# BMW i4 — Used Car Buying Guide

AutoScout's analysis of the BMW i4 on the UK used-car market. Backed by 33 million DVSA MOT tests, current AutoTrader pricing, and depreciation curves derived from CAP/Glass's Guide data.

Live interactive report: https://autoscout.fyi/cars/bmw-i4

## Verdict

- **Best value year**: 2022
- **Ideal trim**: eDrive40
- **Target mileage**: 35,000–50,000 miles
- **Max previous owners**: 2
- **Target price**: £23,000

## Why this model

The BMW i4 is a fantastic choice if you're looking for a premium electric car that blends performance, comfort, and a decent range. It drives like a proper BMW, feels solid, and the eDrive40 model offers a great balance of power and efficiency. The liquid-cooled battery system is a big plus for longevity and consistent performance, with expected degradation around 1.8% per year, meaning a 2022 model should still have excellent battery health (around 91% SoH at 5 years).

## What you should pay

The used EV market has seen significant price adjustments, making premium models like the i4 much more accessible. A 2022 i4 eDrive40 is currently around £23,000, which is excellent value considering its original price. This reflects the broader softening of the used EV market, driven partly by new car price cuts and increased supply. You're getting a lot of car for your money now.

## Which trim to buy

The eDrive40 is the sweet spot in the i4 range. It offers a powerful 335hp motor, a real-world range of around 230-250 miles, and comes well-equipped as standard. While the M50 is faster, the eDrive40 provides more than enough performance for daily driving and longer trips without the higher price tag or potential for faster tyre wear. The eDrive35 is a newer, slightly less powerful option, but the 2022 eDrive40 offers better value right now.

## What to check before you buy

- Software glitches (iDrive 8) - ensure all updates are applied.
- Tyre wear - due to the car's weight and power, check tyre condition carefully.
- Charging port issues - rare, but ensure it charges reliably on AC and DC.
- General EV checks: verify battery health (SoH) if possible, though liquid-cooled BMW batteries are robust.

## Running costs

Using a standard home electricity rate (Ofgem cap 24.5p/kWh), you're looking at about 7p/mile, or around £703 per year for 10,000 miles. If you switch to a smart EV tariff like Octopus Go or Intelligent Octopus (around 9p/kWh overnight), this drops significantly to about 2.6p/mile, costing only £258 per year for 10,000 miles – a saving of £445 annually! Road tax is free until April 2025, after which it will be £195 per year. Insurance costs will vary but expect it to be on the higher side for a premium BMW, likely £800-£1500+ depending on your personal circumstances.

## Key stats

- **Fuel Type**: Electric
- **Horsepower**: 335 hp (eDrive40)
- **Mpg**: 3.5 mi/kWh equivalent
- **Reliability Score**: Good, generally reliable for an EV with solid BMW build quality.
- **Safety Rating**: 5-star Euro NCAP (2022)

## Trim comparison

| Trim | Price new | Price used | Key features |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| BMW i4 eDrive35 Sport (2023) | £50,000 | £22,000 | BMW Curved Display (12.3" digital instrument cluster, 14.9" central touchscreen); iDrive 8 infotainment system; Sport seats |
| BMW i4 eDrive40 M Sport (2022) | £58,000 | £23,000 | M Sport styling (bumpers, side skirts); Larger 18-inch M alloy wheels; M Sport suspension |
| BMW i4 M50 (2022) | £65,000 | £31,000 | Dual motors (536hp); xDrive all-wheel drive; Adaptive M suspension |

## Depreciation forecast

| Year | Estimated value | Retention |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 2026 | £23,000 | 0% |
| 2027 | £19,550 | 15% |
| 2028 | £17,204 | 12% |
| 2029 | £15,140 | 12% |
| 2030 | £13,323 | 12% |

The i4, like many premium EVs, experiences its steepest depreciation in the first few years from new. Buying a 3-4 year old model, like a 2022 eDrive40 in 2026, means you've already let the first owner take the biggest hit. While it will continue to depreciate, the rate should slow down. The sweet spot for buying is now, as the market has adjusted. For selling, holding onto it for 3-4 years will see further depreciation, but it should still retain a reasonable percentage of its current value.

Total value lost since new: 42.1%.

## Alternatives to consider

- Tesla Model 3 Long Range
- Polestar 2 Long Range Single Motor
- Hyundai IONIQ 5 RWD

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Source: AutoScout (https://autoscout.fyi). Part of a review of the UK used-car market across 500+ models.