2025 BMW i4 xDrive40 Review: The Perfect Blend of Speed and Comfort

The BMW i4 xDrive40 represents the intersection of luxury, electric performance and sustainability. Part of BMW's expanding EV lineup, this AWD version balances power with range, offering dual motor drive and an AWD system for enhanced traction and all-weather adaptability. Compared to the i4 M50, the xDrive40 offers a longer range while maintaining power output.

The i4 xDrive40 is positioned between the eDrive40 and the M50, distinguishing it both from the rear-drive eDrive40 and from the higher performance-oriented M50. It retains BMW's signature handling experience while optimising energy efficiency. Its dual-motor configuration not only delivers more stable power output, but also gives the driver better grip and control in complex road conditions.

Part of the i4 range, the xDrive40 joins the eDrive40, 430i Gran Coupe and M440i Gran Coupe to form BMW's offering in the electric and fuel Gran Coupe segments. With the eDrive40 emphasizing the rear-drive experience, the M440i Gran Coupe still offering fuel power, and the xDrive40 combining electric drive with all-wheel drive, it occupies a unique position in the lineup.

2025 BMW i4 xDrive40

The 2025 BMW i4 xDrive40 represents a further evolution of BMW's EV line-up, combining a dual-motor all-wheel drive system with longer range and the latest technology. Building on the success of the earlier i4 model, this new car features key upgrades in performance, efficiency and technology designed for those seeking the pleasure of electric driving. The xDrive40 offers more traction than the eDrive40, while it strikes a better balance between power and range than the higher-performance M50.

Exterior and Interior

The 2025 i4 xDrive40 continues BMW's classic design language and has been optimized in detail. The front face features a double-kidney grille with lighting and active aerodynamic flaps for more efficient air flow. Adaptive LED headlights are standard, and Frozen Portimao Blue and Brooklyn Grey paint options are added to the body. The body lines are smooth, the coupe profile highlights the sporty atmosphere, and the standard 18-inch aerodynamic wheels, and the optional 19-inch M sports wheels, further enhance the visual impact.

When it comes to the interior, BMW emphasizes the concept of sustainable luxury, making extensive use of recycled materials while maintaining a high-quality touch. Standard with 14 electrically adjustable sports seats, available in Veganza synthetic leather or optional Merino leather wrap. The interior is still spacious, with 36.6 inches of rear legroom for a comfortable ride. The trunk has a volume of 10.0 cubic feet, and the rear seats can be extended to 45.6 cubic feet when reclined for daily utility.

Performance and Driving Experience

The i4 xDrive40 features a dual-motor layout with a combined output of 396 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of peak torque, a significant performance improvement over the single-motor eDrive40. This powertrain enables it to achieve 0-60 MPH acceleration in 4.9 seconds, while providing greater traction and responsiveness. The all-wheel drive system not only enhances stability in slippery or difficult road conditions, but also maintains BMW's usual handling accuracy. The adaptive M-suspension becomes standard with electronically controlled dampers that adjust in real time for different driving modes and road conditions to optimise the balance between comfort and sporty performance.

Drivers can choose from four driving modes, Eco Pro, Comfort, Sport and Individual, each of which adjusts throttle response, steering force and suspension Settings to match different driving styles. Thanks to a near-perfect body weight distribution and low center of gravity, the i4 xDrive40 has agile handling performance. The regenerative braking system offers a variety of adjustment modes, including an adaptive setting that adjusts recovery efforts based on traffic flow, and a high-intensity braking mode that supports single-pedal driving. In difficult weather conditions, the xDrive40 delivers excellent stability with its all-wheel drive system, ensuring a precise driving experience in different environments.

Technology and Safety

Equipped with BMW's latest iDrive 8.5 operating system, the i4 xDrive40 features a curved display that combines a 12.3-inch digital dashboard and a 14.9-inch central touchscreen, with an interface that offers customizable layouts and improved voice control through the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, along with an integrated navigation system that optimizes EV route planning, taking into account parking and charging needs. The optional Hamancarden surround sound system offers 16 speakers for a superior sound quality experience.

On the safety side, the i4 xDrive40 offers several standard safety features, including forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning and lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, adaptive cruise control and stop-and-go functions, and parking sensors with a 360-degree camera system. The existing Driver Assistance Pro suite further enhances congestion assistance and lane centering capabilities to support Level 2 semi-autonomous driving. Over-the-air updates ensure the vehicle's software is always up to date, enhancing the safety and convenience of the driving experience.

Range and Charging

The 2025 i4 xDrive40 comes with an 83.4 kWh battery pack and a range of 307 miles on a full charge, a slight reduction from the single-motor version, mainly due to the extra weight and power consumption brought by the dual-motor system. In terms of charging, the car supports 200 kW DC fast charge, which can be charged to 80% in about 40 minutes. When using an 11 kW secondary home charger, it takes about 9 hours to fully charge. In addition, the standard heat pump system optimizes energy consumption in cold weather and improves battery performance by reducing the impact of in-car heating on the battery. Owners can pre-set the temperature in the car via the BMW app to heat or cool the cockpit in advance when the vehicle is connected to a power source. To improve charging convenience, BMW offers a two-year free charging service in the United States, with an intelligent navigation system that automatically plans charging routes based on battery status and charging station availability.

Pricing

The 2025 BMW i4 xDrive40 starts at $62,300, with prices ranging between the eDrive40 ($57,900) and the high-performance M50 ($70,700). Several packages are available to enhance functionality, including the Premium package, which offers a heated steering wheel, head-up display, round-view camera system and parking Assistant +; Technology package with Harman Kardon surround sound system, gesture control and in-car recording capabilities. The 20-inch M sport wheels, Merino leather interior and driver assistance Pro kit are also available separately. Depending on the buyer's tax status and current EV incentives, the i4 xDrive40 is also eligible for federal tax credits, and some states offer additional subsidies to help further reduce the cost of buying a car.

Conclusion

The 2025 BMW i4 xDrive40 is a compelling option in the premium electric car market. Its dual-motor all-wheel drive system delivers excellent performance and displays the same impressive power performance as many of its competitors while maintaining high efficiency. Whether you're a business person or a technology enthusiast, you'll find a sophisticated cab with a curved display and intuitive controls that create a luxurious and high-tech driving experience. The i4 xDrive40's design balances luxury with practicality, creating an environment that is both high-end and fully functional.

For families in need of a versatile electric vehicle, the i4 xDrive40's spacious interior and reasonable cargo capacity are enough to meet daily needs. The all-wheel drive system adds extra safety and ADAPTS to a variety of weather conditions and driving environments. Eco-friendly consumers will appreciate its impressive range and fast charging capability, which effectively reduces battery anxiety. BMW's commitment to sustainability is also reflected in the design of the car, which eliminates exhaust emissions, and strikes an excellent balance between driving comfort and engagement. Given its performance, technical specs and brand value, the i4 xDrive40 offers a compelling value at a competitive price in a segment that appeals to consumers who want to transition to electric vehicles without sacrificing luxury and driving pleasure.