Pulse Reviews and Analysis
Best BMW i4 Model Years (Ranked)
Curated by Kory White · Fractional CRO, CRO Syndicate
Best BMW i4 Model Years (Ranked)
The BMW i4 is the brand's electric Gran Coupe, a four-door fastback built on the same CLAR platform as the gas-powered 4 Series. Launched for the 2022 model year, it offered an honest alternative to the Tesla Model 3 with a genuine BMW driving feel, a familiar cabin, and the curved dual-display iDrive 8 interface.
The i4 spans several trims: the rear-drive eDrive40, the dual-motor all-wheel-drive xDrive40, the entry eDrive35, and the performance flagship i4 M50, BMW M's first fully electric car. Because the i4 is young, reliability concerns are limited, but software glitches, early integrated braking system recalls, and battery range differences between trims matter when shopping used.
This ranking covers the best i4 model years and variants, their powertrains, known issues, and where the value lies today.
Direct Answer
The best overall BMW i4 is the 2024-2025 eDrive40, which pairs the strongest single-motor range (up to roughly 300+ miles EPA), refined mature software, and the smoothest blend of comfort and efficiency at a reasonable price. For shoppers focused on value, the best value is the 2022-2023 eDrive40, the original rear-drive model that delivers most of the i4 experience, strong range, and the lowest used pricing as early depreciation works in the buyer's favor.
The i4 M50 is the thrilling enthusiast pick with over 500 horsepower but trades range and price for speed. Verify any early car against the iDrive software updates and braking-system recalls before purchase, and favor cars with documented service history.
1. 2024-2025 eDrive40 🏆 BEST OVERALL
The refreshed eDrive40 is the i4 at its best. The single rear motor produces 335 horsepower, and the 83.9 kWh battery delivers up to roughly 300+ miles of EPA range depending on wheels, the strongest figure in the lineup. Rear-wheel drive gives it the classic BMW balance, while efficiency stays excellent because there is no front motor parasitic drag.
By 2024-2025, BMW had matured the iDrive 8 software, resolved early bugs, and standardized more driver-assistance content. The interior remains a high point with quality materials and the curved display. For most buyers wanting one electric BMW that balances range, comfort, refinement, and value, the later eDrive40 is the clear answer.
2. 2022-2023 eDrive40 💎 BEST VALUE
The original eDrive40 is the value champion. It uses the same 335-hp rear motor and 83.9 kWh battery as later cars, with EPA range up to about 301 miles on aero wheels. As the first model years, these cars carry the steepest depreciation, making them the cheapest way into a well-built electric BMW with strong range.
The best value is a 2022-2023 eDrive40 on the smaller wheels, which maximizes range and ride comfort. Verify the integrated braking system recall and any iDrive software updates were completed, since early cars saw the most fixes. With service documented, this is the smartest used i4 buy by a wide margin against newer rivals.
3. 2024-2025 i4 M50
The i4 M50 is the dual-motor performance flagship and BMW M's first all-electric model. Combined output reaches 536 horsepower (with launch control boost) and 586 lb-ft of torque, good for a 0-60 mph time around 3.7 seconds. It rides on adaptive M suspension with bigger brakes and a sport-tuned chassis.
The trade-off is range and price: the M50 returns roughly 269 miles EPA and costs significantly more than the eDrive40. The later 2024-2025 cars benefit from the same software maturation and minor efficiency tweaks. For an enthusiast who wants genuine speed with everyday usability and the latest software, the refreshed M50 is the standout, just not the efficiency or value pick.
4. 2025 eDrive35
The eDrive35 is the entry point to the i4 range, added to broaden the lineup. It pairs a 281-hp rear motor with a smaller 70.2 kWh battery, delivering up to roughly 260 miles EPA range. It is the lowest-priced new i4 and still offers the same handsome Gran Coupe body, refined cabin, and balanced rear-drive dynamics.
For buyers who do not need maximum range or power, the eDrive35 is a sensible, affordable choice. Charging is slightly slower given the smaller pack, but daily usability is strong. As the newest variant it carries the longest warranty and most current software. It is a fine pick when budget matters more than the eDrive40's extra range.
5. 2022-2023 i4 M50
The launch-year M50 brought serious performance to the i4 from day one, with the same 536-hp dual-motor setup and sub-4-second acceleration. It established the i4 M50 as one of the quickest BMWs of its era while keeping four-door practicality. EPA range sits around 270 miles, slightly less than later cars.
These early M50s carry steeper depreciation, making them a tempting used performance EV. The caution is the same as other early cars: confirm the braking-system recall and iDrive updates are complete, and inspect tires, since the M50's power and weight wear them quickly. With documentation in order, an early M50 delivers tremendous performance per used dollar.
6. 2024-2025 xDrive40
The xDrive40 adds a front motor for all-wheel drive, combining around 396 horsepower with the 83.9 kWh battery. It bridges the gap between the efficient eDrive40 and the hot M50, giving cold-climate buyers traction and quicker acceleration without the M50's price.
The cost is range: the extra motor drops EPA range to roughly 287 miles, below the rear-drive eDrive40. The later 2024-2025 examples again benefit from refined software and standard features. For buyers in snowy regions who want all-weather confidence and extra punch but do not need full M performance, the xDrive40 is the practical middle ground in the i4 family.
7. 2022-2023 xDrive40
The first xDrive40 models offered the same dual-motor all-wheel-drive layout with roughly 396 horsepower and the large battery, providing all-weather security and brisk acceleration. EPA range lands near 282 miles, a sensible figure for a heavier all-wheel-drive EV.
