Charging is possible by using a regular wall plug or a charging station. Public charging is always done through a charging station. How fast the EV can charge depends on the charging station (EVSE) used and the maximum charging capacity of the EV. The table below shows all possible options for charging the BMW i4 eDrive40. Each option shows how fast the battery can be charged from empty to full.
Europe
Charging an EV in Europe differs by country. Some European countries primarily use 1-phase connections to the grid, while other countries are almost exclusively using a 3-phase connection. The table below shows all possible ways the BMW i4 eDrive40 can be charged, but some modes of charging might not be widely available in certain countries.
Type 2 (Mennekes - IEC 62196)
Charging Point
Max. Power
Power
Time
Rate
Wall Plug (2.3 kW)
230V / 1x10A
2.3 kW
41h45m
12 km/h
1-phase 16A (3.7 kW)
230V / 1x16A
3.7 kW
26 hours
20 km/h
1-phase 32A (7.4 kW)
230V / 1x32A
7.4 kW
13 hours
40 km/h
3-phase 16A (11 kW)
400V / 3x16A
11 kW
8h45m
59 km/h
3-phase 32A (22 kW)
400V / 3x16A
11 kW †
8h45m
59 km/h
† = Limited by on-board charger, vehicle cannot charge faster.
Fast Charging (10 -> 80%)
Rapid charging enables longer journeys by adding as much range as possible in the shortest amount of time. Charging power will decrease significantly after 80% state-of-charge has been reached. A typical rapid charge therefore rarely exceeds 80% SoC. The rapid charge rate of an EV depends on the charger used and the maximum charging power the EV can handle. The table below shows all details for rapid charging the BMW i4 eDrive40.
Max. Power: maximum power provided by charge point
Avg. Power: average power provided by charge point over a session from 10% to 80%
Time: time needed to charge from 10% to 80%
Rate: average charging speed over a session from 10% to 80%
Combined Charging System (CCS Combo 2)
Charging Point
Max. Power
Avg. Power
Time
Rate
CCS (50 kW DC)
50 kW
50 kW
72 min
300 km/h
CCS (100 kW DC)
100 kW
85 kW †
42 min
510 km/h
CCS (150 kW DC)
150 kW
110 kW †
33 min
650 km/h
CCS (175 kW DC)
175 kW
120 kW †
30 min
720 km/h
CCS (350 kW DC)
207 kW †
131 kW †
27 min
800 km/h
This vehicle supports Autocharge
This vehicle supports Plug & Charge
† = Limited by charging capabilities of vehicle
Autocharge: allows for automatic initiation of a charging session at supported CCS charging stations.
Plug & Charge: allows for automatic initiation of a charging session at supported CCS charging stations in accordance with ISO 15118.
Actual charging rates may differ from data shown due to factors like outside temperature, state of the battery and driving style.
BMW Claimed Specifications
The table below shows the claimed specifications from the manufacturer for charging the BMW i4 eDrive40. The specifications can differ from the table above for a variety of reasons. If real-world charge tests are available, these differences can be signifcant. If no real-world tests are available, the table above will be based on the manufacturer specifications as per the table below.
Max. Power: maximum charge power during charging session
Charge From: battery percentage (% SoC) where charging session is started
Charge To: battery percentage (% SoC) where charging session is ended
Time: time needed for charging session
BMW Claimed Specifications
Max. Power
Charge From
Charge To
Time
205 kW
10 %
80 %
30 min
Dimensions and Weight
Length
4783 mm
Width
1852 mm
Width with mirrors
2073 mm
Height
1448 mm
Wheelbase
2856 mm
Weight Unladen (EU)
2125 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVWR)
2605 kg
Max. Payload
555 kg
Cargo Volume
470 L
Cargo Volume Max
1290 L
Cargo Volume Frunk
0 L
Roof Load
75 kg
Tow Hitch Possible
Yes
Towing Weight Unbraked
750 kg
Towing Weight Braked
1600 kg
Vertical Load Max
75 kg
About this Vehicle
BMW i4 eDrive40 Overview
The BMW i4 eDrive40 positions itself as a premium electric gran coupe in the competitive EV market, blending sports sedan dynamics with sustainable performance. As a rear-wheel-drive model from BMW’s i-series, it targets enthusiasts seeking a sophisticated alternative to mainstream crossovers, appealing to urban professionals and driving purists who prioritize handling over sheer utility. Built on the flexible CLAR platform shared with the 4 Series Gran Coupe, the i4 eDrive40 features BMW’s signature kidney grille styling adapted for aerodynamics, a low-slung silhouette, and advanced tech like the curved display with iDrive 8.5.
