REVIEW: The BMW i4 eDrive35 M Sport is More Versatile Than You’d Think

I’m sure you’d agree—in an ideal world, we’d all love to own two cars—a zippy car that turns heads and puts a grin on your face each time you start the engine, and another that’s, well, practical and roomy enough for family duties.. But in Singapore, where cars can cost as much as a small flat, most of us are lucky if we can even afford one.

So when the sexy and sporty BMW i4 took over my usual family-hauling ride for a few days, the big question on my mind was—can it be the one and only? Can it thrill me as a driver while still being comfortable and spacious enough for family life?

That thought lingered as I went through my usual press car ritual—transferring all my kids’ barang barang from my trusty family SUV into the press car. That means soft toys, child seats and yes, even the cane (because discipline is still a thing in this household).

Background: BMW’s Electrification Strategy

To set the context for this review, here’s a quick rundown on BMW’s electrification strategy—feel free to skip ahead if you’re already familiar.

BMW has long been known for its great handling, solid performance, and that signature engine sound that makes you confirm plus chop turn your head—no mods needed (though modsters might disagree). But times are changing, and even BMW has to embrace electrification, despite its petrolhead DNA.

Enter the BMW i4, essentially an electrified 4 Series Gran Coupé built on the same Cluster Architecture (CLAR) platform. Instead of a dedicated electric vehicle (EV) chassis, BMW took a hybrid approach, adapting its existing internal combustion engine (ICE) architecture.

This keeps the sharp handling and balanced chassis BMW is known for, but also brings quirks—like a raised centre tunnel that originally housed a driveshaft. It’s a bit like carrying a backpack with nothing inside—not necessary, but there anyway.

That said, this approach works. The i4 retains the sporty proportions and familiar cabin layout of the 4 Series, meaning it doesn’t scream “I’m an EV!” like some futuristic rivals. It still looks, drives, and feels like a BMW—just without the petrol.

A True Blue Head Turner

My review unit of the BMW i4 M Sport is dressed in M Portimao Blue Metallic. While it’s not exactly BMW’s signature Estoril Blue, it comes pretty close.

One thing I’ve always loved about BMW’s blues is how they seem to transform under different lighting conditions. In the shade, they take on a deep, almost moody tone, while under direct sunlight, they pop with a vibrant, eye-catching glow.

On to the rear, with its sloping fastback-style roofline, muscular haunches, and sleek LED LASER taillights (more on this later), it strikes the perfect balance between aggression and elegance, turning heads everywhere you go – even those of wild macaques.

Ramblings on door handles

In recent years, car makers have been getting creative with door handles—sometimes for the better, and sometimes just plain annoying. Traditional handles hurt aerodynamics, while flush EV handles can be a pain to use.

That’s why I love BMW’s approach—a mechanical handle that’s nearly as aerodynamic as the sleek EV-style ones. A small detail, but one that strikes a perfect balance between practicality and efficiency. I know it’s weird I’m waxing lyrical on door handles, but when something is done right, it’s worth appreciating.

Most new BMWs now come with this revised handle, and honestly, kudos to BMW for getting it right.

Shooting lasers

For BMW, LED taillights are too basic—so they went with laser technology. This is the derivation of the taillight first seen on the BMW M4 CSL. Instead of simple LEDs, laser beams are routed through precision optics, creating razor-sharp, distinct patterns.

I love knowing that if I am taking my own sweet time on the time and someone tailgates me (which is almost impossible to happen with the i4), they’re not rushing me—they’re just admiring my high-tech derrière.

What’s it like on the inside?

It goes without saying that BMW interiors are a great place to be—especially in the driver’s seat. With the revamped M Sport steering wheel, matte brushed metal panels, and leather cladding on nearly everything, the cabin exudes luxury.

If you are curious about how the BMW i4 looks like on the inside, I’ve got you covered with a 360° view of the interior.

Avoiding the gross gloss

One thing I like about this modern interior is that BMW has wisely steered clear of the overly glossy black and chrome interior trend—something that, let’s be honest, feels a bit expired liao. Instead, they’ve kept the shiny bits to a tasteful minimum.

I absolutely love the interplay of brushed metal, black, and brown leather—it’s giving luxurious vibes all day. This level of polish doesn’t just stop at the dashboard; it extends seamlessly to the door panels, making the entire cabin feel really premium.

A Cluster of Information (in a good way)

The i4’s instrument cluster follows BMW’s latest design—expansive, clear, and packed with useful information to enhance your drive.

On the left, you get a pseudo-analogue speedometer and numeric display, catering to both traditional and digital speed readers. On the right, a power output meter shows how much motor power is being used and whether regenerative braking is applied. The middle displays key info like range, trip meter and real-time electricity consumption.

Everything is laid out intuitively, making it easy to read at a glance while allowing you to ignore what’s not relevant. It’s clear a lot of thought went into this design.

