BMW's current small electric car lineup

BMW makes two small electric cars you can buy today: the i3 and the i4. The i3 is the smaller of the two—a hatchback about the size of a Mini Cooper—and has been in production since 2013. The i4 is a sedan roughly the size of a 3 Series, introduced in 2022. Both are sold in the United States, though availability and trim levels vary by year and region.

The i3 comes as a standard hatchback or as the i3S with a sportier suspension. The i4 is available in standard and M440i xDrive (all-wheel drive) versions. Neither car is a subcompact in the way a Honda Civic is; the i3 is genuinely small, while the i4 is mid-size. If you're looking for something between them, BMW does not currently offer it.

Key Takeaways

  • The i3 is a small hatchback with a 42 kWh battery offering roughly 260 miles of range, while the i4 is a sedan with battery options up to 84 kWh and 301 miles of range.
  • The i3 starts around $44,000 before incentives, and the i4 starts around $60,000, though prices shift yearly and vary by trim.
  • Both cars charge on standard Level 2 home chargers and public DC fast chargers, reaching 80% charge in 30 to 40 minutes on fast chargers depending on battery size.
  • The i3 has a smaller interior and cargo space suitable for single drivers or couples; the i4 offers rear legroom and a trunk comparable to gas sedans.
  • BMW's warranty covers the battery for eight years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first, and includes roadside information for charging emergencies.

Range, battery size, and real-world driving distance

The i3 uses a 42 kWh battery and is rated for 260 miles of EPA range. In practice, highway driving at 70 mph will reduce that to roughly 200 to 220 miles before you need to charge. City driving at moderate speeds can stretch it closer to the EPA figure. Cold weather reduces range by 20 to 30 percent, a common issue across all electric cars.

The i4 comes with two battery options: a 62 kWh version rated for 260 miles, and an 84 kWh version rated for 301 miles. The larger battery adds about $8,000 to the purchase price. Real-world range on the 84 kWh battery is typically 240 to 270 miles in mixed driving, dropping to 180 to 210 miles on highway trips in cold weather.

Both cars lose range as the battery ages, though BMW's warranty guarantees the battery will retain at least 70 percent of its original capacity for eight years or 100,000 miles. In practice, most owners see 5 to 10 percent degradation over the first five years.

Charging speed and home setup costs

Both the i3 and i4 accept Level 2 charging (240-volt home chargers) and DC fast charging at public stations. At home on a Level 2 charger, the i3 charges fully in 6 to 8 hours, and the i4 takes 8 to 10 hours depending on battery size. Most owners charge overnight and start each day with a full battery.

Installing a Level 2 home charger typically costs $500 to $2,000 for equipment and installation, depending on your home's electrical panel and whether you need a new circuit. Some utilities offer rebates that cover part of this cost. If you rent or live in an apartment, you may not have this option; in that case, you'll rely on public charging networks.

On DC fast chargers, the i3 reaches 80 percent charge in about 30 minutes, and the i4 in 35 to 40 minutes. Fast charging slows as the battery approaches full capacity to protect battery health, so charging from 80 to 100 percent takes another 15 to 20 minutes. Most owners use fast chargers only on road trips, not daily.

Price, incentives, and total cost of ownership

The 2024 i3 starts at approximately $44,000 before any incentives. The 2024 i4 starts at roughly $60,000 for the standard version and $68,000 for the M440i xDrive. These prices do not include destination charges, which add $1,000 to $1,200. Prices change annually and vary by dealer, so check BMW's website or contact dealers in your area for current pricing.

Federal tax credits of up to $7,500 may be available if you meet income and vehicle assembly requirements, though the i3 and i4 have different may be able to access rules that change yearly. Some states offer additional rebates. After incentives, an i3 might cost $36,500 to $38,500, and an i4 might cost $52,500 to $60,500, depending on your location and which incentives you may have access to for.

Electricity costs roughly one-third the price of gasoline for the same distance. Maintenance is lower than gas cars because electric motors have no oil changes, spark plugs, or transmission fluid. Tire wear is similar to gas cars, though regenerative braking reduces brake pad replacement frequency. Insurance premiums are typically 10 to 20 percent higher than comparable gas cars, reflecting repair costs for battery and electric drivetrain components.

