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Overview
The BMW i4 eDrive35 is the entry point into BMW’s electric Gran Coupe range - a four-door fastback sedan that marries premium interior quality with BMW’s rear-wheel drive chassis philosophy. Where rivals like the Tesla Model 3 and Kia EV6 prioritise specification breadth or charging speed, the i4 leads with driving character. The eDrive35 uses a single rear motor producing 210 kW on a 70 kWh usable battery, delivering 483 km on the WLTP cycle and an Australian driveaway price of $85,900.
The Gran Coupe body style gives the i4 a distinctive fastback roofline that sets it apart from conventional sedans without sacrificing rear headroom. Inside, BMW’s curved iDrive display unit combines a 12.3-inch instrument cluster with a 14.9-inch central touchscreen in a single flowing panel. Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto are standard - no subscription required - as are a Harman Kardon sound system and a colour head-up display.
For buyers coming from a 3 Series or 4 Series Gran Coupe, the i4 eDrive35 is the most natural transition to electric driving available from BMW’s lineup. The rear-wheel drive layout, precise steering, and adaptive chassis responses are familiar in the best possible way. It is not the most value-dense EV in its class, but it is the most rewarding to drive.
Pricing & Variants
| Variant | Drive | Battery | Range | Price (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| i4 eDrive35 | RWD | 70 kWh | 483 km | $85,900 |
| i4 M50 | AWD | 84 kWh | 520 km | $133,900 |
The eDrive35 is the sole non-M entry in the i4 range sold in Australia. The M50 above it adds a second motor, AWD, M-tuned suspension, and a significant price premium. For most buyers the eDrive35 is the logical starting point unless M Performance specification is a priority from the outset.
Performance
A single rear-mounted motor produces 210 kW and 430 Nm, driving the rear wheels through a single-speed reduction gear. The 0–100 km/h time is 6.0 seconds - brisk for an executive sedan, and notably more engaging than the number suggests thanks to the rear-drive layout and the well-calibrated throttle map. Top speed is limited to 225 km/h.
The i4’s adaptive M suspension (standard in Australia) uses electronically controlled dampers that adjust stiffness within milliseconds based on road inputs and driving mode. In Comfort mode the ride is well-suited to Australian urban roads; in Sport mode the car sharpens noticeably without becoming punishing. The rear-drive balance makes the car more rewarding to push through corners than any front-drive or all-wheel drive EV at a similar price.
Range and Charging
The 70 kWh battery (gross; approximately 65.9 kWh usable) delivers 483 km WLTP. Real-world highway range at 110 km/h cruise is approximately 380–420 km depending on conditions and climate control load. For Melbourne–Geelong day trips, Sydney metro commuting, or Brisbane city driving, the i4 eDrive35 covers Australian use cases confidently.
DC fast charging peaks at 180 kW on a CCS2 connection. A 10–80% charge takes approximately 31 minutes at peak speed. AC onboard charging is 11 kW (three-phase), covering a full charge overnight in approximately 7 hours from a wall charger. The 400V architecture means the i4 does not achieve the 250–350 kW peak speeds of Hyundai and Kia’s 800V platforms, but the charging experience is practical for the buyer profile.
Interior and Technology
The i4 interior is a genuine step above the Korean competition. Soft-touch materials cover all primary contact surfaces; the curved display unit is crisp and logically organised. BMW’s iDrive 8 interface responds quickly and groups functions intuitively. The instrument cluster presents speed, range, and navigation turn-by-turn in a clean layout.
Standard Australian specification includes heated front seats, a panoramic glass roof, a Harman Kardon 16-speaker sound system, wireless phone charging, and full-colour head-up display. BMW’s Driving Assistant Professional package brings adaptive cruise control with lane-centring, automatic lane change, and traffic jam assist. Over-the-air software updates keep the system current without dealership visits.
Practicality
The i4 seats five with usable rear legroom for adults up to around 180 cm. The Gran Coupe roofline reduces rear headroom slightly compared to a conventional sedan, though the practical impact is minor for most occupants. Boot volume is 470 litres - adequate for luggage but not a strength versus SUV alternatives. There is no frunk.
Towing is rated at zero - the i4 is not approved for trailer use. V2L (vehicle-to-load) and V2H (vehicle-to-home) are not available on any current BMW EV. For buyers who need towing or bidirectional charging, the i4 is not the right choice.
Safety
BMW’s Driving Assistant Professional is standard in Australia, providing forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. The system also includes speed limit recognition and adaptive cruise control that responds to road curvature.
The BMW i4 has not been individually rated by ANCAP under current 2024–2025 protocols; the platform carries over safety architecture from BMW’s broader 4 Series testing programme. BMW’s active safety systems are among the more capable implementations in the premium EV segment.
Running Costs and Ownership
At $0.30 per kWh, the i4 eDrive35 costs approximately $4.35 per 100 km to run on home charging - calculated as (70 ÷ 483) × 100 × 0.30. This compares favourably with a comparable petrol 4 Series Gran Coupe at approximately $16–18 per 100 km on current fuel prices.
BMW Australia’s three-year warranty has no stated kilometre limit. The BMW dealer network covers all Australian capital cities and major regional centres, with trained EV technicians at metropolitan dealers. Servicing for the i4 follows BMW’s Condition Based Servicing system, with the absence of oil changes and reduced brake wear through regenerative braking lowering routine maintenance costs versus combustion equivalents.
Verdict
The BMW i4 eDrive35 is the choice for buyers who value driving engagement above all else in the premium EV sedan category. The rear-wheel drive balance, precise steering, and M-tuned adaptive chassis produce an experience that no Korean or American rival in the segment fully replicates. The 483 km WLTP range is competitive, the interior quality is class-leading, and wireless CarPlay is standard without subscription.
The shortcomings are consistent across the BMW EV range: a three-year warranty, no V2L capability, and DC charging that trails the 800V competition. For buyers who can accept those limitations - and for most urban and suburban Australian drivers they are rarely relevant - the i4 eDrive35 is one of the most rewarding electric vehicles available at its price.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the real-world range of the BMW i4 eDrive35 in Australia?
Expect approximately 380–420 km at a steady 110 km/h highway cruise in mild weather. Urban driving, which benefits more from regenerative braking, typically returns range closer to the WLTP figure. Sustained high-speed highway driving in summer with air conditioning will reduce range toward the lower end of that estimate.
Does the BMW i4 eDrive35 support wireless CarPlay?
Yes. Wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto are both standard on Australian-specification i4 models at no additional cost and with no subscription requirement.
How does the i4 eDrive35 compare to the i4 M50?
The eDrive35 is a rear-wheel drive single-motor car focused on driving pleasure and efficiency. The M50 adds a second motor for AWD, M-tuned adaptive suspension, and 3.9-second 0–100 acceleration, but costs approximately $48,000 more. Unless the M Performance specification and AWD traction are priorities, the eDrive35 is the more balanced purchase.
