Car Buyer's Guide

BMW i4 vs Toyota Camry

BMW i4

BMW i4

eDrive35 M Sport

Toyota Camry

Toyota Camry

Verdict

The BMW i4 costs RM73,000 more at RM294,800, but brings 282 hp and 400 Nm to cut the 0-100 km/h run to six seconds, against the Camry’s 201 hp, 246 Nm and 8.9 seconds. Its 70.3-kWh battery is rated for 500 km and accepts up to 180 kW DC charging, while annual road tax is only RM305 versus RM867. The Toyota counters with a 524-litre boot, 54 litres more than the BMW, a five-year manufacturer warranty and a conventional petrol refuelling routine. Pick based on charging access and pace, not body style; both seat five.

i4

Pick the BMW i4 if you can charge an EV and want 500 km claimed range, six-second acceleration and 180 kW DC charging.

Camry

Pick the Toyota Camry if you want to spend RM73,000 less, carry more in its 524-litre boot and retain petrol convenience.

Key differences

  • Price: BMW i4 RM294,800; Toyota Camry RM221,800.
  • Performance: BMW i4 282 hp/400 Nm and 0-100 km/h in 6.0 seconds; Toyota Camry 201 hp/246 Nm and 8.9 seconds.
  • Running tax: BMW i4 road tax RM305 per year; Toyota Camry RM867 per year.
  • Energy storage: BMW i4 70.3-kWh battery with 500 km EV range; Toyota Camry 60-litre petrol tank.
  • Boot space: BMW i4 470 litres; Toyota Camry 524 litres.
  • Warranty: BMW i4 two-year manufacturer warranty; Toyota Camry five-year manufacturer warranty.

i4

  • 500 km claimed EV range and up to 180 kW DC charging.
  • 282 hp and 400 Nm; 0-100 km/h in 6.0 seconds.
  • 360-degree camera, head-up display and auto parking.
  • RM73,000 dearer than the Camry.
  • 470-litre boot is 54 litres smaller.
  • Two-year manufacturer warranty is three years shorter.

