BMW i4 vs BMW i5

The 2024 BMW i5 was designed to closely resemble its internal combustion counterpart, the BMW 5-Series, with a traditional grille and air inlets that avoided the smoothed-over plastic look common in many electric vehicles. The i5 M60 xDrive variant hinted at this trend but maintained a classic BMW aesthetic. The side profile featured a long hood and conventional midsize sedan proportions, while the rear showcased angular and beveled taillights, preserving the recognizable BMW identity. Inside, the i5 followed BMW's modern design direction with a large horizontal dual-screen setup, eliminating many physical controls in favor of a clean, minimal look. The interior materials, including beveled quilting on the seat upholstery and high-quality leather, met luxury standards, though the piano black center console was prone to dust and fingerprints. Overall, the i5 was solidly built, meeting expectations for a luxury sedan.

The 2025 BMW i4 adapted the architecture of the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe to accommodate its electric components, resulting in a vehicle that retained the familiar 4 Series appearance rather than adopting the radical designs of previous BMW electric models like the i3 and i8. The 2025 model introduced minor design updates, including new lighting, grille detailing, wheel designs, and color options. Inside, the i4 featured a new steering wheel, revised air vents, and updated upholstery and trim selections. The i4's exterior was characterized by a dramatically sloping roofline, classifying it as a "sportback" or Gran Coupe, offering practicality with its hatchback design. The interior, while cold and technical, could be warmed up with traditional luxury options. The i4 was available in three model series, with the test car being the i4 eDrive40, equipped with various option packages, bringing its MSRP to $66,975.

The 2024 BMW i5 was available in two trim levels, with the entry-level eDrive40 featuring a single-electric-motor powertrain with rear-wheel drive, producing 335 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. It could accelerate to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds, drawing power from an 84.3-kWh battery pack with an EPA-estimated range of 270 to 295 miles, depending on wheel choice. The i5 xDrive40 added a second motor for all-wheel drive, delivering 389 hp and 435 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in 5.2 seconds, with a range of 248 to 266 miles. The range-topping i5 M60 xDrive offered 593 hp and 586 lb-ft of torque, achieving 60 mph in 3.7 seconds, with a range of 240 to 256 miles. The i5 provided a nearly silent driving experience, with smooth ride quality and impressive handling, especially with the AWD option.

The 2025 BMW i4 eDrive40, the least powerful version, offered 335 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, with an 81-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack. It could accelerate to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds, with a range of 295 miles on 19-inch wheels and 318 miles on 18-inch wheels. The i4 featured three selectable driving modes: Eco Pro, Comfort, and Sport, with Individual mode for personalized settings. The i4's battery and electric motor added weight, but the car maintained a smooth ride and responsive handling, especially in Sport mode. The i4 offered a one-pedal driving mode and a quiet highway experience. Charging was facilitated by a DC fast charger, taking 30 minutes to reach an 80% charge.

The 2024 BMW i5 offered comfortable front seats with ample power adjustments and good outward visibility, though the front roof pillars were thick. Storage was adequate, with average-sized cupholders, a center console armrest bin, and door pockets. The rear seats provided enough headroom and legroom for adult passengers, though foot space was limited. The trunk offered 17.3 cubic feet of cargo space, compensating for the lack of a front trunk. The i5 featured DC fast charging capabilities, replenishing the battery from 10 to 80 percent in 30 minutes, with three years of free 30-minute charge sessions through Electrify America.

The 2025 BMW i4's low seating position and small door openings made entry and exit challenging. Once inside, the cabin offered comfort for front and rear-seat occupants, though six-foot-tall adults had limited space. Storage was limited, with a sizable bin under the center armrest but limited options for back-seat passengers. The i4's trunk, initially claimed to be 10 cubic feet, offered more space when the cargo cover was removed and the rear seats were folded flat. The i4 provided impressive utility despite its compact interior.

The 2024 BMW i5 featured the iDrive infotainment system with sharp graphics and quick responses, though it was hindered by an abundance of on-screen buttons. Natural speech commands operated many systems, but secondary controls required menu navigation. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with a wireless charging pad included. Apple CarPlay mostly operated smoothly, with occasional connection interruptions.

The 2025 BMW i4 retained the BMW Curved Display, combining a 12.3-inch driver display with a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The upgraded iDrive 8.5 system featured Quick Select, a flat menu of shortcuts, and BMW's Intelligent Personal Assistant for voice commands. Augmented View technology enhanced navigation, optimizing routes based on charging station availability. The i4 introduced Plug & Charge authentication for easier charging. The iDrive 8.5 system added climate controls to the touchscreen, with some user experience challenges related to radio access.

The 2024 BMW i5 had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but it performed well in European NCAP tests. Standard safety features included frontal collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist. The optional Driving Assistance Professional package added adaptive cruise control and other advanced features. The i5's driver assistance systems operated smoothly without false alarms.

The 2025 BMW i4 came with Active Driving Assistant, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and other safety features. The Driving Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control, while the Driving Assistance Professional Package included advanced features like lane-centering assist and hands-free driving. The i4's driver aids had some challenges, such as misreading lane lines and identifying parked cars as obstacles. The Active Protection System activated during a panic stop, securing occupants within the cabin. Crash-test ratings were not available at the time of publication.