BMW i4 vs iX: Which Should You Choose? Complete Comparison 2026
Image source: BMW Press Club Global
Choosing an electric BMW should feel exciting, not overwhelming. But if you’re comparing the BMW i4 and the BMW iX, it’s easy to feel stuck. Both are premium, fully electric, and available through salary sacrifice, but they’re designed for very different lifestyles.
This guide is built to answer one clear question: BMW i4 or BMW iX, which should you choose in 2026?
We’ll compare design, space, range, performance, technology, and (most importantly) the monthly cost through salary sacrifice. By the end, you’ll have a confident, practical answer.
BMW i4 vs iX: Which BMW Electric Car Should You Choose?
At a glance, the difference is simple:
Neither is “better” in isolation. The right choice depends on how you drive, who you travel with, and what you value day to day.
Who Should Consider the BMW i4?
The i4 is ideal if you:
Commute regularly or drive long distances
Want maximum range and efficiency
Prefer a lower, sportier driving position
Want the lowest possible monthly cost
It’s particularly popular with professionals, couples, and high-mileage drivers.
Who Should Consider the BMW iX?
The iX suits you if you:
Carry passengers, children, or bulky items regularly
Prefer a higher, more commanding view of the road
Value interior comfort over sporty handling
Want BMW’s most advanced electric technology
Families and comfort-focused drivers often gravitate here.
What If You’re Still Torn Between The i4 and iX?
That’s common. Many drivers assume they need an SUV, then realise the i4 covers their needs for less. Others sit in the iX and immediately appreciate the space and visibility.
Comparing The BMW i4 Vs BMW iX (2026)
| Feature | BMW i4 eDrive40 Sport | BMW iX xDrive40 Sport | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Body style | 4-door coupe | SUV | Preference |
| Length | 4,783 mm | 4,965 mm | iX |
| Width | 1,852 mm | 1,967 mm | iX |
| Height | 1,448 mm | 1,695 mm | iX |
| Kerb weight | ~2,120 kg | ~2,300 kg | i4 |
| Boot space | 470 litres | 500 litres | iX |
| Battery size | 81.3 kWh | ~94.8 kWh | i4 |
| WLTP range | 343-370 miles | 321-374 miles | i4 |
| Efficiency | ~3.7-4.2 mi/kWh | ~3-3.5 mi/kWh | i4 |
| 0–62 mph | ~5.6 sec | ~5.1 sec | i4 |
| Max DC charging | 205 kW | 175 kW | i4 |
| Typical sal sac cost* | £631/month | Not currently available | i4 |
*Indicative monthly costs for a 40% taxpayer via The Electric Car Scheme
The i4 wins on range, efficiency, performance, charging speed, and cost. The iX wins on space, visibility, and overall practicality.
Design And Dimensions: Coupe Or SUV, Which Is Better?
At the heart of the BMW i4 vs iX decision is a classic choice: sleek coupe or practical SUV? While both are premium electric BMWs, their shapes influence far more than looks. The style of the body affects the driving experience, parking, and how your passengers feel.
Style And Road Presence
The i4 looks instantly familiar. It resembles a traditional BMW Gran Coupe, which is known for being sleek and understated. This is especially attractive if you’re making the switch from petrol or diesel to electric for the first time.
The iX is deliberately bold. Its upright stance and futuristic styling give it an unmissable road presence.
Parking And Manoeuvrability
In UK towns and city centres, the i4’s narrower body makes tight streets and car parks less stressful. The iX is still easy to drive, but its width is more noticeable in older parking spaces.
Driving Position And Visibility
The iX’s higher seating position offers a clearer view of traffic and surroundings. If that makes you feel calmer and more confident behind the wheel, it’s a great daily benefit.
iX4 & iX Comparison: Interior Space And Practicality
Which Has The Most Space?
| Feature | BMW i4 | BMW iX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rear legroom | Good | Very good | iX |
| Rear headroom | Adequate | Excellent | iX |
| Boot capacity | 470 litres | 500 litres | iX |
| Loading height | Lower | Higher (easier access) | iX |
Rear Passenger Comfort
Both cars comfortably seat adults in the back, but the difference becomes clearer on longer journeys. The iX’s taller roof and wider cabin feel more relaxed - especially for taller passengers.
