Head-to-head · vehicle level

BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe vs. BMW i4

BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe 53BMW i4 56on the MotiveGrid ScoreBMW i4 about $3,979 less over 5 years
The verdict

The 2026 BMW i4 is the cheaper one to own — roughly $3,979 less over five years, thanks to cheaper insurance. The BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe counters with more cargo room (16.6 vs 10 cu ft).

Go with the BMW i4 for the better long-term value; consider the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe if you prioritize more cargo space.

Last updated July 2026 · National-average estimates

BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe vs. BMW i4

MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe versus 2026 BMW i4.
MetricBMW 4 Series Gran CoupeBMW i4
MotiveGrid Score5356
Cost of Ownership5357
Powertrain4961
Driver Assistance66
Livability4737
Safety8085
5-Year Cost to Own$69,300$65,320
Depreciation (5-yr)$27,699$32,077
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)$9,942$4,097
Insurance (5-yr)$17,000$14,570
Maintenance (5-yr)$4,080$1,915
Tires (5-yr)$1,550$1,875
Financing (5-yr)$7,703$8,711
Registration (5-yr)$1,325$2,075
Starting Price$51,200$57,900
Horsepower255 hp335 hp
MPG (combined)35 mpg
Electric range301 mi
Cargo volume16.6 cu ft10 cu ft
Seating55
Towing capacity0 lbs
DrivetrainRWDRWD
Gas
2026$51,200
2026 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe front three-quarter view
MSRP
$51,200
Mo · 5yr
$1,155
$69,300 / 5 years
Best for lower upfront price
Electric
2026$57,900
2026 BMW i4 Gran Coupe front three-quarter view
MSRP
$57,900
Mo · 5yr
$1,089
$65,320 / 5 years
Best for long-term savings
VS
01 · The MotiveGrid Score

Five measured pillars, weighted into one score.

Cost, Powertrain, Driver Assistance, Livability, and Safety — each scored against its class, then combined into a single MotiveGrid Score. Built by our engineering team and benchmarked against independent sources like NHTSA, IIHS, and CarEdge. How it’s calculated →

BMW i4 scores higher overall.

BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe
0
/ 100
BMW i4
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
4 Series Gran Coupe
53
i4
57
Winner: i4
$3,979 cheaper / 5 yrs
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
4 Series Gran Coupe
49
i4
61
Winner: i4
+12 pts
Efficient (high MPG-equivalent)
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
4 Series Gran Coupe
6
i4
6
Evenly matched
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
4 Series Gran Coupe
47
i4
37
Winner: 4 Series Gran Coupe
+10 pts
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
4 Series Gran Coupe
80
i4
85
02

Which vehicle is right for you

🏆

BMW i4 is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $3,979 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.

BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe still wins if your priority is best for lower upfront price.

Daily commuter
BMW i4
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
BMW i4
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe
More cargo room
Highway driver
BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe
Easiest to park and maneuver in tight spots
03

Cost of Ownership

Monthly running costs — national baseline.
Adjust for your situation

State

Miles/yr15,000
Loan rate7%
Down payment20%

Charging mix

BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$1,155
$69,300 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$1,155/mo
BMW i4
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$1,089
$65,320 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$1,089/mo
💡
On fuel + maintenance alone, the pricier BMW i4 recoups its $6,700 price premium in 4.2 years ($1,602/yr in savings). Depreciation and insurance aren’t included in this payback view.
04

Frequently asked questions

BMW i4 comes out about $3,979 cheaper over 5 years on running costs (depreciation, fuel/energy, insurance, maintenance, financing). The gap shifts with your state, annual miles, and loan rate — use the "Adjust for your situation" panel above.

Where these rank

Browse all MotiveGrid rankings →

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