Top i4 now makes almost 600 HP
BMW’s most popular and affordable lineup of EVs has just gotten even better for the 2026 model year. We’re referring to the i4, a sleek four-door coupe that shares much of its design with the gas-powered 4 Series Gran Coupe.
The i4 finds itself in an interesting niche, as the closest Mercedes and Audi models are both larger and pricier. Tesla’s Model 3 is closer in size, but it’s significantly cheaper and not quite as luxurious. Here’s a look at what’s new for the i4 and how it compares to its closest competitors.
Related: Hidden in Plain Sight? BMW May Have Shown the Next i4 Sedan
More Power and Range
2026 BMW i4
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For 2026, there are still three variants, starting with the eDrive40 and xDrive40. The previous M50 performance model has been replaced by a new M60. Of these three, only the eDrive40 has a single motor and rear-wheel drive, while the other two have dual motors and all-wheel drive.
New silicon carbide inverters for the eDrive40 allow it to achieve over 300 miles of range regardless of whether it has 18- or 19-inch wheels. The new range figures for this model are 333 miles (18-inch wheels) and 307 miles (19-inch wheels), improvements of 15 and 12 miles, respectively. No changes to the xDrive40’s range have been announced, and it still gets up to 287 miles. Even the ‘40’ variants are quick, with the eDrive40 getting to 60 in 5.5 seconds and the xDrive40 taking 4.9 seconds.
There’s more exciting news for the M60, which now produces 510 horsepower combined (up by 41 hp over the M50) and 593 hp when selecting My Modes Sport (+57 hp). This model is now quicker than most M3s, and can reach 60 mph in 3.6 seconds. On 19-inch wheels, it has a 278-mile range, which is 11 miles up on the 2025 model.
Besides range and performance, not much has changed for the i4. It gets a Seal & Drive Tire Kit as standard, while BMW’s drive recorder has been added to the Parking Assistant Professional Package. Standalone options for the ‘40’ models include black mirror caps and M Sport brakes with blue calipers. These options are also part of the Shadowline Package. Across the lineup, glass controls can now be added optionally for a touch of interior glitz.
BMW i4 Vs. Tesla Model 3 and Audi A6 Sportback e-tron
Tesla’s Model 3 Tesla
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Pricing for the 2026 BMW i4 is as follows:
- eDrive40: $57,900
- xDrive40: $62,300
- M60: $70,700
As we mentioned, the i4 has few direct rivals, so we’ll pick two to compare it with: the Tesla Model 3 is cheaper and less luxurious, while the Audi A6 Sportback e-tron is a larger, newer, and more imposing option.
Although the Tesla isn’t as posh inside as the BMW, it’s more refined after its latest facelift, and the Model 3 Standard is far cheaper, at $36,990. For $54,990, the Model 3 Performance blows the BMW away with a 0-60 time of 2.9 seconds and a decent range of 309 miles. For $8,000 more, you can add Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (Supervised) system, which takes over driving duties in a far wider range of scenarios than any comparable system in the BMW. The Model 3 Premium, meanwhile, has a 363-mile range.
If performance, tech, range, and value matter more than the prestige of driving off in a German car, go with the Tesla.
The Audi has the most presence of these three, and its screen-heavy cabin is a tech-lover’s dream. It starts at $65,900, which gets you a single rear motor, 375 hp, and a 392-mile range (with the $800 UltraPackage). This is the most luxurious car of the group, and its range outshines even the Tesla’s, but it’s not particularly sporty to drive, if that matters to you.
Final Thoughts
BMW’s upcoming iX3 is likely to outsell the i4 in this market, but until that happens, this is the company’s sleekest EV. The cheapest model makes the most sense, but it’s difficult to overlook that it costs more than the Tesla Model 3 Performance, which is a true performance bargain.
If you want more comfort and luxury, the Audi A6 Sportback e-tron is worth a look, but it lacks the BMW’s sporty feel.
In the end, the i4 finds a pleasing middle ground between these two rivals, and it’s a refreshing offering at this price, given that most EVs for the same money are crossovers. The 2026 i4 goes into production this month.