How Does The Boot Space Compare?
Although the headline difference is just 30 litres, the iX’s taller, squarer boot makes it easier to load pushchairs, sports kits, or bulky luggage. It was even featured in our article: Top 10 EVs With The Largest Boot Space for 2026! The i4 handles everyday needs well, but the iX is more forgiving.
Child Seats And Family Practicality
Both models include ISOFIX points, but the iX’s higher ride height makes lifting children in and out noticeably easier. Over a three- or four-year lease, that convenience adds up. The iX wins for space and family use. i4 remains practical for most drivers without children.
Range, Efficiency And Charging Compared
| Feature | BMW i4 eDrive40 | BMW iX xDrive45 Sport | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery | 81.3 kWh | ~94.8 kWh | iX |
| WLTP range | Up to 371 miles | Up to 374 miles | iX |
| Efficiency | ~4.1 mi/kWh | ~3.5 mi/kWh | i4 |
| 10–80% charging time (DC) | ~30 minutes | ~34 minutes | i4 |
Why The i4 Goes Further
The i4’s lower weight and aerodynamic shape mean it uses less energy per mile. In everyday terms, that means fewer charging stops, lower electricity costs, and less reliance on public charging - especially important for high-mileage drivers.
Winter Driving
Cold weather affects all EVs, but the i4’s efficiency advantage remains. For drivers covering 15,000+ miles per year, that difference is noticeable.
Performance And Driving Experience
How Do The i4 and iX Feel On The Road?
The i4 feels agile and engaging, with a lower centre of gravity that suits winding roads. If you enjoy driving, it’s immediately satisfying.
The iX focuses on calmness and comfort. It glides over bumps and feels relaxed at motorway speeds - perfect for long family journeys or busy school runs.
Technology And Features Comparison
Both models share BMW’s curved dual-screen setup and Operating System 8, but the iX goes a step further.
| Feature | BMW i4 | BMW iX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Curved display | Yes | Yes | Draw |
| Driver assistance | Advanced | More advanced | iX |
| Self-healing grille | No | Yes | iX |
In the BMW i4, you can expect to get the following interior equipment as standard:
Ambient Lighting
Automatic Air Conditioning
BMW Live Cockpit Plus with BMW Curved Display
BMW Operating System 8.5 with Navigation
Seat Heating
Sport Seats, front
Sport Leather Steering Wheel
Here’s what you’ll get as standard equipment in the iX
Ambient Lighting
Automatic Air Conditioning
BMW Live Cockpit Pro with Head-up Display
BMW Operating System 8.5 with Navigation
Frameless Interior Mirror
Front Heated Seats
Harman Kardon Surround Sound System
Steering Wheel Heating
What Is The iX’s Self-Healing Grille & Is It Worth It?
The BMW iX's self-healing grille uses a polyurethane coating, which can repair minor scratches over time. It won’t fix major damage, but it helps keep the car looking fresher—reducing cosmetic charges at lease end.
Cost Comparison Through EV Salary Sacrifice
The BMW i4 is currently available to salary sacrifice from The Electric Car Scheme. The table below shows how much a 40% taxpayer, earning £60k, would pay per month if they opted for 10k miles per annum and a 3-year contract. The cost also includes insurance and maintenance! EVs benefit from 3% BiK until April 2026, which rises to 4% from April 2026 (this is still dramatically lower than petrol or diesel cars).
| Savings breakdown | BMW i4 Gran Coupe eDrive40 Sport 83.9kWh | BMW i4 Gran Coupe eDrive35 Sport 70kWh |
|---|---|---|
| Average monthly salary sacrifice (inc VAT) | £901 | £950 |
| Employee income savings | -£347 | -£357 |
| Employee national insurance savings | -£22 | -£26 |
| Average benefit-in-kind tax over term | £99 | £83 |
| Net cost/You pay | £631 | £650 |
Unfortuantely the iX isn’t available to lease from The Electric Car Scheme at the moment, but you can use our calculator to see what cars are available and how much they’d cost to lease!
Use Case Scenarios: Which BMW Fits Your Situation?
Tom, 34 - Management Consultant
Drives 120 miles a day and values efficiency.
Recommendation: BMW i4 eDrive40.
The long range reduces charging stops, and the lower monthly cost saves thousands over a lease.
