i4

10 Things to Know Before Buying BMW i4 in Hong Kong

Based on real owner experiences and reviews

1. 01

   No Apple CarPlay on any i4 variant. BMW uses its own iDrive navigation system, which owners find unreliable for Hong Kong streets. Without CarPlay as a fallback, this is one of the most common complaints from i4 owners.

2. 02

   BMW's European factory stopped supplying the eDrive40 and M50 to Hong Kong, leaving only the eDrive35. The official reasoning was that Hong Kong's short daily distances don't require the longer range. Buyers wanting more power or range no longer have a new option from the dealer.

3. 03

   Comprehensive insurance (全保) for the i4 runs around $18,000 per year with 50% no-claims bonus. The M50 may be classified as a performance car by some insurers, pushing premiums even higher. Younger drivers under 25 should budget $30,000 or more.

4. 04

   Most owners switch to sport mode for the suspension within the first week. The comfort setting is tuned very soft, and passengers frequently report motion sickness on Hong Kong's winding roads. Sport mode firms things up significantly.

5. 05

   Installing a 12V always-on dashcam may void the 8-year battery warranty. The BMW HK dealer specifically advises against permanent connections to the vehicle's 12V system. Owners recommend using dashcams that draw power only when the car is running.

6. 06

   Interior build quality is a clear step above similarly priced EVs like the Tesla Model 3. Owners who cross-shopped both consistently rate the i4's cabin materials and fit higher, though they acknowledge Tesla's charging network and software are stronger.

7. 07

   The optional 360-degree camera can be misleading when parking. Multiple owners report the overlay lines don't accurately reflect the car's position, leading to minor scrapes. Some recommend relying on mirrors and sensors instead of trusting the camera view.

8. 08

   The rear floor has a raised center tunnel carried over from the petrol 4 Series platform. The middle rear seat is essentially unusable for adults, making this a four-seater in practice. Rear legroom and seat height are comparable to the Tesla Model 3.

9. 09

   An intermittent low-frequency humming noise can occur on the M50, particularly when stationary. One owner confirmed through BMW service that this is the battery cooling pump cycling on and off during normal operation, not a defect.

10. 10

    Real-world range on the eDrive35 sits around 300 to 350km in Hong Kong driving. City driving with air conditioning eats into the rated range noticeably. Owners coming from the eDrive40 report losing 30 to 50km compared to what they were used to.