2023 BMW i4

Best New Electric Compact Sports Sedan

Thursday, November 25, 2021

Got to test drive this car for the media day in Germany. Amazed by the way the car handles corners and bumpy roads with the adaptive suspension. The interior is logically layer out with comfortable seats however back seats aren’t ideal for passengers over 6ft. It does have instant electric torque but this car is about the driving fun and handling. The grille has grown on me but over all the new bold design makes it really stand out. As for space there is plenty as it is a sport back tailgate opening. I was doing 320 miles range estimate from the car. While on the autobahn the car is quiet by put there is some wind noise from the mirrors but I was surprised to find that BMW kelts is roots intact and the car was very stable even at the high speeds. The user interface is easy as 123. It might take a week to learn but everything is logically set in the screens and the heads up display now projects arrows on the road and so does the maps when on route guidance. It’s like playing need for speed but in real life with arrows on the camera showing where to turn. The tech is just awesome. The voice assistant is like speaking to a person and the car learns your everyday habits and adapts to you rather than you adapting to your car. The drivers assistance features work awesome and as expected. I did get a demo of the charging on a car that had low battery and let me just say it was fast! At the end of the trip the car’s estimate for total range was around 320 miles but that was me flooring it on the autobahn and driving like a manic journalist. But Andy thing above 300 is beyond enough and this car did great even in efficiency. Came in line with the Tesla model 3 in efficiency.

Best EV Sedan for $55-$70K

Saturday, December 17, 2022

Arguably the best EV Sedan in 2022 for the $50K to $70K price range. The eDrive40 with M Sport Package is the best option (IMO). I purchased a 2022 with every possible option available and it is the best vehicle I’ve ever purchased (which have been roughly 15+ vehicles, from Toyota, including a 2022 Supra 3.0 Premium, Lexus, to Mercedes). The i4 M50 model is faster but the extra weight without the true “M Sport” (of M3/M4 levels) makes it too uncomfortable to manage/control. EDrive40 is plenty of power (I get 0-60 within 4.5 seconds). In all honesty, the street racing gets boring and expensive (replacing tires, risking getting traffic tickets, etc.). Definitely get all options if possible, it’ll be worth it!

i4 M50 is a very special vehicle

Monday, September 25, 2023

I've had many fine vehicles over the years, almost all manual transmissions. The i4 M50 is a driver's car, with refinements. It provides all of the pleasure of a manual transmission with the sure footedness of AWD. The brake regeneration of one pedal driving provides all of the control one gets from downshifting, without any of the hassle. Had the car for a year, minimal issues. Only concern is the range on extended road trips. Electric vehicles will be mature when ranges double and battery weights halve. I'd gladly trade some of the awesome horsepower for more range. It is fun and tempting, but summer tires will not wear well if you get carried away.