2022 BMW i4 eDrive 40 review - better than the i4 M50? Which should you buy?
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- Опубліковано 13 тра 2024
- The 2022 BMW i=4 eDrive 40 is the £52,000 "entry level" version of BMW's all-electric saloon. I loved the more powerful dual-motor i4 M50 earlier this year, so does this slower, longer-range version bear thinking about? Join me for a full walkaround, stats rundown and drive of this rear-drive, all-electric i4. And yes, my hand is a bit broken.
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Great review, happy to have come across this channel. Video length was perfect, gave highs/lows on all the important details, and nice touches of levity.
Loved the review mate. Keep up the good work!
Thanks for review, I have this car in blue with sports pack arriving in March and you've now made me very excited and sure I've made the right choice!!! 😀
Thanks for the review - I've been waiting for a 40 review!
Thanks Bill :)
Love your vid, made me chuckle this morning. Have a good Christmas 🎄
This is absolutely the most pleasant and watchable review I've ever seen. Well done. Thorough and informative but casual and friendly.
You're far too kind, thanks :)
Test drove one on the weekend and placed my order today (Mineral white - M Sport Pro Pack). Spot on review. I found the 0-60 pleasing, but acceleration for overtaking was phenomenal. Totally agree with the ride. Very smooth, even in sort mode with things stiffened up a bit. Thanks for the vid!
The initiation of BMW i with the 3 and 8 were great because they got people talking, but this is so nice. What a fantastic looking car.
Great video and an interesting comparison to your i4 M50 video earlier in the year. The e drive and M50 are on the shortlist to replace a B9 S4 next year. Only other car that's appealing at the minute is the etron GT. Where would you place the e drive and M40 in comparison to the Audi? Have driven the GT, hoping to drive an i4 early in the New Year before taking the plunge... Looks a compelling car. Keep up the great work!
Tim, as you know, there is no lack of test drive etc videos on UA-cam. But I really enjoy the information you bring, your style, and definitely your sense of humor. I just subscribed. Cheers, Cliff
Thank you very much - I really appreciate it! More nonsense to come
This was honestly perfect review of the car, literally what a normal day-to-day job person would look for in premium range. M version is nice and fancy but just as in petrol version, range is main component. Definitely would go for eDrive 40 and especially the same classy white with blue highlights -unbeatable beauty. Once again, thank you so much for showing us around. Appreciate this video.
Pleasant review. Happy Christmas
Informative and cool review mate, thank you, subed!
Mate, great review I have made my mind up. I’m going to order one today. Do you know if the tech pack comes with the ambient lighting?
Thanks for the nice video … they only statement i missed was something about the energy consumption of the car .. I ordered one, since this was the only useful car to tow my tiny caravan ..
This is a great honest review.
Great review!
The best i4 review, thank you 😉
Thanks Tony!
We ordered ours in this trim last month. I cannot wait for it to come in.
Awesome review ….. I want one !!
Nice video. Ordered the I4 E40 full black…
Thanks for the review. I’d be keen to know what range it can really achieve. The iX3 achieved 91% of its WLTP on a range test by Carwow and if this did the same then it’s very good indeed.
This guy deserves way way more subs.
Thanks! True…
Nice review. Considering ordering one, but we can’t test the i4 40e yet here. The M50 is above my budget and I think the 40e should be sufficient.
Currently delivery time is once a year.
Thanks for the great review! Finally someone pays attention to the non-M50 ;) I ordered the edrive40 M-sport in Brooklyn Grey with Tacora Red interior back in november (probably won't get it before 2023 though)
Thanks Ben! I've already paid attention to the M50… but I think I'd go for the eDrive40 if it was my own money. Wait times are an absolute biatch at the moment
Enjoyed 🚗 and presentation!
Thanks Con!
Refreshing reviews
I’m subscribed
Yay, thanks Andrew - really appreciate it!
I wanted one before. NOW I REALLY want one!!!
Have driven the M50 that is available for a test-drive now and noticed it was quicker than quoted. Really great video of an actual M40 that a lot of people look forward to! Many thanks for the 'daily-drive' comparison of the electric i4 :)
Thanks for the kind comment Jorrit
Good review that. I'm shopping for a replacement for my Honda e as it runs out. I know that the two cars don't seem comparable, but essentially the common element is "nice to drive, look at and sit in" and I just need some more space now as the kids are getting better.
