[72 dudes]

Always interesting to hear other’s views of a car and reinforces just how important it is to test drive a car yourself regardless of what magazine or YouTube reviews say!

The jiggly ride you mention amazes me. The one we tried was very compliant and compared well with our XC40 on 18″ wheels. Maybe the M Sport you tried had the 20″ wheels?

The boot is actually quite large by class standards, although not particularly deep and as you say, not suitable for dogs.

The rear seat I agree with, it’s cramped and the high floor forces your knees into an artificially high position. We have people in the back about twice a year, so this is something we were willing to overlook.

Probably not fair to criticise the sound system if it wasn’t set up properly! The i35 we get on the scheme has the Harmon Kardon stereo which was excellent.

Again, I’m surprised you found the noise levels on the motorway higher than expected. Admittedly I haven’t driven an Enyaq or Ionic 5, but maybe if your test car had 19 or 20″ wheels, that may go some way to explaining that.

I think with the i4, I like the idea that it’s a BMW which happens to be electric, as opposed to an “electric car”.

This does mean that access and packaging will not be for everyone.

2024 - BMW i4 Grand Coupe eDrive 35 Sport
2020 - Volvo XC40 T4 Inscription
2017 - Audi Q3 TFSi Sport S-Tronic

[72 dudes]

We had a good test drive in one before we ordered out current XC40.

We were very impressed in the showroom with quality, fit and finish of the interior.

The test drive was a let down though.

Not only isn’t there much torque, it’s fairly high up in the rev range, and revving the engine to make progress meant the engine sounded strained and unpleasant.

We also found the ride too firm and the seats were not well shaped, allowing us to slide around during gentle cornering.

Fuel consumption on the test drive was 32 MPG.

So as usual with these things, a long test drive is key to see if it suits your own preferences and requirements.

Think about this: It has less torque than a Peugeot 3008 1.2 turbo, which was a far nicer car to drive.

• This reply was modified 2 years, 7 months ago by 72 dudes.

2024 - BMW i4 Grand Coupe eDrive 35 Sport
2020 - Volvo XC40 T4 Inscription
2017 - Audi Q3 TFSi Sport S-Tronic

[72 dudes]

Paul wrote:

If by some miracle the bmw i4 comes down in price(surprised still om the list),does it effect build slot place and delivery times if new order placed with the lower AP?

It shouldn’t do Paul. The Motability cancellation is administrative only and doesn’t affect the order with the manufacturer, in this case BMW.

The salesman then inputs the new order onto his system with the lower AP.

2024 - BMW i4 Grand Coupe eDrive 35 Sport
2020 - Volvo XC40 T4 Inscription
2017 - Audi Q3 TFSi Sport S-Tronic

[72 dudes]

I look forward to the AP on the BMW i4 coming down to £99 so I can cancel and reorder ?

2024 - BMW i4 Grand Coupe eDrive 35 Sport
2020 - Volvo XC40 T4 Inscription
2017 - Audi Q3 TFSi Sport S-Tronic

[72 dudes]

Stev Robert wrote:

Is the San Remo Green available to motobilty on the BMW i4 35

Yes, it’s one of the standard metallic colours available on the Sport

2024 - BMW i4 Grand Coupe eDrive 35 Sport
2020 - Volvo XC40 T4 Inscription
2017 - Audi Q3 TFSi Sport S-Tronic

[72 dudes]

kezo wrote:

joss wrote:

Try this @martinod https://www.gov.uk/guidance/register-an-electric-vehicle-for-the-ev-chargepoint-grant-scheme-guidance-for-vehicle-manufacturers

The £350 grant ended April 2022

Yes because the government want to promote their Green Agenda and persuade us to use electric cars ……. Oh wait ….

2024 - BMW i4 Grand Coupe eDrive 35 Sport
2020 - Volvo XC40 T4 Inscription
2017 - Audi Q3 TFSi Sport S-Tronic

[72 dudes]

tvs wrote:

Sorry for the mix up, it is Skyscraper Grey I was getting mixed up with! Looked nice on the test car they lent us.

