BMW i4 vs BMW iX: which is better in September 2026
In our current electric vehicles rankings, the BMW iX ranks higher at #2 (score 8.7) compared to the BMW i4 at #7 (score 8.6), a difference of 0.1 points. The most significant spec difference is Range: the BMW i4 offers 307 mi versus 311 mi on the BMW iX.
Rank #7 BMW i4
The sports sedan driver's electric car, retaining genuine Bavarian steering precision, hatchback Gran Coupe utility, and up to 307 miles of range.
Rank #2 BMW iX
Flagship electric luxury SUV offering vault-like sound insulation, standard air suspension, up to 516 horsepower, and one of the finest interiors in automotive history.
Side-by-Side Specifications
| Attribute | BMW i4 | BMW iX |
|---|---|---|
| Gear Scout Rank | #7 | #2 |
| Overall Score | 8.6 / 10 | 8.7 / 10 |
| Range (mi) | 307 mi | 311 mi |
| Peak charge (kW) | 205 kW | 195 kW |
| Price | $50k–70k | $70k+ |
| Body | Sedan | SUV |
| Drive | RWD | AWD |
Buying Recommendations
Choose the BMW i4 if:
- You prioritize BMW sports sedan driving enthusiasts.
- You prioritize Liftback hatchback trunk cargo space.
- You prioritize Refined interior luxury and acoustics.
- You want to avoid BMW iX's drawback: Polarizing exterior front grille design.
- You want to avoid BMW iX's drawback: Steep price tag exceeding $87,000.
Choose the BMW iX if:
- You prioritize Serene whisper-quiet highway ride.
- You prioritize Exceptional Bowers & Wilkins sound.
- You prioritize Up to 516 horsepower dual-motor AWD.
- You want to avoid BMW i4's drawback: Flat rear floor (transmission hump).
- You want to avoid BMW i4's drawback: Ultra-spacious rear passenger legroom.
In-Depth Model Overviews
BMW i4 Overview
The BMW i4 demonstrates that transitioning to electric propulsion does not require sacrificing sports sedan steering purity. Based on BMW’s flexible 4 Series Gran Coupe architecture, the rear-wheel-drive eDrive40 produces 335 horsepower and an EPA-estimated 307 miles of range. Peak DC fast charging hits 205 kW, taking the 81.2 kWh battery from 10 to 80 percent in roughly 30 minutes. Its rear liftback tailgate opens to reveal 10 cubic feet of cargo room that expands to 45 cubic feet with seats folded, making it vastly more versatile than a conventional trunk. The curved dual-display dashboard runs BMW iDrive 8.5 with crisp wireless CarPlay and Android Auto. For drivers who prioritize driver engagement and tactile build quality above all else, the i4 is unmatched.
BMW iX Overview
The BMW iX is an uncompromising technological flagship that sets new standards for electric luxury. In xDrive50 guise, its dual-motor setup generates 516 horsepower and 564 lb-ft of torque, propelling the hefty mid-size SUV from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. Equipped with 20-inch wheels, it reaches an EPA-estimated 311 miles on a single charge and charges at up to 195 kW. The interior represents an artistic tour de force: open-pore wood trim with capacitive backlit buttons, faceted crystal glass dials, hexagonal steering wheel, and standard acoustic glass that makes the cabin quieter at 70 mph than almost any gas luxury liner. With optional 4-wheel steering, it maneuvers like a compact 3 Series in tight parking garages. It is easily our highest-rated luxury electric SUV.