Last updated on January 19th, 2022 at 03:35 pm
BMW has made significant changes to the i4 controls compared to the petrol 4-series. The dashboard is dominated by what looks like a single ultra-wide LCD panel but is in fact two displays placed adjacently. Behind the steering wheel is a 12.3in panel, which doesn’t make much of an attempt to mimic conventional analog dials. There’s numerical current speed in the middle, with a level indicator on the left. The right shows power and regeneration. Smaller icons along the bottom show things like remaining charge as percentage and distance, plus current speed limit.
Our test drive M50 came with the HUD, which is part of the £1,900 Tech pack for the eDrive40. Alongside your speed, this shows current speed limit and the next limit you will reach along your route, which is useful so you can slow down in preparation. There is next turn information if you are navigating, and some ADAS information.
BMW has simplified the array of buttons compared to its usual cockpit. The central console includes a gearstick for selecting reverse, neutral and drive, with a flick right for B mode with extra regeneration. A button on this stick selects park. There is a separate switch for the parking brake, although you can get away without bothering to engage this if you want. There are discrete buttons to enable Auto Hold and the three drive power modes – Sport, Comfort and Eco Pro. A large round button turns the system on. The air conditioning has some discrete buttons, but only for key screen demisting functions.
To the left of the gearstick is a rotating knob and buttons to control the infotainment system, which brings us to the other display next to the 12.3in dashboard instrumentation. This is a 14.9in curved screen for media, entertainment, and settings. It’s a touchscreen, but you can also use the aforementioned knob and buttons to operate it. We found the satnav a little quirky for entering addresses, and we’ve never liked the colour scheme used by BMW’s maps which look too busy, but it is connected and includes live traffic.
You will also need to use the touchscreen for most of the climate control operations. There is support for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. One of the slickest aspects is how you use a QR code to set up with the smartphone app (not unique, as even MG uses this), but this can also allow you to import settings from a pre-existing BMW account. This will be handy for fleet owners, so employees can get going in a new car from the pool as quickly as possible. The i4 comes with Over The Air software updating capability as standard too.
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