AutoTrader SCORE
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STYLING9.0/10
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Safety6.0/10
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PRACTICALITY9.0/10
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USER-FRIENDLINESS7.5/10
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FEATURES8.0/10
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POWER8.0/10
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COMFORT8.0/10
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DRIVING FEEL7.0/10
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FUEL ECONOMY7.0/10
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VALUE6.5/10
When people think of BMW, they probably imagine sedans with a bit of pep and a lot of luxury.
By that metric, the 2025 BMW i4 is one of the most stereotypical models in the automaker’s lineup. That’s a heavy burden to bear, but it’s one this electric vehicle (EV) has managed well. For 2025, it’s getting some help in the form of a mild refresh that builds on what was already working well.
Styling 9/10
The biggest changes to come out of the update are visual. The modifications are subtle enough that you could be forgiven for not noticing them at a glance, but a closer inspection reveals an altogether more cohesive and modern look.
The head- and tail lights are slimmer and feature laser technology that was first used on the M4 CSL. The grille is now surrounded by either matte chrome or — as in the case of this tester — gloss black trim. Two new paint colours were also added: Vegas Red Metallic and Cape York Green, the latter of which was applied to the i4 seen here, which also featured attractive new 19-inch aero wheels.
Inside, the i4 is equipped with a new two-spoke steering wheel as standard, but the M Sport package (a $2,500 option that includes the aero wheels and other visual upgrades) adds another spoke to the steering wheel, wraps it in leather, and finishes it off with a red stripe at the 12 o’clock position. Elsewhere, BMW has worked to remove clutter from the interior, which provides occupants with a pleasant, airy environment. Overall, the update succeeds at bringing the already attractive i4 right up to date with the latest trends.
User-Friendliness 7.5/10
Unfortunately, the reduction of visual clutter came at the expense of physical controls, many of which have been moved to the infotainment touchscreen. While the volume knob remains, few other proper buttons are left in the i4, which will likely displease traditionalists and safety advocates.
However, BMW’s latest infotainment software (BMW Operating System 8.5) attempts to make the touchscreen easier to use. That means fewer submenus to tap through and a home screen with a permanent display for widgets that make essential functions easier to find.
While the automaker’s software team has been successful at making iDrive easier to use, it’s still harder to use than a system with real buttons. Despite BMW’s best efforts, touches continue to pile up, and features still get lost in the menus. Fortunately, the system’s flaws aren’t fatal, just frustrating, and the automaker’s voice assistant can help find most features you’re looking for. Wireless screen mirroring is also available, and well-integrated, for those who prefer to use an Android or Apple interface.
Features 8/10
Using the new voice assistant may come in handy because there are quite a few features available. Not much of it comes standard, though, so expect to spend a lot on add-ons. All models are equipped with BMW’s large display screens (a 12.3-inch instrument display and a 14.9-inch touchscreen housed within a single unit), and the automaker has worked to make its maps function better for EVs.
In addition to being able to chart a course with charging stops along the way, the new system also allows drivers to prioritize certain charging companies (if, say, they have a subscription), avoid certain stations (reliability remains an issue, after all), and to set a preferred minimum charge level. As with other EVs, the i4 will start pre-conditioning its battery once the navigation system recognizes that it’s getting close to a charging stop.
Many other features cost extra, though. For instance, a heated steering wheel, heated seats, and wireless device charging come as part of the $5,500 Premium Essential package. Ventilated seats, speed limit information, a tire pressure monitoring system, an alarm system, and the ability for the doors to unlock automatically as you approach the vehicle are also extras.
The result is a big options bill, though that’s not unusual for the segment. In the case of this tester, more than $16,000 were added to the price of the vehicle once all of the packages had been tallied.
Safety 6/10
Similarly, buyers will have to shell out for many of the latest advanced safety systems. The good news is that forward collision warning, automatic high-beam control, and park distance sensors are all standard equipment. However, blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert, lane keep assistant, and crash avoidance are part of the $2,000 Advanced Driver Assistance package, which also comes with adaptive cruise control, a Level 2 driving assistant, and more.
The i4 had not been crash-tested by North America’s safety agencies at time of writing, but it’s worth noting that it only received four out of five stars from Europe’s safety organization, the European New Car Assessment Programme (EuroNCAP).
Practicality 9/10
The i4’s ability to haul hasn’t changed for 2025. As before, it offers 470 L of trunk space, which feels generous, and 1,290 L with the rear seats down. Unlike the Tesla Model 3, the i4 offers no frunk, but the overall cargo space is considerably more than what’s in the Tesla or the Polestar 2.
