BMW
i4
Owner report available
Porsche
Taycan
Owner report available
BMW i4 vs Porsche Taycan
The short answer
Based on available data, the Porsche Taycan comes out ahead of the BMW i4 on power. Check the specs table and owner sentiment below for the full comparison before deciding between the two. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
i4
Overall
Positive sentiment overall, with owners frequently praising the vehicle's driving dynamics, build quality, and refinement. The i4 is consistently described as a "great car" that is "fun to drive," with a high-quality interior that outperforms many competitors in finesse. The M50 performance variant is noted for its "ridiculously fun" acceleration and speed.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus "best" trim. The M50 performance model is frequently mentioned and praised for its speed and fun factor.
Known issues
- Severe depreciation: Values described as falling dramatically, with a 2022 i4 M50 cited as dropping from ~£70,000 to ~£36,000 in approximately three years. Frequency: very frequent.
- Uncomfortable driver's seat: Specifically noted as not comfortable for long drives, with both Sensatec and Vernasca leather options cited. Frequency: recurrent.
- Wireless charger malfunction: Described as nearly useless, overheating phones, and charging slower than the phone's battery depletes during navigation use. Frequency: recurrent.
Taycan
Overall
Mixed sentiment with a clear divide between driving experience and ownership reliability. The vehicle is universally praised for its exceptional driving dynamics, handling, and performance, described as "the best road-legal e-car thus far," "elegant and great fun to drive," and a "very good sports car." Owners highlight its rock-stable high-speed stability, insanely good road grip, and the significant benefit of its two-speed gearbox. The instant torque and direct, responsive EV driving experience are frequently cited as major positives, with some stating it has "ruined me for gas." However, this is heavily counterbalanced by very frequent and severe criticisms regarding reliability, software, and service.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus "best" version. Discussions mention various trims (4S, GTS, Turbo, Turbo S, Turbo GT) with different performance levels.
Known issues
- Major reliability and component failures: including transmission replacement, rear differential replacement, heater replacement, and high-voltage battery replacement (with a cited out-of-warranty cost of approximately $52,000).
- Software and infotainment bugs: system freezes, slow response, navigation failures, profile memory issues, charge planner glitches, Android Auto/CarPlay connectivity problems, and lack of software updates for older model years.
- Poor software support and updates: manufacturer does not update older model years to newer software versions, leaving navigation systems broken for extended periods (e.g., 8 months in Europe for 2020-2024 models). Frequency: very frequent.
The verdict
The BMW i4 is the better choice for most buyers.
It has stronger reliability sentiment in owner reports than the Porsche Taycan, based on the data above. If the specific known issues on the BMW i4 are a dealbreaker, the Porsche Taycan is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the BMW i4 or the Porsche Taycan?
Owner reports lean more positive on reliability for the BMW i4 than the Porsche Taycan. See the known issues comparison above for the specific concerns owners report on each.
Which is better for families, the BMW i4 or the Porsche Taycan?
The BMW i4 seats more passengers than the Porsche Taycan on its catalogued best-equipped version. Body type also differs: the BMW i4 is classed as a Coupe, the Porsche Taycan as a Sedan.
Which has better fuel economy, the BMW i4 or the Porsche Taycan?
The EPA rates the 2026 BMW i4 at 81–118 MPGe combined and the 2026 Porsche Taycan at 77–93 MPGe, depending on the version.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the BMW i4 or the Porsche Taycan?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but reliability signals above are the closest proxy: fewer reported issues generally means lower repair costs over time.