Compare the2026 BMW i4VS 2026 Volkswagen ID.4

The BMW i4 has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags help prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The ID.4 doesn’t offer knee airbags.

With its standard front crash prevention, the BMW i4 is better at preventing collisions with pedestrians than the Volkswagen ID.4, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety:

Both the i4 and the ID.4 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors and available around view monitors.

The i4’s corrosion warranty is 5 years and unlimited miles longer than the ID.4’s (12/unlimited vs. 7/100,000).

BMW pays for scheduled maintenance on the i4 for 1 year and 16000 miles longer than Volkswagen pays for maintenance for the ID.4 (3/36,000 vs. 2/20,000).

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the i4’s reliability 22 points higher than the ID.4.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that BMW vehicles are better in initial quality than Volkswagen vehicles. With 29 fewer problems per 100 vehicles, JD Power ranks BMW higher than Volkswagen.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Volkswagen vehicles. J.D. Power ranks BMW above average in long-term dependability. With 13 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, Volkswagen is rated below average.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ March 2026 Auto Issue reports that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Volkswagen vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks BMW 11 places higher in reliability than Volkswagen.

The i4 has more powerful engines than the ID.4:

As tested in Motor Trend the i4 eDrive40 electric motor is faster than the Volkswagen ID.4 electric motors:

On the EPA test cycle the i4 eDrive40 18" Wheels RWD gets better mileage than the ID.4 RWD (121 city/115 hwy vs. 122 city/104 hwy MPGe).

The i4 can travel longer on a full charge than the ID.4 on a full charge:

The i4 M50’s launch control uses engine electronics to hold engine RPM’s precisely in order to provide the most stable and rapid acceleration possible, using all of the available traction. The ID.4 doesn’t offer launch control.

For better stopping power the i4 M60’s brake rotors are larger than those on the ID.4:

The BMW i4 has standard four-wheel disc brakes for better stopping power and improved directional control in poor weather. Only rear drums come on the ID.4. Drums can heat up and make stops longer, especially with antilock brakes that work much harder than conventional brakes.

The i4 stops much shorter than the ID.4:

For better traction, the i4 M60’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the ID.4 (F:255/35R20 & R:285/30R20 vs. F:235/50R20 & R:255/45R20).

The i4’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 50 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the ID.4’s standard 55 series front tires. The i4 M60’s optional 255/35R20 front and 285/30R20 rear tires have a lower 35 series front and 30 series rear profile than the ID.4 Pro S Plus AWD Pro S Plus’ 45 series front and 40 series rear tires.

The rear suspension of the i4 uses air springs for a smoother, controlled ride than the ID.4, which uses coil springs. Air springs maintain proper ride height and ride more smoothly.

The i4 offers an optional driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads. The ID.4’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

The i4 has a standard automatic rear load leveling suspension to keep ride height level with a heavy load or when towing. The ID.4 doesn’t offer a load leveling suspension.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the i4’s wheelbase is 3.6 inches longer than on the ID.4 AWD (112.4 inches vs. 108.8 inches). The i4’s wheelbase is 3.5 inches longer than on the ID.4 (112.4 inches vs. 108.9 inches).

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the i4 is .1 inches wider in the front and 1.6 inches wider in the rear than the average track on the ID.4.

The i4 eDrive40 handles at .91 G’s, while the ID.4 Pro S AWD pulls only .79 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The i4 is 7.6 inches shorter in height than the ID.4, making the i4 much easier to wash and garage and drive (lower center of gravity).

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the i4. The ID.4 doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

The i4 uses gas struts to support the hood for easier service access. The ID.4 uses a prop rod to support its heavy hood. It takes two hands to open the hood and set the prop rod, the prop rod gets in the way during maintenance and service, and the prop rod could be knocked out, causing the heavy hood to fall on the person maintaining or servicing the car.

The i4’s standard Comfort Access allow you to unlock the doors from any outside door handle, open the trunk, and start the car, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. KESSY Keyless Access standard on the ID.4 doesn’t offer a sensor on the rear doors, so you’ll have to reach a front handle to unlock the rear door.

To shield the driver and front passenger’s vision over a larger portion of the windshield and side windows, the i4 has standard extendable sun visors. The ID.4 doesn’t offer extendable visors.

The BMW i4 has power folding mirrors that offer unparalleled convenience while maneuvering in tight places or parked. With the mirrors folded it’s easier to walk past and help prevent parking damage. The mirrors can be quickly unfolded when the driver is ready to leave. Power folding mirrors are only offered on the ID.4 Pro S Plus.

The BMW i4 has a standard Homelink wireless remote control system for garage door operation and device management, conveniently located on the rear view mirror. Homelink® eliminates the need for separate garage door openers and associated risks of losing, breaking, or having dead batteries. Homelink® is only available on the ID.4 Pro S Plus.

Consumer Reports® recommends the BMW i4, based on reliability, safety and performance. The Volkswagen ID.4 isn't recommended.

The i4 was chosen as a Car and Driver’s “Top Ten” for 2023. The ID.4 has never been chosen by Car and Driver in their “10Best” issue.

The BMW 4 Series outsold the Volkswagen ID.4 by 76% during 2025.