BMW New Zealand has stepped up its game in the fully electric sedan market with the introduction of the new i4 eDrive35. It may sit at the entry gates of the model range, but it’s anything but ‘basic’.
The new i4 eDrive35 is built on the fifth generation BMW eDrive technology (electric motors, power electronics, charging technology, and high-voltage battery), which can also obviously be found in its i4 siblings (such as the i4 M50 we reviewed), but also seen on other BMW electric models like the iX and i7 flagship sedan. So it’s in good company.
Not only does this technology provide an exhilarating electric driving experience, I’ll get to that in a moment, but it also offers maximum everyday usability with its impressive range and quick charging times. What’s more BMW has eliminated rare earths from their EV motor production, so you can drive the new i4 feeling more smug than ever.
Like I said before, with a single motor driving the rear wheels this may be the first rung on the i4 ladder, but BMW haven’t lost sight of what owners want either, ie performance and efficiency so the eDrive35’s electric powertrain generates 210kW of power and a peak torque of 400Nm. This allows the i4 to accelerate from zero to 100km/h in just six seconds (faster than a popular GTi German hatch) and yet boast a driving range of 490km (WLTP). The high-voltage battery with a net capacity of 66kWh can be charged at up to 11kW via AC or a rapid 180kW on a high-speed DC charger.
In terms of looks, well let’s just say that it’s not out of place at a 5-star hotel and had my neighbour’s curtains twitch, but they are odd neighbours so let’s not go there. The sleek sedan shape is a refreshing change from the raft of SUV’s I bring home and its dark paintwork looked both a bit sinister while emphasising its large kidney grille.
At around 4.8m in length, the i4 in whatever powertrain, fits snugly into most garages and my ‘35 model rode on 18-inch feet, making it easy to get in and out of for my old hips. Once inside, you’re greeted with a minimalistic cabin that comes with leather-style furniture, a floating centre console and an expansive screen that offers up both the infotainment and instrumentation info.Again, it’s not what springs to mind when you think ‘base’ model.
With minimal things to do in my diary, my demands on the i4 eDrive35 were few, but that just meant ample driving time and just a few trips to my son’s football games and training. The space in the rear seats is good, better than a 3 but if you’ve got later teen or adult guests, long trips may prove a little tiresome. The 470L boot size comfortably carries a bag of size 5 footballs plus kit, meaning that a week’s grocery shop was just fine.
Out on the open road, the electric 4 is as smooth as they come, and like I mentioned before, a refreshing change to be lower to the tarmac in a sedan. It corners well with the low centre of gravity and has a large sense of rear-wheel drive predictability about it. I believe Hans Zimmer provides the soundtrack when you’re being mo liberal with the accelerator, but either way, the stereo is loud and fills in any cabin silence should you be in trouble with your othr half (don’t ask).
The ‘35 isn’t a rocket ship like the M50 but doesn’t claim to be either, however, I can happily say that it won’t leave you red faced at the on-ramp lights either, so go ahead and challenge those more weighty SUVs.
The i4 eDrive35 is an exciting addition to the growing lineup of BMW electric vehicles, it performs well and even when being played with, still doesn’t chew through the range, in fact I didn’t need to charge it at all after a week’s worth of evil eval. The extra sense of sustainable smugness didn’t go amiss either.
As for charging and battery, I believe that BMW is throwing in a Wallbox and ChargeNow subscription, with the battery covered by an eight-year/160,000km warranty.
