• Auto123 reviews the 2026 BMW i4 M60 xDrive.
Arguably, the i4 represents the moment BMW’s EV program came to maturity. The sleek and capable sedan was only a very distant cousin several times removed from BMW's early-bird EVs like the i3 and i8. Those were interesting proof-of-concept projects, but the i4 blended traditional BMW driving dynamics, familiar styling and competitive range.
But in a sign of the rapid changes roiling the current auto industry, the i4 is on its way out the door, in order to make way for the upcoming Neue Klasse-platform-based i3.
Time, BMW figured, to let the 2026 BMW i4 M60 take a victory lap of sorts.
2026 BMW i4 M60 – What’s new?
And for the occasion, BMW sharpened it with extra power, refined electronics and subtle aesthetic upgrades.
The meatiest change, that of a power boost, is advertised in the name change. The top-tier variant transitions from M50 to M60.
On a more egghead level, the i4 adopts upgraded silicon-carbide (SiC) semiconductors and a revised onboard inverter derived from the larger i5. These internal component updates reduce overall energy consumption and improve powertrain efficiency.
Canadian buyers also benefit for the model’s last kick at the can from an expanded range of BMW Individual paint choices, including striking metallic finishes.
Powertrains of the 2026 BMW i4 M60 - 9.0/10
The core of the i4 M60 lies in its dual-motor all-wheel-drive powertrain, powered by an 83.9-kWh lithium-ion battery pack (81.5-kWh usable). Thanks to the new inverter and a more potent rear electric motor, output jumps by 57 hp over last year's M50. Combined output peaks at 593 hp and a massive 586 lb-ft of torque. While 510 hp is available at default start-up, engaging Sport Mode or launching with Sport Boost unlocks the full 593 hp.
That extra output propels the 2,276-kg 4-door coupe from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.7 seconds, two-tenths faster than its predecessor. Maximum output matches or exceeds internal combustion rivals like the M3 Competition, delivering impressive acceleration.
In terms of efficiency and range, Natural Resources Canada rates the base i4 trims higher, but the performance-focused M60 delivers a highway range of roughly 375 km when fitted with 20-inch wheels (or up to 447 km on standard 19-inch wheels driven conservatively). Officially, energy consumption is rated at 21.4 kWh/100 km combined.
Charging is handled via a 400-volt architecture capable of peak DC fast-charging speeds of up to 205 kW. Under ideal conditions, a 10-to-80 percent recharge takes about 30 to 35 minutes.
Design of the 2026 BMW i4 M60 - 8.5/10
Visually, the i4 M60 retains the signature Gran Coupe-style profile. The sleek sportback silhouette is topped by a roofline flowing into a neatly integrated rear spoiler. Dimensions are as follows: 4,787 mm in length, 1,886 mm in width and 1,448 mm in height, riding on a 2,856-mm wheelbase.
Apparently the cows have come home yet we’re all still arguing about BMW’s prominent vertical kidney grille. Its integration here is debatable as it sits surrounded by a downward-slanted nose, sleek LED headlights and available laser taillights. You like or you don’t.
The M60 variant features sporty touches such as M-specific side mirrors, aggressive front and rear aprons and optional staggered tire setups — 245/40R19 at the front and 255/40R19 at the rear (or optional 20-inch alloys) — housing upgraded M Sport brakes.
Interior of the 2026 BMW i4 M60 - 8.0/10
The i4’s cabin deftly strikes a balance between modern digital luxury and classic BMW ergonomics. Up front, driver and passenger get supportive, highly adjustable sport seats with plush bolsters. Material quality is top-notch throughout, with available Merino leather upholstery, leather-wrapped dashboards and optional glass controls for the gear selector and start button.
If the material quality is typically BMW, so is the layout with its focus on the driver. Less spoiled are passengers in the rear row, a slightly cramped space for two adults. Part of that is due to the sloping roofline, which reduces rear headroom, and the narrow door portals that can make entry and exit a little awkward for less-nimble types.
Those in the back also have to contend with a large transmission tunnel hump in the rear floorboard, making the middle position suitable primarily for children. In an EV, that’s a little disappointing – though that issue will disappear with the Neue Klasse-era i3.
The i4 does much better in terms of cargo utility. Unlike traditional sedans, the i4 features a wide-opening rear liftback. Cargo volume measures 470 litres behind the rear seats, expanding to a generous 1,290 litres with the 60/40-split rear seatbacks folded flat. Note, however, that there is no front trunk (frunk) storage under the hood.
Technology in the 2026 BMW i4 M60 - 8.5/10
Lording it over the dashboard is BMW’s curved dual-screen display, which houses a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch central infotainment screen under a single piece of glass. Running BMW’s latest iDrive software, the system offers crisp graphics and rapid response times. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration comes standard.
Driver’s can access the magic contained within those screens in two ways: via touchscreen inputs or using the physical rotary iDrive controller on the centre console. The latter is quite user-friendly and minimizes driver distraction. Note that climate controls are now embedded within the touchscreen menus; fortunately, a physical rotary volume knob is also present.
On the safety front, the i4 earns high marks for crashworthiness from the IIHS. Standard equipment includes basic driver aids, while optional driver assistance packages can give you more stuff like active cruise control with stop-and-go, lane-keeping steering intervention and active blind-spot protection.
To heighten the sensory experience, BMW includes customizable IconicSounds electric drive soundtracks composed by Hans Zimmer, which swell during heavy acceleration.
Driving the 2026 BMW i4 M60 - 8.5/10
On the road, the i4 M60 proves that electrification and genuine driver engagement can coexist successfully. This is a heavy car with a curb weight of over 2,200 kg, but the electric powertrain does its best to conceal that mass. It’s helped by the EV’s low centre of gravity, adaptive M suspension system and standard rear-axle air suspension.
Steering is precise and nicely weighted, providing reassuring feedback when entering sharp corners. We noted very little body roll even when pushing hard, the i4 handily showing its ability to carry speed through twisty sections of road. The rear-biased xDrive all-wheel-drive system gives the car a playful, agile personality reminiscent of traditional rear-wheel-drive M cars, while the massive brakes deliver strong, linear stopping power.
Equally impressive is the ride quality. Over rough or uneven pavement, the adaptive dampers absorb impacts smoothly, preventing harshness from entering the cabin and occupants’ bodies. Drivers can also dial in regenerative braking for a one-pedal driving experience that we deemed smooth and intuitive, even if for some passengers it continues to be a sore point (more specifically, a cause for mild nausea).
On the highway, this i4 is a redoubtable cruiser, all quietude and smoothness of ride and, at least in the front row, luxurious comfort. And it won’t cost you a penny in gas.
2026 BMW i4 M60 – Pricing and availability in Canada
The 2026 BMW i4 M60 xDrive starts at an MSRP of $82,900 in Canada; that’s before counting freight, PDI and applicable taxes.
As is typical for BMW, dipping into the options list will happen, and it will raise the final price, significantly so if you don’t exercise self-control. Our tester with its Agave exterior ($5,000), Merino leather interior ($5,900), Premium Enhanced Package ($6,250), M Sport Pro Package ($1,800), Advanced Driver Assistance Package ($2,000) and assorted other extras was prepared with little self-control, so the price tag sat at $106,150.