The BMW i4 has been with us for a wee while now. I can remember first testing one back in 2024, and this was around the time the news broke about the New Zealand Police using them as pursuit vehicles. Now the i4 is up for a refresh by way of a stylistic nip and tuck, extra electric range, new tech and a range which has been rather streamlined with now only one model variant on offer, the eDrive40 Gran Coupe. Here is the low down.
The sole i4 eDrive40 Gran Coupe will set you back $124,900 + ORCs and at first glance you may not see much of change. Take a second gander and you notice sharper lines, a revised diamond textured kidney “grill” in-between revised headlights with upright DRLs, which in my view look just that bit better than before. I also love the revised laser inspired rear taillights with LED streaks throughout and the combo of 19-inch alloys with vivid Portimão Metallic Blue paint scheme really makes this i4 pop. Overall, it looks fresh and these stylistic tweaks only enforce its new striking stance.
An 80kWh battery pack coupled to a rear mounted electric motor sends 250kW/430Nm to the rear wheels. Thanks to new “silicon carbide semiconductor components” (try saying that fast 10 times), the overall electric range is increased from 520kms to 542kms over the pre-facelift model.
Naturally being compatible with both AC and DC Fast Charging, the i4 can make use with up to 205kW charging capability and able to average 22.2kWh/100km travelled. That most powerful of fast chargers will give you between 10 to 80 per cent charge in a snip over half an hour. Zero to 100kph time has also been cut from 5.6 to 5.3 seconds in case you are interested.
Inside its pretty much what we have come to expect from BMW in recent years, ie plenty of aesthetically pleasing form and function with some tweaks which separates the refreshed i4 from the one before it. The most obvious is the new look M-Sport flat bottomed steering wheel which houses new controls for the adaptive cruise control, infotainment and other functions. It’s feels good in your mitts and has a greater err of premium feel to it. The driving position is ergonomically sound and the “Vernasca” Black leather seats with blue stitching, while a tad firm in places, hold you snugly and secure.
Centre stage is the 12.3-inch instrument display and 14.9-inch BMW Operating System and Control Display. It is easy to fathom and offers some sharp graphics and clear instrumentation. Its not only big either so not as much of a distraction like others can be these days.
While once an option, it’s nice to see features like heated seats, heated steering wheel and a glass panoramic roof all coming as standard. Other standard features include Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, a smorgasbord of ambient lighting choices, BMW ConnectedDrive, lane departure warning, front collision warning, 3D reversing camera, a head up display and BMW’s latest generation Intelligent Personal Assistant software.
Fork out an extra $5,500 for the “Enhancement Pack” and you get that aforementioned metallic paint, a sublime Harman/Kardon premium audio system, CraftedClarity glass interior switchgear and adaptive LED headlights, all of which my test car had.
For rear seat passengers, the sloping rear roofline of the Gran Coupe body does mean that getting in and out could be difficult for taller folk. However, once you are in, the rear seats themselves are arched nicely to allow an additional supportive and snug fit. Pop the boot and 470L of cargo space is immensely generous for an EV and one which will have no issue of swallowing up the weekly shop, or golf bag.
The previous i4 eDrive40 was, in typical BMW fashion an engaging drive and despite having the extra weight of the batteries, dynamically lithe and nimble. For 2026, its very much the same here and more so.
The 80kW battery pack and electric motor gives that classic dosage of instant electric torque off the mark and while there are more rapid EVs four doors out there, the i4 eDrive40 has more than enough poke to classify it as a brisk way of getting around. No wonder the New Zealand Police sought these out as their pursuit special of choice.
Steering is direct and while being a tad light and lacking a certain degree of feel, the i4 is very well sorted in the corners. The M-Sport adaptive suspension does its job well and whether in sport or normal mode, it tightens things up or softens them down depending on the drive. Tight switchback country lanes can be devoured as can the motorway miles munched up, the i4 just takes it all in its stride. In fact, setting the adaptive cruise just so and navigating your local section of SH1 leaves you feeling rather impressed with just how much distance you can cover.
The ride is decent though I wouldn’t regard it as soothing, but it is certainly not jarring or uncomfortable. However, the sound insulation is top notch. This was additionally noted by a family member who, while on the other line during a Bluetooth phone convo, was convinced I was chatting to him at home, not in Christchurch inner city traffic. Hats off the BMW on that one.
In fact, hats off to BMW for just about everything else. While this is one of the more niche sectors of the EV space, the i4’s refresh has made it more relevant than ever. Polished edges, dynamic prowess and clever tech mean the new i4 eDrive40 Gran Coupe is proof you can’t have too much of a good thing.
RATING: 8.5/10
