Whether you're commuting around Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts, heading out to Mont-Tremblant, or driving to Montreal, choosing an electric BMW depends just as much on size as it does on range and performance. The 2026 BMW i4 vs. 2026 BMW i5 comparison highlights two different approaches to BMW electric mobility: the i4 features the more compact profile of a Gran Coupé, while the i5 brings the character of the 5 Series to a large, fully electric sedan.

Both models are currently part of BMW Canada's 2026 electric lineup. BMW Canada does not currently list a 2027 BMW i4 or BMW i5. To compare what is actually available today, the 2026 models therefore remain the current reference.

2026 BMW i4 vs. 2026 BMW i5: two sizes for two different ways to travel

The most obvious difference lies in their dimensions.

The 2026 BMW i4 measures 4,787 mm in length, 1,852 mm in width, and has a wheelbase of 2,856 mm. The 2026 BMW i5 measures 5,060 mm in length, 1,900 mm in width, and has a wheelbase of 2,995 mm.

The i4 is therefore 273 mm shorter than the i5.

This difference clearly separates their positioning. The i4 retains the more compact proportions of a Gran Coupé and is designed for drivers looking for an electric BMW with a smaller footprint. The i5, meanwhile, fits the format of a large sedan, with a longer wheelbase and a noticeably longer body.

On Laurentians roads as well as during trips to larger urban centers, this difference in size can matter just as much as the power figures.

Three versions of the 2026 BMW i4

The 2026 BMW i4 is offered in three main configurations:

  • BMW i4 eDrive40: rear-wheel drive, 335 horsepower;

  • BMW i4 xDrive40: all-wheel drive, 396 horsepower;

  • BMW i4 M60 xDrive: all-wheel drive, 593 horsepower.

This lineup allows drivers to choose between rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

The xDrive40 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.1 seconds, while the M60 xDrive completes the same sprint in 3.7 seconds.

For drivers who want to combine a relatively compact size with BMW xDrive all-wheel drive, the i4 xDrive40 is therefore a particularly relevant configuration to consider.

Two versions of the 2026 BMW i5

The 2026 electric i5 lineup is available in two versions:

  • BMW i5 xDrive40: all-wheel drive, 389 horsepower;

  • BMW i5 M60 xDrive: all-wheel drive, 593 horsepower.

The i5 xDrive40 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds. The i5 M60 xDrive lowers that time to 3.8 seconds.

Both i5 versions therefore come with all-wheel drive, which notably sets them apart from the rear-wheel-drive i4 eDrive40.

The M60 versions bring the two models very close in terms of performance: both the i4 M60 xDrive and i5 M60 xDrive produce 593 horsepower, with only one-tenth of a second separating their stated 0-to-100 km/h acceleration times.

Which BMW electric vehicle offers the longest range?

Range is naturally an important consideration when your travels take you between Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts, other communities in the Laurentians, and Montreal.

BMW lists the following estimated ranges for the models compared:

  • BMW i4 eDrive40: up to 536 km;

  • BMW i4 xDrive40: up to 462 km;

  • BMW i4 M60 xDrive: up to 447 km;

  • BMW i5 xDrive40: up to 447 km;

  • BMW i5 M60 xDrive: up to 446 km.

Among these versions, the i4 eDrive40 therefore offers the highest stated range.

For drivers who want all-wheel drive, the gap is smaller. The i4 xDrive40 offers up to 462 km compared with 447 km for the i5 xDrive40.

It is important to note that these are BMW estimates based on EPA methodology. Official EPA results are not yet available for these figures. Actual range may vary depending on several factors, including driving style, road conditions, outside temperature, and the use of heating or air conditioning.

This distinction is particularly relevant in Quebec, where temperatures can change significantly from one season to another.

DC fast charging: up to 205 kW for both models

When connected to a compatible DC fast charger, the maximum stated charging power reaches 205 kW for both the i4 and i5.

BMW also states that charging from 10% to 80% takes approximately 30 minutes under suitable conditions.

The stated battery capacity is 83.8 kWh for the i4 and 84.5 kWh for the i5.

Fast charging is therefore not a major point of differentiation between the two. The decision depends more on size, drivetrain configuration, the range of the version selected, and the type of driving experience you are looking for.

Who is the 2026 BMW i4 best suited for?

The 2026 BMW i4 is especially worth considering if you are looking for:

  • an electric Gran Coupé that is more compact than the i5;

  • a choice between rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive;

  • a range of up to 536 km with the eDrive40;

  • a 396-horsepower xDrive40 version;

  • a 593-horsepower M60 xDrive version.

It provides a vehicle with more compact dimensions while still offering several levels of power and drivetrain configuration.

For drivers who alternate between local trips in the Laurentians and longer journeys, the eDrive40's stated range can also be a deciding factor.

When does the 2026 BMW i5 become the logical choice?

The BMW i5 is aimed more at drivers who want to go electric while prioritizing the size and format of a large BMW sedan.

At 5,060 mm long with a 2,995 mm wheelbase, it clearly sits above the i4 in terms of dimensions. Both 2026 electric versions currently offered are also equipped with xDrive all-wheel drive.

The i5 also incorporates technology specific to this generation of the 5 Series, including the BMW Interaction Bar, along with available driver-assistance systems and equipment depending on the selected configuration.

For those primarily looking for a large electric BMW sedan, the i5 is therefore the natural choice between the two models.

BMW Ste-Agathe in Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts: compare both electric BMW models

At BMW Ste-Agathe in Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts, we offer the 2026 BMW i4 and 2026 BMW i5 to drivers throughout the Laurentians who are looking to make the switch to electric mobility.

At the time of writing, the 2026 BMW i4 is listed starting at $68,505, while the 2026 BMW i5 is listed starting at $87,415. Prices, offers, configurations, and availability are subject to change.

On a specification sheet, a 273 mm difference in length or a few kilometers of range already helps distinguish these two models. However, driving position, the sense of interior space, and vehicle behavior are easier to evaluate in person.

Contact our team or visit us in Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts to check available versions, get information tailored to your needs, and schedule a test drive.

FAQ - 2026 BMW i4 vs. 2026 BMW i5

Which BMW offers the longest range, the 2026 i4 or 2026 i5?

The BMW i4 eDrive40 offers the highest estimated range of the group, at up to 536 km according to BMW. The i4 xDrive40 offers up to 462 km, compared with 447 km for the i5 xDrive40.

Is the 2026 BMW i4 smaller than the 2026 BMW i5?

Yes. The BMW i4 measures 4,787 mm in length compared with 5,060 mm for the BMW i5. The i4 is therefore 273 mm shorter.

Is the 2026 BMW i4 available with all-wheel drive?

Yes. The i4 xDrive40 and i4 M60 xDrive versions are equipped with all-wheel drive. The eDrive40 is rear-wheel drive.

Which is more powerful, the 2026 BMW i4 or the 2026 BMW i5?

In their M60 xDrive versions, both models produce 593 horsepower. According to BMW, the i4 M60 xDrive reaches 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds, while the i5 M60 xDrive does so in 3.8 seconds.

Is there already a 2027 BMW i4 or 2027 BMW i5?

At the time of writing, BMW Canada does not yet list a 2027 BMW i4 or 2027 BMW i5. The models currently presented in the Canadian lineup remain the 2026 model-year versions.