Interior space and practicality for daily use

The i3 is genuinely compact. The back seat is tight for adults on long trips, and cargo space is 14.3 cubic feet with the rear seats up—less than a Honda Civic. It works well for single drivers, couples, or small families with one child. If you regularly carry passengers or need trunk space for groceries and gear, the i4 is the better choice.

The i4 has 17.7 cubic feet of trunk space and a back seat with genuine legroom for adults. It seats five comfortably on short trips and four on longer ones. The interior feels like a conventional sedan, with a modern infotainment system and wireless phone charging on higher trims. Storage cubbies and door pockets are plentiful.

Both cars have a center console with a small storage bin and cup holders. The i3's smaller footprint makes it easier to park in tight urban spaces, while the i4 is more practical for families or anyone who regularly carries more than a backpack.

Driving experience and performance differences

The i3 accelerates briskly—0 to 60 mph in about 7 seconds—and feels nimble in traffic and on winding roads. The steering is responsive, and the small size makes it feel agile. Ride quality is firm but not harsh. The i3S adds a sportier suspension and slightly sharper handling at the cost of a rougher ride on poor roads.

The i4 is faster: the standard version reaches 0 to 60 mph in about 5.5 seconds, and the M440i xDrive does it in under 4 seconds. The i4 feels like a conventional sports sedan, with smooth power delivery and composed handling. The ride is comfortable on highways and city streets. Regenerative braking—which captures energy when you slow down—is strong on both cars and takes some adjustment if you're used to coasting in gas cars.

Both cars are quiet at highway speeds, with minimal wind and tire noise. The i3 is louder in the cabin because of its smaller size and lighter construction. The i4 is more insulated and feels more like a traditional luxury sedan.

Warranty, reliability, and long-term ownership

BMW covers the battery for eight years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. The rest of the car is covered by a four-year, 50,000-mile basic warranty. This is shorter than some competitors—Tesla covers the battery for eight years or 120,000 miles, and Hyundai covers it for 10 years or 100,000 miles. After the warranty expires, battery replacement costs $5,000 to $15,000 depending on the model and whether you need the full pack or a module.

Reliability data for the i3 is mixed. Early models (2013–2016) had issues with the range-extending gas engine and electrical gremlins. Newer i3s (2017 onward) are more stable. The i4 is too new for long-term reliability data, but early owners report few problems. Both cars are more complex than gas vehicles, so repairs outside warranty can be expensive if they involve the battery or electric drivetrain.

Resale value for the i3 has been volatile because of rapid improvements in battery technology and range. A five-year-old i3 typically sells for 40 to 50 percent of its original price. The i4 is too new to have established resale patterns, but early indications suggest better value retention than the i3.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I tow a trailer with a BMW i3 or i4?

Neither car is rated for towing. The i3 has no towing capacity, and the i4 is not designed for it. If you need to tow, you'll need a different vehicle or a roof rack for light cargo.

How long does it take to charge on a standard 120-volt outlet?

A standard household outlet (120 volts) adds roughly 2 to 3 miles of range per hour. Charging the i3 fully would take 80 to 100 hours, making it impractical for regular use. A 240-volt Level 2 charger is necessary for realistic daily charging.

What happens if the battery dies while I'm driving?

The car doesn't suddenly stop. As the battery depletes, the car alerts you with warnings on the dashboard. You can continue driving at reduced power until you reach a charger. BMW includes roadside information that can tow you to a charger or repair facility if you run out of charge.

Is the i3 or i4 better for road trips?

The i4 is better for road trips because of its larger battery and longer range. The i3's 260-mile range means more frequent charging stops. Both cars work on road trips if you plan charging stops in advance using apps like PlugShare or ChargePoint.

Can I charge both cars at public DC fast chargers?

Yes. Both the i3 and i4 use the CCS (Combined Charging System) connector, which is the standard for most public fast chargers in North America. Some older Tesla Superchargers require an adapter, which BMW provides.