BMW i4 vs BYD Song L EV
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | BMW i4 | BYD Song L EV | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max power (hp) | 340 | 517 | -34.2% |
| Max torque (Nm) | 430 | 670 | -35.8% |
| Energy use (kWh/100km) | 16.1 | 14.5 | +11.0% |
| NCAP safety | 5★ (Euro NCAP) | 5★ (C-NCAP) | — |
| Fuel type | Electric | Electric | — |
| Transmission | Automatic | Single-speed | — |
| Price (USD est.) | $77,544 | $34,972 | +121.7% |
- BYD Song L EV makes about 34% more power (517 vs 340 hp).
- BYD Song L EV is the more efficient EV, using 14.5 kWh/100km against 16.1.
- Prices are converted to USD from their home markets (EU and China); taxes and availability differ by country.
Verdict: i4 or Song L EV?
BMW i4 advantages
- No decisive advantage on the tracked metrics.
BYD Song L EV advantages
- Engine power (+34%)
- Pulling torque (+36%)
- Energy efficiency (+10%)
- Affordability (+55%)
Which should you choose?
- Choose the BYD Song L EV if you want stronger performance and overtaking confidence.
Value for money
BYD Song L EV delivers more horsepower per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
BMW i4 vs BYD Song L EV: which should you choose?
BMW i4 (2026 i4 eDrive40 M Sport) — electric sedan with 340 hp and 430 Nm, rated at 16.1 kWh/100km, 5-star Euro NCAP safety; priced near $77,544 in the EU market.
BYD Song L EV (2023 Excellence AWD 602KM) — electric suv with 517 hp and 670 Nm, rated at 14.5 kWh/100km, 5-star C-NCAP safety; priced near $34,972 in the China market.
BMW i4 vs BYD Song L EV: BYD Song L EV is more powerful. BYD Song L EV makes about 34% more power (517 vs 340 hp). BYD Song L EV is the more efficient EV, using 14.5 kWh/100km against 16.1.
Performance
The BYD Song L EV is the more powerful, at 517 hp against 340 hp, with 670 Nm of torque on tap. Its electric drivetrain pairs with a single-speed transmission.
Running costs
The BYD Song L EV is the more efficient EV, drawing 14.5 kWh/100km against 16.1 — lower charging costs and, on the same battery, more range.
Safety
BMW i4 is rated 5 stars by Euro NCAP and BYD Song L EV 5 stars by C-NCAP. Different NCAP programmes use different protocols, so same-programme comparisons are the most reliable.
Price and value
The BYD Song L EV lists lower at about $34,972 (USD-converted from the China market). Factor in insurance, fuel or charging, taxes and resale — not just the sticker price.
The verdict
Both are credible choices in the car comparison space; the specification table above lays out every metric so you can weigh the trade-offs that matter to you. Pick the one whose strengths line up with how you will actually use it.
Frequently asked questions
Is the BMW i4 better than the BYD Song L EV?
BYD Song L EV is the clearly stronger overall choice, winning most of the dimensions that matter. BYD Song L EV makes about 34% more power (517 vs 340 hp).
What is the main difference between the BMW i4 and the BYD Song L EV?
BYD Song L EV makes about 34% more power (517 vs 340 hp). BYD Song L EV is the more efficient EV, using 14.5 kWh/100km against 16.1.
Which is better value?
BYD Song L EV delivers more horsepower per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Which should I choose?
Choose the BYD Song L EV if you want stronger performance and overtaking confidence.
Methodology
Cars are compared on manufacturer-rated maximum power and torque, certified fuel economy (km/L, converted from each market's test cycle: EPA, WLTP, CLTC, JC08/WLTC, ARAI) or EV energy use (kWh/100km), official NCAP crash-test ratings from the model's home-market programme, and list prices converted to USD at recent exchange rates. Each model shows its newest listed year and its highest-priority market trim. Test cycles differ between regions, so cross-market economy figures are directional rather than exact; prices exclude local taxes and incentives.