The BMW i4 goes straight to the top of the electric executive-car class, mixing the usual BMW quality and technology with style, performance and handling. And because the i4 is based on the 4 Series Gran Coupe, it still works as a practical family car to lease. Add in a big battery giving it plenty of range and you’ve got the complete package. Even against the Tesla Model 3 and Polestar 2, the i4 stacks up well.
With its 5-door fastback body shape, the BMW i4 is a very practical executive car that’s great for long drives or running the family from A to B. The interior space is very good, with plenty of room in the front and ample rear legroom. Rear headroom won’t be an issue for children or even adults of average height, so the i4 still makes a very practical family car.
That’s partly down to the big boot, which measures 470 litres. That’s roughly what you get from a petrol- or diesel-powered 3 Series saloon, but it’s easier to access thanks to the big hatchback tailgate. It’s also more than enough for most needs, with space for a family’s luggage and any number of school bags or shopping bags.
With an electric powertrain, the i4 will be cheap to run. The eDrive40 model is the most efficient choice, managing up to 365 miles on a single charge despite packing 340hp. That’s strong even by the standards of Polestar and Tesla. Charging at home is the cheapest option – particularly if you have the right energy tariff – but even topping up at rapid charging points is cheaper than filling up with petrol.
And for company car drivers, there’s even more to like about the all-electric i4. Not only does it have an impressive range, but the 0g/km CO2 emissions mean it’s cheap to tax.
Which Models Are Available?
i4 Trim Levels
The i4 is up against some seriously accomplished rivals. Not only is it competing with the Tesla Model 3, which has wowed customers with its affordability, performance and technology, but leasing a Polestar 2 is also an attractive option.
Volvo’s sister brand has caused a stir with some minimalist but extraordinary cars, and the 2 is the most sensible and perhaps the most impressive yet.
If you want a high-performance electric saloon, it’s also worth considering the Porsche Taycan, which is one of the best cars you can lease if you love driving. With sports car handling and outrageous performance, it has been a huge hit with customers. But the same can be said about the i4, which handles and performs as well as anything in this class.
BMW’s reputation for reliability is strong and the relative simplicity of electric motors should help the i4 continue that trend. For those concerned, there’s a 3-year, unlimited-mileage warranty.
The i4 comes with a 470-litre luggage bay, which is more than you get in a Polestar 2 or a Tesla Model 3. However, the i4 has no ‘frunk’ under the bonnet.
There’s a choice of 3 trim levels for the i4. The basic Sport model kicks things off, with the M Sport versions offering more equipment and sportier styling. The high-performance M50 model gets its own bespoke trim level.
Yes, every version of the i4 comes with parking sensors and a rear-view camera.
The BMW i4 has a big boot and seating for 5 people, although rear headroom is a little tight for taller passengers. But it’s fine for children, so it makes a great family car.
The i4 takes the stunning performance and handling of the BMW 4 Series, then adds powerful electric motors and a long-range battery to create an ideal electric fastback. It’s fast, efficient and solidly built, with bags of luxury and tech.
Leasing a BMW i4 with Vanarama is the smartest way to upgrade what you drive. Not only will you get the best price, guaranteed with our Price Promise*, there’s also no hidden fees, extra protection should the worst happen and access to expert advice when you need it! What are you waiting for? Find your New Lease Of Life today!
The BMW i4 is a brilliant premium electric car with everything going for it on a lease. Not only is it fast, but it has a long range and it drives exceptionally well.
It also comes with a high-quality interior and lots of top-line technology. Based on the 4 Series Gran Coupe, it’s a practical car with seating for 4 adults and plenty of luggage space. And although it goes very quickly indeed, it’ll still be cheap to run.
Why Choose A BMW i4 Lease?
If you’re looking for a new BMW i4 without any of the hassle, leasing is the perfect option for you. You’ll drive away in a new car, paying fixed monthly payments with no hidden costs.
You’ll decide your contract length, annual mileage and the model, so you can tailor your deal to exactly what you need. Servicing and maintenance can also be added to your plan as an optional extra.
The i4 has a stunning interior with high-quality fixtures and fittings, as well as the latest in-car technology. The most obvious feature is the Curved Display screen that runs from the centre of the dashboard to the driver’s-side edge.
Seamlessly integrating 2 screens, the display works as an instrument cluster for the driver, while the left-hand part works like a conventional touchscreen. The display is very sharp and modern, and although all the heating functions are hidden in the screen, they’re still easily accessible and user friendly.
With so many features looked after by the screens, there aren’t many buttons in the i4’s cabin. Just a handful on the steering wheel and the centre console take care of jobs including cruise control and driving modes, while there’s a rotary dial that can be used to control the screen, too. That’s handy if you’re on the move, when touchscreens can be distracting.
The buttons that remain all feel well engineered, and that’s true of everything inside the i4. We expect class from BMW and the i4 certainly delivers that.
The i4 is based on one of BMW’s most impressive cars – the 4 Series – but it adds the instant performance you get from an electric motor. The entry-level eDrive40 has just 1 electric motor, but it produces 340hp and makes the i4 faster than a Volkswagen Golf GTI. Opt for the 2-motor, 4-wheel-drive i4 M50, and you get a massive 544hp and performance to rival the M4 sports coupe.
And it isn’t just the straight-line speed that impresses. No matter which version of the i4 you choose, you’re leasing a car that handles brilliantly. Even the basic eDrive40 models have precise steering and a sense of stability at any speed. With lots of grip and great balance, they’re really good fun to drive on a fast back road as well.
The M50 is naturally more exciting than its sister cars, thanks to its higher power, stiffer suspension and the traction provided by its all-wheel-drive system. That gives it greater body control and more ability to launch itself out of corners, which makes it enormously enjoyable to drive quickly. It will also have slightly more capability in the snow, where the all-wheel-drive system will come into its own – especially with winter tyres fitted.
Although the M50 has stiffer suspension, every version of the i4 is comfortable enough on the motorway. Around town, the eDrive40 versions are slightly more supple, but even the M50 isn’t too harsh over potholes or speed humps.
BMW i4 Fastback
The BMW i4 is only available as a 5-door fastback with 5 seats and a choice of electric powertrains.
Trim Levels Available: i4 Sport, i4 M Sport, i4 M50.
The BMW i4 is available in 3 different trim levels, with each becoming more performance orientated. Every version gets climate control, alloy wheels and the Curved Display touchscreen, as well as sports seats, a reversing camera and an electrically operated tailgate.