Sarah & Mike, 42 - Two Children
School runs, weekend trips, sports kits.
Recommendation: BMW iX xDrive40.
The extra space, higher seating, and easier child access justify the higher cost.
Emma, 29 - Professional Living In A City
Short commute, city parking, occasional trips.
Recommendation: BMW i4 eDrive35.
Lowest monthly cost, easy to park, and more than enough range.
James, 52 - Company Director
High mileage, client meetings, image matters.
Recommendation: BMW i4 eDrive40.
Efficient, professional image, and fewer charging interruptions.
The Verdict: BMW i4 Or iX?
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Value | i4 |
| Range & efficiency | i4 |
| Driving enjoyment | i4 |
| Space & family use | iX |
| Technology | iX |
| Overall | i4 for most buyers |
How To Get Your BMW Through Salary Sacrifice
Getting started is simple:
Compare i4 and iX quotes
Choose mileage and lease term
Order and enjoy fixed monthly costs, insurance included
Frequently Asked Questions: BMW i4 vs iX
Is The BMW i4 Or iX More Popular Through Salary Sacrifice?
The i4 is significantly more popular, with around 70% of BMW EV salary sacrifice drivers choosing it. Lower monthly costs, longer range, and broader appeal make it the default choice. The iX attracts drivers who specifically need SUV space or prefer a higher driving position.
Which Has Lower Monthly Costs: BMW i4 Or BMW iX?
The i4 is cheaper across all trims, saving between £119 and £380 per month. Over a three-year lease, that’s a saving of up to £13,680 - often the deciding factor.
Which Has Better Real-World Range?
The i4 eDrive40 leads with up to 365 miles WLTP. Its efficiency means fewer charging stops, especially for high-mileage drivers.
Can The BMW i4 Work For A Family?
Yes, for smaller families. It fits child seats and weekly shopping comfortably. Larger families or those who regularly carry bulky items will prefer the iX.
Which Is More Comfortable On Long Journeys?
The iX offers easier entry, more headroom, and a relaxed seating position. The i4 counters with quieter, more efficient motorway driving.
Does The BMW iX Justify Its Higher Monthly Cost?
Only if you need its space and height. For most drivers, the i4 delivers better overall value.
Does Resale Value Matter With Salary Sacrifice?
No. You return the car at lease end, so depreciation isn’t your concern.
Can I Test Drive Both The BMW i4 And iX Before Deciding?
Yes, and it’s strongly recommended! Many drivers change preference after driving both models back-to-back.
Which Is Better In Winter Conditions?
Both perform well in winter conditions. xDrive versions offer extra reassurance, but UK conditions rarely demand SUV ground clearance.
Can I Switch Between BMW i4 And iX Mid-Lease?
Generally no, unless early termination protection applies - another reason to choose carefully before ordering!
Ready To Choose Between The BMW i4 And BMW iX?
Both the BMW i4 and BMW iX deliver everything you’d expect from a premium electric BMW - but the right choice comes down to how you live and drive. If efficiency, range, and value are the top priorities, the i4 is likely the better fit. If space, comfort, and a higher driving position are essential, the iX could be worth the extra monthly cost.
To see exactly how much you could save on either model through salary sacrifice, use our EV salary sacrifice quote tool to compare monthly costs based on your tax band, mileage, and lease term. It’s the easiest way to turn comparison into a confident decision!
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Last updated: 12/01/26
Our pricing is based on data collected from The Electric Car Scheme quote tool. All final pricing is inclusive of VAT. All prices above are based on the following lease terms; 10,000 miles pa, 36 months, and are inclusive of Maintenance and Breakdown Cover. The Electric Car Scheme's terms and conditions apply. All deals are subject to credit approval and availability. All deals are subject to excess mileage and damage charges. Prices are calculated based on the following tax saving assumptions: England & Wales, 40% tax rate. The above prices were calculated using a flat payment profile. The Electric Car Scheme Limited provides services for the administration of your salary sacrifice employee benefits. The Electric Car Scheme Holdings Limited is a member of the BVRLA (10608), is authorised and regulated by the FCA under FRN 968270, is an Appointed Representative of Marshall Management Services Ltd under FRN 667174, and is a credit broker and not a lender or insurance provider.
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