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BMW i4 vs Polestar 4
Selected trimLong range Single motor · 2024-26Change trim391 mi · 100 kWh · £59,990
At a glance
In this comparison, BMW i4 leads on running costs and city driving, while the Polestar 4 leads on motorway range, family practicality and charging speed.
Which should you choose?
Choose the BMW i4 if...
- you want the lowest running costs - from just 2.2p per mile on off-peak electricity
- you need the best car for city driving and tight parking
Choose the Polestar 4 if...
- you do long motorway journeys - it has the best estimated real-world range at speed
- you need the most family-friendly option with good safety and space
- you need the fastest charging of these options
How we reached the recommendation
Verdict
Our take
The Polestar 4 leads in the most categories, but each car here has its strengths.
Value
BMW
5.9
Polestar
6
Too close to call
Motorway RangePolestar
BMW
4.1
Polestar
4.9
FamilyPolestar
BMW
6.4
Polestar
7.6
ChargingPolestar
BMW
3.7
Polestar
5.8
Cost Per MileBMW
BMW
4.1
Polestar
2.1
City DrivingBMW
BMW
3.2
Polestar
1.9
What each car does better
See the specification differences behind the verdict, with supporting figures for each advantage.
Key specifications
Compare the key specifications for your selected trims.
| Measure | BMW i4eDrive40 M Sport | Polestar 4Long range Single motor |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £53,405 (better) | £59,990 |
| Official range | 367 miles | 391 miles (better) |
| Boot space | 470 L | 530 L (better) |
| 10-80% rapid charge | 31 min | 30 min (better) |
| 0-62 mph | 5.7 sec (better) | 6.2 sec |
Size Comparison
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BMW i4
Polestar 4
Length
BMW i44,783mm-57mm
Polestar 44,840mm
Width
BMW i41,852mm-156mm
Polestar 42,008mm
Height
BMW i41,448mm-108mm
Polestar 41,556mm
Space, size & parking
Parking & manoeuvring
Compare exterior dimensions to assess how each car fits UK parking spaces.
| Measure | BMW i4eDrive40 M Sport | Polestar 4Long range Single motor |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 4,783 mm | 4,840 mm |
| Width (mirrors folded) | 1,852 mm (better) | 2,008 mm |
| Width with mirrors out | 2,073 mm (better) | 2,139 mm |
| Height | 1,448 mm | 1,556 mm |
| Turning circle | 12.5 m | 11.6 m (better) |
| Clearance in a standard bayA standard UK parking bay is 2,400 mm wide. | 548 mm spare (better) | 392 mm spare |
People & luggage
Compare seating, child-seat mounting points, boot space and towing capacity.
| Measure | BMW i4eDrive40 M Sport | Polestar 4Long range Single motor |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| ISOFIX child-seat points | Not available | 2 |
| Boot space (seats up) | 470 L | 530 L (better) |
| Boot space (seats down) | 1290 L | 1665 L (better) |
| Frunk | 0 L | 15 L (better) |
| Towing capacity (braked) | 1,600 kg (better) | 1,500 kg |
How each stacks up
Percentile ranks against UK EVs of the same body style.
BMW i4
Not enough peers to make confident percentile claims.
Polestar 4
- 391 mile WLTP range, longer than 95% of SUVs we track.
- At 4,840 mm, longer than 80% of SUVs we track.
- 2,999 mm wheelbase, longer than 90% of SUVs we track.
Full specifications
| Specification |  BMW i4 eDrive40 M Sport |  Polestar 4 Long range Single motor |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4.78m | 4.84m+57mm |
| Width | 1.85m | 2.01m+156mm |
| Width (mirrors) | 2.07m | 2.14m+66mm |
| Height | 1.45m | 1.56m+108mm |
| Wheelbase | 2.86m | 3.00m+143mm |
| Ground Clearance | 125mm | 166mm+41mm |
| Capacity | ||
| Boot (seats up) | 470L | 530L (better) |
| Boot (seats down) | 1290L | 1665L (better) |
| Frunk | Not available | 15L (better) |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Practicality | ||
| Turning Circle | 12.5m | 11.64m (better) |
| Kerb Weight | 2,125kg (better) | 2,265kg |
| Towing Capacity | 1,600kg (better) | 1,500kg |
| Electric | ||
| Battery | 83.9kWh | 100kWh (better) |
| Range (WLTP) | 367 mi | 391 mi (better) |
| Max DC Charge | 200kW | 200kW |
| Pricing | ||
| UK MSRP | £53,405 (better) | £59,990 |
| Details | ||
| Body Style | Saloon | suv |
| Available | 2021–2026 | 2024–2026 |
* BMW i4: Launch figures. Cars built from July 2024 (facelift) have 81.3 kWh usable, 205 kW DC charging and up to 373 miles WLTP.