Camry

  • RM221,800 price and five-year manufacturer warranty.
  • 524-litre boot and 60-litre petrol tank.
  • Powered passenger ottoman, rear sun shades and front foglamps.
  • 0-100 km/h takes 8.9 seconds, versus 6.0 seconds for the i4.
  • RM867 annual road tax is RM562 higher.
  • Fixed rear seats, where the i4 has a 40:20:40 split-folding arrangement.
Price & overview
PriceRM294,800RM221,800
Body typeSedanSedan
SegmentCompact ExecutiveD-Segment
AssemblyCBUCBU
Ownership
Road tax / yearRM305RM867
Powertrain
Engine Tech5th-generation BMW eDrive, 400V architecture16-valve DOHC, naturally-aspirated with dual variable valve timing
Capacity2,487 cc
Horsepower201 hp
Torque246 Nm
FuelElectricPetrol
Bore87.5 mm
Compression Ratio14
Number of Motors1
Motor Horsepower282 hp
Motor Torque400 Nm
Battery Capacity70.3 kWh
EV Range500 km
Charging Rate (AC)11 kW
Charging Rate (DC)180 kW
Drivetrain
TransmissionSingle Ratio AutomaticConventional Automatic
Transmission NameDirect Shift 8-speed Automatic
Gears8
Transmission ManufacturerAisin
DrivelineRear Wheel DriveFront Wheel Drive
Performance & Efficiency
0-100 km/h6 seconds8.9 seconds
Top Speed190 km/h210 km/h
Dimensions
Length4,783 mm4,920 mm
Width1,852 mm1,840 mm
Height1,448 mm1,445 mm
Wheelbase2,856 mm2,825 mm
Weight2,075 kg1,565 kg
Fuel Tank60 litres
Doors54
Seats55
Boot Space470 litres524 litres
Front Tyre245/40R19235/45R18
Rear Tyre255/40R19Space Saver
Spare TyreTyre Repair KitTyre Repair Kit
Factory TyresMichelin Pilot Sport 4Bridgestone Turanza T005A
Chassis
AssemblyGermany (CBU)Thailand (CBU)
Front SuspensionMacPherson StrutsMacPherson Strut
Rear SuspensionMulti-linkDouble Wishbone
Front Wheels19" Style-996M Bi-colour18" Alloy
Rear Wheels19" Style-996M Bi-colour18" Alloy
SteeringRack & Pinion (Electric Power Steering)Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering)
Safety
AirbagsDriver and Front Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear CurtainDriver and Passenger, Front Side, Driver's Knee, Front and Rear Curtain
ABS/EBD
Stability Control
Alarm
Immobilizer
Airbag Disable Function
Child Safety LockManual for rear doorsManual for Rear Doors
Seat Belts5 Three-point5 Three-point
Blind Spot Info System
ISOFIXAvailable for 2nd Row SeatsAvailable for two outer rear passenger seats
Autonomous Braking SystemYesYes, Pre-collision Braking
Lane-keeping AssistSteering CorrectionSteering Correction
Collision Warning
Seatbelt ReminderAll SeatsAll Seats
Lighting
HeadlampsAdaptive LED ProjectorsBi-LED Projector with Auto High Beam
TaillampsBMW Laser LEDFull LED
LED Daytime Running Lights
Front Foglamps
Rear Foglamps
Wing Mirror Turn Indicators
Cabin
Front SeatsPowered Front Seats, Driver's Side Memory8-way Power Adjustable Driver's Seat with Memory Function, Power Adjustable 4-way Ottoman Passenger Seat
Rear Seats40:20:40 Split-foldingFixed Rear Seats
Front Air-conDual-zone Automatic Climate ControlDual-zone Automatic Climate Control
Rear Air-conRear AC VentsRear Vents
Power Sockets1 Front, 1 USB-A Front, 1 USB-C Front, 2 USB-C Rear1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 3 USB Front, 2 USB Rear
Interior LightingMap Lights & Ambient LightingMap Lights
Cup Holders2 Front, 2 Rear2 Front, 2 Rear
Sun ShadeManual Rear Sun Shades
Audio14.9" BMW Curved Display Live Cockpit Professional, 10-Speaker HiFi Loudspeaker System12.3" Touchscreen with Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, 9-speaker JBL Sound System
Convenience
Power WindowsFour Windows, Auto Up & Down with Anti-pinchFour Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch
Engine StartKeyless Push ButtonKeyless Push Button
LocksKeyless OperationKeyless Operation
Auto Headlamps
Auto Wipers
Cruise ControlAdaptive Cruise ControlAdaptive Cruise Control
Tiptronic
Paddle Shift
Steering Audio Control
Steering Tilt
Steering Telescopic
Electric Steering Adjustment
Boot OperationPowered BootRemote Control Activation
Parking Sensor Front6 Sensors4 Sensors
Parking Sensor Rear6 Sensors4 Sensors
Reverse CameraYes, with 360-degree CameraYes, With 360 Degree Camera
Auto ParkingYes
Folding Wing Mirrors
Bluetooth
Navigation
Head-up Display
Hill Start Assist
Instrument ClusterFull LCD MonitorFull LCD Monitor
Parking BrakeElectronicElectronic
Warranty
Warranty Mileage ManufacturerUnlimitedUnlimited
Warranty Mileage ExtendedUnlimited
Warranty Manufacturer2 years5 years
Warranty Extended5 years
Warranty Notes8-year/160,000 km Battery Warranty

Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.

i4 vs Camry FAQ

Is the BMW i4 or Toyota Camry better?

The i4 is better for buyers with reliable charging who value its 500 km claimed range, 400 Nm and six-second acceleration. The Camry is the more rational choice for a lower RM221,800 entry price, a larger 524-litre boot and petrol refuelling.

What is the price difference?

The BMW i4 is RM294,800 and the Toyota Camry is RM221,800, so the i4 costs RM73,000 more.

Which has lower annual road tax?

The BMW i4 does: RM305 a year, compared with RM867 for the Toyota Camry. That is an annual difference of RM562 in the BMW’s favour.

More comparisons

Buying one of these? Sell your old car, get paid in 24 hours