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The i4 isn’t designed for track performance but is an electrified 4 Series Gran Coupe. Even with its single motor, it weighs 2,050 kg (4,519 pounds), limiting its laps at the Nürburgring before recharging. In a recent video at the Green Hell, BMW’s electric sedan, technically a hatchback/liftback, dropped from a 60% state of charge to just 36% after a single lap.
Indeed, the Nordschleife is a lengthy circuit, spanning 154 bends over 12.9 miles (20.8 kilometres). Due to its substantial weight, the BMW i4 eDrive40 isn’t setting any lap records, but its rapid torque delivery makes it an enjoyable ride. With 430 Nm (317 lb-ft) of torque available instantly, the EV accelerates to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.7 seconds. Interestingly, it’s electronically limited to 118 mph (190 km/h) despite the speedometer suggesting a higher limit.
On a rainy day, the owner of an i4 eDrive40 invited Nürburgring expert Misha Charoudin for a drive. Few dared to tackle the challenging course in unfavourable weather conditions and slippery surfaces. Due to its single motor, this less powerful version of Bavaria’s EV features rear-wheel drive. However, the driver’s familiarity with the track layout suggests they could complete a lap with closed eyes.
The i4’s initial entry-level model was the eDrive40, debuting alongside the emission-free Gran Coupe in 2021. About a year later, BMW introduced the more affordable eDrive35, equipped with a smaller 66-kWh battery instead of the 81.5-kWh unit. This change resulted in a power reduction, with the output decreasing from 335 horsepower to 282 horsepower and the torque from 430 Nm (317 lb-ft) to 400 Nm (295 lb-ft).
If you spot an i4 at the Nürburgring, it’s likely to be the top-tier M60 model. This variant features dual motors, all-wheel drive, and significantly more power. Notably, in 2022 and 2023, the i4 M Performance model was the best-selling vehicle from the M division.
