2025 BMW i4 eDrive35: More Range, More Style, Just One Model

BMW Australia has announced the return of its all-electric i4 Gran Coupé later this year — this time with a simplified lineup, a fatter standard equipment list, and a little more efficiency.

In truth, calling it a “model strategy” might be generous. There’s just one version: the i4 eDrive35, priced at $88,900* and neatly positioned under the fuel-efficient luxury car tax threshold of $91,387. But when that one model is this well-specced, maybe that’s all you need.

Since its debut in 2022, the i4 moved 3,340 Australian units, most of them the eDrive35. Even posh buyers like their zero-emission driving served with a dash of Munich muscle.

M Sport Style, Standard

For 2025, the i4 has been nipped and tucked, with the M Sport Package now standard. That means a sharper front apron, sporty side skirts, rear diffuser, and 18-inch M alloys. The new diamond-textured kidney grille and redesigned LED headlights add some extra theatre, straying into overstatement — it’s more “gym selfie” than “gym fit.” The registration plate breaks up what would otherwise be a gaping expanse, but the arrangement lacks the finesse of chic BMWs gone by – think E38 7-Series.

Optional 19- and 20-inch wheel designs are available, but the standard 18s suit its stance nicely. It’s quietly confident — like the friend who doesn’t need to tell you they’re wearing designer.

Inside: Smarter, Warmer, More You

The cabin updates are subtle but welcome. The new flat-bottomed M leather steering wheel now sports a 12 o’clock marker for a hint of track-day drama, while both front seats gain heating (also standard on cars half the price) for those chilly early starts (or post-party comedowns).

A panoramic glass sunroof is now standard, flooding the cabin with light, and the climate controls have been updated for sleeker operation via the curved display. Materials feel suitably premium, with Sensatec (aka plastic) upholstery in black or Cognac, and an open-pored wood trim available at no extra cost. Some drivers have reported the plastic seat coverings feeling hot and sweaty in warm conditions, preferring leather if it is an option. Sadly, it isn’t. Volvo and Polestar offer non-oil-based synthetic leather instead — a trick missed by BMW.

BMW’s digital offerings — Live Cockpit Professional, Head-Up Display, Connected Package Professional (ongoing charges will apply after a grace period) — are good but not cutting edge, even with sharp graphics and “intuitive layouts”, a claim we’ve heard before. And for a bit of theatre, the BMW IconicSounds Electric soundtrack by Hans Zimmer pipes in some cinematic ambience, because silence is terribly dull.

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ABOVE: 2025 BMW i4 eDrive35

A Little More Range, A Lot of Tech

Under the skin, the i4’s powertrain remains a familiar friend. The rear-mounted current-excited synchronous motor delivers 210kW and 400Nm, good for a brisk 6.0-second sprint to 100km/h.

BMW’s latest tweak — silicon carbide semiconductors in the power electronics — improves efficiency by around 4.5%, extending range to 448km (ADR 81/02). It’s not groundbreaking, but it’s progress. Charging performance remains behind the 8-ball: 11kW AC for a full charge in seven hours, or a modest 180kW DC fast-charge for a 10–80% top-up in just 32 minutes.

This is far short of IM5 and IM6 with 400kW charging. Even the Koreans and upcoming Volvo ES90 and rejigged EX90 have 800V architecture allowing for 350–400kW charging. The Scandi-chic ES90 is priced in direct competition with BMW’s offering, and is bigger and arguably better equipped.

That’s just enough time to grab a flat white, post a charger selfie, and argue online about Tesla panel gaps.

More Kit, Less Complexity – Meeting the Market?

The i4 eDrive35 comes fully loaded — no “base model blues” here. Standard kit includes:

• 18” M light alloy wheels • Adaptive cruise with Stop&Go • 3-zone automatic climate control • BMW Head-Up Display • Parking Assistant Plus • BMW IconicSounds Electric • Comfort Access keyless entry • Heated front sport seats • HiFi 10-speaker audio • Wireless phone charging • Tyre pressure monitoring and repair kit • Electric tailgate and panoramic glass roof

Paint options include Alpine White (no cost) or six metallic shades ($2,000), including Fire Red and Cape York Green. Wheel upgrades climb as high as $5,000 for 20-inch BMW Individual rims.

Simplified and Smug — Just How BMW Likes It

BMW’s decision to offer a single, well-equipped model simplifies buying while keeping the price sharp. It’s less a “strategy” and more a “don’t overthink it” move — and frankly, that’s refreshing. BMW is known for overcharging, especially on the add-ons and ongoing “subscriptions”. The Chinese brands are doing better for cheaper.

Against rivals like the Polestar 2, Tesla Model 3, and Hyundai Ioniq 6, the i4 still stands out for its blend of performance, polish, and premium feel. It’s an EV that behaves like a proper BMW — engaging to drive, subtly styled, and quietly confident.

New Chinese brands, however, are a different story. They offer more for less, no silly subscriptions, longer warranties, and a vast supply of ongoing financial support. All legacy brands must keep one eye on the past and the other on the present. Holden failed because it arrogantly and steadfastly refused to meet the market.

In short: the 2025 BMW i4 eDrive35 doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it does make it look damn good turning — except for that pretend grille.

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