To create the i4, BMW essentially replaced the gasoline engine in the 4 Series Gran Coupe with an electric motor—or motors, in the case of the dual-motor M50 model we tested. During this transformation, the automaker managed to retain the driving experience that BMW buyers have come to expect: smooth power, quick acceleration, and taut handling. Comfortable front seats, a hushed interior, and a finely-furnished cabin also helped the i4 achieve an impressively high road-test score.
But, the car does have a few foibles: For starters, BMW’s latest infotainment system packs too many controls into the touchscreen, which adds to driver distraction. And because the i4 is built on the conventional 3 Series’ architecture, rather than a from-the-ground-up EV platform, interior space is compromised. At least the i4’s sleek four-door-coupe silhouette is augmented by a practical hatchback design, which contributes to cargo-carrying versatility.