BMW R1300RT 2025 and i4 Updates: Balancing Performance and Innovation

A Tourer That Challenges the Norms

Testing the 2025 BMW R1300RT presents a unique challenge. With such a premium level of craftsmanship, technology, and equipment, it’s easy to become overwhelmed and view everything through rose-tinted glasses. On the flip side, it’s also tempting to become overly critical, nitpicking every detail to prove your expertise. In this review, I aim for balance—offering a fair take on a motorcycle that could potentially replace my current BMW R1250GS Adventure.

Just as you wouldn’t expect a €150 or €250 bottle of wine at a fine restaurant to be disappointing, a motorcycle starting at €24,680—and climbing higher with optional features—is not likely to be subpar. However, that doesn’t mean it will suit everyone’s preferences or riding needs equally. Rather than focusing solely on specifications, which can easily be found on BMW’s website, I’ll be sharing my real-world impressions of the ride.

First Impressions: A Mix of Light and Shade

BMW’s latest R1300RT showcases the brand’s engineering brilliance, but it’s not without its complexities. As with all rider-focused reviews, this one is inevitably subjective—because what matters most is how a motorcycle feels on the road.

This model strikes a careful balance between heritage and innovation. It’s a given that a bike priced over €25,000 will come with top-tier build quality. But to fairly assess a motorcycle, one must consider the manufacturer’s intent. BMW is targeting experienced riders, often over the age of 50, who likely have a history with similar models—many from BMW itself.

Moreover, BMW aims to reclaim a shrinking market. Tourers like the R1300RT are seeing declining demand in favor of adventure-style maxitrail bikes. With this model, BMW tries to bring more dynamism, agility, and a compact feel to the touring category—without compromising its essence. In that regard, they’ve succeeded: this RT feels less like its traditional predecessors. But whether that’s a positive change depends on the rider’s expectations.

BMW i4 Gets a Range Boost Through Smart Upgrades

While BMW continues refining its motorcycles, the brand hasn’t neglected its electric offerings. The i4 electric sedan, launched in 2020 and subtly restyled in 2023, is now receiving significant technical upgrades aimed at extending range.

Starting July, the eDrive35 and eDrive40 variants will benefit from improved efficiency thanks to new silicon carbide semiconductors used in the power electronics. These changes enable an estimated 4.5% reduction in energy consumption—translating into up to 22 extra kilometers of driving range.

The entry-level i4 eDrive35, with its 210 kW (286 hp) motor, now reaches up to 514 km on a single charge, based on energy consumption of 17.5 kWh/100 km. This is a 14 km gain over the previous version, and the base price remains at €58,650.

The mid-range i4 eDrive40 has also seen improvements. Priced at €65,550, it delivers 250 kW (340 hp) and can now travel up to 613 km on a full charge—13 km more than before—while consuming 17.8 kWh/100 km. For those planning frequent long-distance drives, this variant stands out as the ideal choice.

BMW i4 M Version Rebranded with More Power

As expected from BMW, the high-performance M version adds the final touch. The former i4 M50 xDrive is now rebranded as the M60 xDrive, not just in name but also in power.

This upgraded model boasts 442 kW (601 hp), up from the previous 400 kW, marking a notable 42 kW (57 hp) increase. This change isn’t just for show—it places the M60 xDrive among the most powerful offerings in BMW’s EV lineup.

Final Thoughts

BMW is proving its commitment to evolving both its touring motorcycles and electric cars to meet modern expectations. The R1300RT delivers an agile and compact feel without abandoning its touring roots, while the updated i4 series reflects BMW’s forward-thinking approach to electric mobility. Whether on two wheels or four, BMW continues to refine performance, elevate comfort, and enhance efficiency—all without losing sight of its loyal customer base.