BMW i3 vs. BMW i4
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the BMW i3 and BMW i4 contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the BMW i3 and the BMW i4.
In comparing the BMW i3's and the BMW i4's specifications and ratings, the BMW i3 has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, resale value and interior volume. The BMW i4 has the advantage in the area of base engine power. Based on this comparison of the BMW i3's and the BMW i4's specifications and ratings, the BMW i3 is a better car than the BMW i4.
Pricing: A used 2021 BMW i3 ranges from $17,375 to $33,400 while a used 2025 BMW i4 is priced between $49,970 to $71,530.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the BMW i3 loses 57.5 percent of its value and the BMW i4 loses 68.1 percent of its value. This means the BMW i3 retains 10.7 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the BMW i4.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the BMW i3’s base engine makes 168 horsepower, and the BMW i4 base engine makes 282 horsepower. The i3 is rated to deliver an average of 31 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 197 miles. The i4 is rated to deliver an average of 117 miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent (MPGe), with a highway range of 266 miles. This gives the BMW i4 the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the BMW i3. The i3 uses electricity, premium unleaded, and the i4 uses electricity.
Passenger Space Comparison: The BMW i3, a hybrid compact car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room and rear head room. The BMW i4, a electric compact car, has the advantage in the areas of front shoulder room, front leg room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
48300
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Hybrid Compact Cars)
51950
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Hybrid Compact Cars)
44550 - 67300
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
60078 - 76975
Starting MSRP:
52800
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Electric Compact Cars)
53363
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Electric Compact Cars)
42490 - 64800
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
26664
Price Range:
17375 - 33400
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Hybrid Compact Cars)
27971
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Hybrid Compact Cars)
26664 - 29554
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
1
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
28843
# Good or Great Deals:
0
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
60314
Price Range:
49970 - 71530
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Electric Compact Cars)
49176
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Electric Compact Cars)
38037 - 60314
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
BMW i3 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.3 / 10
Reliability:
7.2 / 10
Retained Value:
7.3 / 10
Safety:
Not available
BMW i4 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
6.6 / 10
Safety:
Not available
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for BMW i3
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
5.7
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.0
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for BMW i4
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
3.4659720408533934
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Hybrid Compact Cars)
4.1
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Hybrid Compact Cars)
3.5 - 27.6
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
6.418629444251399
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Electric Compact Cars)
6.8
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Electric Compact Cars)
6.4 - 167.4
BMW i3 Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 6Ranking
2 out of / 6Ranking
3 out of / 37Ranking
3 out of / 27Ranking
3 out of / 6Ranking
4 out of / 6Ranking
6 out of / 37Ranking
6 out of / 27Ranking
6 out of / 6Ranking
6 out of / 6Ranking
6 out of / 6Ranking
7 out of / 27Ranking
10 out of / 37Ranking
10 out of / 27Ranking
14 out of / 27Ranking
16 out of / 37Ranking
16 out of / 27Ranking
17 out of / 27Ranking
19 out of / 37Ranking
20 out of / 37Ranking
27 out of / 37Ranking
27 out of / 27Ranking
37 out of / 37BMW i4 Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 21Ranking
4 out of / 22Ranking
6 out of / 30Ranking
6 out of / 27Ranking
6 out of / 22Ranking
11 out of / 22Ranking
12 out of / 22Ranking
15 out of / 22Ranking
16 out of / 22Ranking
17 out of / 30Ranking
17 out of / 30Ranking
17 out of / 22Ranking
19 out of / 30Ranking
23 out of / 30Ranking
24 out of / 30Available Body Styles
Hatchback
Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Drivetrain Options
Electric, Plug-In Hybrid
Available Drivetrain Options
Electric
BMW i3 Trim Levels
Base, s
BMW i4 Trim Levels
eDrive35 Gran Coupe, eDrive40 Gran Coupe, M50 Gran Coupe, xDrive40 Gran Coupe
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
168 hp
Torque:
184 foot-lbs
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.051 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
282 hp
Torque:
295 foot-lbs
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.062 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
0.7 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
2
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
30 / 31 / 31
MPGe:
107 / 93 / 100
Range (city/hwy):
195 / 197 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Electricity, Premium Unleaded
Battery Size/Capacity :
Not applicable
Maximum Charging Rate:
Not applicable
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
Not Applicable
Engine Configuration:
Not Applicable
Number of Cylinders:
Not Applicable
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not applicable
MPGe:
117 / 114 / 116
Range (city/hwy):
266 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Electricity
Battery Size/Capacity:
68.7 kWh
Maximum Charging Rate:
8 hours (240V)
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Automatic Parking:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wifi:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Automatic Parking:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Air Suspension:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Internet Radio:
Standard
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.8 inches
Front Leg Room:
40.5 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
53.6 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.2 inches
Rear Leg Room:
31.9 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
49.2 inches
Cargo Space:
15.1 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
98.7 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.2 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.5 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
55.2 inches
Rear Head Room:
36.6 inches
Rear Leg Room:
34.2 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
54.3 inches
Cargo Space:
16.6 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
90.0 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3276 lbs
Width:
80.3 inches
Height:
62.9 inches
Length:
158.3 inches
Wheelbase:
101.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.5 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4553 lbs
Width:
81.6 inches
Height:
57 inches
Length:
188.5 inches
Wheelbase:
112.4 inches
Ground Clearance:
4.9 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
19.0 x 5.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
155/70R19
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
225/50R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Fluid Black w/ BMW i Frozen Blue Accent
Blue
Imperial Blue Metallic w/ Frozen Grey Accent
Gold
Galvanic Gold Metallic w/ Frozen Grey Metallic Highlight
Gray
Mineral Grey Metallic w/ BMW i Frozen Blue Accent
Silver
Cashmere Silver Metallic w/ BMW i Blue Highlight
White
Capparis White w/ BMW i Frozen Blue Accent
Green
Not available
Red
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Black Sapphire Metallic / Jet Black
Blue
Frozen Portimao Blue Metallic / Portimao Blue Metallic / Tanzanite Blue II Metallic
Gold
Not available
Gray
Brooklyn Grey Metallic / Dravit Grey Metallic / Frozen Pure Grey II Metallic / Skyscraper Grey Metallic
Silver
Not available
White
Alpine White / Mineral White Metallic
Green
Cape York Green Metallic
Red
Vegas Red Metallic
Interior Colors
Brown
Tera Dark Truffle
Gray
Deka Dark / Giga Brown w/ Carum Spice Grey Wool Cloth / Mega Carum Spice Grey w/ Brown Cloth Highlight
Beige
Not available
Black
Not available
Red
Not available
Interior Colors
Brown
Cognac / Mocha
Gray
Oyster
Beige
Canberra Beige
Black
Black / Black w/ Blue Contrast Stitching / Black w/ Red Highlight
Red
Tacora Red
