Compare the2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6VS 2024 BMW i4

For enhanced safety, the front seat shoulder belts of the Hyundai Ioniq 6 are height-adjustable to accommodate a wide variety of driver and passenger heights. A better fit can prevent injuries and the increased comfort also encourages passengers to buckle up. The BMW i4 doesn’t offer height-adjustable seat belts.

In the past twenty years hundreds of infants and young children have died after being left in vehicles, usually by accident. When turning the vehicle off, drivers of the Ioniq 6 are reminded to check the back seat if they opened the rear door before starting out. The i4 doesn’t offer a back seat reminder.

Both the Ioniq 6 and i4 have rear cross-traffic warning, but the Ioniq 6 has Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (automatically applies the brakes) to better prevent a collision when backing near traffic. The i4’s Cross Traffic Warning doesn’t automatically brake.

Both the Ioniq 6 and the i4 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, 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 Hyundai Ioniq 6 has achieved the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) highest rating of “Top Safety Pick Plus” for the 2024 model year. This distinction is based on its exceptional performance in IIHS’ rigorous battery of safety tests. Specifically, it earned an “Acceptable” rating in the latest, more stringent moderate overlap front crash test, a “Good” result in the updated side impact test, and a “Good” score in the revised pedestrian crash prevention test. The i4 has not yet been evaluated by the IIHS for 2024.

The Ioniq 6 comes with a full 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire car and includes 24-hour roadside assistance. The i4’s 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty expires 1 year or 10,000 miles sooner.

Hyundai’s powertrain warranty covers the Ioniq 6 6 years and 50,000 miles longer than BMW covers the i4. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 10 years or 100,000 miles. Coverage on the i4 ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

There are over 2 times as many Hyundai dealers as there are BMW dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Ioniq 6’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 Ioniq 6’s reliability 20 points higher than the i4.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2023 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Hyundai vehicles are better in initial quality than BMW vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Hyundai above average in initial quality. With 4 more problems per 100 vehicles, BMW is rated lower.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the statistics that show that Hyundai vehicles are more reliable than BMW vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Hyundai third in reliability, above the industry average. With 39 more problems per 100 vehicles, BMW is ranked 15th.

On the EPA test cycle the Ioniq 6 gets better mileage than the i4:

The Ioniq 6 can travel longer on a full charge than the i4 on a full charge:

The Ioniq 6 has a standard easy tire fill system. When inflating the tires, the vehicle’s integrated tire pressure sensors keep track of the pressure as the tires fill and tell the driver when the tires are inflated to the proper pressure. The i4 doesn’t offer vehicle monitored tire inflation.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Ioniq 6’s wheelbase is 3.7 inches longer than on the i4 (116.1 inches vs. 112.4 inches).

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the Ioniq 6 is 1.9 inches wider in the front and 1.4 inches wider in the rear than the average track on the i4.

For better maneuverability, the Ioniq 6’s turning circle is 2.2 feet tighter than the i4’s (38.8 feet vs. 41 feet).

The Hyundai Ioniq 6 may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 400 to 600 pounds less than the BMW i4.

The design of the Hyundai Ioniq 6 amounts to more than styling. The Ioniq 6 has an aerodynamic coefficient of drag of .22 Cd. That is lower than the i4 (.24 to .25) and many sports cars. A more efficient exterior helps keep the interior quieter and helps the Ioniq 6 get better fuel mileage.

Because it has more passenger and cargo room, the EPA rates the Ioniq 6 a Mid-size car, while the i4 is rated a Compact.

The Ioniq 6 has 13 cubic feet more passenger volume than the i4 (103 vs. 90).

The Ioniq 6 has 2 inches more front headroom, 3.9 inches more front legroom, 2.8 inches more front shoulder room, .3 inches more rear headroom, .5 inches more rear legroom and 3 inches more rear shoulder room than the i4.

The Ioniq 6 Limited’s standard easy entry system glides the driver’s seat back when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The i4 doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The Ioniq 6 Limited has a 115-volt a/c outlet on the rear seat, allowing you to recharge a laptop or run small household appliances without special adapters that can break or get misplaced. The i4 doesn’t offer a house-current electrical outlet.

The Ioniq 6 Limited’s Parking Assist can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. Remote Parking Assist will park and retrieve your car remotely: press a button and watch it park itself. This is ideal for tight locations. The i4 doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

Consumer Reports® recommends both the Hyundai Ioniq 6 and the BMW i4, based on reliability, safety and performance.