Sympathies on the wrist - I suffered a broken rib from a toddler leaping onto me when I was laying down! When they're older they break their own wrists instead...
Cracking review. Drove it the day after you and I think the best comment I can make is that it’s a really good, proper BMW that just happens to be electric. It doesn’t define the car, but it’s sodding good at the EV stuff. Great vid as always Tim 👍
Couldn't agree more! Danke other Tim
I loved driving this car. The fact that it is fully electric is just bonkers!
Not a fan of the grilles still but I agree that my favourite thing about this car is that it doesn’t scream “EV” when you look at it since it’s built on the 4 series gran coupe chassis
@@TimRodieDrivesStuff you're great! Consider me subscribed!
Great review, had mine on order since December hopefully be here in June
Thanks Craig - really hope you enjoy it! I was meant to be running one for 6 months for DriveTribe but sort of got made redundant. I'll live vicariously through you!
ordered mine last july... iam still waiting :(
Great review and informative, thanks, looks a great option for a n easy transition into an EV from a BMW Diesel Touring
Yep, sure is! I'd like them to do a touring version though… I love a BMW estate
Just subscribed. You talk sense. And no silly music.
Oh I can do silly music… but I'll try not to. Thanks Sid!
good Review 👍🏼
Good to see a review of the Everyman version (sic). I found the P2 too firm and nausea inducing so looking for a more comfortable option . Test drive me thinks.
Finally a review! I have one on order and have been searching for this daily. Thank you, and a great job. Good luck feeding the kids 😄
Thanks Ed! You'll love it. The kids are enjoying beans on toast for Christmas
I can’t wait for mine to come in, such an exciting car!!
I ordered the i4 as soon as my test drive was over, absolute fun to drive highely recommend anyone to test drive it.
Shame I'll have to wait until late 2022 to receive mine.
Late 2022! Bloody hell. Hopefully you don't mind the wait!
It's 2023. How is it?
Great review,thank you.
Thanks!
Thanks for a great review, first I’ve seen of the 40 and I fully agree range trumps 0-60 any day!
not if you lose awd in the bargain !
Thanks very much. Had my heart set on the M50 until I watched this. Probably go for this model instead now.
i like this guy
this what matt and others should learn when testing bmws
not just rubishing the car
Der bajuwarisch Weißwurstwagen watscht weniger wichtige Wichtigtuerwagen. Thanks for your review! Hope I get the opportunity to drive it myself soon! Happy Wurstfest and long live BMW!
Tim when I'm not looking at you, you sound just like Prince William. You have a lovely speaking voice.
I've ordered my i4 in the dark green and cognac leather interior.
Wow, thanks Christina! Weirdly in a previous life I was paid to hit Prince William's more ginger brother in an army exercise. Slightly surreal… but that sounds like a killer i4 spec and exactly how I specced mine on the configurator. That green is something else
Amazing review, gained a subscriber. Keep it up!
Thanks for the sub Michael!
@@TimRodieDrivesStuff easiest sub ever, after watching this video you made up my mind and I went and put my deposit down for the e40, hopefully Canada gets out models by summer!
Thanks Tim. Interesting review and told me what I wanted to know - e40 or M50. e40 it is then!
I'm curious to know what options your test car had on it, because it appears to me that based on the different front end, that it has the M Sport pack; which, besides adding some visual differences to the car, also includes the air suspension (they come as part of one package in the US, but can be ordered separately in other parts of the world, I believe). That might explain why the ride felt the same as the M50. I've driven the 40eDrive without the M Sport pack (no air suspension in the rear), and could certainly tell a difference in the way it drove. It was still really smooth, but definitely felt different. And I don't think there were different drive modes for the suspension in that guise (you could still adjust steering and transmission, though). The maximum quoted range on the 40 is when it rides on 18-inch wheels, and your tester clearly has the 19s, which drops the range. And, my guess, is that the car is set up for the American (EPA) test cycle, because the 40eDrive with 19-inch wheels has a range (again, based on the US standard) of 282 miles. I would assume that a car sold directly to the UK (not a journalist tester, flown around the world) would probably reflect estimates based on the UK standard. But that is all speculation on my part.
