BYD Song L EV vs BMW i4
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | BYD Song L EV | BMW i4 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max power (hp) | 517 | 340 | +52.1% |
| Max torque (Nm) | 670 | 430 | +55.8% |
| Energy use (kWh/100km) | 14.5 | 16.1 | -9.9% |
| NCAP safety | 5★ (C-NCAP) | 5★ (Euro NCAP) | — |
| Fuel type | Electric | Electric | — |
| Transmission | Single-speed | Automatic | — |
| Price (USD est.) | $34,972 | $77,544 | -54.9% |
- BYD Song L EV makes about 52% 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 (China and EU); taxes and availability differ by country.
Verdict: Song L EV or i4?
BYD Song L EV advantages
- Engine power (+34%)
- Pulling torque (+36%)
- Energy efficiency (+10%)
- Affordability (+55%)
BMW i4 advantages
- No decisive advantage on the tracked metrics.
Which should you choose?
- Choose the BYD Song L EV if you want stronger performance and overtaking confidence.
- Choose the BYD Song L EV if you tow, carry loads or drive hilly roads.
Value for money
BYD Song L EV delivers more horsepower per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
BYD Song L EV vs BMW i4: which should you choose?
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 (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 vs BMW i4: BYD Song L EV is more powerful. BYD Song L EV makes about 52% 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
BYD Song L EV is rated 5 stars by C-NCAP and BMW i4 5 stars by Euro 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 BYD Song L EV better than the BMW i4?
BYD Song L EV is the clearly stronger overall choice, winning most of the dimensions that matter. BYD Song L EV makes about 52% more power (517 vs 340 hp).
What is the main difference between the BYD Song L EV and the BMW i4?
BYD Song L EV makes about 52% 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. Choose the BYD Song L EV if you tow, carry loads or drive hilly roads.
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.