BMW i4 Gran Coupé eDrive40: When Tech and Driving Still Matter
Some electric cars feel like rolling gadgets. Others feel like cars that just happen to be electric. The BMW i4 Gran Coupé firmly lands in the second category – and that’s exactly why it works so well.
We spent time with the BMW i4 eDrive40 M Sport, taking it out from Belper and giving it a proper mixed-road test: down the M1, across the A50 towards Ashbourne, then back via the flowing country roads around Turnditch. It’s the sort of route that exposes weaknesses quickly. The i4 didn’t show any.
Driving experience: electric, but unmistakably BMW
The first thing you notice is how planted the i4 feels. It sits low, turns in neatly and carries speed with confidence. Power delivery from the 250kW electric motor is smooth and immediate, but never abrupt. You press the pedal, it goes – cleanly and predictably.
On the more technical roads near Ashbourne, the i4 felt composed and balanced, shrinking around you in classic BMW fashion. There’s real feedback through the steering and a sense that the chassis has been tuned by people who still care about how a car drives.
It doesn’t shout about being electric. It just gets on with the job.
In-car tech: smart, seamless, and genuinely useful
BMW’s curved display is one of the better implementations on the market right now. Apple CarPlay integration is excellent, with navigation maps displayed across both the digital cockpit and the main screen.
Streaming Spotify was just as slick, with Ed Sheeran providing the soundtrack – our most-played artist from this year’s Spotify Wrapped. Switching between navigation, music and calls was intuitive and lag-free, exactly how in-car tech should be.
For gadget fans, this is a cabin that feels modern without being overwhelming.
Space, comfort and everyday usability
Despite its sporty Gran Coupé shape, the i4 is genuinely practical. Front seats are supportive and comfortable over longer distances, and rear-seat space was more than enough for the kids, who had plenty of room to stretch out.
Boot space is another win. The wide tailgate opening makes loading easy, and there’s enough capacity for family trips, work gear or the weekly shop without compromise.
Range never became a concern either. The 83.9kWh battery quietly does its thing in the background, letting you focus on the drive and the tech.
Our verdict
The BMW i4 Gran Coupé eDrive40 M Sport strikes a rare balance. It delivers modern EV performance and excellent in-car technology, while still feeling like a driver-focused machine.
If you want an electric car that doesn’t feel like a tech demo – but still nails the gadget side of things – the i4 deserves a serious look.
Try the BMW i4 on a flexible subscription
The BMW i4 Gran Coupé eDrive40 M Sport is available now via Cocoon Vehicles on a flexible car subscription. Variants with Pro Pack, Tech Pack, or Pro & Tech Pack are also available.
Subscriptions start from just 1 month, with extra savings available on terms of 90 days or more.
What’s included:
Maintenance and servicing
Road tax
Manufacturer warranty
Breakdown assistance
You just charge it and insure it on a fully comprehensive policy.
