A4 vs i4
The A4 and the i4 are two different answers to the same compact luxury car brief, each with its own set of priorities. On paper, these two are close. Only a handful of specs separate them by a margin you’d actually notice.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance i4 wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance3.1
- Engine & Performance10.0
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The i4 has 134 hp more power
Put simply, the i4 is far ahead here: 335 hp compared with 201 hp. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
-
The i4 has 81 lb-ft more torque
The i4’s 317 lb-ft leaves the A4’s 236 lb-ft well behind, so if this spec matters to you, the choice is easy. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Design & Size
Engine & Performance
i4 leads
The i4 clearly takes the engine & performance round. The i4 wins here with 134 hp more power. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board. If engine & performance is your priority, the i4 is the car to pick.
Total system output
A4: 201 hp i4: 335 hp The i4’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Torque
A4: 236 lb-ft i4: 317 lb-ft Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
The A4 and the i4 match each other closely in this area. The takeaway: space & practicality is not where these two differ.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
The off-road & towing section is even. Any gaps here are within the range you’d never notice. Bottom line for off-road & towing: it’s a wash.
Safety & Tech
The safety & tech data here comes as names and types, not scores. Check the table to see what each one uses.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | A4 | i4 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas (12V mild hybrid) | Electric |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | Single rear electric motor |
| Total system output | 201 hp | 335 hp (winner) Most powerful in class |
| Torque | 236 lb-ft | 317 lb-ft (winner) Most torque in class |
| Transmission | 7-speed dual-clutch (S tronic) | 1-speed direct drive |
| Drivetrain | AWD (quattro) | RWD (xDrive AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | A4 | i4 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 29 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 26 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 36 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Electric range | N/A (not specified) | 318 mi |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | A4 | i4 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | A4 | i4 |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | A4 | i4 |
|---|---|---|
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the i4 if…
- you want more power (335 hp vs 201 hp)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (317 lb-ft vs 236 lb-ft of torque)
- you’re comfortable with how BMW does things
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the A4 or the i4?
On the specs compared here, the i4 makes more sense for most buyers; the A4 doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
The A4 and the i4 are aimed at each other, and I think the gaps between them are more interesting than the headlines. Honestly, 134 hp more power on the i4 does a lot of the persuading for me.
The A4 is for you if the things a spec sheet can’t capture tops your list; the i4 is for you if engine & performance does.
My pick: the i4.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.