BMW’s Best EV Gets Even Better: What’s New in the 2024 BMW i4
As BMW continues to roll out a series of head-turning new models, the humble i4 EV is quietly leading the charge. It’s no secret that BMW i4 owners love their cars. Now, the sporty EV is getting an update that promises even more. Get to know the 2024 BMW i4.
New all-wheel drive BMW i4 in 2024
The biggest update to the 2024 BMW i4 is the introduction of a new model, the i4 xDrive40. Slotting in below the top-spec M50i, the new all-wheel drive variant features two electric motors. This setup produces a total of 396 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque, taking the xDrive40 to 60 mph in just 4.9 seconds, per BMW.
Charge time and range of the 2024 BMW i4
An 80.7 kWh battery powers the 2024 BMW i4 xDrive40 and is capable of 205 kW charging speeds. That means rapid charge times from 10 to 80 percent in less than 30 minutes. In addition, BMW estimates a range of 307 miles from a full charge when using the 18-inch wheels. The larger 19-inch rollers, however, drop range to an estimated 282 miles.
What is the cheapest BMW i4?
Until now, there were three variants of the BMW i4 to choose from. At this point, it doesn’t appear as though there are any major changes to report in those existing options. The cheapest 2024 BMW i4 is a rear-wheel drive EV. With 281 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, the cheapest BMW i4 goes up to 256 miles on a full charge.
Current pricing for the cheapest BMW i4 is $52,000, though we have yet to see updated figures for the 2024 model.
Moving up, the i4 eDrive40 is a more potent variant of the rear-wheel drive setup. A bigger battery pack delivers 335 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. In addition, this model gets more range than the base, up to 301 miles from a full charge.
BMW EV performance lives in the M50
At the top of the 2024 BMW i4 food chain is the i4 M50. This model features dual electric motors and all-wheel drive, much like the new xDrive40 model. Unlike that car, though, the M50 churns out a staggering 536 horsepower and 586 pound-feet of torque. As such, it accelerates from zero to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds and has a total range of 271 miles.
The M50 also includes exterior touches that even the new all-wheel drive i4 model does not. Things like a rear lip spoiler, aggressive lower ducts, and a rear diffuser make the M50 a head-turning EV.
In addition, M Performance touches include sport suspension and brakes, so the i4 M50 has the handling and stopping power to keep up with its additional punch.
Which 2024 BMW i4 is the right choice?
While the newest all-wheel drive BMW i4 offers great range, the $63,000 price tag is tough to ignore. For $10,000 less, the base model provides similar range and value. However, the rear-wheel drive setup means less stability than xDrive can offer, so it may be worth the trade-off for some drivers.