I hope to get my I 4 40 soon !
Thanks for good video, you really ease my thirst ;)
I haven't used the new iDrive yet but why did they have to move the climate controls to the screen?! I'm sure it's fine, but the last gen was absolutely perfect with regular climate controls and a big screen.
Agree on the power being plenty for daily driving, especially since I’ve been told from my local dealership that the 0-60 time quoted by BMW is higher than real life performance, meaning the 0-60 time is actually quicker than quoted by BMW. I’ll take the extra range and extra cost savings, I’m sure in the future we’ll see a next gen version of this car that gives you the best of both worlds, more range and performance.
I've managed to get 0-62 in 5.2 seconds. Half a second quicker than reported.
The A272 is indeed a great road!
Great video - Is this the standard white or the metallic white? thanks.
I know you say you don’t need the m50 and in all 90% of us you are right. But I think I’d need the x drive is a must with a bmw. In wet and icy especially on country roads you need the 4 wheel drive. Very good review. I never had a bmw car until they put x drive on their cars. Now I’d have nothings else.
I like the Extra grip the xdrive allows ,ive had plenty of 3 series Bmws ,and it would Inly be the m50 for me ,sacrificing a bit of feel for surefooted ness
liked but i don't know how much I can feed your family though, keep it up :)
Thank you for reviewing the base model of this car. Seems like the focus has been solely on the M50
I have the blue exterior accents on the iX3 I ordered. Not by choice, it was the last car with beige interior in the country🤪 happy to update if and when I wrap’em
Beige interior! We can be friends
Thanks for presentation. But I think you're wrong with the rear air suspension. I think it's standard on all i4 versions.
Yup, several people at BMW gave me duff info… oh well!
Does the navigation destination calculate or route with charging spots in the waypoint?
Very much agree with your verdict, mate! RWD EV BMW FTW
Hi Tim, brilliant cool fantastic review. Just as you say real world range is 300 miles! No issues, no problem. Handling is absolutely superb! 0-60 who cares? It’s fast enough! But 50-70+ off the bloody scale.. certainly on the motorway if somebody is tail gaiting behind!
I’ve actually bought this exact car! Ex Bmw press car! YC71AWH but now changed to personal plate! Got all the bells and whistle’s loving it everyday. This is coming from a 6 cylinder diesel 330d xdrive g21 touring fan.. no regrets electric i4 40 is brilliant!! 😊✅ Many thanks loving your reviews 👍
330d brilliant cars !
Great review for the base version Tim. How do you compare it against electric crossover suvs like ford mustang mach e?
I prefer it because it just feels less boat-like. The Mach E has its own charm, but it's a wallowy old barge by comparison.
Thank you! Been waiting for the 40 review! First one I’ve seen on UA-cam. I am trying to decide between this or the Polestar 2 dual motor performance. Any thoughts comparing the two?
I have a Polestar 2 (Launch Edition so Dual Motor with Pilot & Plus packs), have been driving it for 13 months now and it's very good.
I really like the i4 but would go for the M50 version due to improved performance, styling, standard colour choice and leather interior. The BMW will be higher quality over the Polestar 2, but loses out on specification and interior room. I would miss the pano roof, adaptive cruise and heated steering wheel on the BMW.
Buying now I would probably get the BMW, but it would cost more money.
I love the Polestar. Buuuut the Polestar doesn’t seem to deliver the range it promises. Nor does the BMW, but it’ll go a lot further and is more fun to drive. Polestar is still bloody brilliant
You guys are making it harder 😂. I’ll have to wait for a i4 to land here in Australia before deciding. I have test driven the Polestar but I’ve had some 20 odd BMWs since my early twenties with the last one being M2C 4 months ago (replaced by a Model 3). I’m keeping the Tesla and going all EV hence looking for a second one for the family fleet. I have a feeling I will like the BMW because it’s what I’m used to!
@@TimRodieDrivesStuff btw I love your content. Don’t know how it is you don’t have more views and subs!
