The comparison of the 2025 BMW 4 Series and the 2025 BMW i4 is fascinating because it examines an entire model lineup versus a single configuration. While the 4 Series employs conventionally powered gasoline engines, the i4 is a battery-electric version of one of the 4 Series models, namely the 4 Series Gran Coupe. BMW takes an interesting approach to this on its U.S. website, presenting the i4 as part of the 4 Series roster and a separate model.
As background, in 2013, BMW split the more highly styled 4 Series from its bread-and-butter 3 Series, offering it in three body styles: a two-door coupe, a convertible, and a four-door hatchback named the Gran Coupe. The 2025 BMW i4 is a battery-electric version of the 4 Series Gran Coupe, sharing basic dimensions like wheelbase, width, overall length, interior accommodations, comfort, and convenience items.
Whether gasoline- or battery-powered, its body style is the most practical of the 4 Series models because it offers five-passenger seating and a reasonably large cargo area under its sportback. With the obvious exception of propulsion, the 4 Series Gran Coupe and the i4 also share many technologies, including safety, driver assistance, connectivity, and infotainment.
Here is a detailed comparison of the 2025 BMW 4 Series and the 2025 BMW i4.
2025 BMW 430i Convertible
BMW offers the 2025 4 Series in two core model series—430i and M440i—as a coupe, convertible, and the four-door fastback Gran Coupe. The xDrive all-wheel-drive (AWD) system is optional, and the lineup also includes high-performance M4 models catering to those seeking top-tier performance.
The 430i coupe is the most affordable, starting at $50,700, while the M440i xDrive convertible is the most expensive at $74,250. The Gran Coupe, essentially the conventionally powered version of the i4, starts at $49,200. Prices do not include the $1,175 destination charge.
The 4 Series includes BMW Connected Package Professional, which includes real-time traffic and parking information, navigation, and voice command for four years after purchase. BMW offers scheduled maintenance complimentary for three years or 36,000 miles, and free roadside assistance is available for four years without a mileage limit.
The 2025 BMW i4 is essentially a battery-electric-powered version of the four-door BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe. For the 2025 model year, BMW offers the i4 in two mainstream versions—eDrive40 and xDrive40—plus the high-performance-oriented M50.
The eDrive40 is a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) vehicle, while the other two feature AWD. At $57,900, the eDrive40 is the least expensive i4 model. Adding another motor and AWD, the xDrive40 has a suggested list price of $62,300. The 536-horsepower M50 tops the lineup with a $70,700 suggested base price.
Like its close cousin, the 4 Series, the 2025 i4 offers complimentary roadside assistance for four years with no mileage limit and free scheduled maintenance for three years or 36,000 miles. The i4's BMW Connected Package Professional features real-time traffic and parking information, navigation, and voice command, mirroring the 4 series' connectivity offering.
Advantage: Neither
Why? The conventional BMW 4 Series has a cost advantage over the battery-electric i4, but the i4 has a zero-emission advantage. The ancillaries are identical.
2025 BMW i4 M50 xDrive
The BMW 4 Series ranks second in the Compact Premium Car segment in the JD Power 2024 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS), which assesses owner-reported problems during the third year of ownership.
The 4 Series does not rank among the top three models in its segment in the JD Power 2024 U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS), which tracks problems experienced by owners during the first 90 days.
The 2025 BMW 4 Series offers a standard four years or 50,000 miles warranty and a powertrain warranty of four years or 50,000 miles.
The BMW i4 does not rank among the top three models in its segment in the 2024 VDS or the 2024 IQS. The i4’s limited general warranty is the same as the 4 Series, but its powertrain warranty lasts eight years or 100,000 miles.
Advantage: Neither
Why? The BMW 4 Series ranks among the top three models in its segment in vehicle dependability, but the i4 has a much longer powertrain warranty.
