BMW gives i4 electric saloon a mid-life update

BMW has given its i4 saloon a mid-life update to keep the car feeling fresh against a slew of new models including the BYD Seal. 

The i4 has been a strong seller for the German giant since it arrived in 2021, notching up over 83,000 sales, while the high performance i4 M50 xDrive version has taken the title of best-selling M model in 2022 and 2023. Updates for this year, therefore, are light.

Revealed at this week's Beijing motor show, the i4 gets a number of minor exterior changes which include a new grille design featuring a BMW iX-like silver pattern, and new headlights to give a meaner, sharper look. There are new rear light clusters and M Sport models get a black painted diffuser at the rear for the first time. 

Meanwhile, on the inside, the i4 borrow the BMW's latest gear-selector design as seen on the iX1, and there's a simpler design for the air vents – small rotary switches now control the air flow. Naturally, BMW's most recent iDrive 8.5 infotainment system features, and the steering wheel now has illuminated buttons.

As before three versions are available, starting with the eDrive35 that packs 291bhp and up to 311 miles of range. Next up is the eDrive40 gets 335bhp and 373 miles of range, while topping the range is the sportier M50 xDrive. This version packs 536bhp allowing it to get from zero to 62mph in just 3.9 seconds. It can do a claimed 324 miles on a full charge.

The refreshed i4 will go on sale in July priced from £50,365.

New rear lights are part of a round of minor changes to the top-selling i4