Ah that makes sense.

Yes it’s a nice colour especially with the blue flashes and aluminium window surrounds

😉

So it must have been an actual Sport you drove, as you can’t get an M Sport in Skyscraper Grey.

2024 - BMW i4 Grand Coupe eDrive 35 Sport
2020 - Volvo XC40 T4 Inscription
2017 - Audi Q3 TFSi Sport S-Tronic

[72 dudes]

Menorca Mike wrote:

Was it low to get in did you raise the drivers seat to make it higher ?

@Menorca Mike

I’d have thought the Megane was a very similar height to your current C-HR.

Hope you enjoy the test drive. Tell us how you get on.

2024 - BMW i4 Grand Coupe eDrive 35 Sport
2020 - Volvo XC40 T4 Inscription
2017 - Audi Q3 TFSi Sport S-Tronic

[72 dudes]

I think it’s tvs who might be getting confused. I don’t think Moonstone Grey is an option for the i4.

The only grey which is “free” on the Sport is Skyscraper.

Brooklyn is available on the M Sport, but afaik would cost  another £600 ish for Motability customers.

Same as Dravit Grey which is much darker with a bronzey tinge in certain lights.

Beyond that, you’re into BMW individual colours which are silly money, £3k plus.

Happy to be proved wrong though!

2024 - BMW i4 Grand Coupe eDrive 35 Sport
2020 - Volvo XC40 T4 Inscription
2017 - Audi Q3 TFSi Sport S-Tronic

[72 dudes]

@Bowly101

Such a similar tale to our own.

We also have a 2020 Volvo XC40 T4 and love it. We extended the lease back in March as there was literally nothing on the scheme which interested us.

We’d almost decided that the Lexus UX250h might do the job despite it’s small boot when the BMW i4 suddenly joined the scheme.

Neither of us thought an EV was for us but I started doing a bit of research and YouTube watching.

We went along to our local BMW dealership a few days later and just loved it. We took out an eDrive 35 on our own and loved it even more!

Mrs 72 Dudes’ disability means that although she doesn’t *need* an SUV, she does find it easier to get in and out of one, so before we did anything else, I asked her outright if she was sure about going for a lower sporty car

She was!

So we ordered then and there. Skyscraper Grey, blue accents, aluminium mesh interior trim and aluminium window surrounds.

I’m still watching loads of EV reviews, and soaking up all the information I can regarding charging and range.

Download the Zapmap app and have a play around with the filters. Join the EV owners group on Facebook, subscribe to The EV Guy, Electrifying and Fully Charged on YouTube

Our Ohme Home Pro charger was installed on Wednesday, so it’s just sitting there pending the arrival of the i4, but I’m enjoying the anticipation and the soaking up of all the information I can get.

Enjoy the Megane E Tech when it comes and let us know how you’re getting on.

2024 - BMW i4 Grand Coupe eDrive 35 Sport
2020 - Volvo XC40 T4 Inscription
2017 - Audi Q3 TFSi Sport S-Tronic

[72 dudes]

John wrote:

Just for all wondering about adaptive cruise control some good news it can be downloaded from the bmw store into the sport.

Good news! Worth considering if the price isn’t silly.

2024 - BMW i4 Grand Coupe eDrive 35 Sport
2020 - Volvo XC40 T4 Inscription
2017 - Audi Q3 TFSi Sport S-Tronic

[72 dudes]

tvs wrote:

We did prefer the Mineral White with blue accents, 18″ Alloys, silver window surrounds. Aluminium Mesheffect Interior Trim. Oh, and it comes with white headlining on that colour. Really pleased that we have put the order in, if the AP comes down they will adjust so a win win situation.

Great choice, Mineral White was a contender for us too, although it was a firm No from Mrs 72 Dudes when I kept showing her photos of Sunset Orange!

