Nestled deep in Bavaria, the Nesselberg mountain roads provide the perfect playground for cars that blend sportiness, comfort, and technology. Narrow, winding, and demanding, these roads challenge everything from chassis dynamics to acceleration response and braking finesse. Testing the new BMW i4 here felt like a baptism by fire , and an opportunity to experience how BMW’s electric coupe lives up to its reputation of delivering sheer driving pleasure, now electrified.
BMW’s i4 is not just another electric vehicle (EV) thrown into the sea of e, cars. It’s a statement , a modern interpretation of BMW’s glorious legacy of sporty coupes with the iconic driving dynamics of an M3, but now without the roar of a combustion engine. Instead, it comes with a silent yet brutal electric powertrain that promises to excite purists and electrification enthusiasts alike.
In this detailed, story, driven review, I’ll take you on a ride through the Nesselberg mountain, unpack the i4’s technical prowess, and share my firsthand impressions of what it really means to drive this electric coupe in the real world.
The BMW i4: Electric Performance Meets Classic BMW Sportiness
BMW’s i4 comes in several variants, but the version I tested at Nesselberg was the i4 eDrive40 , the mid, range model equipped with a rear, wheel, drive electric motor producing 250 kW (340 hp) and 430 Nm of torque. It’s a substantial power output for a rear, driven EV, and the car tips the scales at over 2.1 tons due to its large battery pack.
What’s compelling about the i4 is how it carries BMW’s sporting DNA forward. It’s not just about straight, line speed or range; it’s about cornering precision, steering feedback, and the overall driving engagement. The coupe silhouette , measuring 4.78 meters long, 1.85 meters wide, and sitting just 1.45 meters tall , promises a low center of gravity and a planted feel, essential for those tight mountain curves.
The i4’s battery is a beast of technology in itself: 83.9 kWh gross capacity, with 81.1 kWh usable, housed beneath the floor for optimal weight distribution. BMW claims up to 585 km range on the WLTP cycle, but real, world driving , especially on Nesselberg , would put this to the test.
First Impressions on Nesselberg: Poise, Precision, and Power
Driving the i4 up the steep inclines and through the rapid switchbacks of Nesselberg was an exhilarating experience. The immediate thrust of the electric motor delivers a smooth yet compelling surge of acceleration, pushing you back in your seat with a silent but forceful shove.
Despite the car’s hefty weight, the i4 felt agile. The rear, wheel, drive layout gave a classic BMW feel, allowing for playful rear, end rotation mid, corner, provided you dared to explore the throttle. The steering is crisp and precise, although a little on the sharper side, which took a few bends to fully appreciate. Once dialed in, it offered excellent feedback , a rare trait in many electric cars that tend to feel numb.
The suspension setup is impressively balanced. It’s firm enough to keep the car flat and confident through tight corners yet compliant enough to smooth over the uneven stretches of mountain tarmac without harshness. Nesselberg’s mix of sharp corners and rough patches served as the perfect proving ground for this balance.
One thing that stood out was the seamless power delivery. Unlike turbocharged combustion engines that can exhibit lag or surge, the i4’s electric motor responds instantaneously, making urban overtakes and quick mountain passes effortless. The acceleration from 15 to 30 km/h in just 0.7 seconds is perfect for merging onto tight mountain roads, while 60 to 100 km/h in 3.0 seconds gave me plenty of confidence when overtaking slower vehicles.
Energy Efficiency and Range Realities: The i4 on a Mountain Drive
BMW’s claimed WLTP range of 585 km is ambitious, especially for a sporty coupe with a battery over 80 kWh. Realistically, on demanding roads like Nesselberg, consumption rises significantly. The ADAC test figures, which are more grounded, suggest an average consumption of around 19.5 kWh/100 km, translating into a real, world range of roughly 490 km.
On the mountain roads, regenerative braking plays a critical role. The i4 uses a smart system that blends regeneration and friction braking well, allowing you to recover energy smoothly when descending or slowing for tight corners. The braking distance from 100 km/h averaged around 36 meters, which felt adequate though not class, leading. The tires fitted to our test car were more focused on energy efficiency, which slightly compromised ultimate grip but helped extend range.
Charging times are also reasonable. The i4 supports DC fast charging up to 205 kW, meaning you can charge from 10% to 80% in just over half an hour on suitable chargers. AC charging at home or at public stations maxes out at 11 kW, taking roughly nine hours for a full charge.
Interior and Tech: Driving Focus Meets Modern Convenience
Inside, the i4’s cabin strikes a balance between sporty and modern. The large, curved display dominates the dashboard, blending the digital instrument cluster and infotainment into one sweeping panel. While BMW touts this system as intuitive, I found the menu complexity required some time to master. Still, the physical iDrive controller and buttons on the steering wheel provide a nice tactile balance, preventing you from fumbling with touch controls mid, drive.
The seats were supportive yet comfortable for long mountain journeys, and the cabin quietness was remarkable, letting the sound of tires on gravel and the whisper of the wind come through gently , a refreshing change from combustion engine noise.
Storage space is generous for a coupe, with 470 liters of trunk capacity, expandable to over 1,200 liters with rear seats folded. That’s ample for luggage or even a pair of e, bikes on the rear trailer hitch, which supports up to 1,600 kg braked load , impressive for an EV coupe.
Driving Dynamics: Sporty Yet Comfortable on Demanding Roads
The true highlight of the i4 is its driving dynamics. On Nesselberg’s challenging roads, the car felt composed even at higher speeds. The chassis was taut but never harsh. The electric motor’s instant torque delivery helped navigate uphill climbs with ease, and the rear, wheel, drive setup gave a hint of oversteer potential that thrilled without ever becoming scary.
The 5.7, second sprint to 100 km/h felt instantaneous, and the car maintained composure during high, speed lane changes. Steering precision is excellent, though the sharpness can catch you off guard until you get used to it.
Despite the sporty intent, the suspension never compromised ride comfort. On rough mountain patches, the i4 absorbed bumps gracefully, avoiding the harshness common in some sports EVs.
Conclusion: The i4 Is For Riders Who Love Driving
After spending several hours tackling the tight, twisting Nesselberg mountain roads, I can confidently say that the BMW i4 eDrive40 is a genuinely sporty electric coupe that delivers on the promise of “Sheer Driving Pleasure.” The car combines BMW’s driving dynamics legacy with modern electric efficiency and technology.
While it’s heavier than combustion cousins and requires adapting to its sharper steering, the i4 feels alive and engaging , a car that puts driving enjoyment first without sacrificing range or practicality. Its refined suspension and excellent powertrain make it a perfect companion for spirited mountain drives and everyday commutes alike.
The i4 is not just an EV; it’s a statement that electric can be emotional, precise, and utterly fun.
How practical is the BMW i4 for everyday use?
Very practical. The i4 offers four doors, five seats, and a spacious trunk. With an electric range close to 500 km in real, world conditions, it covers daily needs and longer trips comfortably. The battery’s fast, charging capability also reduces downtime.
Is the rear, wheel, drive layout limiting?
Not really. The rear, wheel drive gives the i4 a traditional sporty feel with good balance. For those wanting more grip and power, BMW offers the M50 with all, wheel drive and 544 hp.
How does the i4 compare to combustion models like the M3?
While the i4 lacks the engine sound, it makes up with instant torque and smooth power delivery. Handling is sharp but more composed, and the ride is more comfortable for daily driving.
