[SeaneyC]

Just me I take it 😂

 

[Charlie S]

I will definitely be interested when my i3 lease is up (in 2 years) - it's much more car than the i3 but also a step backwards in terms of design, basically a 4 series with batteries stuffed in. It will seem a shame to go from a light weight car with an airy cabin to a darker coupe style with a transmission tunnel. Still, more range, more performance and more practicality is very appealing!

The range of the i3 is enough for me but the compromised boot and lack of either a roof rack/tow bar makes me think it can't really be a car I keep for the very long term.

This is where I have landed on the configurator so far, a 40 Sport in Sunset orange! Not sure I'll really be able to afford it but perhaps another lease/salary sacrifice as BIK is staying at 2% for a bit longer.

What configuration are you considering/ordering?

 

[SeaneyC]

Woohoo I'm not alone - With all this chitchat about MASSIVE GRILLS (I actually don't mind it all that much tbh) I thought I might be on my own!

Yes, the non-ground up development of a BEV for this model did put me off slightly, but actually as a car and a shape I've always like the 4 series which won me over. I just sold my i8 at the weekend as it was just costing me a lot of money doing very little with the events of 2020 and similar trajectory in 2021. I was toying with the idea of getting something bigger and cheaper like the Ioniq 5 or EV6 but the other half really liked the BMW and we don't have much requirement to seat 4 adults on long journeys on a regular basis, so the i4 fit into the correct gap of something like a 4 door coupe for transportation of 2 adults on the regular, but 4 if needed, plus trips to Ikea etc. are a bit easier with a proper boot compared to the i8 as you can imagine. (although I have managed to fit a deceptive amount of crud into the i8 previously)

We are still waiting on BMW FS to confirm what the monthly PCP costs would be on an e40 m Sport vs M50 - I'm actually not that fussed about the performance hike, but I would like the 4WD. The loss of range is playing on my mind too, so it will be one where we have to weigh up the costs against the potential pitfalls. The only longish journey we are likely to be making on a semi regular basis is close to 260 miles round trip with the potential to granny charge at the destination (parents) for a number of hours, so as long as we can perform this journey without having to top up en route I am happy with the range. Throw in a few trips to Scotland to see family and friends which is easily doable with a couple of stops at some rapids en route and maybe a European trip once or twice a year and it ticked all the boxes for us.

The model 3 is probably the only other car that really ticked the boxes, but there's a lot of things I absolutely hate about them so the BMW became the obvious choice pretty quickly.

RE spec, we went for pretty much the top whack but default interior, so all option packs apart from the laser light one, and the Tanzanite blue which was nicer that I expected when we checked it out in person at the local dealership. Missus really pushed for leather seats (ok) and a sunroof (no idea why but she's paying half so just shut up). I really like the Frozen Portimao but I refuse to pay over £2500 for a paint colour plus I'm not THAT precious about it and the Tanzanite is also nice. We both have iPhones and the CarPlay integration looks excellent from the videos so looking forward to that, especially as I got completely screwed over on the i8 (should have been eligible for upgrade to CarPlay, inexplicably had a really old iDrive revision fitted so was not, BMW were unable to give any answers, and Park Lane were absolutely useless in helping out, I should have gone to my local dealer instead of the alleged "specialist" dealer. Both my old local dealer and my new one since I moved have been excellent.)

TL ; DR

Still deciding between m-sport and M50 with almost all options in Tanzanite blue. Worried about loss of range in M50 but would like 4WD. Hopefully BMW get back to us with pricing this week, but an order for an m-sport is already in the system with the deposit down.

 

[Charlie S]

Cool, all sounds good. The practicality compared to an i8 will be amazing! The grill is a funny one, I am still not liking it very much but the speed with which you start to accept something new is fast and already I don't see it as particularly shocking now. I have seen a few new 4 series on the road and in dark colours it is very concealed but even a lighter colour like the orange above it looks "OK" to me. Would I choose a more 3-series/8-series face if I could? Absolutely. But it isn't a deal breaker.

Sounds like range wise you will be absolutely fine M50 or otherwise!

I will probably get the sunroof mainly for adding extra light but I do find it weird BMW are still sticking to sunroof design that opens into the roof/headliner, taking away interior space rather than opening out which seems more popular generally now... I will have to make sure it doesn't intrude too much before ordering that actually.

I imagine a lot of the range hit with the M50 will be to do with wheels and tyres. I too would quite like 4WD but I prefer the lighter styling of the 40 over the M50. For example the rear treatment of the "diffuser" part, I think the Sport (left below) looks better, not glossy and not as big.

But, I understand a sportier look is popular and that is I guess the M-sport!

That's exciting you actually have an order in, I look forward to seeing them on the road in person and eventually testing one out as the end of my i3 lease gets closer!

There's quite a bit of chatter over at bimmerpost about the i4, it's a more international forum but you might find some useful info! I joined only to post in the i4 forum.

BMW i4 Forum - i430, i440 (G26) EV Forum - BMW i Forums

Discussions for the i4 (i430, i440)

bmwi.bimmerpost.com

 

[ElectricYoda]

Ordered mine just last week, I'm going for a 3 year lease

I've ordered a 40 M-Sport in Portimao Blue, no other extra's really as it has everything I need as standard, leasing company tell me it's due early part of next year.

