BMW I4 Vs Audi E-Tron Sportback: Which EV is Right for You?

As shoppers become more interested in electrified and all-electric models, there’s been an increase in search traffic seeking comparisons between some of the hottest models on the EV scene today.

Manufacturers are pushing hard towards electric motoring, meaning that today’s EV’s come in more flavors and styles than ever. Many more are on the way.

The BMW i4 and Audi e-Tron Sportback are two of Germany’s hottest electric cars right now. Each brings its automaker’s latest technological and styling capabilities to market. Below, we’ll compare these two models side-by-side. The goal, to help illustrate the key similarities and differences between each, and ultimately to help you make a better purchase decision.

Audi e-tron Sportback: The Audi e-tron Sportback delivers headroom measurements of 38.1 inches up front and 37.9 inches in the rear. Legroom comes in at 40.8 inches for front seat occupants and 39.1 in the rear. On shoulder room, the e-tron Sportback offers 58.6 inches up front, and 57.2 in the rear.

Bottom Line: Though a fraction of an inch of front seat headroom splits the pair, the Audi e-tron Sportback offers over an inch of additional rear seat headroom, as well as a nearly five-inch advantage in rear-seat legroom.

The e-tron Sportback offers a few more inches of shoulder room in both seating rows as well—making it the best choice for transporting wider occupants, or taller rear-seat occupants. However, it’s the BMW i4 for drivers who enjoy the snugger ‘fits like a glove’ feel of a sports sedan.

BMW i4: The BMW i4 offers shoppers a choice of several powertrain options. The entry i4 eDrive40 packs 335 horsepower and a rear-wheel drive configuration. It has an estimated range of about 300 miles. The higher-performing M50 variant delivers 536 horsepower and all-wheel drive traction. Range drops though to about 270 miles.

Battery capacity is sits at 83.9 kWh for both models.

A specialized traction management system capitalizes on the fast-acting response from the electric motors, issuing stability control corrections about 10 times faster than conventional systems for optimal traction during acceleration.

Audi e-tron Sportback: Dual electric motors power the e-tron Sportback, delivering up to 402 horsepower with its boost function engaged. The 91 kWh battery powers all four wheels, and range is good for about 225 miles, with 230 kW of peak electrical output. On acceleration, drivers can expect 0-60 in about 5.5 seconds.

Bottom Line: At the moment, the BMW i4 offers shoppers both a standard and high-performing variant, while the e-tron Sportback comes with a sole driveline configuration. Both the e-tron Sportback and i4 M50 come with AWD. Look for additional powertrain options for both models in the future as production ramps up.

BMW i4: Driving range for the BMW i4 depends on the model grade selected. The furthest-driving model is the eDrive 40, with about 300 miles of range. With rear-wheel drive, the i4 eDrive40 has only one electric motor drawing from the battery.

The higher-performing, AWD-equipped i4 M50 provides faster acceleration and improved traction. But with two electric motors drawing from its battery, range falls to 270 miles. The eDrive40 is the most efficient i4, with 104 MPGe city and 108 MPGe on the highway.

Audi e-tron Sportback: The e-tron Sportback’s single configuration delivers a range of 225 miles, with an efficiency rating of 77 MPGe in the city and 80 MPGe on the highway.

Bottom Line: While both the i4 and e-tron Sportback offer shoppers plenty of range for daily commuting and road trips, the i4 eDrive40 delivers the biggest range in this group. The M50 gives up a few miles in exchange for added power and grip.

In either configuration, the BMW i4 offers more range than the e-tron Sportback, by up to 75 miles. Note that range may vary depending on the equipped wheels and tires selected for each model, too.

BMW i4: The BMW i4’s cargo area can transport 10 cubic feet of gear behind the rear seats, though the cargo area expands to 45.6 cubic feet with the seats folded.

A retractable towing hitch is available in some markets to tow up to 1,600 kilograms. It’s unclear though whether or not this is available for the North American market. Other sources suggest that towing is not recommended for this vehicle.

BMW i4: The BMW i4 ships with a range of the market’s latest and greatest in driver assistance tech and proactive safety systems. Cameras and ultrasonic radar power some 40 assist functions, and many of these can be improved or enhanced over time with remote software upgrades.

Numerous features are included to help drivers more easily control their vehicle in a wide range of situations. These include the Driving Assistant Professional system which adds emergency stop support, pedestrian detection and active side collision protection.

Audi e-tron Sportback: The Audi e-Tron Sportback features an advanced 3D camera system with which drivers can zoom in on their vehicle’s exterior using various helpful camera angles that allow a full, 360-degree image of vehicle’s surroundings on a single screen. Frontal sensors can provide early detection of hazards, automatically stop the vehicle to prevent certain types of accidents, and help drivers by automatically maintaining a safe following distance and position within their lane.

