BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe 53·BMW i4 56on the MotiveGrid Score·BMW 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.
Metric
BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe
BMW i4
MotiveGrid Score
53
56
Cost of Ownership
53
57
Powertrain
49
61
Driver Assistance
6
6
Livability
47
37
Safety
80
85
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
Horsepower
255 hp
335 hp
MPG (combined)
35 mpg
—
Electric range
—
301 mi
Cargo volume
16.6 cu ft
10 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Towing capacity
0 lbs
—
Drivetrain
RWD
RWD
Gas
2026$51,200
MSRP
$51,200
Mo · 5yr
$1,155
$69,300 / 5 years
Best for lower upfront price
Electric
2026$57,900
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.
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.