Compared: 2023 BMW i4 vs. 2023 Tesla Model S

How the electric Bimmer compares against the iconic EV sedan.

Sami Haj-Assaad | 

Feb 27, 2024 | 3 min read

BMW | Tesla

The 2023 BMW i4 is an intriguing electric car infused with the automaker's expertise in creating sporty, fun sedans. Twelve years ago, the Model S put Tesla on the map and kick-started America's interest in long-range premium electric cars. While the current Model S is larger and more expensive than the BMW, the Tesla might still have what it takes to fend off new EVs.

BMW

BMW i4 Priced Much Less Than Tesla Model S

The BMW i4 is significantly more affordable than a Tesla Model S, starting below $53,000 for the rear-wheel-drive eDrive35 model. With a starting price of around $70,000, even a top-of-the-range, all-wheel-drive i4 M50 costs less than the Model S.

The Tesla Model S starts below $77,000 for the entry-level Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive configuration. The top-spec, performance-oriented Tesla Model S Plaid has an even higher starting price of about $92,000.

Tesla

Model S Outsizes i4 in Cabin and Cargo Space

The BMW i4 is less spacious than the Model S, with lower interior headroom, legroom, and shoulder-room measurements plus a mere 10.0 cubic-feet of trunk storage. The Tesla nearly triples the i4's cargo capacity boasting 28.2 cu-ft of space, including a 3.1 cu-ft front trunk, or a "frunk"

Shoppers should pay attention to the quality of the materials in the Model S, as the cabin has been criticized for being a bit disappointing given the car's price. But it is distinct and futuristic-looking, with a huge and responsive infotainment screen. The BMW i4 features a more conventional layout and interior design, along with the level of materials and quality that have built BMW's reputation over several decades.

BMW

Tesla Boasts More Range and Faster Charging Than BMW

As expensive as the Tesla Model S is, it features a larger battery, more power, and more range than the BMW i4. The Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive model offers 405 miles of range on a single charge, while the Plaid delivers between 320 and 359 miles, depending on the size of the wheels on the car.

The i4's range is noticeably lower, with the eDrive40 model offering 301 miles, while the high-performance i4 M50 manages 271 miles, or 227 miles when equipped with bigger wheels. The entry-level eDrive35 i4 gets an EPA-estimated range of 256 miles.

Tesla Model S users can take advantage of the expansive Tesla Supercharger network, meaning there are more opportunities to recharge while on the go. These fast-chargers can add up to 200 miles of range in just 15 minutes, while the BMW i4 is limited to 200-kW DC fast charging, which adds around 90 miles in 10 minutes.

Tesla

All vehicle pricing includes MSRP plus destination charges (set at the time of publication), and will be rounded to the nearest thousand.

Sami Haj-Assaad

Sami Haj-Assaad is an award-winning automotive journalist who has contributed to several automotive, electric vehicle, luxury lifestyle, and technology publications. His work isn't just limited to the written word, as he's also hosted YouTube videos and podcasts. Having grown up in the '90s, he has a strong sense of attachment to that era's style, though he also loves to geek out about the modern, futuristic tech and powertrains rolling out today.