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BMW i4 returns to Australia with refreshed tech and trim
BMW has quietly reintroduced the i4 compact executive fastback to the Australian market, now priced from an RRP of AUD 88,900 — keeping the model just under the Luxury Car Tax threshold. The 2025 refresh brings visual refinements, a higher standard spec sheet and technical upgrades aimed at improving efficiency and everyday appeal.
What’s new on the refreshed i4
The updated i4 arrives in a single, well-equipped specification locally, with the i4 Gran Coupe due back in showrooms later this year as the i4 eDrive35. Key changes include aesthetic updates tied to the M Sport Package, now standard on some refreshed variants, plus upgraded tech under the sheet.
Highlights:
- Revised kidney grille with a diamond-textured surface and new headlights
- M-specific exterior elements: front apron, side skirts, rear bumper and diffuser
- Standard 18-inch M light alloy wheels (19- and 20-inch wheels optional)
- New flat-bottomed M leather steering wheel with a 12 o'clock marker
- Electric glass sunroof and revised climate control layout
Efficiency and range gains
Under the skin the i4 benefits from silicon carbide (SiC) semiconductor technology in its power electronics, which BMW says reduces consumption by roughly 4.5%. On local test cycles that translates into a practical range increase from 430 km to 448 km on a single charge. For buyers who factor real-world range into purchase decisions, that gain is meaningful — it improves daily usability without changing battery capacity.
Powertrain and performance
The i4 uses BMW’s fifth-generation eDrive system: a 66.4 kWh net battery and a rear-mounted electric motor producing 210 kW and 400 Nm (roughly 282 hp and 295 lb-ft). That combination keeps the i4 competitive among premium EV sedans, offering brisk performance for commuting and motorway runs while prioritising efficiency.
Additional specification upgrades for the refreshed model include driver and front passenger lumbar support, extended M high-gloss Shadowline trim, Fine-Brushed Aluminum M interior décor, Parking Assistant Plus and tyre pressure monitoring. A repair kit Plus is also included.
Options, colours and pricing specifics
Alpine White is the only paint with no extra cost. Other finishes such as Black Sapphire, Mineral White, M Portimao Blue, M Brooklyn Grey, Cape York Green and Fire Red are AUD 2,000 each. Two optional 19-inch wheel designs cost AUD 2,100 each, while the 20-inch package is AUD 5,000. Interior choices include Sensatec Black or Cognac and an M interior trim, plus an ash grey-blue open-pore fine wood option at no additional charge.
Market context and who it suits
The i4 continues to sit above BMW’s city EVs and alongside traditional 3 Series buyers who want an electric fastback alternative. With BMW rolling out Neue Klasse models and expanding its EV range, the i4’s future is a bit uncertain — but for buyers seeking a premium, efficient electric sedan with a sporty flavour and generous standard equipment, the refreshed i4 is an attractive, competitively priced proposition in Australia.
Key takeaway: the 2025 i4 refresh sharpens styling, raises standard content and boosts real-world range thanks to SiC inverter tech, all while keeping the price point appealing for buyers avoiding the Luxury Car Tax.
Source: autoevolution
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