@@TimRodieDrivesStuff : WLTP range isn’t a promise. It’s a lab test to compare range against other cars.
The BMW goes further because it has a larger battery - 5 kWh more usable capacity, which in part is reflected in the higher purchase price.
Thx 4 the review, what u think of a Tesla Model 3 in comparison especially when even the performance is way cheaper then the i40 and yes I am a BMW lover from Germany but not rich :-))
supergeil , danke from Germany
Danke! Ich liebe Spezi.
Seriously considering order one to replace my F10 535 but my wife wants SUV…. Worth go for m50 vs eDrive40 with justifiable cost on HK, 544HP, 19” Rims and perf tyres, M brakes… etc. Look forward iDrive8 with curved displays in other models can choose especially next iX3 SUV!
I kind of wished for something in between here - being in Canada where it snows often, I would like to have xDrive, but don't need the full blown M50 package.
So can BMW make a...say, i4 xDrive45e that has AWD or something like that?
Just buy T3 long range ))
would you choose this over regular petrol 330i g21?
I think that you didn’t notice the difference in suspension because you have the adaptive M-suspension on this eDrive 40 model, which is basically the same as in the M50?
I have a Tesla Model 3 Performance -21 and I really like the car except for the build quality issues and cheap materials. I´m rather OCD when it comes to rattles and squeeks etc and the Tesla is FULL of them. I have sorted out about 5 rattles etc but there are more there. Also now we have a hight pitch noise coming from the engine when you are cruising. Tesla is going to measure it and if it´s "within spec" (yes they use that term) they are not going to fix it. So I´m considering moving to BMW i4 instead but it will be more expensive with equipment. When you drove it, did you hear any sounds that weren´t suppose to be there? Rattles, squeeks and so on?
HI , i have one on order - coming april ... sure mine has blue on the rear and grill but not the side... M sport spec
I'm curious how tall you are? You seem quite tall and the backseat would perhaps not feel so tight for a shorter adult.
As a short person (5'2") I find many vehicles, especially American ones, are barely able to get close enough for a comfortable ride for me. This one, like my previous bmw and my mercedes slk, are comfortable for me. The only more comfortable ride I've ever had as a driver is my c4 corvette, which perfectly fits a smaller frame.
The crash pads for the high-voltage battery may not have been assembled. This can cause damage to the high-voltage battery in the event of a serious side crash and may cause a short-circuit increasing the risk of a fire.
The BMW i4 vehicles affected by this recall were manufactured between 15 September and 30 November 2021.
BMW recall code: 61430600
Affected models: i4.
If you want one get the order in quickly. I ordered my M-Sport with the tech and pro pack back in August. Delivery was supposed to be in the beginning of March 2022 but now I’m being told it will be the end of April. Also you get less range with the msport model on 19 inch rims. It’s around 345 miles but still way better than the M50.
Did the same today and is estimated in April or May. What's the pro pack? There's the premium pack here in the U.S. for an additional $950. Will be the final price of $67,000 and hopefully some type of incentive (AKA discount) for waiting.
@@jmiyagisan it’s called the MSport Pro Pack in the UK. Seven options in one pack which includes adaptive dampers, blue or red brake calipers and other cosmetic options such as MSport seatbelts and sun protection glass. You can get around six option packs in the UK. I ordered the tech pack just for the wireless phone charging as you couldn’t spec it separately. In an uncharacteristic move for BMW the IX3 has most of the option packs as standard!
@@robru I noticed that too. Now it seems everything is separate at a higher price point 😔
But for those that have 4 seasons, the AWD is a bit more of peace of mind. Not to mention the i4 you tested had some upgrades putting in even closer to the m50 price tag.
TBH, as long as you have snow tires RWD handles pretty much on par with AWD on regular roads. I live in Alaska and drive 2 RWD vehicles. Unless you're constantly doing off-road travels, RWD is fine.
I feel so much better after watching your video! I ordered an i4 40 Msport, but almost ordered the M50. Now I know I made the right decision. Thank you!
