BMW i4 vs Lucid Air: which is better in September 2026
In our current electric vehicles rankings, the Lucid Air ranks higher at #5 (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 512 mi on the Lucid Air.
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 #5 Lucid Air
An engineering marvel boasting an unprecedented 512 miles of EPA range, 300 kW ultra-fast charging, and miniaturized motor tech yielding limousine rear legroom.
Side-by-Side Specifications
| Attribute | BMW i4 | Lucid Air |
|---|---|---|
| Gear Scout Rank | #7 | #5 |
| Overall Score | 8.6 / 10 | 8.7 / 10 |
| Range (mi) | 307 mi | 512 mi |
| Peak charge (kW) | 205 kW | 300 kW |
| Price | $50k–70k | $70k+ |
| Body | Sedan | Sedan |
| Drive | RWD | RWD |
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 Lucid Air's drawback: Narrow trunk aperture loading.
- You want to avoid Lucid Air's drawback: Inexperienced brand service network.
Choose the Lucid Air if:
- You prioritize Long-distance cross-country cruising.
- You prioritize Executive rear-seat legroom.
- You prioritize 500+ miles between plug-ins.
- 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.
Lucid Air Overview
The Lucid Air is the reigning champion of electric vehicle efficiency and battery range. In Grand Touring specification, it achieves an astronomical 512 miles of EPA range from a 118 kWh battery pack—delivering over 4.5 miles per kilowatt-hour. Utilizing a proprietary 900-volt architecture, it pulls up to 300 kW at compatible DC chargers, replenishing up to 200 miles of highway range in under 12 minutes. Its miniaturized motor and inverter packaging allows for an executive interior with greater rear-seat stretch-out space than full-size Mercedes S-Class sedans, complemented by an expansive 10-cubic-foot bi-level frunk. Acceleration is effortless and silent, moving from 0 to 60 mph in 3.0 seconds. For drivers seeking maximum range and architectural elegance, it is peerless.