i4 vs CT4
The i4 and the CT4 sit in the same compact luxury car class, but BMW and Cadillac don’t always agree on what matters most. Think of these two as neighbors: the overlap is large and the gaps are few.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance i4 wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance10.0
- Engine & Performance5.0
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 98 hp more power
On total system output, the i4 posts 335 hp against 237 hp for the CT4, a gap big enough to feel in everyday use. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
-
The i4 has 59 lb-ft more torque
This is one of the widest gaps in the whole comparison: 317 lb-ft for the i4 versus 258 lb-ft for the CT4. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | i4 | CT4 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 187.2 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 109.3 in |
Engine & Performance
i4 leads
Few areas are as clear-cut as this one: the i4 leads the engine & performance section with room to spare. The i4 answers with 98 hp more power. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board. For anyone who cares most about engine & performance, the i4 is the safer choice.
Total system output
i4: 335 hp CT4: 237 hp The i4’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Torque
i4: 317 lb-ft CT4: 258 lb-ft More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
If space & practicality matters most to you, this section won’t make the decision for you: they’re level. Either car will serve you equally well on space & practicality.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
Evenly matched is the fairest summary of the off-road & towing section. If off-road & towing was going to be your tiebreaker, you’ll need a different one.
Safety & Tech
We don’t score this area directly, because the safety & tech specs are labels rather than measurements. The table shows what each lists.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | i4 | CT4 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Electric | Gas |
| Engine | Single rear electric motor | 2.0L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 335 hp (winner) Most powerful in class | 237 hp |
| Torque | 317 lb-ft (winner) Most torque in class | 258 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 1-speed direct drive | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD (xDrive AWD available) | RWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | i4 | CT4 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | N/A (not specified) | 26 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | N/A (not specified) | 22 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | N/A (not specified) | 32 mpg |
| Electric range | 318 mi | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | i4 | CT4 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | N/A (not specified) | 10.7 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | i4 | CT4 |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | i4 | CT4 |
|---|---|---|
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | i4 | CT4 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 187.2 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 109.3 in |
Price
| Spec | i4 | CT4 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | N/A (not specified) | $34,995 |
“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 237 hp)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (317 lb-ft vs 258 lb-ft of torque)
- you’re comfortable with how BMW does things
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the i4 or the CT4?
On the specs compared here, the i4 makes more sense for most buyers; the CT4 doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
Here’s my honest read on a classic rivalry: BMW’s i4 against Cadillac’s CT4. The i4 has 98 hp more power, and for most people that’s not a small thing.
The i4 is built for people who weigh engine & performance heavily, and the CT4 for people who weigh the things a spec sheet can’t capture.
My pick: the i4.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.