2025 BMW i4 – Electric Gran Coupe for the Luxury Buyer

Australia’s car market is changing quickly, with electric vehicles becoming a mainstream option for buyers who once considered only petrol or diesel luxury sedans. BMW has been at the forefront of this shift, and the 2025 BMW i4 stands as a perfect example of the brand’s commitment to combining performance, prestige, and sustainability.

The i4 is not just another electric car—it’s a statement. Designed as a Gran Coupe, it blends sporty aesthetics with four-door practicality, making it a desirable option for executives, families, and driving enthusiasts alike. In this review, we’ll explore what makes the 2025 i4 stand out, from its range and charging capabilities to its luxury interior and driver-assist technology, and whether it delivers enough to justify its premium price tag in Australia’s increasingly competitive EV landscape.

Design and Styling: A Modern Gran Coupe Identity

BMW’s Gran Coupe design language has long been admired for its sleek, coupé-like roofline without sacrificing rear-seat usability. The 2025 BMW i4 refines this further. Its silhouette is aerodynamic yet muscular, blending the classic BMW kidney grille (now closed off for aerodynamics) with slim LED headlights and sculpted side panels.

Unlike some futuristic EVs that abandon traditional design, the i4 looks very much like a BMW sedan first, EV second. This is intentional—BMW wants buyers to feel at home, especially those moving from the 3 Series or 5 Series.

Key exterior highlights include:

• Optional laser headlights with adaptive technology.
• Aerodynamic 19- or 20-inch alloy wheels designed for EV efficiency.
• Blue detailing around the grille and side skirts to highlight its electric identity.
• A drag coefficient of just 0.24, making it one of the most aerodynamic sedans in its class.

The i4 doesn’t scream “eco car.” Instead, it maintains a luxury sports sedan presence, reassuring traditional buyers while attracting new EV enthusiasts.

Powertrain and Performance: BMW’s EV DNA

The 2025 BMW i4 comes in several trims, but the most popular in Australia will likely be the i4 eDrive40 and the i4 M50.

• i4 eDrive40:
  Rear-wheel drive with a single electric motor producing around 250 kW, capable of 0–100 km/h in 5.6 seconds.
  This variant balances performance with efficiency, making it ideal for daily commuting and long-distance driving.
• i4 M50:
  The performance flagship with dual motors (all-wheel drive) delivering up to 400 kW and 795 Nm of torque.
  0–100 km/h is dispatched in just 3.9 seconds, putting it in sports car territory.
  Adaptive M suspension and variable sport steering give it a true BMW “M” driving feel.

Driving dynamics remain a BMW stronghold, with precise handling, well-weighted steering, and road confidence thanks to a low centre of gravity from the battery placement. Unlike some EVs that feel floaty, the i4 maintains the engaged driving experience BMW owners expect.

Range and Charging: Everyday Practicality Meets Long Trips

Range anxiety is a key concern for Australians, especially given the country’s vast distances. The 2025 BMW i4 addresses this with:

• eDrive40: Up to 590 km of WLTP range on a full charge.
• M50: Slightly less, around 510 km WLTP, due to higher performance demands.

Charging is equally competitive:

• Up to 205 kW DC fast charging – around 10–80% in just over 30 minutes at high-speed chargers.
• 11 kW AC charging – ideal for overnight home charging.

For most Aussie buyers, this means the i4 can comfortably handle city commutes, interstate trips, and weekend getaways without issue, provided the growing charging infrastructure is utilised.

Interior Luxury: Comfort Meets Cutting-Edge Tech

Step inside the i4, and it’s immediately clear BMW hasn’t compromised on luxury. The cabin is driver-focused yet modern, merging premium materials with the latest digital technology.

Highlights include:

• Curved Display: A sweeping 14.9-inch infotainment screen and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster in a single curved panel.
• iDrive 8.5 system – voice-activated controls, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and over-the-air updates.
• Premium materials such as leather upholstery, aluminium trim, and optional vegan-friendly interior finishes.
• Ambient lighting with multiple customisable colours.
• Spacious seating for four adults, with supportive sports seats in M trims.

The i4 also boasts a 470-litre boot, expanding to over 1,200 litres with rear seats folded, making it more practical than many EV rivals.

Technology and Features: A Digital Driving Experience

BMW has ensured the i4 is not just luxurious but tech-forward.

Key features include:

• Augmented-reality navigation projected onto the head-up display.
• Harman Kardon or Bowers & Wilkins sound system for audiophiles.
• Advanced driver assistance including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, traffic jam assist, and automatic parking.
• Over-the-air software updates to keep features current.

This makes the i4 one of the most connected luxury EVs in Australia, ideal for tech-savvy buyers who want convenience and innovation in their daily drive.

Safety and Ratings

BMW places safety at the forefront. The i4 is built on a rigid structure with battery protection integrated into the chassis, ensuring passenger and battery safety during collisions.

Expected safety highlights include:

• 5-star ANCAP rating (pending local confirmation but highly likely).
• Multiple airbags and active crash-prevention systems.
• Driver attention monitoring and emergency braking.
• Enhanced pedestrian warning sounds at low speeds, ensuring safety in urban environments.

BMW i4 vs Rivals: How Does It Compare?

In Australia, the i4 competes with several strong EVs in the luxury segment:

• Tesla Model 3 Long Range/Performance: Tesla offers more range for the money, but lacks BMW’s prestige and interior refinement.
• Polestar 2: Stylish and innovative, but not as dynamically engaging as the i4.
• Mercedes-Benz EQE: Larger and more comfort-oriented, while the i4 focuses more on driving dynamics.
• Audi e-tron GT: A closer rival to the i4 M50 in performance, though at a higher price.

For buyers who value luxury and driver involvement, the BMW i4 holds a strong edge.

Ownership Costs and Insurance in Australia

Luxury EVs like the i4 come with premium pricing. Expect:

• Starting price: Around $95,000–$135,000 AUD depending on the variant.
• Servicing costs are lower than traditional BMWs due to fewer moving parts, though premium maintenance packages are available.
• Insurance premiums are higher due to the i4’s luxury status and repair costs.

However, government EV incentives and reduced running costs (no petrol, cheaper servicing) make ownership more appealing in the long run.

Maintenance and Ownership Experience

BMW offers a five-year/unlimited km warranty with eight years/160,000 km battery warranty, reassuring buyers about longevity.

With BMW’s expanding dealer network and growing EV service expertise in Australia, ownership should be smooth. Software updates and remote diagnostics also ensure fewer workshop visits.

Buying Guide: Who Should Buy the BMW i4?

The 2025 BMW i4 is best suited for:

• Professionals seeking a luxury EV sedan with strong brand presence.
• Drivers who want performance without sacrificing sustainability.
• Families needing space, practicality, and safety in an EV.
• Buyers looking for a car that feels familiar in design but future-proof in technology.

For those torn between a Tesla Model 3 and a BMW 3 Series, the i4 represents the perfect middle ground.

Final Verdict

The 2025 BMW i4 proves that luxury, performance, and electric power can coexist seamlessly. It doesn’t compromise on driving pleasure, yet it delivers the range, technology, and prestige that Australian buyers demand in the premium EV space.

For anyone considering a luxury electric sedan, the BMW i4 is one of the most compelling options on the market in 2025.