2024 - BMW i4 Grand Coupe eDrive 35 Sport
2020 - Volvo XC40 T4 Inscription
2017 - Audi Q3 TFSi Sport S-Tronic

[72 dudes]

@ Djw38uk

Yes, I greased their palms with pieces of silver.

No, the car is on order, but with a long lead time.

As soon as the order was placed with Motability, the wheels started turning and within 5 days Ohme had been in touch asking for a video of the meter, fuse box, earth wires, where I wanted it etc

2024 - BMW i4 Grand Coupe eDrive 35 Sport
2020 - Volvo XC40 T4 Inscription
2017 - Audi Q3 TFSi Sport S-Tronic

[72 dudes]

I did a bit of research before ordering our EV – not due until next year.

It didn’t take long to find out that the Ohme Pro Home is the one to go for and is compatible with Intelligent Octopus, regarded by most as the best tariff for EVs.

So I phoned Motability and explained this and asked if I could be allocated an Ohme charger.

I was put through to another department and explained it again.

The answer was along the lines of We can’t guarantee an Ohme but will put it down as your preference.

Anyway an Ohme charger was installed this morning, no issues and looks very neat

I asked the installer (Plug Me In) about Easee, and he said he always had trouble during the installation of Easee chargers but has never been called back to an Ohme installation.

So this may well be the reason that Motability are currently only offering the Ohme.

2024 - BMW i4 Grand Coupe eDrive 35 Sport
2020 - Volvo XC40 T4 Inscription
2017 - Audi Q3 TFSi Sport S-Tronic

[72 dudes]

John wrote:

@72 Dudes Fairly sure the salesman said module for radar cruise control wasn’t fitted on the sport so couldn’t be activated only M Sport. Only way to put it on is through technology plus pack.

Ah, could be right. I was going off a previous poster’s invoice which seemed to suggest that high beam and active cruise were fitted but not activated.

Read somewhere that these things can be activated using a bit of software and an OBD2.

2024 - BMW i4 Grand Coupe eDrive 35 Sport
2020 - Volvo XC40 T4 Inscription
2017 - Audi Q3 TFSi Sport S-Tronic

[72 dudes]

tvs wrote:

Arranged for an extended test drive with Marshall’s on Weds – Grimsby. Intend to order for a April delivery if all is well. Lease is up then. They have found good demand for the i4 and times are lengthening so they happily agreed to my timing. Pity that BMW don’t include tinted glass in the spec, extra £350 but can have it done elsewere cheaper. It will be our 1st electric car having a X1 x drive sport at the moment. From the road test reports should have a useable range of 250 miles which for the local driving about of us will be fine. Mineral White with Blue accents, 18″ wheels

Good choice, I like the blue accents and I think they work well with the white. Unique to the Sport too so likely to be unusual.

We’ve gone for Skyscraper Grey with the blue accents and aluminium window surrounds.

Might look at tints later or more likely activating the radar cruise control.

2024 - BMW i4 Grand Coupe eDrive 35 Sport
2020 - Volvo XC40 T4 Inscription
2017 - Audi Q3 TFSi Sport S-Tronic

[72 dudes]

Lord Muc wrote:

Did anyone choose the interior dash options, of gloss black or silver?

Yes, we’ve specced the silver (aluminium mesh) design for the dash and console surround.

Also gone for the electric blue flashes and accents along with aluminium window surrounds in place of high gloss black.

Wouldn’t suit all colours but looks great with the Skyscraper Grey.

2024 - BMW i4 Grand Coupe eDrive 35 Sport
2020 - Volvo XC40 T4 Inscription
2017 - Audi Q3 TFSi Sport S-Tronic

[72 dudes]

Thanks for those photos Matt T, the seats look better than expected, although they appear to have extendable bases, which I didn’t think the Sport has?

2024 - BMW i4 Grand Coupe eDrive 35 Sport
2020 - Volvo XC40 T4 Inscription
2017 - Audi Q3 TFSi Sport S-Tronic

[72 dudes]

@Paul

We ordered last Wednesday and were contacted by Ohme yesterday, so four working days.

