Considering Switching from Tesla to BMW i4

Hello! My wife and I are contemplating purchasing a BMW i4 EV, and she’s transitioning from a Tesla Model 3. We have a few questions we’re hoping to get clarity on:

  1. How does the regenerative braking in the i4 compare to Tesla? We’re hoping it’s similar, but I sense the i4 may be more tailored to traditional braking. What are your experiences?

  2. The i4 supports phone-as-key functionality. Can it be set up so that the phone remains in your pocket for automatic locking and unlocking, similar to Tesla’s approach?

  3. If you’ve had experiences with both vehicles, what should we be aware of? We’re drawn to the i4, but we’re accustomed to certain Tesla features. We’re familiar with issues like Tesla’s build quality and service costs, but appreciate its strengths too.

We’re excited about potentially getting an i4 and would appreciate any insights you can share!

The BMW i4 offers a more traditional car experience compared to Tesla. It does feature a regenerative braking mode, but it may not satisfy dedicated Tesla drivers. However, many appreciate its conventional driving mode. The phone-as-key feature also might not meet Tesla standards. Also, it’s best not to refer to the Tesla Model 3 as ‘M3’ in a BMW context. Despite these differences, the i4 is a fantastic vehicle, distinctly designed with BMW’s signature approach.

@Monroe
The note about not calling the Model 3 an ‘M3’ in BMW circles is spot on!

Val said:
@Monroe
The note about not calling the Model 3 an ‘M3’ in BMW circles is spot on!

It’s important to respect the distinct identity and heritage of the BMW M3.

Monroe said:

Val said:
@Monroe
The note about not calling the Model 3 an ‘M3’ in BMW circles is spot on!

It’s important to respect the distinct identity and heritage of the BMW M3.

Understood, lesson learned about the importance of context here!

@Tarian
The Digital Key function in the i4 is more akin to Tesla’s key card system, using NFC rather than Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.

Zinn said:
@Zen
The M badge is iconic and should not be confused with Tesla models. It’s all in good fun, though!

Funny coincidence, I also worked on the movie ‘M3gan’—seems I can’t escape the ‘M3’ confusion!

Zinn said:
@Zen
The M badge is iconic and should not be confused with Tesla models. It’s all in good fun, though!

We BMW owners might joke about the M badge ourselves, but it’s a different story when others do it!

@Keaton
Exactly, it’s like family: we can criticize internally, but we defend it from outside criticism.

@Monroe
I’ve found the i4’s regenerative braking to be smoother and less aggressive compared to Tesla’s.

Wilder said:
@Monroe
I’ve found the i4’s regenerative braking to be smoother and less aggressive compared to Tesla’s.

After switching from a Model 3 to an i4, I prefer the i4 for its customizable regenerative braking settings. The i4 excels in many areas like the supercharger network and display features, although I miss Tesla’s camera outputs on the screen.

@Monroe
Has anyone compared the i4’s B mode regenerative braking to Tesla’s one pedal driving?

Westley said:
@Monroe
Has anyone compared the i4’s B mode regenerative braking to Tesla’s one pedal driving?

As someone who prefers traditional driving, I haven’t explored one pedal driving much in either car.

@Monroe
If I were replacing my Model 3, the i4 would be my top choice given its performance and BMW’s legacy in car manufacturing.

@Monroe
It can be confusing when people refer to car models by their production year as ‘MY’—it’s important to clarify these terms for all forum users.

Shannon said:
@Zen
The i5 might be a better fit based on your preferences, offering a blend of luxury and advanced technology. It’s worth test driving to see if it meets your needs.

The i4 seems like a better fit for our current needs and budget, although the i5 is certainly appealing.

While I don’t have extensive experience with the Model 3, the i4’s regenerative braking is adjustable, particularly in B mode, which allows for full-stop one-pedal driving similar to Tesla. The Digital Key feature in the i4, however, might feel limited as it requires physical interaction with the phone. The iX model offers a more advanced keyless experience. Also, the i4’s turning radius might be a drawback for some.

@Tarian
The turning radius is indeed a common critique among i4 owners. It’s significantly wider than expected, especially in tight spaces.

Monroe said:
@Tarian
The turning radius is indeed a common critique among i4 owners. It’s significantly wider than expected, especially in tight spaces.

The i4 feels like steering a rhinoceros during U-turns—quite the challenge.

Monroe said:
@Tarian
The turning radius is indeed a common critique among i4 owners. It’s significantly wider than expected, especially in tight spaces.

The i5 model with rear wheel steering offers a noticeably better turning radius.