2025 BMW M440i Coupe
The 2025 BMW 4 Series offers two potent engine choices for its core models, along with high-performance M4 coupe and convertible variants that deliver up to 543 hp. The base 430i features a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid tech rated at 255 hp and 295 pound-feet of torque. BMW equips the M440i with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, also with mild-hybrid support, producing 386 hp and 398 pound-feet of torque. Both engines pair with eight-speed automatic transmissions.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the RWD 430i coupe will achieve 31 mpg in combined driving, while the RWD M440i gets 30 mpg. Choosing AWD reduces each model's EPA rating by one mpg.
The 2025 BMW i4 offers three powertrain choices. The base eDrive40 features a single electric motor with 335 hp and 317 pound-feet of torque driving the rear wheels. It has an 81-kilowatt-hour (kWh) lithium-ion battery pack. The xDrive40 adds a second electric motor for the front wheels, offering 396 hp and 443 pound-feet of torque. It features a higher-capacity 84.3-kWh, high-voltage lithium-ion battery. The M50 ups the ante with two motors, providing 536 hp and 586 pound-feet of torque.
As of this writing, the EPA has not rated the fuel-efficiency equivalent of the 2025 i4 eDrive40 or xDrive40, but it estimated the virtually identical 2024 versions at 109 MPGe combined. The EPA estimated the 2024 i4 M50 at 95 MPGe combined with 19-inch wheels. Range on a charge varies from 227 miles to 307 miles, depending on configuration and wheel size.
BMW says you can recharge both battery packs overnight using a Level 2 charger. DC fast charging speeds vary, but you can charge an i4 battery from 10 to 90 percent in 40 minutes in many instances.
Advantage: BMW i4
Why? Most i4 models are more powerful and fuel-efficient than the conventionally powered 4 Series Gran Coupes.
2025 BMW i4 M50 xDrive
At this point, it is reasonable for any consumer to expect a brand-new vehicle to include the following safety features:
So, how do the 4 Series and i4 stack up? Let's take a look.
The 2025 BMW 4 Series has a comprehensive suite of standard advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) grouped in BMW's Active Guard and Active Driving Assistant packages. In addition to the technologies mentioned above, it includes worthwhile features like active blind-spot collision avoidance and traffic-sign recognition. The optional Active Driving Assistant Pro adds advanced capabilities such as automatic emergency steering, lane-centering assistance, and automatic emergency stop assistance. Its traffic-jam assist function allows hands-free driving on certain highways at low speeds.
At the time of writing, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has yet to publish an overall safety rating for the 2025 BMW 4 Series. Still, it gave the structurally similar BMW 3 Series sedan on which it is based the highest-possible five-star rating. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has yet to rate the 2025 4 Series.
In its array of ADAS, the 2025 BMW i4 mimics the conventionally powered 4 Series roster. BMW Active Driving Assistant is standard, and it goes beyond the bulleted list to include active blind-spot collision avoidance and traffic-sign recognition. Adaptive cruise control is available as a standalone option, and the Active Driving Assistant Professional package includes traffic-jam assist, automatic emergency steering, lane-centering assistance, lane-change assistance, and automatic emergency stop assistance. A surround-view camera, a head-up display, and active parking assist are also available.
As of this writing, neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS have rated the crashworthiness of the 2025 BMW i4.
Advantage: Neither
Why? The 4 Series and i4 have virtually identical ADAS equipment.
2025 BMW M440i Coupe
BMW equips the 2025 4 Series with its new BMW Operating System 8.5, driving a 14.9-inch digital display controlled via voice, touchscreen, or the console-mounted iDrive touchpad. The system includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and a one-year SiriusXM Platinum satellite radio trial. It also offers cloud-based navigation and over-the-air map updates, with an optional Harman Kardon premium audio system available.
The 4 Series qualifies buyers for BMW Remote Services, which includes remote door unlock, stolen-vehicle recovery, remote lights activation, and remote climate control. BMW's Connected Package Professional provides real-time traffic and parking information, music, weather updates, and navigation with natural voice-command functionality.
Among its electronically powered safety systems, the 4 Series features an Active Protection System (APS) that detects potential collisions and prepares the vehicle by pre-tensioning seat belts and closing the windows and moonroof. In the event of a crash, the system activates post-crash braking. The 2025 i4 offers all this as well.