Key distinguishing features include its single rear electric motor delivering smooth power, an 84 kWh battery for impressive range, and BMW’s precise chassis tuning for engaging drives. In the EV landscape, the BMW i4 eDrive40 review highlights its role as a benchmark for electric sedan refinement, offering EV specs like up to 318 miles EPA range while maintaining the brand’s go-kart-like feel. This model matters for buyers wanting luxury without sacrificing fun, standing out against boxier SUVs with its coupe-like roofline and athletic poise.
BMW i4 eDrive40 Performance and Driving Experience
The BMW i4 eDrive40 delivers brisk acceleration with its single rear motor producing 335 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in around 5.5 seconds in real-world tests, thanks to linear power delivery and a pseudo-launch control mode. Handling shines with a near-perfect 46/54 weight distribution, enabling confident cornering and tail-happy dynamics on twisty roads, reminiscent of classic BMW 3 Series models. Its multilink suspension and precise steering provide excellent body control, while braking from 60-0 mph stops in just 113 feet with progressive feel blending regen and friction.
Specification
Value
0-60 mph (0-100 km/h)
5.5 sec (4.9 sec tested)
Top Speed
118 mph / 190 km/h
Power Output
335 hp / 250 kW
Torque
317 lb-ft / 430 Nm
BMW i4 eDrive40 Range and Battery Specifications
The BMW i4 eDrive40 boasts an EPA-rated range of 318 miles with 18-inch wheels (295 miles with 19-inch), powered by an 83.9 kWh battery (81.5 kWh usable) using liquid-cooled lithium-ion cells. WLTP range reaches up to 367 miles (590 km), but real-world figures like MotorTrend’s 267 miles at 70 mph reflect a 9-15% drop from official estimates. Energy efficiency hits 104 MPGe combined, influenced by factors like cold weather reducing range by 20-30%, aggressive driving, or larger wheels.
Range Metric
Value
WLTP Range
367 miles / 590 km
EPA Range
318 miles / 511 km
Real-World Range
267-280 miles / 430-450 km
Battery Capacity
83.9 kWh (81.5 kWh usable)
BMW i4 eDrive40 Charging Times and Options
Home charging for the BMW i4 eDrive40 is straightforward with Level 2 at 11 kW fully replenishing the battery in under 8 hours, ideal for overnight top-ups. DC fast charging peaks at 205 kW, adding 88-108 miles in 10 minutes or 10-80% in about 38 minutes at 104 kW average, compatible with Electrify America and other CCS networks. Practical scenarios include road trips with 132 miles gained in 15 minutes, making it viable for daily commutes or longer hauls.
Charging Method
Time
Speed
Level 1 (120V)
24+ hours
~1.4 kW
Level 2 (240V/7kW)
~12 hours
~7 kW
Level 2 (240V/11kW)
~8 hours
~11 kW
DC Fast Charge (10-80%)
38 min
up to 205 kW
BMW i4 eDrive40 vs Competitors
In the BMW i4 eDrive40 vs Tesla Model 3, the i4 edges out with superior handling and build quality, though the Model 3 offers better range (up to 341 miles) and Supercharger access. Compared to the Hyundai Ioniq 6, the i4 provides a more premium interior and dynamic drive but trails in efficiency and price. Against the Audi e-tron GT, it undercuts cost while matching acceleration, positioning the i4 as the driver’s choice in EV comparisons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Real-world range for the BMW i4 eDrive40 averages 267-280 miles on highway tests at 70 mph, dropping to 240-260 miles in cold weather or city driving, compared to its 318-mile EPA rating with 18-inch wheels.
Level 2 charging at 11 kW takes under 8 hours for a full charge, while DC fast charging (10-80%) completes in 38 minutes at up to 205 kW, adding 88-108 miles in 10 minutes.
The BMW i4 eDrive40 is rear-wheel drive (RWD) with a single 335-hp motor, offering playful dynamics; AWD is available on the xDrive40 variant.
The BMW Curved Display combines a 10.25-inch instrument cluster and 10.7-inch central screen into a seamless 14.9-inch unit running iDrive 8.5, with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and over-the-air updates.
The i4 excels in handling, luxury interior, and braking versus the Model 3’s superior range, Autopilot, and charging network, with similar 0-60 times around 5 seconds.
Yes, pros include engaging RWD dynamics, 318-mile range, and premium features; cons are slightly lower efficiency than rivals and higher price starting around $57,000.> The BMW i4 eDrive40 is a premium RWD electric gran coupe with 335 hp, up to 318 miles EPA range, and 205 kW fast charging. It stands out for sports sedan handling and BMW luxury, making it ideal for driving enthusiasts seeking refined EV specs over basic utility.
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