BMW 4 Series G26 i4Gran Coupé2021–present
Every powertrain fitted to the BMW i4 G26 — from the 282 bhp rear-drive eDrive35 to the 593 bhp all-wheel-drive M60 xDrive.
Real UK costs, honest reliability data, and the fifth-generation eDrive technology that defines BMW's electric Gran Coupé.
Backed by real UK 4 Series enquiries in 2025 [BMW-VERIFIED].
Engine Database
Every powertrain fitted to the i4 G26 specifically — from the 2021 launch through to the current M60 flagship and LCI updates.
Overview
The BMW i4 G26 is a battery electric compact executive car produced by BMW since October 2021. It adopts a five-door liftback body style and is marketed as a four-door coupé, sharing its body-in-white with the combustion-engined 4 Series Gran Coupé. The i4 is powered by BMW's fifth-generation eDrive technology, featuring 3-phase electrically excited synchronous motors.
The powertrain line-up has evolved over its production run: the eDrive35 (286 bhp) and eDrive40 (340 bhp) are rear-wheel drive; the xDrive40 (401 bhp) and M50 (544 bhp) introduced all-wheel drive; the M60 xDrive (601 bhp) replaced the M50 in 2024 as the range-topping model. A 2024 facelift (LCI) introduced updated styling and revised battery options.
Key Facts
Market Intelligence
The i4 G26 is BMW's best-selling electric model in the UK; enquiries are concentrated on battery health, charging system diagnostics, and range concerns, with values ranging from £35,000 for early eDrive35 examples to £65,000+ for well-specced M60s.
04Best & Worst Engines
Highest Risk
Early eDrive35 (2021–2022) — Early i4s (particularly 2021–2022 eDrive35 models) have documented battery management system issues and charging port failures. The smaller 66 kWh battery also suffers from more rapid degradation than the larger 80.7 kWh units.
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Who it's for: only buyers with comprehensive BMW warranty cover.
Most Expensive Failure
M60 xDrive Battery Pack — The 80.7 kWh battery pack in the M60 is the most expensive component to replace, with costs exceeding £25,000 for a complete battery module replacement. The dual-motor configuration also adds complexity.
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Who it's for: buyers who accept the premium and keep the car under warranty.
Most Overlooked
xDrive40 (401 bhp) — Often overshadowed by the M50 and M60, the 401 bhp xDrive40 delivers genuine performance (0-60 in 5.1 seconds) with all-weather traction. It's the sweet spot for UK buyers who want AWD without the M-badge premium.
“”
Who it's for: buyers who want all-weather performance without the M60's running costs.
Highest Risk
Early
eDrive35 (2021–2022) — Early i4s (particularly 2021–2022 eDrive35 models) have documented battery management system issues and charging port failures. The smaller 66 kWh battery also suffers from more rapid degradation than the larger 80.7 kWh units.
“”
Who it's for: only buyers with comprehensive BMW warranty cover.
Most Expensive Failure
M60
xDrive Battery Pack — The 80.7 kWh battery pack in the M60 is the most expensive component to replace, with costs exceeding £25,000 for a complete battery module replacement. The dual-motor configuration also adds complexity.
“”
Who it's for: buyers who accept the premium and keep the car under warranty.
Most Overlooked
xDrive40 (401 bhp) — Often overshadowed by the M50 and M60, the 401 bhp xDrive40 delivers genuine performance (0-60 in 5.1 seconds) with all-weather traction. It's the sweet spot for UK buyers who want AWD without the M-badge premium.
“”
Who it's for: buyers who want all-weather performance without the M60's running costs.
Engine
Typical Mileage
Common Major Failure
Repair Cost (Specialist)
Replacement Cost (Recon)
Ownership VerdictEngineTypical MileageCommon Major FailureRepair Cost (Specialist)Replacement Cost (Recon)Ownership Verdict
The G26 rule
A £14,000–£20,000 eDrive40 battery replacement against a £25,000–£35,000 early i4 sits at 40–80% of the car's value. On a sub-£25,000 example, that brushes our 70% BMW threshold -we'll honestly tell you to walk away. Against a well-kept £35,000+ example, the same replacement drops to a routine 40–57% -a repair decision, not a financial one. Value the car first.
Key Takeaways
Which G26 Costs Least To Own?
eDrive40 -best range, most common, best parts availability.
Which G26 Costs Most To Own?
M60 xDrive -battery replacement and motor repairs are most expensive.
Which G26 Is Best Value?
eDrive40 -the sweet spot between performance, range, and running costs.
Battery
Degradation (Early eDrive35)
Affected models:
i4 eDrive35 (2021–2022), particularly high-mileage examples.
Typical failure mileage:
40,000–80,000 miles.
Root cause:
The 66 kWh battery pack in early eDrive35 models suffers from more rapid capacity loss than the larger 80.7 kWh units. Frequent DC fast charging and high ambient temperatures accelerate degradation. BMW's battery management system software updates have improved longevity on later cars.
Tiered Cost Table
Preventative (Repair)
Dealer
Specialist
£500–£1,500 (software update, cell balancing)
£300–£1,200
BMS update, cell balancing, module replacement
Catastrophic (Replacement)
Dealer
Specialist
£16,000–£22,000
£12,000–£18,000
Full battery pack replacement
Our Recommendation
On any early i4, have the battery health checked annually -a £300–£1,200 preventative service is cheaper than the £12,000–£18,000 replacement that follows if ignored.