Glad I could help - you'll enjoy it regardless. The M50 is just a bit overkill (and I wonder if they'll do an M60…)
Great review as this is the model I was wanting to learn more about. Thank you, liked, so now go buy an ice cream for your kids.
so is the front grill chrome or black
Hii.. congrats for the vídeo.. what average range do you made?
Thanks Luis - I probably only had time to do 80 miles or so in it, but it dropped by about 90 miles despite driving it quite hard
Great review. I’m interested to know how the mid range acceleration stacks up against say a 435d, seeing as the 0 to 60 is only 5.7, compared with 4.7 in the 435d. Some info on 40 to 60 and 50 to 70 perhaps.
0-60 5.5s
@@abraxastulammo9940 I test drove the 40. Was blown away by it. Oredered it. Should get it October. 😁
@@Nick_Smith1970 Hi Nick, Where are you based? I'm wondering about the wait time for an i4 in the U.S. (California) and thinking of ordering one.Thanks in advance for your reply.
@@reidhester I'm in the UK. Put my order in, in March, and was told the wait is around 7 months. So around October. Suits me, as I need to save some pennies.
@@Nick_Smith1970 Hi Nick, Thanks for the reply.
Great review. Seriously considering ordering one. The company is making us go electric and I don’t want an SUV. Soo my choice is basically limited to the tesla model 3, polestar 2 and BMW i4. I really don’t like tesla, the polestar 2 drives great (in dual motor version), but the range is to limited. The i4 seems like a great option, but waiting for test vehicles (in 40e trim) to be available. The M50 seems nice, but in my budget I’d rather have some options and I get the feeling the 40e is plentiful.
Good luck keeping it charged on a long journey.
@@MrSnicol That will be the main challenge. I tend to do 3 1000km trips a year and and 4 shorter ones (500 to 800 km), sot that is a price I have to pay. I calculate 2 extra hours on a single trip for the ski holidays. On the other hand, withe the current fiscal system in my country and my company policy I can go for either a basic diesel Mercedes CLA 180d, BMW X1 16d or something similar, or a nicely equipped i4 edrive40. And the i4 will cost me less company car tax. So in my case, would you go for a 115hp diesel or just go electric.
@@MrSnicol Won't be an issue. BMW decided this month to charge 10% more for the car, so I'll order something else and never buy a BMW again.
The conventional separate digital dashboard and separate central screen will always look and be better.
Can you turn the dsc off? Can it do donuts? Does it have lsd or some electronic ghizmo to help with traction? Most important questions for real bmw entusiasts...
I would definitely take the m50. Range is definitely not even top5 thing to me. I need it maybe once a year.
great review. I'm living in Quebec/Canada. Wondering how RWD would be in winter months. M50 would be better with AWD. If I choose M50 will be denied 8000$ subvention from governement. Currently driving audi quattro A7 2014. Please let me know your toughts on that RWD I4 40 vs AWD m50 in winter conditions
If you lock brakes on a turn, 4wd or 2wd, doesn't make a difference, you will hit the wall. But with traction control these days, its minimal difference.
@@smok4101 good point. thanks for your input
I live and ski in the mountains, and AWD is needed if you drive on steep slopes. My driveway is curved and steep, and the weight shift to the rear works to BMW’s advantage, but the pull of the front wheels makes the difference. I want the 40 w/AWD, I believe it’s coming.
Will you say the same when you have purchased the e drive 40 and M50 pulls up next to you at the lights? It's like saying you would prefer a 3 series over an M3!
It's more like having a 330i vs an M340i. The M50 isn't an M car!
Hi, does UK I4 eDrive40 no air suspension on the rear ??? The German version has!
I've since been told it does! BMW UK told me some lies…
How does this compared to Taycan base RWD model aside from price? Is it as good to drive, NVH & practicality?
The BMW has a lot more room in the back than the Taycan - I struggle to get in the back of a regular Taycan (the Cross Turismo is roomier). NVH is very similar - the BMW is possibly quieter from memory (less tyre noise)
The M50 is not constant AWD and the front motor engages for traction and acceleration but is otherwise off when you're cruising for longer range. Thus that front motor is dead weight in conditions where you're stretching for range.
