2024 BMW i4 eDrive35 review: This decontented FBT beater is selling strongly, but is it worth $30,000 more than a Tesla Model 3?

The rise of the electric vehicle has not been helpful to the German luxury brands.

High pricing combined with EV offerings distinguished by no more than their badges has punctured Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz’s air of superiority.

But the BMW i4 eDrive35 is at least a sign of life. A recognition that if you can’t beat them, then you’ll just have to join them.

2024 BMW i4 eDrive35 price and equipment

‘Them’ being the many and various brands that have recognised the opportunity presented by the fringe benefits tax (FBT) exemption for electric vehicles.

The eDrive35 is a decontented version of the i4 five-door passenger hatchback that is priced at $85,900 plus on-road costs. So it’s positioned under the FBT exemptions cap, making it eligible for very appealing tax deductions.

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Plaudits to BMW for recognising the opportunity and going after it with no less than six different EV models.

In the case of the i4 it’s been a huge success. By May, 590 eDrive35s had been sold in 2024 compared to 18 $102,900 i4 eDrive40s, and 55 $133,900 i4 M50s.

So what’s that content you give up? Compared to the eDrive40, the eDrive35 has a 10kWh smaller battery, a shorter range and lower power and torque outputs from its rear-mounted e-motor.

It comes with only a 12 month Chargefox subscription versus five years, loses some ritzier exterior and interior trims, and the M leather steering wheel.

Some high-end safety gear also gets deleted: lane self-centring, some warnings functions and high-end parking assistance, a 360 degree camera view and the auto reverse braking function.

Surprisingly, the i4 range picks up only a four star ANCAP rating based on European testing. There were some AEB issues reported out of that test BMW Australia says don’t apply here. The lack of a centre airbag probably contributes too.

The eDrive35 does have18-inch alloys, a power tailgate, includes tri-zone climate control, Sensatec artificial leather seats trimmings, power for the front seats and memory adjustment for the driver.

A fully digital 12.3-inch instrument display and a 14-inch infotainment touch screen sit on the dashboard. A head up display projects onto the windscreen in front of the driver.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, embedded sat-nav, a 10-speaker audio system and wireless smartphone charging are all included.

2024 BMW i4 eDrive35: What we think

BMW has run the line that the i4 eDrive35 is reminiscent of its legendary compact sports sedans of the past. After all, the argument goes, it’s low-slung, rear-wheel drive and, erm, well that’s about it.

But anyone who steps out of a 1990s inline six-cylinder 3 Series with its light weight and – preferably – manual transmission is not going to make the connection.

This car does not have that tactility or unruliness or even a real gearbox. Instead it’s svelte, smooth, hushed and cossetting to drive. It’s more luxury than lairy.

With 210kW and 400Nm pushing 2065kg through the air, accompanied by a Hans Zimmer soundtrack if you wish, the i4 eDrive35 is a respectable rather than exceptional performer in a straight line. That instant tip-in throttle e-motor response is there of course, making this a cool car for the race between traffic lights.

On more open roads the eDrive35 is a well calibrated drive. It misses out on the eDrive40’s adaptive suspension but seems no worse for it.

With a claimed 430km range based on the ADR standard, the eDrive35 falls short of expectations for a car that costs $90,000-plus on the road.

That it tops out more like 390km in the real world – according to its own trip computer – underlines that shortfall. Average consumption on test came out at 17.6kWh/100km. Curiously, there was no way to manually adjust regen via flappy paddles, something that would have raised the sense of driving involvement.

Powertrain is now a key issue for BMW and its ilk. A clear advantage in the ICE era, it has evaporated as a USP for luxury brands. An e-motor and battery in an i4 feels no different to one in a base model $54,900 Tesla Model 3, a BYD Seal or Hyundai Ioniq 6. And you pay less for those EVs to go further on a charge.

Where the eDrive35 has an advantage over cars like the Model 3 is in the cabin. It is a very nice place to be thanks to high quality trims and supportive seating. There’s plenty of storage options and a surprisingly big boot under the hatchback.

Weirdly though, despite a big hole under the bonnet, there’s no frunk.

The cab-back shape of the i4 – shared with the ICE 4 Series Gran Coupe – is sleek, apart from the Gopher teeth grille, but not so practical. Taller (180cm+) rear seat passengers will start to feel cramped. Vision for the driver rearward of the B-pillar is compromised.

The digitised infotainment system is initially overwhelming. It’s important to make sure you get a proper briefing from your BMW agent to fully understand it.

2024 BMW i4 eDrive35: Verdict

The price of the 2024 BMW i4 eDrive35 is an obvious positive because it triggers those FBT exemptions.

But it also remains a negative because the advantages it offers over much cheaper EVs – like the $30,000 cheaper Model 3 – are less obvious than the good old days when BMWs had inline six engines and a more clearly definable character.

But this is still a decent car. In some ways – such as the way it comports itself on the road and looks after its passengers – it’s more than that. It’s impressive.

People who love the BMW badge will be tempted. It may be a harder sell beyond them.

SCORE: 3.5/5

2024 BMW i4 eDrive35 specifications

Price: $85,900 (plus on-road costs)

Basics: EV, 5 seats, 5 doors, medium passenger car

Range: 430km (ADR)

Battery capacity: 70kWh lithium-ion

Battery warranty: 8 years/160,000km

Energy consumption: 17.4kWh/100km (ADR)

Motor: 1 rear synchronous, 210kW/400Nm.

AC charging: 11kW, Type 2 plug

DC charging: 180kW, CCS combo plug

0-100km/h: 6.0 seconds