In-cabin storage is acceptable but not ample. A pocket in the front door cards welcomes water bottles, while smaller cups find two holders hidden beneath a trim panel. Annoyingly, the wireless charger is located behind the cup holders, making phone retrieval a pain. A cubby under the armrest offers a little more storage space should you need it.
Comfort 8/10
For front-seat occupants, the i4 offers plenty of space and adjustability, including extendable panels to support your thighs, which I appreciate heartily. Unfortunately, seat heating and ventilating are options, but they are available. The car’s sloping roofline leaves headspace lacking in the back, but the i4 will still accommodate adult occupants without too much backache.
Driving Feel 7/10
As standard, the i4 comes with a rear air suspension and does a good job of balancing comfort with performance. This tester didn’t pitch or heave in corners despite not being equipped with the Adaptive M Suspension, a $1,500 option, and still soaked up bumps well. The car changes directions eagerly, though there’s an odd lack of road feel. This is mostly not an issue, but it left me feeling deeply unsettled the first time I encountered ruts in the road. Like any car, the BMW followed the ruts, but something about the lack of communication between me and the surface below made it feel more sudden, alarming, and confusing than in other vehicles, somewhat denting my trust in the i4.
Power 8/10
Powertrains are unchanged for 2025 and, frankly, that’s alright. The range opens with the i4 eDrive35, whose single motor makes 282 hp. The eDrive40 tested here makes 355 hp, which is plenty of zip for your day-to-day life. Both funnel their power to the rear wheels, which may cause some buyers to blanche and opt instead for the all-wheel drive xDrive models. However, in an admittedly dry week with the car, traction was never a concern. The xDrive40 features a pair of motors that combine to generate 396 hp, while the i4 M50 xDrive gets a hearty 536 hp.
Fuel Economy 7/10
Range-obsessed drivers will also want to opt for the all-wheel drive i4 xDrive40, as it goes the farthest. It’s capable of covering an estimated 494 km per charge when equipped with the smaller 18-inch wheels, according to Natural Resources Canada (NRCan). This tester, an eDrive40, is only rated for 484 km when equipped with the same wheels, but that fell to 455 km thanks to its 19-inch wheels.
My experience with the i4 suggested the range estimates are a bit pessimistic, but the number may still be an issue for BMW. By comparison, the Polestar 2 can go as far as 515 km in its longest-range trim, though that falls to 444 km when it’s equipped with two motors. Meanwhile, the Tesla Model 3 Long Range can go nearly 550 km per charge, according to NRCan. While 494 km (and even 455 km, for that matter) is adequate, many consumers say 500 km is the amount they need to be comfortable buying an EV. The fact the i4 falls just shy of that threshold while its closest competitors exceed it means that BMW missed a big opportunity with this update.
Value 6.5/10
A starting price of $58,000 for the i4 eDrive35 means this BMW is expensive in its competitive set. While it offers a more inviting interior than, say, the Model 3, and better badge recognition than the Polestar 2, it falls short in terms of both range and efficiency — two big concerns for EV buyers. A long options list worth thousands of dollars is by no means unique in the segment, but meant this unit rang in at more than $82,000. That’s a lot no matter which way you spin it.
The Verdict
The 2025 BMW i4 is a charming, approachable EV that’s nice to drive and provides a lot of brand appeal. The updates have done nothing but make it even more attractive, and there’s no doubt that it will work well in the stone-tiled driveways it inevitably inhabits. However, if you’re at all worried about value, there are better options out there.
| Engine Displacement | 250 kW |
|---|---|
| Engine Cylinders | Single motor |
| Peak Horsepower | 335 hp |
| Peak Torque | 317 lb-ft |
| Fuel Economy | 2.2 / 2.3 / 2.3 Le/100 km cty/hwy/cmb; 19.8 / 20.4 / 20.1 kWh/100 km; 475 km est. range |
| Cargo Space | 470 L, 1,290 L |
| Model Tested | 2025 BMW i4 eDrive40 |
| Base Price | $63,990 |
| A/C Tax | $100 |
| Destination Fee | $2,480 |
| Price as Tested | $82,620 |
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Optional Equipment
$16,050 — Premium Enhanced package, $9,900; M Sport package, $2,500; 19-inch aero wheels, $500; Blue M Sport brakes, $700; Cape York Green Metallic paint, $900; Fineline light open-pore wood trim, $250; Glass controls, $900; Black exterior content, $400
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