This is why the E40 is the better option if your goal is luxurious practicality rather than sporty performance. Unless you plan to use those extra 200 horses up front often, the M50 is quite a heavy beast to take on a long road trip.
now BMW need to do a 2 series variant with this exact spec and release next yr when production costs should b lower, nearer £30k :) - Might stand a slight chance against forthcoming Chinese EVs then...
Would be perfect for me!
That’s why the Mini Cooper se exist! Haha
Can you disconnect the speed limit assist when you driving ?
I didn't notice it and I might have exceeded the speed limit by accident once or twice? So yes, I guess so
First review I’ve seen of the ’base’ model 👍 this is what I would choose, it has plenty already and more range. Only thing i’m not too sure about is the enormous weight, it’s about 400kg more than a Model 3. I guess it’s because it’s based on the ICE platform but I didn’t expect the difference to be that big. It’s nice that Bmw lets you spec the car without the ’electric’ blue bits, without them it’s like any other Bmw and it’s a good thing. 👍
Better isolation cost a lot of weight but yeah not having a dedicated platform hurts as well. BMW could probably do better if they didn't cheap out by using the 4 series platform.
It's actually impressive to have identical range as the Model 3 while not even fully committing to the EV architecture.
Not sure where you got that information from but it's wrong. This car here weighs 2125kg (EU) which is 195kg more than the Model 3s 1930kg (EU) with both having an 80kWh battery.
@@MadDaCube I got that from bmw blog site which claimed 500kg difference but after doing some searching, I think they didn’t have the correct numbers. Another site, ev database states that the Model 3 standard version is 1850 kg and the i40 edrive40 is 2125 kg, so 275kg difference. That sounds more reasonable. It’s still significant but for an ICE based platform it’s expected. Batteries are just so heavy that there’s not much they can do. Tesla saves a bit of weight on using new manufacturing methods such as mega castings and the ev-only platform explains a lot. Maybe BMW can reduce weight when they launch the Neue Klasse platform in few years but we have to wait and see.
Sound isolation and build quality adds weight too. More luxurious cars are always significantly heavier.
That’s not the base model
Whats this like in the snow?trying to decide if i need the 4 wheel drive m50 or can i save money and get the 40
On summer tyres as supplied? Unusable.
On winter tyres? Almost unstoppable!
Two wheel drive with suitable tyres will get you about in deep snow, up hill and down dale. Anywhere you want to go.
You’d need winter tires either way and should be fine with rwd, but rwd + winter tires >> awd + all season/summer tires
I'd rather have this over the M50 , that weight in the front from the extra motor can't be good for driving dynamics , or range... plus 350ish HP is plenty enough on most roads.
We all stuck in an interesting place. I drive an Arteon 240 Diesel HP... Great car 4 wheel drive, comfortabel, a little on the soft side, a cruiser no sports car but look pretty ok. I enjoy driving it. Testdrived model 3 summer 2019 and didn´t like it. Just went on a ride with my friend who has the top model of model 3 and yeah it has crazy acceleration. He talked about it and he talked about Kilowatt/electricity and charging etc. Seriously it felt like a toy car and apart from the acceleration it wasn't much I liked. I like Polestar but batteris are said to be not as good as Teslas. So keep driving the car I like and pay crazy for Diesel or invest in electric for more than double the price I get back or my Arteon. Boring choices here to be honest:)... And I just got a charger installed for my parking in the apartment complex. I live in the city... So should I skip my Arteon and go Hyundai Ionic5. I mean things doesnt really make sense. i really like this i€ except from it being small for my young adult kids in the backseat. Even I enjoy riding in the backseat of the Arteon but this i4 doen's offer much comfort back there. It is though a very nice looking car. Damn it is fine....
Top car
Was this optioned with the m sport adaptive suspension or was it just the base suspension?
I'll be honest - I'm not sure and I haven't got the spec sheet to hand, sorry Brian!
@@TimRodieDrivesStuff Hi Tim, Is there a way you could find out after the fact? In the US the adaptive suspension is a $3k add-on and reduces the range because it also requires 19" wheels with the MSport pkg. Thanks in advance for your reply.
Nice review. Can´t call you a "Wurst" though, that would be more of an insult.
is the heads up display standard on the edrive
In the US it's a $1k add-on