BMW equips the 2025 i4 with virtually the same infotainment and connectivity systems as the conventionally powered 4 Series Gran Coupe. It features the new BMW Operating System 8.5 with a 14.9-inch digital display, and the system includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and a one-year trial of SiriusXM Platinum. It accepts voice, touch, and iDrive touchpad commands and supports cloud-based navigation and over-the-air map updates. A Harman Kardon premium audio system is on the options list.
Like its 4 Series sibling, the i4 offers BMW Remote Services and the Connected Package Professional.
The BMW i4 has a portable charger compatible with both 120-volt household outlets and 240-volt outlets. For faster charging, buyers can install a BMW Wallbox Level 2 charger. The My BMW App gives access to six major public charging networks, eliminating the need for multiple apps. Buyers of a 2025 i4 qualify for complimentary charging with Electrify America for two years or up to 1,000 kWh, roughly equivalent to 3,000 miles of driving. Additionally, the Plug and Charge function of Electrify America stations allows instant authentication.
Advantage: BMW i4
Why? The i4 has all the infotainment and connectivity tech of the conventional 4 Series plus electric-vehicle (EV) charging solutions, including free public charging for 3,000 miles of driving.
2025 BMW i4 M50 xDrive
The five-passenger 2025 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe is the model most similar to the 2025 BMW i4. Like its coupe and convertible counterparts, the conventionally powered Gran Coupe boasts an ergonomically sound, luxurious interior with high-quality materials. BMW offers 4 Series buyers a wealth of interior color schemes and upholstery choices.
The 4 Series cabin features the BMW Curved Display, which combines a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with a 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen. Standard conveniences include keyless entry and multi-zone automatic climate control.
The 4 Series Gran Coupe comes with 10-way power-adjustable front seats, with the driver’s seat offering power-adjustable lumbar support. Heated front seats are standard, while heated rear seats and ventilated seats are widely available. The Gran Coupe features perforated synthetic leather seats, with genuine leather seats as an option. The rear seat has a 40/20/40 split-folding configuration.
Regarding cargo space, the 4 Series Gran Coupe provides 16.6 cubic feet of storage behind the rear seats and 45.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. A traditional two-door, the 4 Series coupe has a 12-cubic-foot trunk, while the convertible offers 11 cubic feet of trunk space.
The interiors of the 2025 4 Series Gran Coupe and the i4 are virtual clones. Like its running mate, the cabin is well-designed and features materials that have a luxurious look and feel. The base i4 eDrive40 includes upscale touches like perforated synthetic leather seats and open-pore wood trim. The BMW Curved Display, consisting of a configurable 12.3-inch instrument cluster and 14.9-inch infotainment display, is also standard. The 40/20/40 split fold-down rear seats will accommodate three adults.
BMW offers heated power front sport seats with power lumbar support as standard and memory for the driver's seat and exterior mirrors. Ventilated front seats are available on some trims, and a variety of synthetic and genuine leather upholstery is available.
For convenient cargo loading, the i4 benefits from its hatchback body style. Behind the rear seats, it offers 16.6 cubic feet of cargo space. With the split rear seats folded, the maximum cargo capacity is 45.6 cubic feet. The rear seatbacks have a through-load feature for long items.
Advantage: Neither
Why? The i4 is typically quieter than the conventional 4 Series, but these are two peas in a pod.
If you’d like to learn more about these sport luxury cars, be sure to read our expert reviews of the BMW 4 Series and the BMW i4. To find out how people like you rate models in this segment, check out our ratings from verified vehicle owners.
Also, please remember that while the information in this article was accurate and valid on October 1, 2024, it may have changed since that date. Always confirm product details and availability with the automaker’s website or your local dealership.
Jack R. Nerad has reviewed cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs for over three decades. He also managed the editorial efforts of MotorTrend, JD Power, and Kelley Blue Book. Jack currently hosts the Sports Byline Network program "America on the Road," available on Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, Audacy, Amazon Music, and other outlets.
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