How Much Is A BMW I4? Pricing, Features And Comparison

Are you curious what an electric BMW costs and how the new i4 sedans are priced? As automakers continue rolling out EV options, the 2024 BMW i4 brings premium zero-emission performance to the midsize luxury segment.

But how much is a bmw i4 exactly? What features, driving range and charging capabilities come with the base model versus higher performance versions? And how does i4 pricing stack up against rivals like the Tesla Model 3 and Polestar 2?

This in-depth guide breaks down MSRP across BMW i4 trims. We’ll outline what popular packages and upgrades will cost you and also consider tax incentives and ownership considerations.

BMW i4 Models and Pricing

The 2024 BMW i4 starts at an MSRP of $52,200 for the entry-level eDrive35 rear-wheel drive model. From there the lineup includes several options:

eDrive35 – $52,200 (base model)
eDrive40 – $57,300
xDrive40 – $61,600 (new AWD variant)
M50 – $69,700 (performance version)

With extra accessories or packages added, most real world transactions end up between $55,000 and $75,000 depending on preferences.

But what exactly does that base price get you, and where does the value start to diminish on more expensive variants?

What Does the Base i4 eDrive35 Include?

Let’s break down what premium features are standard on the least expensive 2024 BMW i4 eDrive35:

Single electric motor sending 282 horsepower to the rear wheels
EPA range of 252-276 miles per charge (depending on wheels)
70 kWh lithium-ion battery pack
118 mph electronically limited top speed
0-60 mph acceleration in 5.7 seconds
18-inch wheels
Synthetic leather upholstery
Power adjustable front seats
14.9-inch central touchscreen display
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Navigation
10-speaker sound system
Keyless entry
Panoramic moonroof
DC fast charging at rates up to 200 kW
Advanced safety systems like frontal collision warning and blind spot monitoring

For $52,200 that’s very competitive – offering similar interior luxury with more range than an equivalent gas-powered BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe. The technology is impressive as well, with crisper graphics than what you’ll find on Tesla’s Minimalist setup.

Overall the eDrive35 brings a premium EV experience that edges out volume players like Hyundai and Kia for interior class while staying $10,000+ less than German rivals from Audi or Mercedes-Benz.

Optional Features and Packages

As you climb the i4 lineup to the eDrive40 or xDrive40, standard equipment improves by adding amenities like:

More power and quicker acceleration
Larger battery packs unlocking 300+ miles of range
All-wheel drive traction and stability
Sportier front seats
3-zone climate control

Available upgrades on all models include:

Genuine leather upholstery
Heated and ventilated 20-way adjustable front seats
Heated steering wheel
Head-up display
Harman Kardon surround sound system
Wireless device charging
DC fast charging at rates up to 200 kW
Icon adaptive LED headlights with laser high beams
Parking assistant package with surround view camera
Drive Recorder to capture video footage
Active driving aids like steering assist

Bundled packages like the $3,400 Iconic Package add extended ambient interior lighting, a head-up display, Harman Kardon audio, and more. The $1,700 Driver Assistance Package equips adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams and BMW’s Extended Traffic Jam feature for partially automated highway driving.

How Does the i4 Compare to Rivals?

The electric vehicle landscape keeps expanding with new tempting options, so how does i4 pricing stack against alternatives?

Versus the Tesla Model 3 the BMW holds an advantage for interior quality and feature customization. The Tesla fights back with advantages in driving range (over 300 miles on Long Range versions), access to their exclusive nationwide Supercharger network, and more advanced Autopilot capability. Both deliver lively driving dynamics, but the German car lacks Tesla’s instant acceleration in higher Performance versions.

Against the Polestar 2 the i4 also poses a Sophie’s Choice around priorities. The Polestar undercuts it by around $5,000 while including many features (like the impressive Google Android infotainment system) as standard. It’s no slouch dynamically but gets beaten handily by over 100 miles of extra range. Overall BMW offers more cachet and customization flexibility if you have the budget.

Expanding the view further, alternatives like the Kia EV6, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Genesis GV60 and Mercedes EQE all bring slightly different formulas. But none quite replicate the i4’s blend of EV driving range, luxury appointments and dynamic engagement.

Tax Credits and Incentives

With any electric vehicle purchase pricing is just part of the equation. Federal and local incentives can help offset MSRPs nearing six-figures once desirable options get added.

Currently the i4 may qualify for a federal tax credit up to $7,500 depending on battery component sourcing. BMW has hit the phase-out threshold but cars bought in 2023 still receive partial credits. State programs like California’s Clean Vehicle Rebate also chip in up to $2,000 back as well.

Shoppers in high-cost electricity markets can save thousands on home charging installs and equipment. For example California has the California Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Project (CALeVIP) while New York offers a $500 rebate on home charging stations and installation costs. Your local utility may chip in additional discounts too.

In total you can expect at least $2,000 and upwards of $10,000 back in combined incentives on an i4 purchase if you qualify and stack everything. Those rebates erase a chunk of the BMW’s higher pricing to make it more affordable long term.

Ownership and Charging Considerations

Going electric still comes with pitfalls, especially around real world range and charging infrastructure. Depending on your driving needs and housing situation, adjusting to life with an EV can carry challenges.

BMW promises over 275 miles of range on a full charge with the i4 eDrive35, extending up to 307 miles on the xDrive40. But cold winter weather, running accessories like seat heaters, and highway driving at higher speeds all hit those benchmarks significantly. Plan on at least 200 realistic miles depending on conditions before dashing to a charging station.

Speaking of charging, the i4 accepts between 7-11 kW on Level 2 AC hooked up at home. Installation costs vary wildly from $500 to $2,000+ depending on your home’s electrical panel capacity and perms from your HOA or landlord. Without access to overnight residential charging, relying solely on public DC fast charging gets inconvenient and pricey.

Make sure to investigate federal, state, utility and even employer discounts that can help offset home charging installation. The equipment qualifies for the federal 30% tax credit on EV purchases. Going solar with a bidirectional charger setup also provides rewarding long term ROI.

In terms of BMW i4 maintenance, brake pad replacements are extremely rare thanks to regenerative braking doing most of the work. Tires wear quicker on heavier EVs, but there are otherwise no oil changes or spark plug swaps to account for either. You can expect slightly lower operating costs than a gas BMW overall.

Conclusion

A new 2024 BMW i4 ranges between $52,000 on the low end up to around $72,000 for a fully-loaded performance model. Considering the generous standard features, smooth comfortable drive and premium interior appointments, that positions competitively among luxury electric sedans. Factor in incentives and negligible maintenance needs down the line and this electric Beemer gets even more appealing.

Sure, snagging a Tesla Model 3 Long Range provides more outright capability and tech magic at lower MSRPs. Yet as an electric vehicle that conceals its high voltage heart in a classic sport sedan shell, the i4 makes a great introduction for BMW loyalists nervous about going electric. Its familiar DNA bundled with an open, airy cabin and generous trunk utility eases that transition.

So while not the most affordable or capacious luxury EV out there, the BMW i4 strikes an enticing balance overall. Those curious to enter the electric arena without sacrificing driver engagement or premium craftsmanship will feel at home inside this four-door Gran Coupe.