Range & charging
Range, charging & battery
Check official and estimated driving range alongside charging speeds, efficiency and battery technology.
| Measure | BMW i4eDrive40 M Sport | Polestar 4Long range Single motor |
|---|---|---|
| Official range (WLTP) | 367 miles | 391 miles (better) |
| Estimated motorway rangeEVcarsguide estimate at sustained motorway speed. | 261 miles | 277 miles (better) |
| 10-80% rapid charge time | 31 min | 30 min (better) |
| Max rapid charge rate | 200 kW | 200 kW |
| Home AC charging | 11 kW | 11 kW |
| Energy consumption | 160 Wh/km (better) | 178 Wh/km |
| Usable battery capacity | 80.7 kWh | 100 kWh (better) |
| Battery chemistry | NMC | NMC |
| Battery architecture | 400V | 400V |
| Heat pump | Not available | Standard |
Driving & everyday use
Performance & drivetrain
Compare acceleration, power and drivetrain specifications for the selected trims.
| Measure | BMW i4eDrive40 M Sport | Polestar 4Long range Single motor |
|---|---|---|
| 0-62 mph | 5.7 sec (better) | 6.2 sec |
| Power | 250 kW (better) | 200 kW |
| Torque | 430 Nm (better) | 343 Nm |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD |
What the critics say
See how UK motoring publications rate each car in their road tests.
BMW i4
eDrive40 M Sport
8.8/10
average across 6 reviews
- Electrifying.com10/10
- Auto Express4.5/5
- DrivingElectric4.5/5
Polestar 4
Long range Single motor
Watch the reviews
Watch selected video reviews here, or visit each model page for the full collection.
BMW i4
All 3 videos
Reviews and videos discuss each model overall; the specifications above apply to your selected trims.
Prices & deals
New and used prices
Current pricing and recent used-market behaviour.
| Measure | BMW i4eDrive40 M Sport | Polestar 4Long range Single motor |
|---|---|---|
| Used market price from | £24,558 | £32,498 |
| Average used price | £28,930 | £33,990 |
| Active used listings trackedIndependent UK dealer listings seen in the last 90 days. | 50 listings (better) | 9 listings |
| Recent used-price trend | Down 8% over ~6 months | Broadly flat |
Used prices are indicative figures gathered from independent UK dealer listings and change frequently.
Calculate your real costs
For a useful running-cost comparison, factor in your mileage, charging access and current petrol or diesel car alongside the EV estimate.
Compare with petrol or diesel
Compare purchase price, energy, road tax and maintenance with a petrol or diesel alternative.
Calculate company-car tax
Work out monthly Benefit-in-Kind using current and future HMRC rates.
Cost per mile
Compare EV charging costs per mile with petrol and diesel using your charging options.
Check a lease quote
Assess the effective monthly cost alongside the list price and expected depreciation.
Safety & ownership confidence
Euro NCAP - BMW i4 eDrive40 M Sport
Tested 2022
Adult Occupant87%
Child Occupant87%
Vulnerable Road Users71%
Safety Assist64%
Full result on euroncap.com (opens in new tab)
Euro NCAP - Polestar 4 Long range Single motor
Tested 2025
Adult Occupant92%
Child Occupant85%
Vulnerable Road Users81%
Safety Assist79%
Full result on euroncap.com (opens in new tab)
Warranty
Check the published battery warranty cover for each selected trim.
| Measure | BMW i4eDrive40 M Sport | Polestar 4Long range Single motor |
|---|---|---|
| Battery warranty | 8 years | 8 years |
| Battery warranty distance | 160,934 km | 160,934 km |
What owners say
Aggregated from UK owner forums and communities - the things you only learn after living with the car.
Shared watch-outs for both cars
Owners of every car here flag infotainment & software. Worth checking on a test drive whichever you choose.
BMW i4
eDrive40 M Sport
Owners love
- Owners praise the composed ride, quiet cabin and BMW build quality, and many compare it favourably with the Tesla Model 3 for comfort.
- The eDrive40 is widely seen as the sweet spot: rear-wheel drive, lighter than the M50 and with the most range.
- Many owners report around 280 to 300 miles in mild weather from an eDrive40, and efficiency of around 4 miles per kWh on gentle runs.
Watch out for
- Winter range falls a long way, with several owners reporting around 180 to 220 miles in cold, wet weather.
- The rear seats are tight for tall adults, the doors are small and the floor is raised by the battery.
- It is heavy for its size, at about 2.1 to 2.3 tonnes, which owners feel in hard cornering and in efficiency.
Owner tips
- Sit in the back on the test drive if tall adults will use the rear seats regularly.
- Check the tyres and their brand closely; budget for a set if they are low, and prefer smaller wheels for range.
Polestar 4
Long range Single motor
Owners love
- Owners praise the build quality and the interior materials, a big step up from the Polestar 2.