There was quite a lengthy in-depth online questionnaire I had to complete involving taking photographs and uploading a video of the route between the electric supply and the fuse box, but I found it quite enjoyable!

I then got a confirmation email saying that the installers Plug Me In would be touch again “soon”

As the car isn’t expected until next year I’m not worried at the moment, but our Motability specialist thought it would be a month or so.

Hope this helps.

Incidentally, we’re already with Octopus Energy, so for us the Ohme charger makes more sense than the Easee one, as we can select the Intelligent Octopus tariff which gives 6 hours of cheap charging rather than the more usual 4.

2024 - BMW i4 Grand Coupe eDrive 35 Sport
2020 - Volvo XC40 T4 Inscription
2017 - Audi Q3 TFSi Sport S-Tronic

[72 dudes]

I can’t answer your question directly, but as soon as you order an electric car, you will be contacted by either Ohme or Easee with regards to doing a survey as to where/how/if the wall box should go up.

If as a result of this, there is some major problems with your existing system or layout, cancel the order for the electric car.

There may be more information on YouTube too?

2024 - BMW i4 Grand Coupe eDrive 35 Sport
2020 - Volvo XC40 T4 Inscription
2017 - Audi Q3 TFSi Sport S-Tronic

[72 dudes]

Good choice Belfast 93, great colour combination!

The £5k AP was higher than I wanted to pay really, so we’re not having any optional extras this time, but your two would probably have been my choice too ?

The Sport design is cleaner in my opinion and I’ve no problem with the wheels, but wouldn’t kick up a fuss if they said you’ve been upgraded to an M Sport in Brooklyn Grey!

Checked a couple of leasing sites and the M Sport seems cheaper than the Sport. Must be down to residuals ?

2024 - BMW i4 Grand Coupe eDrive 35 Sport
2020 - Volvo XC40 T4 Inscription
2017 - Audi Q3 TFSi Sport S-Tronic

[72 dudes]

@Glos Guy

I bet your friend also had a Ford Angular back in the 60s ?

2024 - BMW i4 Grand Coupe eDrive 35 Sport
2020 - Volvo XC40 T4 Inscription
2017 - Audi Q3 TFSi Sport S-Tronic

[72 dudes]

@Glos Guy – agreed

@Crippleddad What colour did you choose?

I know my tastes are different to the majority but I think the electric blue flashes look good, especially on the white and grey models!

Double check that you can’t delete electric blue for grey flashes though – if you spec one up on carwow, it’s a selectable no cost option.

There is also the option of changing the high gloss black window surrounds with aluminium. I will be doing this too. Kind of gives the car an “SE” look. (I know, I’m old school)

• This reply was modified 2 years, 8 months ago by 72 dudes.

2024 - BMW i4 Grand Coupe eDrive 35 Sport
2020 - Volvo XC40 T4 Inscription
2017 - Audi Q3 TFSi Sport S-Tronic

[72 dudes]

@Tony Cook

I doubt the difference between Sport and M Sport ride/handling is hugely different.

In fact I was told it was minimal.

I’ve never known any BMW to be wallowy so I wouldn’t worry.

If the Sport is slightly softer than the already excellent M Sport, then all the better in my book!

I did insist on driving the 35 as opposed to the 40 though.

Sport models seem to be thin on the ground. If you look at the used car locator, there may be some Sport models near you, but they are more likely to be the eDrive 40.

• This reply was modified 2 years, 8 months ago by 72 dudes.

2024 - BMW i4 Grand Coupe eDrive 35 Sport
2020 - Volvo XC40 T4 Inscription
2017 - Audi Q3 TFSi Sport S-Tronic

[72 dudes]

@Debs the green looks really good but it’s almost black in the metal so we had to discount it!

I would have gone for Sunset Orange but Mrs 72 Dudes vetoed it!

The Harmon Kardon sound system is amazing

2024 - BMW i4 Grand Coupe eDrive 35 Sport
2020 - Volvo XC40 T4 Inscription
2017 - Audi Q3 TFSi Sport S-Tronic

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