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BMW i4 vs Hyundai IONIQ 5 N
Selected trimStandard278 mi · 84 kWh · £65,800
At a glance
In this comparison, BMW i4 leads on value for money, motorway range and running costs, while the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N leads on family practicality and charging speed.
Which should you choose?
Choose the BMW i4 if...
- you want the most for your money - best overall spec per pound
- you do long motorway journeys - it has the best estimated real-world range at speed
- you want the lowest running costs - from just 2.2p per mile on off-peak electricity
- you need the best car for city driving and tight parking
Choose the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N if...
- you need the most family-friendly option with good safety and space
- you need the fastest charging of these options
How we reached the recommendation
Verdict
Our take
The BMW i4 leads in the most categories, but each car here has its strengths.
ValueBMW
BMW
5.9
Hyundai
4.8
Motorway RangeBMW
BMW
4.1
Hyundai
3.6
FamilyHyundai
BMW
6.4
Hyundai
7.4
ChargingHyundai
BMW
3.7
Hyundai
7.4
Cost Per MileBMW
BMW
4.1
Hyundai
1.4
City DrivingBMW
BMW
3.2
Hyundai
2.1
What each car does better
See the specification differences behind the verdict, with supporting figures for each advantage.
Hyundai IONIQ 5 N
Base
- 40 kW faster rapid charging
- 228 kW more power
- 2.3s quicker 0-62 mph
- 0.5 m tighter turning circle
Key specifications
Compare the key specifications for your selected trims.
| Measure | BMW i4eDrive40 M Sport | Hyundai IONIQ 5 NBase |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £53,405 (better) | £65,800 |
| Official range | 367 miles (better) | 278 miles |
| Boot space | 470 L | 480 L (better) |
| 10-80% rapid charge | 31 min | 27 min (better) |
| 0-62 mph | 5.7 sec | 3.4 sec (better) |
Size Comparison
View:
Align by:
BMW i4
Hyundai IONIQ 5 N
Length
BMW i44,783mm
Hyundai IONIQ 5 N4,715mm-68mm
Width
BMW i41,852mm-88mm
Hyundai IONIQ 5 N1,940mm
Height
BMW i41,448mm-137mm
Hyundai IONIQ 5 N1,585mm
Space, size & parking
Parking & manoeuvring
Compare exterior dimensions to assess how each car fits UK parking spaces.
| Measure | BMW i4eDrive40 M Sport | Hyundai IONIQ 5 NBase |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 4,783 mm | 4,715 mm |
| Width (mirrors folded) | 1,852 mm (better) | 1,940 mm |
| Width with mirrors out | 2,073 mm (better) | 2,170 mm |
| Height | 1,448 mm | 1,585 mm |
| Turning circle | 12.5 m | 12 m (better) |
| Clearance in a standard bayA standard UK parking bay is 2,400 mm wide. | 548 mm spare (better) | 460 mm spare |
People & luggage
Compare seating, child-seat mounting points, boot space and towing capacity.
| Measure | BMW i4eDrive40 M Sport | Hyundai IONIQ 5 NBase |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot space (seats up) | 470 L | 480 L (better) |
| Boot space (seats down) | 1290 L | 1587 L (better) |
| Frunk | 0 L | 57 L (better) |
| Towing capacity (braked) | 1,600 kg | 1,600 kg |
How each stacks up
Percentile ranks against UK EVs of the same body style.
BMW i4
Not enough peers to make confident percentile claims.
Hyundai IONIQ 5 N
- Peak DC charging of 240 kW, faster than 80% of SUVs in our catalogue.
- 3,000 mm wheelbase, longer than 90% of SUVs we track.
Full specifications
| Specification |  BMW i4 eDrive40 M Sport |  Hyundai IONIQ 5 N Base |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4.78m | 4.71m-68mm |
| Width | 1.85m | 1.94m+88mm |
| Width (mirrors) | 2.07m | 2.17m+97mm |
| Height | 1.45m | 1.58m+137mm |
| Wheelbase | 2.86m | 3.00m+144mm |
| Ground Clearance | 125mm | Not available |
| Capacity | ||
| Boot (seats up) | 470L | 480L (better) |
| Boot (seats down) | 1290L | 1587L (better) |
| Frunk | Not available | 57L (better) |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Practicality | ||
| Turning Circle | 12.5m | 12m (better) |
| Kerb Weight | 2,125kg (better) | 2,234kg |
| Towing Capacity | 1,600kg | 1,600kg |
| Electric | ||
| Battery | 83.9kWh | 84kWh (better) |
| Range (WLTP) | 367 mi (better) | 278 mi |
| Max DC Charge | 200kW | 240kW (better) |
| Pricing | ||
| UK MSRP | £53,405 (better) | £65,800 |
| Details | ||
| Body Style | Saloon | SUV |
| Available | 2021–2026 | 2024+ |
* BMW i4: Launch figures. Cars built from July 2024 (facelift) have 81.3 kWh usable, 205 kW DC charging and up to 373 miles WLTP.
