Compare the2025 BMW i5VS 2025 Polestar 4

The i5’s pre-crash front seatbelts will tighten automatically in the event the vehicle detects an impending crash, improving protection against injury significantly. The Polestar 4 doesn’t offer pre-crash pretensioners.

Both the i5 and the Polestar 4 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors and available around view monitors.

There are over 11 times as many BMW dealers as there are Polestar dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the i5’s warranty.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that BMW vehicles are better in initial quality than Polestar vehicles. With 110 fewer problems per 100 vehicles, JD Power ranks BMW higher than Polestar.

The i5 has more powerful engines than the Polestar 4:

On the EPA test cycle the i5 gets better mileage than the Polestar 4:

For better stopping power the i5’s standard brake rotors are larger than those on the Polestar 4:

The i5’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 45 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Polestar 4’s standard 50 series tires. The i5’s optional 255/35R21 front and 285/30R21 rear tires have a lower 35 series front and 30 series rear profile than the Polestar 4 Performance Pack’s 40 series tires.

The i5 M60 offers active sway bars, which help keep it flat and controlled during cornering, but disconnect at lower speeds to smooth the ride and offer greater off-road suspension articulation. This helps keep the tires glued to the road on-road and off. The Polestar 4 doesn’t offer an active sway bar system.

The i5 M60 offers an available adjustable active suspension system, which counteracts cornering forces actively, limiting body roll and improving handling and stability. Polestar doesn’t offer an active suspension on the Polestar 4.

With its sedan body style, valet key, locking rear seatbacks and remote trunk release lockout, the i5 offers cargo security. The Polestar 4’s sport utility bodystyle defeats cargo security.

A Condition-Based Service Display is standard on the i5 to save the owner time and money by calculating maintenance intervals for brake fluid replacement and vehicle inspections based on actual driving conditions. This takes the guesswork out of keeping your vehicle in top condition and helps it last longer. Polestar doesn’t offer a maintenance reminder on the Polestar 4.

Unlike the driver-only memory seat and mirrors in the Polestar 4, the i5 has standard driver and passenger memory, so that when drivers switch, the memory setting adjusts the driver’s seat, steering wheel position, outside mirror angle, climate settings and radio stations and the front passenger seat also adjusts to the new passenger’s preset preferences.

The i5’s standard Comfort Exit raises the steering wheel and glides the driver’s seat back, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. An easy entry system costs extra on the Polestar 4.

A power rear sunshade and manual rear side window sunshades are optional in the i5 to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. The Polestar 4 doesn’t offer a rear or rear side window sunshades.

The i5’s power mirror controls are mounted on the armrest for easy access. The Polestar 4’s power mirror controls are embedded in the infotainment system, seriously distracting drivers who have to adjust them while driving.

Compared to the Polestar 4, the BMW i5 eliminates the need for separate garage door openers and associated risks of losing, breaking, or having dead batteries with its standard integrated Homelink® universal remote controlled from the rear view mirror.

The i5’s Parking Assistant Plus can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. Optional Remote Control Parking will park and retrieve your car remotely: press a button and watch it park itself. This is ideal for tight locations. The Polestar 4 doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

Consumer Reports® recommends the BMW i5, based on reliability, safety and performance.