I have a MK3 Audi TT currently which I plan to sell soon and use an VW ID3 on a short term basis to get around until the BMW is ready.

Looking at all the home charging solutions this week, it's making my head hurt a bit : )

 

[SeaneyC]

I will probably get the sunroof mainly for adding extra light but I do find it weird BMW are still sticking to sunroof design that opens into the roof/headliner, taking away interior space rather than opening out which seems more popular generally now... I will have to make sure it doesn't intrude too much before ordering that actually.

Yeh the dealer is getting a new 4 Gran Coupe next month, looking forward to sitting in and seeing what the interior space is actually like, not sure if it will have the sunroof in or not so worth considering, thanks for the reminder.

I agree the back end looks a bit odd, especially if you go for something like the orange, on an M50. I'm hoping it comes out a bit less jarring in real life against the darker blue!

The dealer says they've only had one other order, so I'm hoping we're quite near the front of the queue, although we're in no desperate rush so if we have to wait until Feb/March time so be it.

Looking at all the home charging solutions this week, it's making my head hurt a bit : )

I also have this journey to go through - weirdly the new house we moved into comes with 3 phase power which is rare for the UK so I might opt for a 22kW point as there is an energy company that has an extra cheap rate for 3-5 hours and with 22kW that's almost a full charge

 

[Oli]

I like that it has pretend exhaust pipe thingies on the back. They really know their market don’t they?

 

[SeaneyC]

I like that it has pretend exhaust pipe thingies on the back. They really know their market don’t they?

So much pretend stuff on BMW, I'm still annoyed it was impossible to turn off the fake engine noise on the i8 when at least it was hackable on virtually every other BMW. Still, beats the fake noise getting piped into the exhaust on loads of cars these days, so stupid.

 

[Goldfish120]

Was considering the i4 but seriously considering the Kia EV6. OK not a BMW but this is a real challenger and I was incredibly impressed when I viewed it recently. Need a test drive before making a decision. In the Kia you can turn off the fake noise in the menu 👍

 

[Hitstirrer]

I'm sorry but I can't take that Beemer i4 car seriously after watching people play the parlour game called 'Speak Out". Every time I see one in the street I will just have to laugh. It's one of those things that once you see it you can't unsee it.

 

[f30paul]

I’d definitely have one
If a) it was the right time to be changing, and b) I could afford it

however I’m hoping by the time I’m trading the 330 in, bmw will have organised themselves enough to release the all electric 3 series, which is no.1 on my wish list!

 

[SeaneyC]

Was considering the i4 but seriously considering the Kia EV6. OK not a BMW but this is a real challenger and I was incredibly impressed when I viewed it recently. Need a test drive before making a decision. In the Kia you can turn off the fake noise in the menu 👍

As a car I really think the EV6 is one of the top options around right now, if the missus wasn't putting money into the 4 it is probably the one that would have got my money. I have seen a menu where you can turn off the special sounds in the iDrive, if this is all fake sounds or not I do not know! Eagerly awaiting some real world reviews to come out, I'm assuming we won't get any until October/November time at the earliest.

I'm sorry but I can't take that Beemer i4 car seriously after watching people play the parlour game called 'Speak Out". Every time I see one in the street I will just have to laugh. It's one of those things that once you see it you can't unsee it.

Yeh, I totally get it, but actually it's growing on me a little bit, it certainly seems a bit less offensive in the darker colours - We will have to see hope for the best to see how it is in real life! It reminds me of beaver teeth

I’d definitely have one
If a) it was the right time to be changing, and b) I could afford it

however I’m hoping by the time I’m trading the 330 in, bmw will have organised themselves enough to release the all electric 3 series, which is no.1 on my wish list!

Definitely not one of the cheaper options out there, I guess it's one of the few options for people who want a normal looking EV that isn't a Crossover/SUV, which is why got it.

 

[BrianDorking]

I've paid the reservation fee a few months back so I should have a build slot somewhere in the BMW system. I'm definitely looking at the i4 M50, but I would need to do a test drive before completing any order. I think the performance will be amazing coupled with BMW's usually first-class driving dynamics, The lack of range compared to the standard car doesn't bother me, as I'm a believer that it's not the range that's critical, it's the charging time, and as I only do the occasional long trip up the A1 Ionity has that covered. The only issue right now is the lack of new cars being delivered, so I would expect a bit of a wait before we see any reviews or have any cars available for a test drive.

 

[f30paul]

As a car I really think the EV6 is one of the top options around right now, if the missus wasn't putting money into the 4 it is probably the one that would have got my money. I have seen a menu where you can turn off the special sounds in the iDrive, if this is all fake sounds or not I do not know! Eagerly awaiting some real world reviews to come out, I'm assuming we won't get any until October/November time at the earliest.



