“Tesla Model 3, you better watch out.”
Electric cars—especially pure electric BEV sedans—are still a rarity in today’s automotive landscape. For years, Tesla’s Model 3 has held the spotlight. Mercedes is stepping in with the upcoming EQE Sedan, but most of the other EV offerings are subcompact runabouts or SUV/CUV variants—and understandably so.
That said, most EVs are designed in a way that screams electric—futuristic front fascias, flowing body lines, and a look that clearly separates them from gas-powered vehicles.
Enter the BMW i4 eDrive40. At first glance, you’d swear it’s just another BMW 3 or 4 Series—and you wouldn’t be wrong. The i4 shares traditional BMW body lines, the somewhat controversial bucktooth kidney grille, and an interior that is unmistakably BMW. But get behind the wheel, and things begin to shift—or do they?
Interior: Familiar Yet Modern
Inside, you’re greeted with classic BMW design. Not the sparse, minimalist aesthetic found in some EVs, but a cabin that feels familiar and refined.
A new curved display spans the center and driver’s side of the dash, and while some manual switches have been replaced, the essence remains intact. Materials range from Sensatec leatherette to Vernasca and Nappa Leather. To stay under the $65,000 rebate threshold (essential in British Columbia to qualify for the $5,000 federal rebate), Sensatec is the go-to.
The seats are supportive yet firm—classic BMW. However, with the sloping roofline, the rear seating area may feel tight for passengers over six feet tall. In terms of legroom and space, the Tesla Model 3 still takes the win.
On the Road: A True BMW
This is where the i4 eDrive40 truly delivers.
The single-motor, rear-wheel-drive layout is a throwback to what has always made BMWs fun to drive. Despite the digital transition, BMW has done a stellar job preserving the driving feel enthusiasts expect.
With 335 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque, the i4 accelerates from 0–100 km/h in just 5.7 seconds, all while offering a range of 484 km. That’s impressive for a car that doesn’t scream “EV” from the outside. For more spirited drivers, the i4 M50 is an option—boosting output to 536 hp, 586 lb-ft of torque, and adding all-wheel drive. But that extra performance drops the range to 434 km and makes the vehicle ineligible for EV rebates.
Final Thoughts
The BMW i4 eDrive40 enters the EV market not by trying to be something it’s not—but by staying true to BMW’s roots.
It doesn’t rely on flashy, futuristic design cues. Instead, it offers a luxury EV experience that feels familiar, refined, and distinctly BMW. And in doing so, it directly challenges the Tesla Model 3—offering more luxury, comparable performance, and rebate eligibility for smart buyers.
BMW, I tip my hat to you.