Further, the intersection assist function can detect cross traffic as drivers pull through an intersection, and provide a braking warning if a potential collision situation from an incoming car is present.

Bottom Line: Both Audi and BMW are leaders in automotive safety tech. Both the e-Tron Sportback and i4 are standard or available with some of their latest offerings on driver assistance.

Though the BMW i4 has not been crash tested as of this writing, the e-Tron Sportback achieved a 5/5 Star rating from the NHTSA, and achieved a Top Safety Pick + rating from the IIHS. These scores place it firmly amongst the highest-performing vehicles on the road when it comes to crash avoidance and crash performance.

BMW i4: The BMW i4 uses the new BMW iDrive 8 system. This next-generation system uses new displays, graphics and interfaces and is designed to work as an intelligent partner for the driver in a variety of situations. A curved forward display and enhanced organic dialogue recognition add further appeal for tech afficionados.

Connected charging, parking and navigation apps are included. The i4’s driving experience is highly customizable thanks to flexible displays and the ability to personalize the car using on-board menus or a smartphone app.

The M50 version has several performance-enhancing technologies, including a Variable Sport Steering system and the Adaptive M Suspension for a precisely-controlled ride and handling balance.

Audi e-tron Sportback: Audi’s popular Virtual Cockpit Plus places drivers behind a customizable instrument cluster with a crisp 12.3-inch display and 3 display modes that can be selected on the fly. The potent Bang and Olufsen stereo system features custom-tuned components and 3D surround sound.

Add in the touch-responsive MMI system with touch-screen climate control, and drivers will find themselves perched behind 3 high-end display screens for an authentically modern and techy feel. Look for available Digital Matrix LED headlights, massaging seats and a head-up display to complete the package.

Bottom Line: In their basic configurations, both the i4 and e-tron Sportback serve up plenty of the market’s latest infotainment, display and comfort-enhancing tech. Both models offer numerous options for interested shoppers to upgrade, too.

BMW i4: The BMW i4’s striking looks call previous compact, high-performing BMW sports cars to mind with a uniquely electric look and feel dialed in. The distinctive BMW EV grille treatment instantly identifies all i4 variants on the road. As well, dynamic headlights with LED light pipes deliver a strong after-dark presence via signature lighting.

The i4’s shape combines blocky proportions, decorative accents and flowing shapes for a look that’s elegant and strong. It’s instantly BMW from a glance, though also, something new and exciting. Styling upgrades exclusive to the M50 model dial in an even more aggressive flair.

Audi e-tron Sportback: Perhaps the most captivating part of the e-tron Sportback’s styling is its side profile and silhouette. The flowing, swept roofline calls Audi’s popular four-door coupe models to mind. It’s expressively-designed wheels make the side profile pop both while parked and in motion. Signature Audi lighting and grille elements are applied, and the full-width LED taillamp accents an athletic rear end. The liftgate finishes this look by terminating in a subtle spoiler.

Available 22-inch, 5-spoke wheels on the top-line Prestige model feature a dynamic turbine-like look that’s sure to turn heads.

Bottom Line: If you’re shopping on style alone, you’ve got two good choices here. The BMW i4 is a striking new take on a familiar shape. The e-tron Sportback on the other hand, captivates with more dramatic wheels, lines, and lighting.

BMW i4: The BMW i4 eDrive40 starts at $55,900, while the higher-performing i4 M50 comes in from $67,300. Standard features include a 205-watt stereo system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, rain-sensing wipers, automatic multi-zone climate control, power seats, keyless access, and more.

Once shoppers select a model, there are a wide range of looks, colors, wheels, upholsteries, trims and optional equipment packages they can select for full customization of the model to their precise tastes.

Audi e-tron Sportback: The e-tron Sportback opens the bidding from $74,000 in Premium grade with standard 20-inch wheels, LED headlights, 8-way driver’s seat, S-line exterior package, and more. The Premium Plus trim grade bumps pricing to $81,000 and adds a second charging port, ventilated front seats, matrix-design headlamps, and a premium 3D surround stereo from Bang and Olufsen.

Go top-line with the e-tron Sportback Prestige from $89,300 for 22-inch wheels, a head-up display, massage seats in Milano leather, and Audi’s top-performing Digital Matrix LED headlights.

Bottom Line: The BMW i4 holds the price advantage over the Audi e-Tron Sportback along the trim range. It’s the winner of this category.

The BMW i4 and Audi e-tron Sportback are helping pioneer the rapidly-expanding luxury EV segment. They will be joined by a range of all-electric models from each automaker in the coming months and years. These latest electrics from Germany are opening the wallets of many shoppers today, and getting many others excited for what’s to come next.

The BMW i4 is less expensive than the e-tron Sportback, and offers superior driving range and performance figures. This may make it a more compelling choice for the driver after a high-value premium EV experience. But, if they need the added space and cargo volume of the more accommodating e-tron Sportback, that might be the better choice.

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