Charging
Port/CCS Socket Failure
Affected models:
All i4 G26 variants, particularly early production (2021–2022).
Typical failure mileage:
20,000–60,000 miles.
Root cause:
The Combined Charging System (CCS) socket can develop intermittent faults, particularly with the locking pin mechanism. Symptoms include charging interruptions, failure to initiate charging, and error messages. The locking pin can seize in cold weather or after frequent use.
Tiered Cost Table
Preventative (Repair)
Dealer
Specialist
£400–£800
£300–£600
Locking pin replacement, contact cleaning
Catastrophic (Replacement)
Dealer
Specialist
£1,200–£2,000
£800–£1,500
Full CCS socket module replacement
Our Recommendation
If your i4 exhibits intermittent charging faults, have the CCS socket inspected immediately -a £300–£600 repair is cheaper than the £800–£1,500 replacement that follows if ignored.
Electric
Motor Bearing Wear (M50/M60)
Affected models:
i4 M50 (2021–2024) and M60 xDrive (2024–present), high-performance variants.
Typical failure mileage:
30,000–80,000 miles.
Root cause:
The high-torque electric motors in M-badged i4s place significant stress on the motor bearings. A whining noise from the motor under load is the classic early warning. Ignored, bearing failure can damage the motor rotor and require complete motor replacement.
Tiered Cost Table
Preventative (Repair)
Dealer
Specialist
£1,500–£3,000
£1,000–£2,500
Motor bearing replacement, cooling system service
Catastrophic (Replacement)
Dealer
Specialist
£8,000–£12,000
£6,000–£10,000
Complete motor unit replacement
Our Recommendation
On any M50 or M60, listen for motor whine at low speeds -a £1,000–£2,500 preventative repair is cheaper than the £6,000–£10,000 replacement that follows if ignored.
VariantEngine Code
Used (Supply)
Reconditioned (Supply)
Rebuilt (Supply)
Labour Hours
Scope note: All variants listed are G26 i4 only. The G26 is the electric variant of the 4 Series Gran Coupé -the combustion-engined G26 (420i, 430i, M440i) are covered on a separate Generation Page. The M60 xDrive replaced the M50 in 2024 as the range-topping model. The eDrive35 uses a smaller 66–70 kWh battery; all other variants use the 80.7–83.9 kWh battery.
Most Requested Engines (2025)
Most Requested Variants
Average Replacement Cost
£12,000–£28,000 supply-only
[BMW-QUOTE]
Most Common Failures
Live FeedBMW i4 eDrive40
G26
Birmingham
Battery health check, range concern4
enquiries
Updated MonthlyBMW i4 M50
G26
ManchesterCharging port fault, intermittent CCS3
enquiries
Updated MonthlyBMW i4 M60 xDrive
G26
LondonMotor whine at low speed2
enquiries
Updated MonthlyMost Requested Engines (2025)
Most Requested Variants
Average Replacement Cost
£12,000–£28,000 supply-only
[BMW-QUOTE]
Most Common Failures
Most Requested Engines (2025)
Most Requested Variants
Average Replacement Cost
£12,000–£28,000 supply-only
[BMW-QUOTE]
Most Common Failures
Scope note: All variants listed are G26 i4 only. The G26 is the electric variant of the 4 Series Gran Coupé -the combustion-engined G26 (420i, 430i, M440i) are covered on a separate Generation Page. The M60 xDrive replaced the M50 in 2024 as the range-topping model. The eDrive35 uses a smaller 66–70 kWh battery; all other variants use the 80.7–83.9 kWh battery.
Most Requested Engines (2025)
Most Requested Variants
Average Replacement Cost
£12,000–£28,000 supply-only
[BMW-QUOTE]
Most Common Failures
Most Requested Engines (2025)
Most Requested Variants
Average Replacement Cost
£12,000–£28,000 supply-only
[BMW-QUOTE]
Most Common Failures
Most Requested Engines (2025)
Most Requested Variants
Average Replacement Cost
£12,000–£28,000 supply-only
[BMW-QUOTE]
Most Common Failures
Live FeedBMW i4 eDrive40
G26
BirminghamBattery health check, range concern4
enquiries
BMW i4 M50
G26
ManchesterCharging port fault, intermittent CCS3
enquiries
BMW i4 M60 xDrive
G26
LondonMotor whine at low speed2
enquiries
Updated MonthlyTrusted G26 Battery Specialists
every garage and battery specialist in our network is vetted, rated and reviewed by real i4 owners, as part of the Engine Finders network.
Compare G26 Battery Replacement Companies
see prices, warranty terms and supply & fit options side-by-side before you commit.
UK Battery Replacement Services for G26
covering every variant from eDrive35 to M60 xDrive, with supply-only or full supply & fit available nationwide.
Find the best BMW i4 G26 battery replacement UK drivers rely on. Compare real prices from trusted specialists on EnginesMarket today and get back on the road with confidence.
Compare BMW i4 G26 Battery Prices on EnginesMarket
