The 2026 i4 eDrive35 Gran Coupé isn’t just another EV with a BMW badge. It’s a genuinely compelling alternative for drivers who crave the German marque’s classic look and feel. It simply arrives with the silent, seamless surge of electric power.
Under the sleek body sits a 210kW/400Nm power unit delivering the kind of punch that makes the car feel alive. It’s quick, clean and effortlessly smooth, and gives responsiveness that makes you grin, without needing to wring out a petrol engine.
The i4 is familiar in all the right ways. The front end treatment is classic BMW, with an EV twist (although it would be better if it maintained its old school charm). The sleek front lights look fantastic and perform extremely well. Minimal badges enhance the clean look.
The M aerodynamics package adds to the appeal with sporty bumpers, sills and a Shadowline trim. Sliding back to the rear end and the wire look LED tail lights are modern and effective, particularly at night.
The duck‑tail lip on the boot sets the tone immediately and gives the rear end a taut, athletic stance. The real surprise comes when you discover that this isn’t a traditional sedan boot at all. BMW has slipped in a coupe‑style rear hatch.
It transforms the car’s practicality in a way you don’t expect from something with such a sporting silhouette. The lift‑over height is low, making loading and unloading easy. Inside the storage areas and integrated boxes aren’t just thrown in either.
Instead, they are deliberately shaped, positioned, and sectioned to make the most of the layout. Capacity is 470-litres with the seats up and 1,290 when they’re down. The standard 18-inch 858 wheels are classy and clean.
You can opt for 19 or 20-inch offerings, if you want to go all-in. You can choose from Black Sapphire, Mineral White, M Portimao Blue, M Brooklyn Grey, Cape York Green and Fire Red, as well as a bunch of Individual external colours.
Hop into the driver’s seat and you’re greeted with a reminder of why the brand still owns the “old‑world luxury” vibe better than most. The Sensatec perforated Cognac upholstery is the star of the show. It really lifts the atmosphere and makes it warm and rich.
The real surprise is that it’s offered at no extra cost over the standard Black, yet it looks and feels like an upgrade that I would pay for. The electric seats with memory are comfortable, with bolstering to hold you tight. These are heated up front.
The Ash Grey Blue fine wood trim ties the whole interior together beautifully. It’s subtle, modern, and a perfect counterpoint to the Cognac seats. Then there’s the classic BMW touch, everything simply works.
Buttons have that reassuring weight, materials feel durable yet indulgent and the ergonomics are spot on. The M leather steering wheel is soft and tactile. The BMW cockpit features a great curved screen that provides a configurable digital instrument cluster.
There’s an albeit a little complex touchscreen infotainment space and you nab a head up display to boot. The connection to wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is instant and reliable. The instrument cluster fits the size and shape of the steering wheel.
Practical items like a wireless phone charger and thoughtful storage makes life simple. The 10-speaker 205-watt sound system has some real grunt. Motion is selected by a functional and easy to learn lever with both drive and regen brake modes.
The latter provides for single pedal driving and the BMW will come to a stop when the accelerator is released. Even in Eco mode, performance is good. For something a little extra, BMW have included IconicSounds, which adds an extra dimension to the experience.
The performance is more than adequate and the electric system feels strong on its way to 100km/h in 6.0 seconds. The 66.4kWh battery offers a claimed 448km (we saw a best of 398km in real world testing).
Steering is typical BMW, and is direct and focused, with handling on all surfaces predictable and smooth. Rough roads are easily managed. As you would expect, all of the latest safety features are included, and are well sorted and smooth.
Lane assist is accurate and sensitive, without being jerky. It will charge on a DC fast charger at up to 180kW, and we saw 17.3kWh/100km in terms of battery usage. The BMW i4 eDrive35 Gran Coupé starts at $96,193 drive away.
It’s backed by a 5-year unlimited kilometre warranty (8-years or 160,000km on the battery). You can opt for a four or 6-year care plan too. You can find out more on the BMW Australia website, or by talking to your local dealership.
To get a low rate finance quote, talk to Australia’s best reviewed car finance broker; Credit One. To see a great range of vehicles for sale, check out OnlyCars.com.au.
Our test vehicle was provided by BMW Australia for independent review purposes. Exhaust Notes Australia has not been paid to review this vehicle.
