2023 BMW i4 Gran Coupe Interior and Cargo

Ranging from reserved to vivid, there are some interesting BMW i4 interior colors to choose from. The base model features perforated Sensatec upholstery in your choice of Canberra Beige, Tacora Red, Cognac, or Black. Seats can also be upholstered in Vernasca leather in your choice of Tacora Red, Mocha, Black, or Oyster for an additional $1,500. The classy but rather restrained cabin can be dressed up in several trim options. These include Open Pore Fine Wood Oak Grain, High Gloss Fine Wood Ash Grey-Brown, Aluminum mesh effect, Aluminum Rhombicle Anthracite, and Black High Gloss. Unique to the M50 is carbon fiber trim, a $300 option. The sport steering wheel is wrapped in leather.

As with other BMWs in the same price range, the quality of the materials is generally exemplary. Soft-touch plastics and switches that operate with an underlying solidity leave a lasting impression.

At ten cubic feet, the BMW i4's trunk space is not particularly large although it will suffice for daily errands. More usefully, the rear hatch design and 40/20/40 split-folding seat helps with loading and unloading larger objects and makes for a practical and accessible trunk storage area. Fold the seats down in the second row, and you'll have more than enough space to fit one of those electric mini bikes. It's a shame that BMW couldn't fit another frunk under hood for even more practicality.

In the cabin, there is a center console storage compartment, door pockets, and cupholders front and rear. The rear cupholders are located in the fold-down center armrest.

The feature list on the 2023 BMW i4 is extensive, with even more awaiting the buyer on the options list. The lower two trims come with power front sport seats, a BMW curved display with a configurable 12.3-inch instrument cluster, a power moonroof, an automatic-dimming interior rearview mirror, comfort access keyless entry, and multi-zone automatic climate control. Heated front seats would've been a nice standard feature but, unfortunately, requires an extra charge. You can also add options like a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, wireless charging, ambient lighting, and a head-up display.

The BMW i4's safety equipment is quite generous, too. You don't need to pay extra for forward collision warning, active blind-spot detection, lane departure warning, the obligatory rearview camera, and both front and rear park distance control. Acoustic pedestrian detection is necessary as the i4 is, of course, mechanically silent.

The i4 features a futuristic dashboard layout with a huge digital driver cluster and a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment display that runs iDrive 8 software. This system is operated via voice commands, the touchscreen, or iDrive touchpad and is responsive and intuitive, if a bit overwhelming at first glance as there is simply so much happening on the screen. The system also features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth streaming, navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio, and over-the-air updates. Sound quality is decent rather than exceptional via the standard ten-speaker sound system, but audiophiles can opt for an even better Harman Kardon sound system for an additional $875. The entire system is a joy to use and one of the best we've tested in this class.