Kelley Blue Book: The 2022 BMW i4 vs. 2022 Polestar 2—which is better?

Below average: Overly sensitive accelerator pedal; looks are not for everyone; rear legroom.

Consensus: The 2022 BMW i4 has the power and impressive handling expected from a BMW BMW, -1.44% sport sedan, in electric form. Its looks are not for everyone, however, and rear legroom is pretty tight.

2022 Polestar 2

2022 Polestar 2 Starting Price: $45,900

Above average: Choice of front- or all-wheel drive; great safety features; power; eligible for the federal tax credit.

Below average: Name recognition; range; thick side pillars impede visibility; rear seat is best for two.

Consensus: Looking like a cross between a crossover and a sedan, the 2022 Polestar 2 boasts good power, all-wheel drive, and good safety features. The range is about average, however, and the rear can be tight for more than two adults.

i4 vs. 2: Electric Evolution

BMW i4

Brand-new this year, the 2022 BMW i4 is an impressive effort among electric sport sedans. There are two options. The base is rear-wheel drive, with 335 horsepower and 300 miles of range, whereas the all-wheel-drive i4 M50 has 536 hp and 240 miles of range. Yes, that’s right. An electric car from BMW’s M division. Both are plenty quick, and a near 50/50 weight distribution and a low center of gravity make the i4 handle exceptionally well.

The i4 offers one-pedal driving. All you need to do to slow or come to a full stop is ease your foot off or remove it abruptly. The pedal is very sensitive, though, so smooth driving takes a bit of practice.

The interior is clean and simple, with a steering wheel that is refreshingly devoid of too many buttons or switches. Headroom is abundant, although rear legroom is tight when the front seats are all the way back. Infotainment is handled via a 14.9-inch touchscreen, alongside a 12.3-inch driver information display.

Standard features include simulated leather upholstery, tri-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable front seats, Apple AAPL, +2.85% CarPlay/Android Auto, a 10-speaker/205-watt audio system, and navigation. Standard safety features include forward-collision warning with automatic braking, lane-departure warning, and both front and rear parking sensors.

Read: Your complete guide to MPGe, the electric equivalent of miles per gallon

Predictably, higher trims get loads of upgrades. Among them are leather upholstery, a 16-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound audio system, and a parking assistant with a 360-degree camera. For driving enthusiasts, a Dynamic Handling package, an M Sport package, and high-performance tires are all available.

With a fast charger, either i4 can add 90 miles of range in 10 minutes. A full charge takes just under 8 hours.

Polestar 2

While the name Polestar is likely unfamiliar to most, the 2022 Polestar 2 comes from the Volvo Group VLVLY, -0.81%, and its underpinnings are fairly recognizable. A bit of a tweener, the Polestar 2 looks like a mashup of Volvo’s XC40 crossover and S90 sedan, except it’s fully electric.

A new entry-level Polestar 2 starts at $45,900 and includes a single 231-horsepower motor that powers the front wheels. The dual-motor, all-wheel-drive Polestar costs $4,000 more and makes 408 hp and 487 lb-ft of torque. It’s quick, with great thrust when you need it and good handling through the curves. The thick rear pillars impede rear visibility, so make sure you use your mirrors and the blind-spot monitoring system.

The more powerful Polestar 2 has 249 miles of range, while the single-motor model has 265 miles. Charging takes about 7 hours, although the company says a recharge can happen in 40 minutes with DC charging. The dual-motor Polestar 2 can tow up to 2,000 pounds when properly equipped.

The interior is straight out of the Scandinavian playbook, both elegant and simple. Most controls are on the 11-inch vertical touchscreen, with a few redundant switches on the steering wheel. Front and rear seats are heated and made of a vegan-friendly fabric, with good bolsters.

Check out: The new 2023 Toyota BZ4X: An electric SUV with a sci-fi vibe

Standard features include four USB ports, wireless phone charging, satellite radio, and a 360-degree camera. Infotainment uses Android, with Google GOOGL, +1.21% Assistant, Google Maps, and the Google Play store. Safety features include forward collision mitigation with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. Polestar says Apple CarPlay integration will be available in spring of 2022.

Similarities

Optional upgrade motor; warranty; tax credit eligibility; optional single-pedal driving.

2022 BMW i4 advantages

Range; excellent handling; sporty look.

2022 Polestar 2 advantages

Charging time; starting price; cargo space.

Which one is right for me?

If you want the sharp handling, communicative steering, and crisp styling of the BMW 4 Series but in an EV, the 2022 BMW i4 is a natural choice. It is not only fun to drive but comfortable, and the M50 may just make you forget you’re driving an EV.

Read: Should you get an electric car? Here are some pros and cons

As expected from a Volvo spinoff, the 2022 Polestar 2 has a clean interior design and the practicality of a hatchback. It’s still fun to drive, with plenty of power from either the base motor or the upgrade dual-motor system and good range for daily driving.

Compare the specs:

This story originally ran on KBB.com.