Range & charging
Range, charging & battery
Check official and estimated driving range alongside charging speeds, efficiency and battery technology.
| Measure | BMW i4eDrive40 M Sport | Hyundai IONIQ 5 NBase |
|---|---|---|
| Official range (WLTP) | 367 miles (better) | 278 miles |
| Estimated motorway rangeEVcarsguide estimate at sustained motorway speed. | 261 miles (better) | 232 miles |
| 10-80% rapid charge time | 31 min | 27 min (better) |
| Max rapid charge rate | 200 kW | 240 kW (better) |
| Home AC charging | 11 kW | 11 kW |
| Energy consumption | 160 Wh/km | Not available |
| Usable battery capacity | 80.7 kWh | 84 kWh (better) |
| Battery chemistry | NMC | NCMA |
| Battery architecture | 400V | 800V (better) |
Driving & everyday use
Performance & drivetrain
Compare acceleration, power and drivetrain specifications for the selected trims.
| Measure | BMW i4eDrive40 M Sport | Hyundai IONIQ 5 NBase |
|---|---|---|
| 0-62 mph | 5.7 sec | 3.4 sec (better) |
| Power | 250 kW | 478 kW (better) |
| Torque | 430 Nm | 770 Nm (better) |
| Drivetrain | RWD | AWD |
What the critics say
See how UK motoring publications rate each car in their road tests.
BMW i4
eDrive40 M Sport
8.8/10
average across 6 reviews
- Electrifying.com10/10
- DrivingElectric4.5/5
- Auto Express4.5/5
Hyundai IONIQ 5 N
Base
Watch the reviews
Watch selected video reviews here, or visit each model page for the full collection.
BMW i4
All 3 videos
Reviews and videos discuss each model overall; the specifications above apply to your selected trims.
Prices & deals
New and used prices
Current pricing and recent used-market behaviour.
| Measure | BMW i4eDrive40 M Sport | Hyundai IONIQ 5 NBase |
|---|---|---|
| Used market price from | £24,558 | £44,236 |
| Average used price | £28,930 | £47,731 |
| Recent used-price trend | Down 8% over ~6 months | Down 4.3% over ~6 months |
Used prices are indicative figures gathered from independent UK dealer listings and change frequently.
Calculate your real costs
For a useful running-cost comparison, factor in your mileage, charging access and current petrol or diesel car alongside the EV estimate.
Compare with petrol or diesel
Compare purchase price, energy, road tax and maintenance with a petrol or diesel alternative.
Calculate company-car tax
Work out monthly Benefit-in-Kind using current and future HMRC rates.
Cost per mile
Compare EV charging costs per mile with petrol and diesel using your charging options.
Check a lease quote
Assess the effective monthly cost alongside the list price and expected depreciation.
Safety & ownership confidence
Euro NCAP - BMW i4 eDrive40 M Sport
Tested 2022
Adult Occupant87%
Child Occupant87%
Vulnerable Road Users71%
Safety Assist64%
Full result on euroncap.com (opens in new tab)
Euro NCAP - Hyundai IONIQ 5 N Base
Tested 2021
Adult Occupant88%
Child Occupant86%
Vulnerable Road Users63%
Safety Assist88%
Full result on euroncap.com (opens in new tab)
Warranty
Check the published battery warranty cover for each selected trim.
| Measure | BMW i4eDrive40 M Sport | Hyundai IONIQ 5 NBase |
|---|---|---|
| Battery warranty | 8 years | 8 years |
| Battery warranty distance | 160,934 km | 160,934 km |
What owners say
Aggregated from UK owner forums and communities - the things you only learn after living with the car.
Shared watch-outs for both cars
Owners of every car here flag real-world range. Worth checking on a test drive whichever you choose.
BMW i4
eDrive40 M Sport
Owners love
- Owners praise the composed ride, quiet cabin and BMW build quality, and many compare it favourably with the Tesla Model 3 for comfort.
- The eDrive40 is widely seen as the sweet spot: rear-wheel drive, lighter than the M50 and with the most range.
- Many owners report around 280 to 300 miles in mild weather from an eDrive40, and efficiency of around 4 miles per kWh on gentle runs.
Watch out for
- Winter range falls a long way, with several owners reporting around 180 to 220 miles in cold, wet weather.
- The rear seats are tight for tall adults, the doors are small and the floor is raised by the battery.
- It is heavy for its size, at about 2.1 to 2.3 tonnes, which owners feel in hard cornering and in efficiency.
Owner tips
- Sit in the back on the test drive if tall adults will use the rear seats regularly.
- Check the tyres and their brand closely; budget for a set if they are low, and prefer smaller wheels for range.
Hyundai IONIQ 5 N
Base
Owners love
- Owners and enthusiasts call it the most engaging electric car to drive, with sharp steering and handling that hides its weight.
