traditional car feel compared to other EVs.

Takeaways

• 🚗 The BMW i4 is part of BMW's electrified vehicle lineup, offering a mix of traditional and new design elements.
• 🌐 It shares similarities with the 4 Series Gran Coupe in terms of exterior and interior design, but includes modifications for its electric powertrain.
• 🔋 The i4 features a dual-motor setup in the M50i variant, providing all-wheel drive capabilities and significant power output.
• 🔌 The battery pack has a capacity of approximately 81.5 kWh, with a focus on efficient thermal management and fast charging capabilities.
• 🎶 Renowned composer Hans Zimmer contributed to the i4's artificial engine sound, aiming to enhance the driving experience for electric vehicle drivers.
• 🚀 The i4 offers impressive acceleration and a sporty driving mode called 'Sport Boost', which temporarily increases the power output.
• 🛋️ The interior of the i4 blends traditional BMW elements with a modern dashboard design and the latest iDrive 8 infotainment system.
• 💰 The price point of the i4 M50i starts in the mid-60s, with additional options and features potentially increasing the cost further.
• 🔄 The i4's suspension has been adapted from the internal combustion versions, with changes to accommodate the electric motors and battery pack.
• 📊 The i4's driving dynamics offer a balance between sportiness and comfort, though some differences are noted compared to traditional BMW models.
• 🔍 Overall, the BMW i4 is considered a strong competitor in the electric vehicle market, providing a luxury driving experience with the benefits of an electric powertrain.

Q & A

What is the BMW i4 and how does it fit into BMW's vehicle lineup?

The BMW i4 is an electrified vehicle that is part of BMW's lineup, sharing exterior and interior design elements with the 4 Series Gran Coupe, which is a hatchback style vehicle.

What changes have been made to the exterior design of the BMW i4 due to its electric nature?

The exterior design of the BMW i4 has been altered to include a flat piece of plastic in place of the traditional grill, allowing for more design flexibility. Additionally, the car has been built on a traditional BMW CLAR architecture, which carries over many elements from internal combustion cars, including the body.

How does the interior design of the BMW i4 differ from traditional BMW interiors?

The interior design of the BMW i4 is a mix of older BMW interiors with a new design approach. The dashboard architecture appears more traditional, and the door panels are solid and easy to use, retaining many physical buttons and controls that users are accustomed to.

What are some of the ergonomic issues mentioned in the BMW i4?

The BMW i4 has some ergonomic issues such as the placement of the bottle holder in the door, the electrical switch for the hatch directly underneath it where water could leak, and the USB port placement next to the cup holders.

What are the starting prices for the BMW i4 variants?

The base rear-wheel-drive version of the BMW i4 starts at about $55,000, while the car in the discussion, a BMW i4 M50i, starts in the mid-$60,000 range.

How does the BMW i4's dual-motor setup differ from other electric vehicles?

The BMW i4 features a dual-motor setup with a smaller, less powerful motor in the front and a more powerful motor in the rear. It also includes a pseudo rear differential actuator that helps simulate a rear differential, although it does not have a traditional e-diff like some other electric vehicles.

What are the charging and battery characteristics of the BMW i4?

The BMW i4 has an 81.5 kilowatt-hour battery capacity and uses a three-circuit cooling system for the batteries and electric motors. It also features an integrated heat pump for efficiency and has a range of about 250 to 260 miles when fully charged.

How does the BMW i4's iDrive 8 system differ from previous versions?

The iDrive 8 system introduces a new design with threaded screens and a more graphically heavy interface. It moves the HVAC controls to the touchscreen, eliminating physical buttons, and replaces the physical controls under the screen with capacitive touch button controls.

What is the purpose of the fake engine noise feature in the BMW i4?

The fake engine noise feature, designed in collaboration with renowned composer Hans Zimmer, aims to enhance the driving experience by providing a premium and immersive sound that changes based on throttle input, vehicle load, and driving conditions.

How does the BMW i4 compare to the Tesla Model 3 in terms of driving dynamics?

The BMW i4 offers a more traditional car-like driving experience with a balance of luxury and performance, whereas the Tesla Model 3 is more focused on the electric vehicle experience with an emphasis on minimalism and driver assistance features.

What are the final thoughts on the BMW i4 M50i?

The BMW i4 M50i is a capable and quick automobile that offers a fairly organic feeling drivetrain and a refined, quiet ride. Despite some dynamic quirks, it provides a good substitute for traditional luxury vehicles and is worth considering as an alternative to competitors like the Tesla Model 3.