Yeh, I totally get it, but actually it's growing on me a little bit, it certainly seems a bit less offensive in the darker colours - We will have to see hope for the best to see how it is in real life! It reminds me of beaver teeth



Definitely not one of the cheaper options out there, I guess it's one of the few options for people who want a normal looking EV that isn't a Crossover/SUV, which is why got it.

exactly why I’ll be hanging on for it or something similar, just not a crossover or SUV fan, and that currently rules out a lot. May even consider the second gen 330e for the next pcp plan…

 

[richtrash]

I keep looking at the R18, it's drawing me in, I'm trying to resist but I fear its futile and I will be assimilated. 😮

 

[Crypto_Kid]

I’d definitely have one
If a) it was the right time to be changing, and b) I could afford it

however I’m hoping by the time I’m trading the 330 in, bmw will have organised themselves enough to release the all electric 3 series, which is no.1 on my wish list!

Just looked as this was the EV i always wanted to arrive. Sadly, compared to a Tesla M3 , what a pile of overpriced poo. So disappointed. We ordered a Model 3 LR , with 19" sport wheels, with metallic paint, with white interior, with enhanced autopilot . £55590 , adding performance uprgade when it arrives, now £57000. 0-60 in 3.7 seconds.

To match it in an I4

i4 M50 (slower at 0-60 3.9 seconds)
Way less range , M3 LR 360 miles , i4 M50 318 miles

Had to add :

Paint @ £1100
Comfort pack @ £1200
Technology plus pack @ £1900
Sunroof @ £1050

Total price £69655.

And even then i could not find mentioned , so assume you don't get, Heated rear seats x 3 , Automatic remote boot open/close , Frunk , twin wireless phone charging side by side, probably other stuff too. forgot to also add, zero requirement to service an Tesla to maintain the 3year / 8 year warranties (service what? kick the tyres and plug in a PC) , I wonder what rip off service prices and mileage intervals BMW will rob you for to do nothing.

So over £12k more for slower, with less range, less tech and no supercharger network and the association with drug dealers (we all know what BMW stands for in the urban dictionary)

Sorry, Tesla all day every day for me, Faster, further, sleeker, better. Now if dealers will give a £12k discount, at least it's on par with buying price, for less.

Imaging buying a standard i40 and being beaten off the lights by someone with a bog standard Tesla SR+ for £40k. i would die inside.

 

[f30paul]

I agree with the supercharger network, but that is soon to open up to everyone by all accounts, and where Tesla eventually wants their future, not in manufacturing cars but providing the network.

Down to personal preference though, and I for one would take BMWs build quality and known dealer network background over the relatively unknown Tesla, and I’m not a fan of the minimalist design, nor is the performance a priority. I prefer the more familiar dashboard layout. Each to their own though.

Not that I’d get either at these price points at the moment, for that money let me get a used M3 or Alpina and have plenty of pocket money left over!

 

[Crypto_Kid]

I agree with the supercharger network, but that is soon to open up to everyone by all accounts, and where Tesla eventually wants their future, not in manufacturing cars but providing the network.

This will always be on a "Ionity" type model , non Tesla owners will not get price parity with Tesla owners, so wont use the Network to much, as they will pay 70p kwh vs Tesla owners paying 25p-30p. Same as Tesla owners can use Ionity network but dont much, as it costs them so much.

 

[SeaneyC]

Well this is what has been introduced by Tesla isn't it, it is the value benchmark by which all other EVs are compared against. But the reality is that there a lot of things that people consider contributing to their own value proposition that aren't necessarily that easy to put down on a tick list.

Crypto_Kid - You say you would die inside being beaten off the lights in a cheaper car. Honestly can't say that's something I've ever cared about in my life, but that's just me. Lots of stuff on your list you've mentioned I simply don't care about at all. As for sleeker? I think all Tesla's look like poorly drawn Jaguars, but again, that's personal preference. I think they look awful. I also think the 911 is a terrible looking car - Like most Porsches, it looks a bit like a slipper. It's not for me, but doesn't stop it being the object of lust for millions out there.

The Tesla is absolutely loaded with lots of very clever tech, but ultimately some of the decisions are just odd for what I'm looking for. If there was a HUD I could understand the lack of binnacle, but to not have both is pretty crazy. The air vents are absolutely over-engineered, as are other areas like the glovebox, and overall the styling is just not really my thing. Even with the i4 beaver teeth I'd still take it over the Model 3 any day (obviously, as I've placed my order on the i4). I actually had a deposit down on a Model 3, years ago, and also an I-Pace, but ultimately ended up getting the i8 at the time because that's just what I wanted and it was on a good deal. Were there much quicker/better cars out there for way less money? Absolutely, I could have just gone and bought a Model S if that was what I was after, or a GT-R, or a 911, or whatever other cars are out there that are judged to be "better". But in the end I got the i8, because I liked the doors and love the front end of it, and the carbon tub is just a cool thing to have in a car to me.

Humans gonna human 🤷‍♂️

 

[Major Jasper]

After lots of research am awaiting an i4 M50 - first time have ordered a car without at least seeing it in the 'flesh'. For me needed to be a car rather than a SUV/crossover style and personally find the Tesla Model 3 'meh' and yes have sat in one and driven it!

Just guess will be along wait now to 'hopeful' delivery in March next year.....