VS
At a Glance
Power
135 kW
442 kW
Torque
300 Nm
795 Nm
Fuel
6.5 l/100km
17.1 kWh/100km l/100km
Towing
1600 Kg
1600 Kg
0-100 km/h
7.9 s
3.7 s
Engine
1998 cc
electric cc
Choosing between the BMW 4 Series and the BMW i4 is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The BMW 4 Series delivers 135 kW while the BMW i4 produces 442 kW. On fuel, the 4 Series returns 6.5 l/100km while the i4 uses 17.1 kWh/100km l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 005 567 for the 4 Series and R1 750 000 for the i4. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
135 kW
442 kW
Torque
300 Nm
795 Nm
0-100 kph
7.9 s
3.7 s
Top Speed
235 Km/h
225 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1998 cc
electric cc
Engine Layout
inline
—
Cylinders
4
—
Fuel Type
petrol
electric
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
8
—
Drive Wheels
rear
all
Full Time 4x4
—
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.5 l/100km
17.1 kWh/100km l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
59 l
83.9 kWh l
CO2 Emissions
149 g/km
—
Dimensions
Length
4783 mm
4783 mm
Width
1852-2081 mm
1852-2073 mm
Height
1442 mm
1448 mm
Wheelbase
2856 mm
2856 mm
Ground Clearance
127 mm
125 mm
Kerb Weight
1620 DIN / 1695 EU Kg
2210 DIN / 2285 EU Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
470-1290 l
470-1290 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1600 Kg
1600 Kg
Load Capacity
555 l
520 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
Optional
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
Optional
Optional
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
Optional
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
Optional
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
Optional
Optional
Keyless Entry
Optional
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
Optional
Optional
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2
2 vehicle / 8 battery
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
unlimited vehicle / 100000 battery Km
Service Intervals
service interval indicator
service interval indicator
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
BMW 4 Series
2 / 4 categories
Performance
i4
Fuel Economy
4 Series
Value
4 Series
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
BMW 4 Series
Better fuel economy (6.5 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R1 005 567)
Less power than rival (135 kW vs 442 kW)
BMW i4
More powerful engine (442 kW)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (3.7 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (17.1 kWh/100km l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the 4 Series or i4?
The 4 Series uses 6.5 l/100km and the i4 uses 17.1 kWh/100km l/100km on the combined cycle. The 4 Series is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the 4 Series or i4?
The 4 Series produces 135 kW and 300 Nm of torque while the i4 delivers 442 kW and 795 Nm of torque. The i4 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the 4 Series and i4?
The 4 Series starts from R1 005 567 and the i4 from R1 750 000. The 4 Series is cheaper by R744 433 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the 4 Series or i4?
The 4 Series has a braked towing capacity of 1600 Kg and the i4 can tow 1600 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the 4 Series or the i4?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.