BMW i4 Overview: Generations, Specs and Which Version to Buy
A guide to bmw i4 generations and versions: the electric sedan built since 2021 with 286–601 hp, which trims stand out, and which one to buy.
The BMW i4 is an electric sedan produced from 2021 to the present, with outputs ranging from 286 to 601 hp across nine modifications. It suits drivers who want a battery-electric four-door with all-wheel-drive or rear-wheel-drive options and performance stretching from brisk to supercar-quick. Checking bmw i4 specs by generation is the fastest way to pick the right version.
BMW i4 generations
1 generation (2021–2024)
The first-generation BMW i4 was built from 2021 to 2024 as a sedan only, in four modifications spanning 286 to 544 hp, all with automatic transmissions and a choice of RWD or 4x4. The volume version was the xDrive40 AT with 401 hp, 4x4 and a 0–100 km/h time of 4.9 seconds. The flagship was the M50 AT: 544 hp, 4x4, and 3.9 seconds to 100 km/h.
1 generation, restyling 1 (2024–present)
The restyled BMW i4 arrived in 2024 and remains in production, again sedan-only, now in five modifications from 286 to 601 hp with automatic transmissions and RWD or 4x4. The mainstream 40 xDrive AT keeps 401 hp with 4x4 and accelerates to 100 km/h in 5.1 seconds. The top M60 xDrive AT raises output to 601 hp and cuts the sprint to 3.7 seconds — the quickest and most powerful i4 in the range.
Which BMW i4 to buy
- xDrive40 AT (1 generation): 401 hp with 4x4 and a 4.9-second 0–100 km/h time — the volume version of 2021–2024, so the used market offers the widest choice.
- M50 AT (1 generation): 544 hp and 3.9 seconds to 100 km/h make it the strongest pre-restyling i4 for buyers who want performance from the 2021–2024 cars.
- 40 xDrive AT (1 generation, restyling 1): the current mainstream pick — 401 hp, 4x4, 5.1 seconds to 100 km/h, in production since 2024.
- M60 xDrive AT (1 generation, restyling 1): the range-topper with 601 hp and a 3.7-second sprint, the fastest i4 in the 2024–present lineup.
On the used market, only 2021–2024 first-generation cars have had time to accumulate mileage, and with a single body style, one transmission type and just four modifications, the lineup is simple to navigate — the main decision is RWD versus 4x4 and the power level you need.