BMW i4 vs. Tesla Model S
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the BMW i4 and Tesla Model S 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 i4 and the Tesla Model S.
In comparing the BMW i4's and the Tesla Model S's specifications and ratings, the BMW i4 has the advantage in the area of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars. The Tesla Model S has the advantage in the areas of resale value, interior volume and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the BMW i4's and the Tesla Model S's specifications and ratings, the Tesla Model S is a better car than the BMW i4.
Pricing: A used 2025 BMW i4 ranges from $49,970 to $71,530 while a used 2025 Tesla Model S is priced between $59,824 to $89,996.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the BMW i4 loses 68.1 percent of its value and the Tesla Model S loses 65.1 percent of its value. This means the Tesla Model S retains 3 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 i4’s base engine makes 282 horsepower, and the Tesla Model S base engine makes 670 horsepower. The i4 is rated to deliver an average of 117 miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent (MPGe), with a highway range of 266 miles. The Model S is rated to deliver an average of 127 miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent (MPGe), with a highway range of 402 miles. This gives the Tesla Model S the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the BMW i4. Both models use electricity. The charge time for the i4 is 8 hours (240V), while the charge time for the Model S is 14 hours (240V).
Passenger Space Comparison: The Tesla Model S, a electric large car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space.
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
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
79990
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Electric Large Cars)
145898
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Electric Large Cars)
79990 - 340000
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:
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
79022
Price Range:
59824 - 89996
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Electric Large Cars)
107806
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Electric Large Cars)
79022 - 127781
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
36098
Depreciation %:
0.68367001
Resale Value $:
16702
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Luxury Electric Compact Cars)
0.57677703
Category Depreciation Range:
(Luxury Electric Compact Cars)
0.57676273 - 0.68367001
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
Depreciation %:
Resale Value $:
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Luxury Electric Large Cars)
0.59259308
Category Depreciation Range:
(Luxury Electric Large Cars)
0.5924518 - 0.66450392
BMW i4 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
6.6 / 10
Safety:
Not available
Tesla Model S Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.5 / 10
Reliability:
8.2 / 10
Retained Value:
6.8 / 10
Safety:
Not available
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:
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Tesla Model S
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
16.3
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.191
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
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
154.36318137929226
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Electric Large Cars)
6.9
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Electric Large Cars)
1.8 - 154.4
BMW 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 / 30Tesla Model S Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 30Ranking
1 out of / 30Ranking
1 out of / 30Ranking
1 out of / 22Ranking
1 out of / 22Ranking
1 out of / 22Ranking
1 out of / 4Ranking
1 out of / 4Ranking
2 out of / 22Ranking
3 out of / 22Ranking
4 out of / 30Ranking
6 out of / 22Ranking
7 out of / 22Ranking
8 out of / 22Ranking
9 out of / 22Ranking
10 out of / 30Ranking
10 out of / 21Ranking
13 out of / 30Ranking
13 out of / 30Ranking
14 out of / 30Ranking
16 out of / 27Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Drivetrain Options
Electric
Available Drivetrain Options
Electric
BMW i4 Trim Levels
eDrive35 Gran Coupe, eDrive40 Gran Coupe, M50 Gran Coupe, xDrive40 Gran Coupe
Tesla Model S Trim Levels
Base, Plaid
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:
8 years / 150000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years / 50000 miles
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:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
282 hp
Torque:
295 foot-lbs
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.062 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
670 hp
Torque:
723 foot-lbs
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.147 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD / AWD
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)
Engine Specifications
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
MPGe:
127 / 116 / 124
Range (city/hwy):
402 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Electricity
Battery Size/Capacity:
100 kWh
Maximum Charging Rate:
14 hours (240V)
Standard/Optional Features
Air Suspension:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Automatic Parking:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Air Suspension:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Standard
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
Standard
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
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
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
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:
N/A
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
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
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.7 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.4 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
58.4 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.1 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35.5 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.1 inches
Cargo Space:
28.2 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
120.3 cubic feet
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
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4560 lbs
Width:
86.2 inches
Height:
56.3 inches
Length:
197.7 inches
Wheelbase:
116.5 inches
Ground Clearance:
5 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
225/50R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
19.0 x 9.5 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
255/45R19
Exterior Colors
Black
Black Sapphire Metallic / Jet Black
Blue
Frozen Portimao Blue Metallic / Portimao Blue Metallic / Tanzanite Blue II Metallic
Gray
Brooklyn Grey Metallic / Dravit Grey Metallic / Frozen Pure Grey II Metallic / Skyscraper Grey Metallic
Green
Cape York Green Metallic
Red
Vegas Red Metallic
White
Alpine White / Mineral White Metallic
Silver
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Solid Black
Blue
Deep Blue Metallic
Gray
Stealth Gray
Green
Not available
Red
Ultra Red
White
Pearl White Multi-Coat
Silver
Lunar Silver
Interior Colors
Beige
Canberra Beige
Black
Black / Black w/ Blue Contrast Stitching / Black w/ Red Highlight
Brown
Cognac / Mocha
Gray
Oyster
Red
Tacora Red
White
Not available
Interior Colors
Beige
Cream
Black
Black
Brown
Not available
Gray
Not available
Red
Not available
White
Black and White
