You don’t need the top-tier M badge to enjoy an electric BMW. The 2024 i4 eDrive35 proves it. It’s the entry point into BMW’s electric sport sedan lineup, and while it’s the most affordable i4, it doesn’t cut corners where it counts.
Same smooth body style. Same classic rear-wheel-drive layout. Same driving dynamics BMW fans expect—just with fewer kilowatts and a friendlier price tag. If you want that clean German precision with a silent powertrain, the eDrive35 is the stealth pick.
💥 Powertrain & Performance
Under the skin, the i4 eDrive35 packs a single rear-mounted electric motor. It’s less powerful than its eDrive40 and M50 siblings, but still brings enough torque to keep things interesting.
| Motor | Drivetrain | Horsepower | Torque | 0–60 mph | Top Speed | Range (EPA est.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single rear motor | RWD | 281 hp | 295 lb-ft | ~5.8 sec | 118 mph | 276 miles (19″ wheels) |
Power delivery is smooth, instant, and—because it’s rear-wheel drive—still feels like a BMW. You won’t get pinned to the seat like in the M50, but that’s not the point. This thing’s tuned to be balanced, quiet, and tight in the corners.
Driving Experience: Pure Electric, Still Pure BMW
What you’re buying here is ride quality, not drag strip dominance. The suspension is tuned for comfort without feeling lazy, and the steering, while a bit light, stays precise. It drives like a 4 Series with a silent heart—planted and confident.
The low-mounted battery helps keep the center of gravity down, which means less roll through the twisties. It’s not a track car, but it’ll make your morning commute feel sharper than anything else in the parking lot.
And thanks to regenerative braking, you get one-pedal driving in city traffic—smooth, intuitive, and adjustable to taste.
Interior & Tech: High-Class, Low Noise
The i4’s cabin looks and feels like modern BMW through and through—sleek, solid, and packed with tech. You get the curved dual-display layout standard: one 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen, all running iDrive 8.
The materials feel premium even in the base trim. Nothing in here screams “entry level.” You’ll find soft-touch panels, metallic accents, and clean stitching—just without the extra fluff of the M50’s sport kit.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included, as is a top-notch navigation system that integrates charging stops without being annoying.
Size and Practicality
The i4 is built on the same CLAR platform as the gas-powered 4 Series Gran Coupe, so it gets hatchback-style practicality with sport sedan proportions. Translation? It’s more useful than it looks.
| Spec | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Length | 188.5 in |
| Width | 72.9 in |
| Height | 57.0 in |
| Wheelbase | 112.4 in |
| Curb Weight | ~4,680 lbs |
| Cargo Capacity | 10.0 cu ft (seats up), 45.6 cu ft (seats folded) |
Rear seat space is tight for tall passengers, but fine for kids or short hops. The hatch opens wide and the floor’s flat—perfect for bags, gear, or Costco runs.
Charging & Efficiency
BMW’s charging setup is solid. You get 180 kW DC fast charging on the eDrive35, which means:
- 10–80% charge in about 32 minutes at a fast charger
- Level 2 charging (11 kW) will get you fully juiced in ~9 hours at home
EPA rates the car at 109 MPGe combined, which is competitive in the segment. Not groundbreaking, but very usable in daily life.
Trims & Pricing
No wild trim tree here. BMW keeps it clean with options that add tech, comfort, or driver assistance—but even the base spec is nicely appointed.
| Model | Starting MSRP |
|---|---|
| i4 eDrive35 | $52,200 |
Options like the Premium Package (heated steering wheel, ambient lighting, HUD) and Driver Assistance Pro (adaptive cruise, lane keeping) can push it into the low 60s—but the core package is still a solid value.
Final Verdict: Jake’s Take
“If you want a real BMW that just happens to be electric, the i4 eDrive35 is it.”
This isn’t a watered-down luxury EV—it’s a sharp-driving, clean-looking, rear-wheel-drive machine that just happens to plug in instead of gas up. It’s not the fastest. It’s not the flashiest. But it feels right in all the ways that matter.
If you want EV efficiency without giving up the driver’s car feel, this is where the Bavarian party starts.