2022 BMW i4 EV Sedan Lineup Includes 536-HP, AWD M50

Looks like: The eDrive40 looks like the i4 we saw back in March; the i4 M50 looks a bit meaner

Competes with: Polestar 2, Tesla Model 3, Tesla Model S

Powertrain: 335-horsepower single electric motor, rear-wheel drive (eDrive40); 536-hp dual motor, all-wheel drive (M50); 81.5 (net) kilowatt-hour battery

Hits dealerships: First quarter of 2022

In mid-March 2021, BMW finally revealed images of the production version of its upcoming 2022 i4 all-electric sedan but with few particulars. We now have official details about the i4 in both its  longer-range eDrive40 configuration with a single motor and rear-wheel drive, as well as the performance-oriented M50 variant with dual motors.

Related: BMW Reveals i4, Eyes Battery-Electric Sedan for U.S. in 2022

BMW is calling the M50 “the first fully-electric performance model to come from BMW M GmbH,” though the name suggests there’s still room for more performance because it’s more akin to the M340 and M440 than the hardcore M3 and M4. Note: The M340 and M440 are already impressive performers, so that isn’t a knock on the i4 M50 capabilities as much as it is hope that BMW has an all-electric ace in the hole.

Electric M Power

When the i4 debuted, power figures were only estimates and only available for what we thought for the M Performance version. We now know that the entry-level eDrive40 will use a RWD single-motor drivetrain producing 335 horsepower. BMW says it should have a 300-mile EPA-estimated range, though that isn’t yet official. The eDrive40 can reach 62 mph in a respectable 5.7 seconds.

Enthusiast-minded shoppers will have to trade range for performance: the dual-motor AWD M50 is rated at 536 hp but sacrifices an estimated 55 miles of range, topping out at an estimated 245 miles (again, not confirmed). BMW estimates it will need 3.9 seconds to hit 62 mph. A Tesla Model 3 has a base EPA-rated range of 353 miles in Long Range AWD configuration with an advertised 0-60-mph time of 4.2 seconds, while the Performance AWD version has 315 miles of range and 0-60 mph claims of 3.1 seconds.

Like other M cars, the M50 will include an adaptive suspension, M Sport brakes and additional handling goodies. BMW also says the i4 will include a launch control feature.

Charged Up

Both versions of the i4 will use the same battery pack, and thus have similar charging times. Using a Level 2 charger, the i4 will go from 0 to 100% charged in as little as 7.6 hours, according to BMW’s estimates, while DC fast charging can bring the battery from 10% to 80% in 31 minutes.

The My BMW app will allow owners to remotely start and stop charging and also remotely precondition the i4 prior to driving. For longer trips, the app will display charging stations along the route and will plan the route to accommodate possible charging needs. When displaying charging stations, the app can also filter available stations to show only those with fast charging. The i4’s built-in navigation system will perform similar functions.

BMW has partnered with public EV-charging company EVgo, and i4 buyers and lessees will receive a $100 credit to be used at EVgo charging stations.

Tech-Heavy Interior

The i4 will use BMW’s Curved Display system, which combines the 12.3-inch instrument panel and 14.9-inch multimedia touchscreen into what appears to be a single, seamless display. The touchscreen will also operate BMW’s latest iDrive 8 operating system, which the automaker says provides additional BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant functionality.

Personalization is a key focus for the i4, and BMW recommends that i4 drivers create individual BMW IDs that can be used when operating the i4, protecting personal data while allowing the Intelligent Personal Assistant to learn and tailor its operation to specific drivers.

BMW will also improve smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing navigation information from each service to display in both the instrument panel and the head-up display. The automaker says Apple Maps will add route planning functionality in 2022 that includes charging stops if the destination is beyond the available range.

Some Standard Safety Tech

The i4 will offer some advanced safety technology standard, including forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian and cyclist detection, as well as lane departure warning. More features, like adaptive cruise control, are optional, and BMW will offer both the Driving Assistant and Driving Assistance Professional packages on the i4, too. The latter includes some semi-autonomous features. Two Parking Assistant packages are also available, with varying degrees of sensors and self-parking features.

Pricing and Release Date

BMW says the i4, like the iX all-electric SUV, should go on sale in the first quarter of 2022. Whether both will hit dealerships simultaneously or in a staggered fashion is unclear. Pricing for the i4 eDrive40 will start at $56,395 while the i4 M50 will be priced from $66,895; a Model 3 Long Range AWD starts at $50,190, while a Model 3 Performance AWD starts at $58,190. All prices include destination fees but do not include any available federal, state or local tax credits; currently, BMW is still eligible for a $7,500 federal tax credit, however.

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