A little hindsight

What I’m about to mention isn’t exactly a flaw—more like a quirk of its coupe silhouette. The rear view is on the petite side, but in everyday driving, I don’t find it hampers my ability to see out. Anyway, who needs a big rear view when you’re supposed to be leaving everyone behind anyway?

I got squashed on the BMW i4

While the driving position is spot-on, the centre console is a bit of a space hog. It eats into left legroom so much that my leg feels cramped, awkwardly close to the brake pedal.

And the discomfort doesn’t stop there—it travels all the way up from my foot to my thig and, well, let’s just say, the very important area that shouldn’t be squashed. Not exactly ideal for long drives.

The Rear Seats

The rear seats are important. To carry a family comfortably, rear seat practicality is key, and for the i4, it’s a mixed bag.

On the plus side, BMW has added extra cushions on the C-pillars, giving the left and right rear passengers a bit more space and comfort. Adding to the luxury feel, rear passengers also get a digital climate control display, a small but premium touch that reminds you this is no ordinary coupe.

But for the poor soul in the middle seat, it’s a different story.

First, the middle seat is extremely narrow. If you mount child seats on the ISOFIX points at both sides, the remaining space is practically non-existent—unlike in more family-oriented cars, where an adult can still squeeze in between.

Then there’s the above-mentioned raised centre tunnel, a leftover from the i4 sharing its platform with the ICE version. It severely limits legroom for the middle passenger, forcing them to fight for foot space with the others.

And finally, there are no storage pockets behind the front seats—a real downside for family use. Bottom line: If you’re a family of four, the i4 will work just fine. But if you need to seat five regularly, expect leg space battles and some serious butt negotiations in the back.

The Un-coupe-like boot space

This is where the i4 defied my expectations. Most coupes aren’t known for boot space—after all, they’re designed for sloping, sexy backs, not practicality. But since the i4 is based on the 4 Series Gran Coupé, it actually offers huge cargo space for its class.

You can confidently stash child seats, strollers, groceries—basically everything. Heck, even if you accidentally left your baby in there (please don’t), there’d still be room to spare.

For a family hauler, this is a big win in my books.

Drive and Comfort

BMW has perfected the art of suspension tuning—comfortable when cruising, yet firm and planted when you decide to push it. Their cars soak up bumps effortlessly while keeping body roll in check, making cornering fast and controlled.

With near 50:50 weight distribution (45:55, to be precise) and a low centre of gravity (thanks to batteries integrated into the chassis), the i4 gives you confidence to drive however you want—whether that’s relaxed or full send.

While BMW is usually a petrolhead’s brand, in this case, the EV version feels like the better buy. In Singapore at least, for just a bit more than the 420i, you get an insane performance bump—an extra 100 Nm of torque and 100 BHP over the ICE counterpart. In numbers? 0-100 km/h in six seconds, a full 1.9 seconds quicker than the 420i.

And unlike many EVs with vague steering and artificial braking, the i4 delivers a genuinely engaging drive. Steering feels alive, and the brakes respond well with enough bite to keep all 400 Nm of torque in check—important for a car tipping over 2 tonnes.

My favourite – IconicSound

I’ve said it before in my BMW i5 Touring review, and I’ll say it again—the Hans Zimmer-composed “BMW IconicSound” is one of my favourite parts of the car.

While artificial engine sounds in many EVs can feel cheesy, BMW’s take is different. In Sport mode, the IconicSound enhances the experience, making acceleration feel more intense and genuinely boosting adrenaline.

Don’t just take my word for it—here’s a short ride-along so you can see and hear it for yourself. Headphones recommended. 🎧

The verdict

The BMW i4 eDrive35 M Sport impressed me with its versatility—a car that delivers sharp handling, strong performance, and a surprisingly comfortable ride, all while being practical enough for family duty. The large boot space is a huge plus, making it more usable than most coupes.

That said, if you’re looking to use it as a family hauler, there’s one catch—you need to be a family of four, not five. The middle seat is too cramped for regular use, but for two rear passengers, it’s perfectly comfortable.

If that fits your needs, the i4 is a fantastic blend of fun and practicality, proving that going electric doesn’t mean giving up on BMW’s driving joy.

Key Figures

Battery Capacity	67.1 kWh (Lithium-ion)
Range (WLTP)	483 km
Torque	400 Nm
Power	210 kW (282bhp) 0-100km/h in 6s
Boot Space	470L
Price (with COE)	S$338,888 (March 2025)

 

What’s to like Beautiful body lines Great performance for not much more than ICE variant Huge boot (for its class) Sporty AND comfortable ride

What’s holding it back Centre console intruded too much into driver’s left foot space Lack of pockets behind front seats Unnecessary centre tunnel compromises rear passenger’s comfort

Book a test drive with BMW Asia today.