When BMW started going all in with the development of its electric vehicle (EV) strategy at the start of this decade, there were concerns that its electric cars would lose the fun and engaging edge that made the brand such a driver's favourite.

After all, EVs are generally heavier than the equivalent internal combustion-powered car, and weight is the antithesis of what makes a car enjoyable to drive, according to enthusiasts at least.

The BMW i4 however dispelled that notion completely, and it proved that BMW could produce an electric car that's actually well-balanced, without losing the essence of what makes a BMW so appealing.

The i4 has now received a mild mid-life update, and while the updates aren't significant, it's really a case of refining a formula that already works well.

What's new on the BMW i4?

The primary changes are cosmetic in nature. For Singapore, the entry-level BMW i4 eDrive35 version as tested here now gets an M Sport kit as standard.

This means it gets an M Aerodynamics package that consists of a sportier looking front bumper and a large rear diffuser. There are also M Sport brakes and new 19-inch wheels, which gives the car a slightly more aggressive look without coming across as too loud.

The other visible changes are to its lights, with the BMW i4 now getting new LED headlights with a distinctive claw-like signature, and a refreshed taillight design with a laser pattern that supposedly enhances visibility at night.

They're all very minor changes really, and the same goes for the interior. The main difference you'll spot are the M Sport steering wheel, as well as the air con vents that are now surrounded by cool ambient lighting.

The infotainment software has also now been upgraded to the latest BMW OS 8.5, which has a redesigned user interface that makes it slightly easier to navigate between pages and functions.

Does the updated BMW i4 drive any differently then?

Not really, because fundamentally, the BMW i4 remains unchanged under the skin.

In eDrive35 form, the single electric motor produces 282hp and 400Nm of torque. It's quite a decent amount of power for an entry-level model, and it allows the car to go from 0 to 100km/h in six seconds flat.

Of course, if you want even more power, there's also the high performance i4 M50 available, with 536hp and 795Nm of torque on tap. But in Singapore's context, the regular BMW i4 eDrive35 should more than suffice.

More importantly though, the i4 retains the fantastic balance that makes it one of the most enjoyable EVs to drive, with its 50:50 weight distribution, rear wheel drive setup and well-sorted chassis that handles corners with brilliant poise and finesse.

The steering is quick and precise, although perhaps a bit overly light in feel. It doesn't offer the same kind of feedback as a traditional old school BMW, but it works well enough for the modern day driver.

But even if you're not the kind who indulges in enthusiastic driving, the BMW i4 impresses with its all-round refinement. The power delivery is smooth and effective, and the ride quality is comfortable and composed, with its well-controlled suspension absorbing bumps with hardly any fuss.

Is the BMW i4 a good buy?

Certainly, if you're looking for an electric BMW that doesn't deviate too far from the classic BMW formula. Obviously, it's not going to feel quite the same without an engine, but in most other aspects the i4 lives up to the BMW reputation of offering an enthusiast-centric drive that's engaging and involving.

Of course, at $339,888 with COE (as of June 2025), it's not exactly what you would call affordable. But the i4 is probably the closest you can get to having the purest BMW driving experience in the electric age. For that alone, the i4 deserves its status as arguably the most enjoyable electric BMW you can buy right now.

ben.chia@asiaone.com

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