X

2023 BMW i4 eDrive35 Introduces a Smaller Battery, Lower Price

BMW estimates an EPA range of about 260 miles in this new entry-level trim.

2023 BMW i4 eDrive35
Enlarge Image
2023 BMW i4 eDrive35

BMW's range estimates for the eDrive35 are with the standard aero wheels. Any upgrades may have a detriment.

BMW

The BMW i4 is an excellent EV, blending the best of BMW's sedan lineup with a proper electric powertrain. We already have two variants in the US, and now we're about to get a third -- and to most people's delight, it's a less expensive version, not a costlier one.

BMW on Monday announced that the 2023 i4 eDrive35 will come to the US next year. This new entry-level model features a smaller battery than the eDrive40 and M50 variants. Instead of having 81.5 kilowatt-hours at one's disposal, the i4 eDrive35 will make do with just 66 kWh of usable capacity (gross capacity is 70.2 kWh). Range is down a bit, but not a ton, with BMW estimating an EPA range of 260 miles versus the eDrive40's 301 and the M50's 270.

Like the eDrive40, the i4 eDrive35 (this is less fun to type than it is to read, trust me) uses a single electric motor on the rear axle. Output is estimated at 281 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, deficits of 54 and 22, respectively, compared to the eDrive40. However, that lack of power only adds 0.3 seconds to the car's 0-to-60 time, going from 5.5 seconds to 5.8. When it comes time to charge, the eDrive35 will accept up to 180 kilowatts of juice, taking its battery from 10% to 80% in about half an hour.

2023 BMW i4 eDrive35
Enlarge Image
2023 BMW i4 eDrive35

This is a Euro-spec model, but there shouldn't be many (or any) changes between this and the eventual US version.

BMW

Inside, the BMW i4 eDrive35 picks up all the same standard equipment as the eDrive40, including BMW's impressive curved display, which combines a 12.3-inch gauge cluster and a 14.9-inch infotainment screen behind a single piece of glass. It should include all the same safety systems, as well, including full-speed adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning and blind-spot monitoring.

The 2023 BMW i4 eDrive35 also represents a new, lower price point for the i4 family. This new model will cost buyers $52,395, including $995 in destination charges. That's a little less than the $56,895 that a 2023 i4 eDrive40 will set you back, but if range and power aren't your reasons for considering the i4, saving a few bucks doesn't hurt. Production kicks off at the end of 2022, with deliveries beginning in the first quarter of 2023.

2022 BMW i4 eDrive40 Is a Nicely Balanced EV

See all photos
Andrew Krok Reviews Editor / Cars
Cars are Andrew's jam, as is strawberry. After spending years as a regular ol' car fanatic, he started working his way through the echelons of the automotive industry, starting out as social-media director of a small European-focused garage outside of Chicago. From there, he moved to the editorial side, penning several written features in Total 911 Magazine before becoming a full-time auto writer, first for a local Chicago outlet and then for CNET Cars.
Andrew Krok
Cars are Andrew's jam, as is strawberry. After spending years as a regular ol' car fanatic, he started working his way through the echelons of the automotive industry, starting out as social-media director of a small European-focused garage outside of Chicago. From there, he moved to the editorial side, penning several written features in Total 911 Magazine before becoming a full-time auto writer, first for a local Chicago outlet and then for CNET Cars.

Article updated on August 1, 2022 at 8:14 AM PDT

Our Experts

Written by 
Andrew Krok
CNET staff -- not advertisers, partners or business interests -- determine how we review the products and services we cover. If you buy through our links, we may get paid. Reviews ethics statement
Andrew Krok Reviews Editor / Cars
Cars are Andrew's jam, as is strawberry. After spending years as a regular ol' car fanatic, he started working his way through the echelons of the automotive industry, starting out as social-media director of a small European-focused garage outside of Chicago. From there, he moved to the editorial side, penning several written features in Total 911 Magazine before becoming a full-time auto writer, first for a local Chicago outlet and then for CNET Cars.
Why You Can Trust CNET
174175176177178179180+
Experts Interviewed
030405060708091011121314+
Companies Reviewed
108109110111112113+
Products Reviewed

We thoroughly evaluate each company and product we review and ensure our stories meet our high editorial standards.