The Cheapest Electric Sports Sedan Is Out of Range for Many EV Buyers
Are you thinking about buying an electric vehicle? If so, there are plenty in the market to choose from, and many of them will fit various budgets. However, if you’re looking for a fancy EV to experience the finer things in life, you may have set your aim pretty high. It turns out that the cheapest electric sports sedan could be out of the range of most buyer’s budgets.
The cheapest electric sports sedan is a German luxury EV
Although you can easily choose a Nissan Leaf or Chevrolet Bolt to take care of your electric car needs, a sporty sedan provides a lot more fun. Unfortunately, it can cost a pretty penny because the cheapest electric sports sedan we found is the 2023 BMW i4.
The BMW i4 is based on the brand’s 4 Series Gran Coupe but boasts a battery powertrain. There are three different trim levels to choose from, but if you’re looking for the cheapest model, the BMW i4 eDrive35 is the one to get.
The entry-level model features a single-motor, rear-drive setup that sends 281 hp to the rear wheels. It can achieve up to 260 miles of range from its 70.2-kWh battery, according to the EPA. It performs well, too. BMW says the I4 eDrive35 can get up to 60 mph from a standstill in only 5.8 seconds, which is pretty quick.
The only caveat, though, is that the BMW i4 eDrive35 has a starting price of $52,200. That’s a fair price for a premium electric sedan with this type of range and performance, but that price point could be out of range for some buyers.
What do you get with the base BMW i4 eDrive35?
Although the BMW i4’s $50,000 price tag could be out of range for some buyers, its feature set is well worth it. The i4 features a tech-rich cabin with a Curved Display. The display is a one-piece unit with a 12.3-inch driver information display and a 14.9-inch section that provides infotainment functions.
All of the usual tech features are present as well. The i4 comes standard with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, USB-C ports, and over-the-air updates. The rest of the cabin is richly appointed with wood trim and leather upholstery.
There’s plenty of room in the front seats and a generous amount of space for the rear-seat passengers as well.
Does the BMW i4 qualify for the $7,500 tax credit?
Although the 2023 BMW i4’s cost may be out of reach for some buyers, the silver lining is that the entry model qualifies for the $7,500 tax credit. Buyers may not see that credit upfront, but it can soften the blow overall if they plan on leasing a BMW i4 eDrive35.
There are also a few cheaper alternatives, like the Tesla Model 3, Polestar 2, and the Hyundai Ioniq6, which could fit more budgets. However, some may not find them as sporty as the BMW i4. Ultimately, although the BMW i4 could be out of range for some buyers, it still presents a great value and luxurious option for those who can.
