VS
At a Glance
Power
285 kW
442 kW
Torque
500 Nm
795 Nm
Fuel
8.4 l/100km
17.1 kWh/100km l/100km
Towing
1800 Kg
1600 Kg
0-100 km/h
4.9 s
3.7 s
Engine
2998 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 285 kW while the BMW i4 produces 442 kW. On fuel, the 4 Series returns 8.4 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 658 786 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
285 kW
442 kW
Torque
500 Nm
795 Nm
0-100 kph
4.9 s
3.7 s
Top Speed
250 Km/h
225 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2998 cc
electric cc
Engine Layout
inline
—
Cylinders
6
—
Fuel Type
petrol
electric
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
8
—
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
8.4 l/100km
17.1 kWh/100km l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
59 l
83.9 kWh l
CO2 Emissions
192 g/km
—
Dimensions
Length
4770 mm
4783 mm
Width
1852-2081 mm
1852-2073 mm
Height
1394 mm
1448 mm
Wheelbase
2851 mm
2856 mm
Ground Clearance
—
125 mm
Kerb Weight
1890 DIN / 1965 EU Kg
2210 DIN / 2285 EU Kg
Doors
2
5
Seats
4
5
Load Volume
300-385 l
470-1290 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1800 Kg
1600 Kg
Load Capacity
500 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
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
—
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
Optional
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ 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 / 20000 km
service interval indicator
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
BMW 4 Series
3 / 4 categories
Performance
i4
Fuel Economy
4 Series
Value
4 Series
Practicality
4 Series
Pros & Cons
BMW 4 Series
Better fuel economy (8.4 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R1 658 786)
Higher towing capacity (1800 Kg)
Less power than rival (285 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 8.4 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 285 kW and 500 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 658 786 and the i4 from R1 750 000. The 4 Series is cheaper by R91 214 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 1800 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.