- The simulated gearshifts (N e-shift) and engine sounds are widely praised as fun rather than a gimmick.
- Fast 800-volt charging makes a 10-80% stop about 18 minutes, which owners say matters more than range.
Watch out for
- Efficiency is poor: owners report 2.2 to 2.7 miles per kWh, or about 190 miles in winter and 220 to 235 in summer.
- Tyres wear fast when the performance is used; one owner's first set lasted about 12,000 miles at around 250 pounds a corner.
- It is big and heavy for a performance car, with a wide turning circle.
Owner tips
- Budget for tyres and brakes, and ask how the car has been driven.
- Use the satnav to precondition the battery before a rapid charger.
Buying options
Get a quote
BMW i4
Used on AutoTraderLease deals
Hyundai IONIQ 5 N
Used on AutoTraderLease deals
Live used listings
Active inventory from independent UK dealers.
BMW i4
- £28,9502023Car360View
- £25,6992024Car360View
- £24,5582023Car360View
Hyundai IONIQ 5 N
No active listings.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N worth the extra £12,395 over the BMW i4?
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 N costs £12,395 more than the BMW i4. For that premium it adds 40 kW faster peak rapid charging, 228 kW more power and a 2.3s quicker 0-62mph time. The BMW i4 is not just cheaper - it also offers 88 miles more WLTP range. On EVcarsguide's combined category scores, the BMW i4 comes out ahead overall.
Which is cheaper to own over 5 years, the BMW i4 or the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N?
The BMW i4 is £12,395 cheaper to buy. The BMW i4 is cheaper to charge, roughly £176 a year versus £208 for the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N, at 8,000 miles on an off-peak home tariff. Add 5 years of charging and the BMW i4 comes out roughly £12,555 cheaper overall. These figures cover list price and home charging only - insurance, servicing, tyres and depreciation will move the real total.
What are the BMW i4 and Hyundai IONIQ 5 N like on a long motorway trip?
EVcarsguide estimates a real-world motorway range of about 261 miles for the BMW i4 and 232 miles for the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N - both below their WLTP figures, because sustained high speed is the hardest case for an EV. The BMW i4 goes roughly 29 miles further between charging stops. Both rapid-charge to 80% in a similar time, around 27-31 minutes.
Which is easier to park and drive in town, the BMW i4 or the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N?
The BMW i4 is the easier car for tight UK car parks: it is 88 mm narrower than the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N. In a standard 2,400 mm bay that leaves about 548 mm of total clearance for the BMW i4 and about 460 mm of total clearance for the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N. The Hyundai IONIQ 5 N also turns in a 0.5 m tighter circle, which helps with U-turns and multi-storey ramps.
Which battery will hold up better as a used buy, the BMW i4 or the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N?
Over a 8-year ownership window EVcarsguide's degradation model projects roughly 84% battery health for the BMW i4 and 89% for the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N. That gives the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N a modest edge in retained real-world range. Both use NMC-type cells, so for daily use keep the charge limit near 80% to slow degradation. Both batteries carry a 8-year manufacturer warranty.
Go deeper on each car
Visit the full model pages for owner feedback, expert reviews, used prices and battery-health information.
Compare against other rivals
Compare similarly sized and priced electric cars before finalising your shortlist.
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See both cars in our rankings
EVcarsguide scores every verified EV on price, range, family use and running costs. Here is where this pair appears.
Where the BMW i4 and Hyundai IONIQ 5 N rank among the best family EVsWhere the BMW i4 and Hyundai IONIQ 5 N rank among the best motorway EVsWhere the BMW i4 and Hyundai IONIQ 5 N rank among the best city EVsWhere the BMW i4 and Hyundai IONIQ 5 N rank among the cheapest EVs to runWhere the BMW i4 and Hyundai IONIQ 5 N rank among EVs with the biggest bootsWhere the BMW i4 and Hyundai IONIQ 5 N rank among Best Used Electric Cars Under £10,000 (UK)
If neither is quite right
Explore other verified electric cars that may better suit the priorities this pair does not meet.
Further reading
Explore buying and ownership guides to help you choose between these electric cars.
GuideBuying a Used BMW i4 (2021 on): eDrive35, eDrive40 or M50, Battery Recalls, Range & What to Check
A used BMW i4 buyer’s guide: eDrive35, eDrive40, M50 and M60 compared, the battery recalls on early cars, warranty left, real-world and winter range, rear space, tyres, what to pay and a printable checklist.
GuideBuying a Used Hyundai IONIQ 5 N (2024 on): Range, Tyres, Recalls & What to Pay
A used Hyundai IONIQ 5 N buyer’s guide: what makes it different from the IONIQ 5, real-world range, tyre and brake costs, recalls, the 5-year warranty, what to pay and a printable checklist.
Data accuracy
Specs are sourced from manufacturer websites and manually reviewed. These figures were last verified .