BMW i4 M60 vs Porsche Taycan 4S: The Ultimate Electric Grand Tourer Showdown
The electric vehicle market is brutal, but two vehicles that consistently matched or exceeded the rest of the pack, in both sales figures and driving enthusiasts’ interest, were the BMW i4 M60 xDrive and the Porsche Taycan 4S. These are not just any electric cars, they are electric grand tourers, delivering blistering performance in long-haul comfort with state-of-the-art technology. They are the smartest that their respective manufacturer can make, and they set the bar for the entire industry.
The two German giants have made their mark by offering a complete package. Both boast sub-four-second 0 to 100 km/h speeds for the adrenaline-seeking driver. For the pragmatist, they offer a practical, real-world range that enables long-distance road travel without worry. As sport saloons, the i4 M60 and Taycan 4S occupy a special place, an ideal marriage of luxury, dynamic handling and zero-emission driving. BMW draws on its M Performance heritage to give the i4 motorsport DNA, while Porsche translates its iconic sports car legacy for an electric future.
This battle is about more than spec sheets, it is a fight of philosophies. BMW makes the i4 M60 a showcase in attainable modernity by fitting its electric powertrain into a familiar, driver-centric layout. It takes the essence of M performance and delivers it without a stratospheric price tag. In comparison, the Porsche Taycan 4S represents the marque’s storied heritage and is a clean-sheet EV that carries a premium price but offers an experience rooted in motorsport success and engineering purity. This is a battle between a challenger’s creativity and an icon’s evolution.
- Blistering performance and range, two models that deliver thrilling speed and useful touring range for everyday and long-distance use.
- Luxury performance saloon roots, four-door practicality with genuine sports car soul.
- Two approaches, BMW’s familiar, attainable M-flavoured package versus Porsche’s purpose-built, premium sports EV.
Design and Engineering Philosophies
The philosophies in design and engineering of the BMW i4 M60 and Porsche Taycan 4S show there are two very different routes to building a top-tier electric grand tourer. BMW pursued evolution with the i4, while Porsche opted for revolution with the Taycan. Understanding these mindsets helps explain what makes each car so distinct.
BMW set out to create “The Ultimate Driving Machine, electrified”. The i4 uses the adaptable CLAR platform, which also underpins certain internal combustion variants. That lets BMW keep classic Gran Coupé proportions, a long bonnet, flowing roofline and muscular stance that feel instantly familiar to brand loyalists. The driving dynamics, cabin layout and tactile sensations are intentionally familiar to ease the transition from petrol or diesel to electric performance.
Porsche started from a clean sheet. The Taycan sits on the bespoke J1 platform, created specifically for high-performance EVs. Its low, wide and sleek profile is shaped by aerodynamic efficiency, with the large battery pack mounted low in the chassis. The goal was to build a proper Porsche that happens to be electric, reflected in the low-slung driving position, the signature “flyline” roof and the aggressive, futuristic stance that telegraphs performance before you start.
| Model | Platform | Layout | Design emphasis |
| BMW i4 M60 xDrive | CLAR, multi-energy | Dual motor AWD | Familiar Gran Coupé, driver-centric ergonomics |
| Porsche Taycan 4S | J1, EV-only | Dual motor AWD | Purpose-built EV stance, low roof, aero purity |
Trim Hierarchies and Positioning
BMW and Porsche offer several versions of their electric saloons. The i4 M60 xDrive sits at the pinnacle of the i4 range as the ultimate electric M Performance experience. The Taycan 4S, though very powerful, is the entry point into all-wheel-drive Taycan performance, with GTS, Turbo and Turbo S above it.
