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IIHS award for crash performance, but some caveats
The 2025 BMW i4, BMWs full-electric interpretation of the 4 Series Gran Coupe, has earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's top rating in the updated moderate overlap crash test. The accolade underscores the model's strong structure and occupant protection in frontal impacts, yet the IIHS report also identifies specific items that need attention on some configurations.
Where the i4 scored well
The i4 received high marks for overall crashworthiness and was singled out for user-friendly child seat anchors. The nonprofit also praised the car's front crash prevention system in vehicle-against-pedestrian scenarios. In key IIHS test runs the i4 reduced impact speeds significantly:
- In a 37 mph parallel adult nighttime pedestrian test using low beams, the i4 reduced impact speed by 22 mph.
- In a daytime 25 mph crossing child scenario, impact speed was cut by 20 mph.
- At 25 mph in some pedestrian scenarios the car avoided collision entirely.
Ease of use with the LATCH system and solid dummy kinematics for rear occupants helped the i4's safety case.
Issues flagged by IIHS
However, the IIHS highlighted two notable drawbacks. First, seatbelt reminders fell short of the institute's expectations. Second, headlight performance varied significantly between available options. BMW offers the i4 with two headlight specifications; the lower-end unit was rated poor due to insufficient roadway illumination and excessive glare for oncoming drivers. The higher-spec lights performed better, with improved visibility and reduced glare, but the split results create an uneven safety picture for buyers.
Trims, range and pricing
Model-year changes simplified the i4 lineup. The previous eDrive35 was discontinued, leaving the rear-wheel-drive eDrive40 as the entry rear-drive model. Rear-wheel drive contributes to the best EPA range estimates, and BMW advertises the following 2025 ranges:
- i4 eDrive40 (RWD): about 295 to 318 miles (475 to 512 km) per charge.
- i4 xDrive40 (AWD): about 268 to 287 miles (431 to 462 km).
- i4 M50 (performance AWD): about 227 to 267 miles (365 to 430 km).
Pricing starts at roughly $57,900 for the rear-drive eDrive40, while the xDrive40 begins near $62,300. The high-performance i4 M50 carries a starting price of about $70,700 before destination, fees and options.
M50 and BMW M sales context
The i4 M50 remains an important nameplate for BMW M GmbH as an M Performance model rather than a full-blooded M car. BMW reported 206,582 deliveries for BMW M GmbH in 2024, with 139,777 of those being M Performance models. The automaker also highlighted strong demand for enthusiast models: the M2 Coupe saw a 64 percent sales increase year over year and the M3 Touring rose by 57 percent. Both M2 and M3 variants use the S58 twin-turbo inline-six, the M division's high-performance evolution of the standard B58 engine.
What it means for buyers
For buyers weighing safety, range and performance, the 2025 i4 offers a compelling mix: class-leading crash protection in the IIHS moderate overlap evaluation, strong pedestrian mitigation systems, and competitive EV range numbers—especially in rear-drive form. Yet shoppers should check which headlight package is fitted and verify seatbelt reminder specifications when configuring their car.
Highlights:
- IIHS top rating in updated moderate overlap crash test
- Strong pedestrian front crash prevention results
- Variable headlight performance: low-spec rated poor
- EPA ranges: up to ~318 miles for eDrive40
The i4 remains a key player in the premium electric Gran Coupe segment, balancing daily usability, safety credentials and performance-oriented options for buyers focused on electrified driving and BMW dynamics.
Source: autoevolution
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