As early cars these depreciate faster and represent solid value for snow-belt buyers who want all-wheel drive without paying M50 money. The usual early-car checks apply: verify the integrated braking recall, confirm iDrive software is current, and inspect for any drivetrain warning history.
A clean, documented 2022-2023 xDrive40 is a smart all-weather electric pick at a notably lower price than newer examples.
8. 2025 eDrive40 (Late Build)
Late-build 2025 eDrive40 cars represent the most refined single-motor i4 to date, with the latest software, range, and equipment before any successor generation arrives. They retain the 335-hp rear motor and 83.9 kWh battery with class-leading single-motor efficiency.
The only real drawback is near-new pricing, since these have barely depreciated. For a buyer who wants the most polished i4 experience with the longest remaining factory warranty and the fewest possible gremlins, a late 2025 eDrive40 is the safest bet in the range. It is essentially the best-overall pick at a premium, ideal if budget is not the primary concern.
9. 2022 eDrive40 (First Build, Caution)
The very first 2022 eDrive40 cars deliver the same fundamental hardware and strong range, but as launch-year examples they saw the most software updates and the integrated braking system recall. These are excellent value given deep depreciation, yet they require the most diligence.
Buy one only with documented proof that the braking-system recall, any battery-related campaigns, and iDrive 8 software updates were completed. Inspect for any history of charging faults or display glitches that early cars occasionally exhibited. When verified and properly serviced, a first-build 2022 eDrive40 is a genuine bargain, but skipping that due diligence is the main risk with the earliest cars.
10. 2022 i4 M50 (First Build, Caution)
The launch 2022 M50 is a thrilling, deeply discounted used performance EV, but it carries both the early-car software and recall exposure and the highest consumable costs in the lineup. The 536-hp dual-motor drivetrain chews through tires and brakes when driven hard, and early examples saw the most fixes.
Treat it as a caution buy: confirm the braking recall and all iDrive updates are complete, budget for tires, and inspect for any drivetrain warnings. The reward is enormous performance for the money. The risk is inheriting an under-maintained launch car.
Only a fully documented example is worth it; otherwise step to a later M50 for peace of mind.
What to Watch For When Buying
The most important step when buying a used i4 is to check the VIN against open recalls, especially the integrated braking system recall that affected early cars, plus any battery or wiring campaigns. Run the VIN through BMW's recall lookup and the NHTSA database, and confirm all iDrive 8 software updates were installed, since early infotainment bugs were addressed over the air and at dealers.
Beyond recalls, verify battery health and range, ideally with a charge test, since range varies by trim and wheel size. Inspect tires and brakes carefully on M50 and xDrive40 cars, which wear consumables faster. Confirm the curved display and driver-assistance features all function, check for any charging-fault history, and prioritize cars with complete BMW service records.
Documented maintenance and recall completion outweigh a low sticker price every time.
How to Choose
Match the i4 to your priorities. For the best blend of range, refinement, and value, the eDrive40 is the answer, with later 2024-2025 cars the most polished and 2022-2023 cars the best bargains. For maximum range per dollar, stick with rear-drive eDrive40 examples on smaller wheels.
Cold-climate buyers who want all-weather traction should target an xDrive40, accepting slightly less range. Enthusiasts chasing speed should choose the M50, ideally a later car, and budget for tires. Buyers on a tighter budget can consider the entry eDrive35.
In every case, verify recall completion, confirm battery health, and prioritize a clean service history.
FAQ
Which BMW i4 has the most range? The rear-drive eDrive40 offers the most range, up to roughly 300-301 miles EPA on aero wheels, because it has a single motor and the large 83.9 kWh battery. All-wheel-drive xDrive40 and performance M50 models return less due to the second motor.
Is the BMW i4 reliable? The i4 is generally solid, with most concerns being early software glitches and the integrated braking system recall on launch cars rather than mechanical failures. Confirm all software updates and recalls are complete, and verify battery health, for a dependable ownership experience.
What is the difference between the eDrive40 and M50? The eDrive40 is a 335-hp rear-drive model focused on efficiency and range. The M50 is a 536-hp dual-motor all-wheel-drive performance flagship with sub-4-second acceleration, bigger brakes, and M suspension, but less range and a higher price.
Which i4 model year should I buy used? For value, a documented 2022-2023 eDrive40 offers the best price after early depreciation. For the most refined experience, a 2024-2025 eDrive40 has mature software and strong range. Always verify the braking recall and iDrive updates regardless of year.
Bottom Line
The BMW i4 is one of the most appealing used electric cars, combining genuine BMW dynamics with a familiar, high-quality cabin. The 2024-2025 eDrive40 is the best overall pick for its range, refinement, and mature software, while the 2022-2023 eDrive40 offers the best value as early depreciation lowers prices.
Enthusiasts should consider the M50, and cold-climate buyers the xDrive40. Whatever the year, verify recall completion, battery health, and iDrive software updates through the VIN. Buy carefully and the i4 delivers electric performance, comfort, and badge appeal at a compelling price.
Sources
- BMW USA official i4 model history, specifications, and trims, bmwusa.com
- NHTSA recall database including BMW i4 braking-system recalls, nhtsa.gov
- EPA Fuel Economy electric range ratings for BMW i4 by trim, fueleconomy.gov
- Edmunds BMW i4 reviews, trim comparisons, and used-car appraisals, edmunds.com
- Kelley Blue Book BMW i4 used values by model year, kbb.com
- Car and Driver BMW i4 and i4 M50 instrumented tests and specifications, caranddriver.com
- Wikipedia BMW i4 generations and technical specifications, en.wikipedia.org