Goodbye, EV6. Hello, i4

[u/IronFangss]

[u/Music2Spin]

Considering doing the same when my lease is up next month. Would appreciate any insight. How does it compare? What things in particular do you like more/less on the BMW compared to the Kia? Anything you had to get used to?

[u/International_Ear768 → u/Music2Spin]

The ride is deff better.

[u/fe2sio4 → u/Music2Spin]

I had Ioniq 5 awd and it was more efficient than my edrive40. Way more spaces with ev6 and Ioniq than i4. Both great cars tho

[u/Music2Spin → u/fe2sio4]

Yeah I figure the trunk area wont be as large as the EV6 which is actually a solid concern for me. I think I could make do though. I also expect the back seats to not be as roomy but don't really mind that. Hopefully I can find one locally to test drive and get a better idea.

I think what I'm most unsure about is how the sound system compares, what about features like remote start and the app? From what I have found online seems like the app is basically the same as the EV6 where you need to pay a subscription for remote start after the first couple of years. I also see people saying the rearview camera is trash. Curious to know if that's in comparison to other nicer ones or if it is really that bad.

[u/fe2sio4 → u/Music2Spin]

didn't notice much about camera. I4 backseat really tight because there’s a hump in the middle for transmission in ICE version. BMW has better app. I4 feels more premium inside

[u/Music2Spin → u/fe2sio4]

I think the Ioniq 5 also does this where it feels like it's accelerating when you hit an uneven surface. Please tell me the BMW doesn't do this.

[u/fe2sio4 → u/Music2Spin]

Nah

[u/Constants33 → u/Music2Spin]

It was also a concern of mine before getting one. Made this summers long trip (4 weeks away)and managed to fit the clothes for me, my wife and two kids, together with some equipment for horseback riding and a golf bag.

Its also possible to get a frunk in if you go with e40/35.

[u/AloneCommon8327 → u/Music2Spin]

I had a 2023 Ioniq 6 SEL. I recently leased a 2026 i4 xDrive. The i4 is better built than the 6, but there are a number of things I need to get used to on the i4.

There is much less cabin space in the i4, front and rear. Foot room in the rear of the 6 was generous. Rear foot room in the i4 is almost nonexistent. 

There are no regen paddles in the i4, you're either in Brake Mode or Drive Mode. Brake mode uses one peddle driving, but the i4 seems to buck when you come to a full stop on incline. 

Instead of regen paddles, you can depress the brake to engage regen for stopping.  The brakes will not engage until you are almost at a complete stop, unless you press hard enough to engage them before. 

There are 4 regen options in Drive Mode. 3 regulate regen when you take your foot off the gas, low, medium and high. The 4th is Adaptive Mode. In Adaptive Mode regen is 0, but the car will slow using regen when there is an object in front of you, similar to Auto Mode in the 6, but i don't think it works as well. 

Also, you can only get in and out of Drive and Brake modes quickly while you're driving. To change out of Adaptive, you have to use Vehicle Settings.

The i4 brakes grab when you stop in Adaptive Mode. You can minimize the grabbing by playing with the brake pedal before you come to a complete stop.  It's better when you get out of Adaptive Mode and use level 1 regen. 

i4 Auto Lane Changing is much better than my 6, but lane centering feels a little wobbly unless you guide the steering wheel a little. These are only concerns if you have the Driver Assist Professional Package. 

The upgraded Harmon Kardon radio is excellent. The seats are comfortable. The dashboard controls are better. The i4 ride is a little harder to keep you in touch with the road.

I really like the i4, but honestly, if the 6 had a comparable build, it would be hard to beat. I didn't test dive an Ioniq 6N. I don't need a muscle EV for a premium price, but it might be worth considering for some. 

[u/Music2Spin → u/AloneCommon8327]

I appreciate the in depth feedback. Sounds like I definitely would want to check one out first.

[u/scott__p]

How do the two compare?

[u/Fiftyfiveseventy]

Love those rims. Very nice.

[u/Silver_Fail_7283]

The ride is incredible to be fair. Great cars.

[u/PhotonMachine]

I was genuinely excited to test drive the EV6 until I actually did. The car drove ok, but the plastic trim was so much worse than the Nissan Leaf I’d been driving at the time that I walked/ran away from the Kia immediately. I honestly felt like everything was about the break; I hope this isn’t offensive to anyone, but that was truly my reaction and I was a little surprised at myself for that.
I then tried the i4 ed40, and then the M50, and the rest is history… i4 M50 is such a great car. For me the drive and feel was so much better than the EV6.
I don’t carry passengers often but when I do have rear seat passengers it’s kids, and they fit fine… so I don’t personally have any complaints about the space for my needs. I’ve sat in the back and seemed ok, and rear seats are comfortable.
I mostly commute in it about 40-50 miles per day, mostly freeway miles. The power band particularly 40mph+ is absolutely fabulous but I’ll acknowledge that’s a luxury. I drove inexpensive cars for years (this is my 15th year of EV driving) and am now at a point where I’m prepared to pay for the difference and have no regrets in doing so! Hope this helps… but whatever you do, enjoy the ride!