| Brand | Key AWD models | Placement | Character |
| BMW | i4 eDrive35, i4 eDrive40, i4 M50, i4 M60 xDrive | M60 is top of i4 family | Peak M-flavoured performance in Gran Coupé body |
| Porsche | Taycan, Taycan 4S, Taycan GTS, Taycan Turbo, Taycan Turbo S | 4S is the AWD gateway | Core Taycan experience with room to move up |
At a Glance: Model and Feature Comparison
| Model | Key features | Indicative start price | Value proposition |
| BMW i4 M60 xDrive | Dual motor AWD, 590 hp, M Adaptive Suspension, Sport Boost, BMW Curved Display, IconicSounds Electric | £75,000 | Pinnacle of i4 range, maximum M performance with strong value versus rivals |
| BMW i4 M50 | Dual motor AWD, 544 hp, Adaptive M Suspension, Variable Sport Steering | £70,000 | Original electric M car, powerful AWD bridge to M60 |
| Porsche Taycan 4S | Dual motor AWD, 563 hp overboost, 800 V architecture, Adaptive Air Suspension, 10.9 inch central display | £95,800 | Gateway to AWD Taycan performance, pure Porsche experience and ultra-fast charging |
| Porsche Taycan GTS | Dual motor AWD, 590 hp overboost, sportier chassis tune, Race-Tex interior, GTS styling | £115,800 | Driver-focused sweet spot with enhanced dynamics |
Performance and Driving Dynamics
On paper, the BMW i4 M60 xDrive and Porsche Taycan 4S are closely matched. With 590 hp and 795 Nm, the BMW sprints from 0 to 100 km/h, 0 to 62 mph, in 3.5 seconds. The Taycan 4S, with the optional Performance Battery Plus, delivers up to 563 hp on overboost and 650 Nm, achieving 0 to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds. Both are electronically limited to 250 km/h, 155 mph. Numbers aside, how each car delivers performance sets their characters apart.
The M Performance Experience, Electrified
The i4 M60 feels every inch a modern M car. Power delivery is immediate and forceful, especially with Sport Boost engaged. IconicSounds, composed by Hans Zimmer, adds an emotive layer to the silent powertrain, enhancing the sense of theatre. Adaptive M suspension balances comfort with control, soaking up imperfections in Comfort, then tightening in Sport for eager, precise cornering. The M-specific xDrive system provides all-weather traction while maintaining a rear-biased, playful feel core to the BMW experience.
The Porsche Philosophy, Precision and Purity
The Taycan 4S takes a different route, polished precision. The bespoke EV architecture gives a rock-solid, low-slung stance. Steering is a highlight, naturally weighted, ultra direct and communicative. A two-speed transmission on the rear axle adds punch off the line and efficiency at speed. Adaptive air suspension keeps the body flat and composed, lending the Taycan an agility that belies its mass. It feels more like a four-door 911 than a conventional saloon.
| Variant | Powertrain | 0 to 62 mph | Top speed | WLTP range (up to) |
| BMW i4 M60 xDrive | Dual motor AWD | 3.5 s | 155 mph | 348 miles |
| Porsche Taycan 4S | Dual motor AWD, two-speed rear | 3.7 s | 155 mph | 399 miles |
- Explosive BMW power, Sport Boost and massive torque create dramatic, exhilarating acceleration.
- Precision Porsche handling, telepathic steering and low centre of gravity enable surgical accuracy.
- Balanced comfort and control, both cars use adaptive suspension to blend long-distance comfort with sharp dynamics.
Cabin and Technology
Inside, the BMW i4 M60 and Porsche Taycan 4S present two compelling takes on modern luxury. The BMW blends traditional, driver-oriented ergonomics with contemporary tech. The Porsche is minimalist and futuristic, prioritising a low driving position and clean interfaces.
Cockpit Design
BMW i4 M60, the Curved Display integrates a 12.3 inch instrument cluster and a 14.9 inch infotainment screen, powered by the latest iDrive. Controls remain intuitive, with a physical iDrive controller and clear switchgear. Materials feel premium, with M details such as sport seats and a bespoke steering wheel.
