BMW iX vs BMW i4

Don’t let BMW’s “Gran Coupe” designation fool you. This four-door sportback provides (admittedly snug) room for four adults and surprising utility thanks to its rear hatch. Top-notch reliability, impressive technology, and an enjoyable driving character are 2025 BMW i4 hallmarks, and BMW offers attractive lease programs for this four-door electric vehicle. The 2025 model year brings subtle design updates inside and out, a new infotainment system, and Plug & Charge convenience, increasing the i4’s already-considerable appeal.

Verdict: If anything is standing in the i4’s path to success, it’s the hubris of its twin-kidney nose screaming “This is a BMW!” Whether you love it or hate it, there is no denying it is distinctive, but excessive. Look past this styling feature, and you’ll discover an outstanding EV.

The BMW iX receives minor styling updates for the 2026 model year, along with a reworked lineup that includes a much more affordable entry-level model and a more widely available M Sport Package. But the big news is the improved battery technology, which adds modest gains in power and range. These changes improve an already-appealing midsize electric SUV, but are they enough?

Verdict: The dizzying pace of change in the electric vehicle segment is how a likable luxury SUV such as the iX can seem like yesterday’s news after just a few short years. The 2026 BMW iX is competitive with the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV, but pales in comparison to the Lucid Gravity and the Rivian R1S.