The 2022 BMW i4, an electric vehicle that aimed to combine luxury with cutting-edge technology, has been met with significant criticism from its owners. Reports have surfaced detailing severe software issues, including unreliable updates and a dangerous “pseudo-sleep mode,” which have marred the driving experience. Given the news of several recalls and in some cases, fire hazards related to the vehicle, many owners are left with an extremely deep sense of frustration and disappointment.
The BMW i4’s software system is already viewed by many as an unmitigated disaster. Owners have experienced major issues, especially when it comes to the car’s suite of connectivity features, such as Apple CarPlay integration. The experience has often been characterized by users as disappointing and potentially life-threatening. This makes the vehicle hugely unreliable, plain and simple.
To add insult to injury, the i4’s over-the-air update system has already been shown to be broken. In addition, owners have found updates freezing at various percentages for several days. This can be costly, as it often requires them to take expensive trips to dealerships for manual installations. These trips impose significant burdens on the owners. They raise troubling questions about the quality control of BMW’s software-infused driving systems.
In its debut year on the market, the 2022 BMW i4 was available for purchase with six recalls in effect. The recall that seemed to cause the most collective horror was initiated by a risk of vehicles catching fire while parked. In July, BMW went to the rare extreme of recommending that owners “stop driving this vehicle right now” because of unsafe conditions. This degree of urgency is typically indicative of grave concerns about vehicle safety and operability.
The i4 has a somewhat complicated startup procedure. Drivers are forced through an unduly labyrinthian gauntlet of steps between them and their ability to drive. Potential drivers must open the BMW app on their phone, sign in with their BMW ID in iDrive, place their iPhone in the vehicle’s charging tray, wait for the digital key to reappear in the Wallet app, double-click the side button, authenticate with Face ID, and finally start the car. This complicated process has created a confusing experience for drivers.
Adding to the discontent, many owners have highlighted that the car’s pseudo-sleep mode keeps lights and other systems running indefinitely, draining the battery if not addressed promptly. Unfortunately, this feature has done more harm than good. We hear from drivers all the time who are frustrated by the design philosophy underlying these systems.
As frustration mounts, one owner remarked, “I thought we’d drive into the sunset together. Instead, I’m driving my i4 back to the dealership as my lease is over. I’m surprised to say I can’t wait.” Sports car enthusiasts have been disappointed as well by what has largely turned out to be a disappointing new letdown from an automotive silver bullet.
Even owners of the elaborate tech at the i4 like to kid about having pause to meditate. Or, like Douglas, they use humor to cope with that mind blowing experience! A tech-savvy spouse once commented, “I have to go and meditate for a while.” He began to experience the psychological effects of piloting a machine that was meant to bring comfort and pleasure.
Even with its major-lauded launch, the 2022 BMW i4 is just as rare on Northern California roads as other EVs. Its reputation for connectivity issues undercuts its appearance on the road. User experience problems exacerbate its challenges competing with other options.
The negative feedback surrounding BMW’s latest electric offering raises questions about the company’s commitment to quality assurance and customer satisfaction. Just as these owners are sharing their negative experiences with the manufacturers, potential EV buyers might pass on future investments in BMW’s electric offerings.
