About this time of last year, I braved a snowstorm with the all-electric BMW i4 xDrive40, or the electric vehicle (EV) equivalent of a BMW 3 Series Although the vehicle ran beautifully, the journey turned into a terrible ordeal when I got stuck on Canada's perilous Highway 401 connecting Toronto and Montreal, which is among the deadliest roads in North America.
Despite the never-ending snow and treacherous road conditions, I found myself trapped behind an endless line of sluggish vehicles, with semis causing further delays as many drivers struggled to stay on the road. Adding insult to injury, the inadequate and undependable electric charging stations made things even worse, turning what should have been a routine trip into a nightmare. As a result, a journey that typically takes six hours stretched out over thirteen long hours.
When I collected the newly updated 2025 BMW i4 earlier today for my evaluation, memories of that unpleasant winter driving an electric vehicle resurfaced. However, recalling just how excellent this automobile truly is made me glad once more about having it under better circumstances away from the usual hustle and bustle.
I'm operating the two-wheel-drive, long-range version.
However, unlike the dual-motor, all-wheel-drive i4 xDrive40 which I navigated during that storm, the vehicle I’m currently experiencing for the week is the possibly even more intriguing, rear-wheel-drive eDrive40. Equipped with 18-inch wheels as shown in these images, the eDrive40 surprisingly claims the top spot for range within the i4 series. an EPA-rated 318 miles .
The 2025 facelift It only introduces slight modifications to the appearance of the i4. The front fascia has been gently refined for a sleeker look and reduced assertiveness. A new grille design is included too. At the back, there are minimal adjustments, making it challenging to discern from previous models without close inspection. Two new paint options include Cape York Green and Vegas Red. Internally, alterations remain understated, featuring a subtly revamped central console and air vents along with updated interior materials and seating. Despite these small tweaks, the i4 retains an impressive aesthetic, closely resembling the 4 Series Gran Coupe sans its ICE powertrain.
The same driveline, battery, and charging performance remain unchanged.
None of the i4's mechanical parts have been altered for 2025, indicating that BMW is set to completely revamp its inaugural fully electric sports sedan. We understand this much. BMW is getting ready for its Neue Klasse. The lineup for upcoming electric vehicles might explain why the i4 hasn't seen many changes this year.
Unlike the budget-friendly eDrive35, which uses a 68.7-kWh battery, the eDrive40 comes equipped with a bigger, 83.4-kWh cell, providing ample power through its robust output of 335 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque delivered exclusively to the rear wheels. Additionally, the eDrive40 has an enhanced DC fast-charging capability, rated at 200 kW compared to the eDrive35’s 180 kW.
2025 BMW i4 eDrive40 Technical Details
The commute back home involved routine highway driving, typical of what I generally undertake for these rapid opinions. It appears old man winter opted to extend his stay right here in Southeastern Canada. Consequently, we encountered a bothersome combination of snow, rain, hail, chilly temperatures, and strong winds. These elements significantly diminished roadway grip, despite the i4 being equipped with winter tires. However, similar to my experience during last year’s wintertime journey, this particular BMW model maintains a remarkable stability, feeling firmly anchored to the surface under such adverse weather conditions.
- It's fun to drive.
- It's well put together.
- It's comfortable and premium-feeling.
- It appears just like any otherBMW powered by gasoline.
Even though the eDrive40 is the smallest model in the i4 series, it unquestionably stands out as a prominent choice. one of the more driving-oriented electric vehicles Currently, the vehicle is on discount. A significant part of its character stems from sharing an underlying structure with the gas-fueled 3 and 4 Series models. The car utilizes BMW’s impressive CLAR multi-energy framework, enabling the company to manufacture both internal combustion engine vehicles and electric cars using the same production line. As such, the i4 mirrors the handling qualities and engaging drive experience typical of a 3 Series model. For now, those are my observations. In coming days, I plan to further evaluate the i4 through extended use, charging tests, and longer trips. Keep your eyes peeled; I’ll return soon with additional insights. my full review .