Porsche Taycan 4S, a curved 16.8 inch digital cluster pairs with a 10.9 inch central display, with an optional passenger screen. The driving position is low and sporty. Materials range from sustainable Race-Tex to classic leather, creating a tailored, high-end ambience.
| Feature | BMW i4 M60 | Porsche Taycan 4S |
| Instrument layout | 12.3 inch cluster, 14.9 inch centre | 16.8 inch curved cluster, 10.9 inch centre |
| Infotainment OS | BMW iDrive | Porsche Communication Management |
| Voice control | “Hey BMW” natural language | Integrated voice assistant |
| Premium audio | Harman Kardon, optional | Bose or Burmester, optional |
Practicality, Comfort and Space
The BMW’s Gran Coupé hatchback offers a large opening and excellent usable volume, making it highly versatile. Rear legroom is good for adults on longer trips. The Taycan’s saloon boot is smaller and its aperture narrower, though it adds a practical front trunk, frunk. Both ride comfortably on the motorway, with quiet cabins and supportive seats.
Safety, Reliability and Driver Assistance
Both cars are engineered with strong safety fundamentals and advanced driver assistance. Base i4 and Taycan models have achieved five-star Euro NCAP ratings, indicating excellent occupant protection.
Active Safety and Assistance
| System | BMW i4 M60 | Porsche Taycan 4S |
| Assistance level | Level 2, Driving Assistant Professional | Level 2, InnoDrive |
| Adaptive cruise | Stop and Go with lane centring | Predictive, navigation-linked |
| Automatic emergency braking | Yes, with pedestrian and cyclist detection | Yes |
| Stability and braking | M-tuned chassis, powerful friction brakes, configurable regen | Porsche Stability Management, optional PCCB |
Reliability and Long-Term Ownership
Electric powertrains have fewer moving parts than combustion engines, potentially reducing maintenance needs. Both brands provide over-the-air updates for software improvements. Battery management systems protect longevity. Typical high-voltage battery warranties are eight years or 100,000 miles.
How They Stack Up Against Rivals
To place the BMW and Porsche in context, it helps to consider the Tesla Model S Plaid and the Audi RS e-tron GT.
Tesla Model S Plaid
The Model S Plaid delivers astonishing straight-line performance from its tri-motor setup, with around 1,000 hp and 0 to 100 km/h in about two seconds. It also benefits from the Supercharger network and a tech-forward interior. However, steering feel and cabin refinement can be less satisfying to purists compared with the BMW and Porsche.
Audi RS e-tron GT
Sharing the Taycan’s J1 platform and 800 V system, the RS e-tron GT is brutally quick and comfortable over distance. It is a striking design with a plush interior. Its steering is crisp yet less talkative than the Porsche, making it a superb GT with a slightly softer edge.
Competitor Comparison
| Model | Price, approx. | 0 to 100 km/h | WLTP range | Strengths | Best for |
| BMW i4 M60 xDrive | £75,000 | 3.5 s | 561 km, 348 miles | Driving engagement, practicality, value for M performance | Drivers wanting a thrilling daily with a familiar luxury feel |
| Porsche Taycan 4S | £95,800 | 3.7 s | 642 km, 399 miles | Chassis dynamics, steering feel, ultra-fast charging, prestige | Purists seeking the ultimate electric sports saloon feel |
| Tesla Model S Plaid | £99,990 | 2.1 s | 600 km, 373 miles | Straight-line speed, charging network, minimalist tech | Tech enthusiasts prioritising acceleration and convenience |
| Audi RS e-tron GT | £120,000 | 3.3 s | 472 km, 293 miles | Striking design, GT comfort, Taycan-like performance | Style-focused buyers seeking performance with comfort |
Final Verdict
Which of these electric powerhouses is worth your money? Both are excellent, but for different drivers. The BMW i4 M60 xDrive excels at blending everyday usability with authentic M character and strong value. The Porsche Taycan 4S is an artistic and engineering statement, offering unrivalled polish and dynamic purity. Your choice lies between innovation in a familiar form and clean-sheet precision, between logical breadth and emotional focus.
- Choose BMW i4 M60 xDrive if you want explosive performance, daily practicality from a hatchback boot, a superb tech interface and strong value for the performance delivered.
- Choose Porsche Taycan 4S if you prioritise steering feel, chassis precision, an 800 V charging experience and the cachet of Porsche’s sports car heritage.
