When the 2022 BMW i4 eDrive40 first landed on the scene, people were skeptical. It wasn't built on a dedicated electric platform. It looked, well, exactly like the gas-powered 4 Series Gran Coupe. Critics called it a "compliance car" or a stop-gap measure while BMW figured out its future.
Honestly? They were wrong.
After spending some real time with it, you realize this car isn't just a 4 Series with the engine ripped out. It’s actually the sweet spot of the entire lineup. While everyone was drooling over the 536-horsepower M50 version, the eDrive40 was quietly proving itself as the better daily driver. It's got more range, a more compliant ride, and—dare I say—enough power to make most people's necks snap if they aren't careful.
The "Guess-o-Meter" and Real World Range
One of the biggest gripes about early EVs is the range anxiety. We’ve all seen the Tesla charts where the range drops 20% the second you hit 70 mph. But the 2022 BMW i4 eDrive40 is a different beast.
BMW has this weird habit of under-promising and over-delivering. The EPA says the 40 with 18-inch wheels gets 301 miles. In real-world testing, people are actually hitting that. Car and Driver pushed it to 280 miles at a steady 75 mph. On a warm summer day, some owners report seeing the "guess-o-meter" climb past 320 miles if they're gentle.
It’s about efficiency, not just battery size. The 81.5 kWh usable capacity is managed by a single rear motor producing 335 horsepower.
You've got to watch the wheel size, though. If you spec the 19-inch wheels, that range drops to 282 miles. If you go for the 20-inch performance rubber? You’re looking at a significant hit. Basically, if you want to road trip this thing without stopping every two hours, stick with the 18s.
Why the Rear-Wheel Drive Layout Matters
The eDrive40 is RWD. That’s a "BMW thing."
By putting the motor in the back, BMW kept that classic handling balance. It weighs about 4,680 pounds, which is a lot, but the battery sits so low in the floor that it feels glued to the road.
✨ Don't miss: Microsoft Teams Phone License: What Most People Get Wrong About Cloud Calling
The steering is light but accurate. It doesn't have the twitchy, video-game feel of a Model 3. Instead, it feels like a heavy, expensive luxury car that happens to be silent. It’s got rear air suspension as standard, which helps soak up those nasty potholes that usually wreck a heavy EV's ride quality.
Living with the iDrive 8 "Wall of Screens"
Step inside and you're greeted by a massive curved display. It combines a 12.3-inch instrument cluster with a 14.9-inch touchscreen. It’s beautiful. It’s also kinda overwhelming at first.
BMW moved almost all the climate controls into the screen.
Yes, it’s annoying. You’ll find yourself tapping through menus just to turn up the seat heaters. But the software is fast. There’s zero lag. And if you’re an Apple CarPlay or Android Auto user, it integrates wirelessly and looks stunning on that wide glass.
One thing the 2022 BMW i4 eDrive40 gets right that Tesla doesn't? Physical controls where they matter. You still have the iDrive rotary controller on the center console. When you're driving 70 mph, it’s much safer to click a dial than to hunt for a tiny icon on a screen.
The Hatchback Secret
The i4 is a "Gran Coupe," which is BMW-speak for a four-door with a hatchback.
This is the car’s secret weapon. While the Model 3 has a tiny trunk opening that makes it hard to fit a bicycle or a large box, the i4's entire rear glass lifts up. You get about 10 cubic feet with the seats up, but fold them down and you’ve got 45.5 cubic feet.
📖 Related: My Location Live Map: Why Your Phone Sometimes Thinks You are a Mile Away
It’s basically a stealth SUV.
Reliability and the "Loud Bang" Recall
Look, no first-year car is perfect. The 2022 model year had its share of hiccups.
The most famous one? The battery fire recall. About 367 vehicles (i4s and iXs) were flagged because of a potential short circuit in the high-voltage battery. BMW told people not to drive them or park them near buildings. It was a mess, but it was caught early.
There’s also been talk of a software bug in the pedestrian warning sound generator. If that fails, the car is silent at low speeds, which is a safety hazard. Most of these have been fixed via dealer updates.
Then there’s the "loud bang" issue some owners reported on the highway. Turns out, the i4 is really heavy, and some early tires weren't up to the task of certain road debris at high speeds. Keeping an eye on tire pressure is non-negotiable here.
📖 Related: Area of a Right Triangle: Why We Always Use Half a Rectangle
Maintenance Reality Check
- Brakes: Because of regenerative braking (where the motor slows the car down to charge the battery), your brake pads might last 100,000 miles.
- Tires: This is where they get you. EVs eat tires. The instant torque of 317 lb-ft from a standstill shreds rubber. Expect to replace them every 20,000 to 25,000 miles.
- Service Intervals: BMW suggests a check-up every two years. It's mostly cabin filters and brake fluid flushes.
Charging: 10 to 80 Percent in 31 Minutes
The 2022 BMW i4 eDrive40 can charge at speeds up to 200 kW.
In the real world, that means if you find a 350 kW Electrify America station, you can add about 90 miles of range in 10 minutes. It's fast enough for a coffee break. At home, on a standard Level 2 charger, it’ll take about 8 to 9 hours to go from empty to full.
Most people just plug in at night and forget about it.
Is it Better Than a Tesla Model 3?
It depends on what you value.
If you want the best charging network and a car that feels like a spaceship, get the Tesla. But if you want a car that feels like a car, get the i4. The build quality in the BMW is leagues ahead. No panel gaps, no rattling interior bits, and the sound insulation is world-class.
At 70 mph, the i4 is tomb-quiet. The Model 3 is... not.
Actionable Insights for Buyers
If you’re looking at a used 2022 BMW i4 eDrive40, here’s the game plan:
- Check the Build Date: Try to find models produced after July 2022 to avoid the initial battery recall window, or verify the recall work was performed by a BMW dealer.
- Prioritize the 18-inch Wheels: Unless you live for the "look" of big wheels, the 18s provide a much better ride and significantly more range.
- Verify the Premium Package: This car is "standard" with a lot, but you really want the Head-Up Display and the Harman Kardon sound system. The base Hi-Fi system is a bit weak for a car of this price.
- Inspect the Tires: Ask for the remaining tread depth. If they're original and the car has 15,000 miles, you’re likely looking at a $1,200 bill very soon.
- Get the BMW App: The "My BMW" app is actually decent. It lets you pre-condition the cabin (warm it up or cool it down) while the car is still plugged in, which saves a ton of battery range.
The 2022 BMW i4 eDrive40 isn't just a transition car. It’s a solid, well-engineered luxury sedan that just happens to be electric. It’s for the person who wants to go green without feeling like they’re driving a giant computer.