BMW 3 Series vs BMW i4

After entering the modern electric car era with the radical i3 hatchback, BMW is dialing things back a bit. The 2022 BMW i4 isn’t as radical as the i3, but it may also appeal to a wider audience.

Instead of a dedicated platform, the i4 uses the same body shell as the gasoline BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe, which in turn is a four-door version of the BMW 4 Series coupe and convertible. The result is an electric vehicle with dimensions fairly close to the BMW 3 Series, the Bavarian automaker’s signature product. By offering an electric alternative, BMW is showing that it’s serious about EVs.

The i4’s closest rivals are the Tesla Model 3 and Polestar, as both are electric four-doors from premium brands. Most of BMW’s traditional rivals, such as Audi and Mercedes-Benz, are focusing on electric crossover SUVs and more expensive sedans for now. The Porsche Taycan is positioned above the i4 in price and performance aspirations.

As with other BMW models, the i4 launches in multiple configurations based on its drivetrain rather than conventional trim levels. The single-motor rear-wheel drive (RWD) BMW i4 eDrive40 is the base model, and the one we test drove for this review. Buyers looking for more power can upgrade to the dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) i4 M50, which is featured in our video review, above.