- The rear seats are spacious and recline, and the glass roof gives the cabin a light, limousine-like feel.
- Real-world range is good for the class, with owners reporting around 250 miles on cold, wet motorway runs and more in mild weather.
Watch out for
- Early cars had many software bugs: the head-up display failing to start, temperamental haptic steering wheel buttons (some replaced), key and profile recognition, CarPlay drop-outs and glitchy driver aids.
- Some find the ride firm and fidgety on British roads, with body roll in corners, especially on the Dual motor.
- The lack of a rear window takes getting used to and rules out a normal rear dash cam.
Owner tips
- Make sure the latest software is installed; a full software reset at the dealer fixed many early gremlins.
- Test drive it to see whether you can live with the camera mirror and the ride, and try the Single motor if comfort matters most.
Buying options
Get a quote
BMW i4
Used on AutoTraderLease deals
Polestar 4
Used on AutoTraderLease deals
Live used listings
Active inventory from independent UK dealers.
BMW i4
- £24,5582023Car360View
- £35,6992024Car360View
- £32,1942024Car360View
Polestar 4
- £33,6992024Car360View
- £33,7002025EV ExpertsView
Frequently asked questions
Is the Polestar 4 worth the extra £6,585 over the BMW i4?
The Polestar 4 costs £6,585 more than the BMW i4. For that premium it adds 60 litres more boot space. The BMW i4 is not just cheaper - it also offers 50 kW more power and lower energy use, 160 versus 178 Wh/km. On EVcarsguide's combined category scores, the Polestar 4 comes out ahead overall.
Which is cheaper to own over 5 years, the BMW i4 or the Polestar 4?
The BMW i4 is £6,585 cheaper to buy. Running costs are almost identical - about £176 a year either way, at 8,000 miles on an off-peak home tariff. Add 5 years of charging and the BMW i4 comes out roughly £6,665 cheaper overall. These figures cover list price and home charging only - insurance, servicing, tyres and depreciation will move the real total.
What are the BMW i4 and Polestar 4 like on a long motorway trip?
EVcarsguide estimates a real-world motorway range of about 261 miles for the BMW i4 and 277 miles for the Polestar 4 - both below their WLTP figures, because sustained high speed is the hardest case for an EV. The Polestar 4 goes roughly 16 miles further between charging stops. Both rapid-charge to 80% in a similar time, around 30-31 minutes.
Which is easier to park and drive in town, the BMW i4 or the Polestar 4?
The BMW i4 is the easier car for tight UK car parks: it is 156 mm narrower than the Polestar 4. In a standard 2,400 mm bay that leaves about 548 mm of total clearance for the BMW i4 and about 392 mm of total clearance for the Polestar 4. The Polestar 4 also turns in a 0.9 m tighter circle, which helps with U-turns and multi-storey ramps.
Which battery will hold up better as a used buy, the BMW i4 or the Polestar 4?
Over a 8-year ownership window EVcarsguide's degradation model projects roughly 84% battery health for the BMW i4 and 84% for the Polestar 4. That is close enough that capacity loss should not decide between them. Both use NMC-type cells, so for daily use keep the charge limit near 80% to slow degradation. Both batteries carry a 8-year manufacturer warranty.
Go deeper on each car
Visit the full model pages for owner feedback, expert reviews, used prices and battery-health information.
Compare against other rivals
Compare similarly sized and priced electric cars before finalising your shortlist.
More BMW i4 comparisons
See both cars in our rankings
EVcarsguide scores every verified EV on price, range, family use and running costs. Here is where this pair appears.
Where the BMW i4 and Polestar 4 rank among the best family EVsWhere the BMW i4 and Polestar 4 rank among long-range EVsWhere the BMW i4 and Polestar 4 rank among the best motorway EVsWhere the BMW i4 and Polestar 4 rank among the best city EVsWhere the BMW i4 and Polestar 4 rank among the cheapest EVs to runWhere the BMW i4 and Polestar 4 rank among EVs with the biggest boots
If neither is quite right
Explore other verified electric cars that may better suit the priorities this pair does not meet.
Further reading
Explore buying and ownership guides to help you choose between these electric cars.
GuideBuying a Used BMW i4 (2021 on): eDrive35, eDrive40 or M50, Battery Recalls, Range & What to Check
A used BMW i4 buyer’s guide: eDrive35, eDrive40, M50 and M60 compared, the battery recalls on early cars, warranty left, real-world and winter range, rear space, tyres, what to pay and a printable checklist.
GuideBuying a Used Polestar 4 (2024 on): Single vs Dual Motor, Warranty & What to Pay
A used Polestar 4 buyer’s guide: Single and Dual motor, the no-rear-window design, the short car warranty, huge depreciation, real-world range, what owners report, what to pay and a printable checklist.
Data accuracy
Specs are sourced from manufacturer websites and manually reviewed. These figures were last verified .