Head-to-head
BMW iX1 vs BMW i4
The BMW iX1 starts $11,000 (12%) below the BMW i4. Here's how that price gap plays out across range, charging, safety and warranty.
Option A · SUV
BMW iX1
BMW's smallest electric SUV pairs the X1 body with a single-spec, AWD-only electric powertrain. Quick, well-resolved, and after a $8k price drop in 2026, finally a serious challenger to the Mercedes EQA and Volvo EX40.
- From
- $77,900
- Range
- 464 km
- Battery
- 64.8 kWh
Option B · Sedan
BMW i4
BMW's electric Gran Coupe — a four-door fastback that effectively replaces the petrol 4 Series Gran Coupe for many buyers. The 4-star ANCAP rating is unusual at the price; everything else delivers the expected BMW driving experience.
- From
- $88,900
- Range
- 448 km
- Battery
- 66.4 kWh
Key differences at a glance
The biggest material gaps between the BMW iX1 and BMW i4, ranked by how much they're likely to matter day-to-day.
- 1
DC charging · advantage BMW i4
The BMW i4 accepts 50 kW more DC peak charging (180 vs 130 kW), meaning shorter road-trip stops.
- 2
Price · advantage BMW iX1
The BMW iX1 undercuts the BMW i4 by $11,000 (12%) on starting price.
Spec for spec
Highlighted cells show the better number in each row.
Where the BMW iX1 wins
- ▸ Cheaper by $11,000
- ▸ 16 km longer WLTP range
- ▸ Quicker 0–100 km/h (5.6s vs 5.8s)
Where the BMW i4 wins
- ▸ Faster DC charging peak (180 kW vs 130 kW)
BMW iX1
What we like
- ✓ Sub-6-second 0–100 from a small SUV
- ✓ Standard AWD
- ✓ Recent price cut sharpens the value case
What we don't
- ✕ Smaller battery than rivals at the price
- ✕ Only one electric variant (xDrive30)
- ✕ BMW-tax still applies on options
BMW i4
What we like
- ✓ Sharp dynamics and steering feel
- ✓ 180 kW DC charging keeps it road-trip viable
- ✓ Strong residual values
What we don't
- ✕ 4-star ANCAP rating trails its segment
- ✕ Rear seat headroom limited by fastback roofline
- ✕ Pricing inflates quickly with options
Frequently asked: BMW iX1 vs BMW i4
Quick answers to the questions cross-shoppers most often ask about this pair.
- Which is cheaper, the BMW iX1 or the BMW i4?
- The BMW iX1 is the cheaper of the two — it starts at $77,900 versus $88,900 for the BMW i4, a $11,000 difference. Prices shown are manufacturer recommended retail excluding on-road costs.
- Which has the longer driving range?
- The BMW iX1 has the longer WLTP-claimed range at 464 km, 16 km further than the BMW i4's 448 km. Real-world range typically lands 10–20% below the WLTP figure depending on speed, terrain, climate and load.
- Which one charges faster on a DC fast charger?
- The BMW i4 accepts a peak DC charging rate of 180 kW versus 130 kW for the BMW iX1. Peak rate only holds for a short window during the charging curve, so real-world 10–80% times often diverge less than the peak numbers suggest. Compatibility with 350 kW chargers depends on the vehicle's onboard architecture, not just the published peak.
- Is the BMW iX1 better value than the BMW i4?
- On paper the BMW iX1 is $11,000 cheaper AND beats the BMW i4 on most of the headline specs we measure — meaning by spec-sheet logic it's the stronger value play. What a spec sheet can't capture: brand prestige, dealer network depth, build feel, software polish, and likely resale.
- How do they compare on safety?
- The BMW iX1 has a 5-star ANCAP rating versus 4 stars for the BMW i4. ANCAP star ratings reflect testing under a specific protocol year — newer ratings are generally a higher bar than older ones, so always cross-check the test year.
Which one should you buy?
The short version, based on where each car pulls ahead.
Choose the
BMW iX1
if…
- ✓ you want to save $11,000 on the sticker
- ✓ you match the profile: premium small-suv buyers
Choose the
BMW i4
if…
- ✓ you regularly do long road trips (faster DC peak)
- ✓ you match the profile: driving enthusiasts
Verdict reasoning is derived from published specs; brand preference, dealer experience and how a car drives are personal — always take a test drive before deciding.