Compare the2024 BMW i4VS 2023 Porsche Taycan

The i4 has a standard PostCrash iBrake, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The Taycan doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The i4 offers an optional Active Park Distance Control that uses rear sensors to monitor for objects to the rear and automatically applies the brakes to prevent a collision. The Taycan doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

The i4 has a standard blind spot warning system that uses sensors to alert the driver to objects in the vehicle’s blind spots where the side view mirrors don’t reveal them and moves the vehicle back into its lane. A system to reveal vehicles in the Taycan’s blind spot costs extra.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the i4’s standard Cross Traffic Warning uses sensors in the rear to alert the driver to vehicles approaching from the side, helping the driver avoid collisions. The Taycan doesn’t offer a rear cross-path warning system.

The i4’s driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The Taycan doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the i4 and the Taycan have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras and available around view monitors.

BMW pays for scheduled maintenance on the i4 for 1 year and 12000 miles longer than Porsche pays for maintenance for the Taycan (3/36,000 vs. 2/24,000).

There are over 80 percent more BMW dealers than there are Porsche dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the i4’s warranty.

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 20 points higher than the Taycan.

As tested in Consumer Reports the i4 M50 electric motors is faster than the Taycan 4S Performance Plus/Cross Turismo electric motors:

As tested in Car and Driver the i4 M50 electric motors is faster than the Taycan Performance Plus electric motor:

On the EPA test cycle the i4 gets better mileage than the Taycan Sedan:

The i4 can travel longer on a full charge than the Taycan Sedan on a full charge:

The i4 stops much shorter than the Taycan:

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 Taycan’s standard 55 series front tires.

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

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

The i4 M50 handles at .96 G’s, while the Taycan pulls only .89 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The i4 is 6.9 inches shorter than the Taycan, making the i4 easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

For excellent aerodynamics, the i4 has standard flush composite headlights. The Taycan has recessed headlights that spoil its aerodynamic shape and create extra drag.

The i4 has 2 inches more rear legroom and 1.1 inches more rear shoulder room than the Taycan.

If the windows are left open on the i4 the driver can close them all at the outside door handle or from a distance using the remote. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the Taycan can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The i4’s power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The Taycan’s cruise control switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

Consumer Reports rated the i4’s headlight performance “Good,” a higher rating than the Taycan’s headlights, which were rated “Fair.”

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 Taycan doesn’t offer extendable visors.

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

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