A week behind the wheel: BMW i4
A battery-powered BMW was John Challen’s transport for seven days in December. Here’s how he got on.
BMW i4 eDrive35 M Sport
List price (BiK): £?? (2%) Economy: 288 miles Test efficiency: ?
Day 1
Here at Fleet World, we – like many other people who have an idea about cars – are big fans of BMW’s electric vehicle efforts. So the chance to spend some time in the very entry level (and fleet-friendly) i4 eDrive35 was one not to be passed up. This model represents an expansion of the range, with a less powerful motor and smaller battery than the eDrive 40 and M50 variants. Rest assured, there is still enough power (282hp and 400Nm) and standard equipment onboard to not really make a difference.
Day 2
The ’35’ model is the cheapest i4 in the range, the starting price being just over £50k. Our test car was an M Sport model, which meant a few extra ‘M’ bits and badges inside and out. Spec-wise, you won’t want for much, with front heated seats, cruise control, parking assistant and auto-dimming mirrors being just a selection of the bits of standard kit.
Day 3
By current standards, the i4 is a little on the small side these days – a far cry from the 3 Series, which was so often seen to be the benchmark for fleet drivers. The popularity of SUVs and crossovers has swayed many drivers away from the humble saloon, but the i4 is a reminder that there is still ample room for five. To demonstrate this, family Challen ventured out on a decent journey, with few complaints from the junior trio in the rear.
Day 4
A nice long airport run meant the i4 got to stretch its legs – and test its driving range. The claimed 288 miles from the 67kWh battery is pretty realistic and activating the climate and heated seats don’t put too much of a dent in it, thankfully. On the road, the BMW is very BMW – refined, smooth, with plenty of power when you need it. Just what’s required when battling the M25 and M1!
Day 5
The long round trip meant the return journey from Stansted couldn’t be done without recharging. So, after landing and leaving the airport, it was off to an InstaVolt for a top-up (and a coffee for the driver!). There are often horror stories about public chargers, but this time the process was seamless and there was barely enough time to have a nose around the Fisker Ocean parked next door, before it was back on the road to beat the traffic!
Day 6
Coming back to the subject of the available room and space in the i4, when the car’s boot was called upon, there were plenty of litres available to fill. The BMW isn’t particularly long (‘only’ 4,783mm), so to have that amount of space available in the rear is a bit surprising, but very welcome.
Day 7
Having spent a week in the i4, it was clear why it is a popular choice for fleet drivers. Whether it’s the design, build quality, standard equipment or overall driving experience, there’s a lot to like about this BMW. If the i4 is an indication of what the future of driving will be like, then bring it on!
John Challen
John previously edited International Fleet World magazine, and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role, having been in automotive journalism for more than 20 years. Over those two decades, he has researched and written about a vast range of automotive topics, including fleet, EVs, engineering, design, retail and the aftermarket.
