4x2x1 = 8 cubic feet.
4x4x1 = 16 cubic feet
4x2x2 = 16 cubic feet
6x2x2 = 24 cubic feet
4x2x1 is, in my opinion, too small for a fully grown female BCI. 4x2x2 would be better. You can go a foot higher rather than wider and achieve the minimum 16 cubic feet of space. Given the opportunity with a 2' high cage, your BCI may climb and the 4' length won't be a problem. A 4x2x2 will only take up the same footprint of space as a 4x2x1.
A male BCI will easily achieve a length of 6 feet or more. A female will be around 7-9 or more. A male is still a VERY impressive animal! But they can do a bit better in the size cage you are considering. I do recommend 4x2x2 as a minimum for a female and 6x2x2 is better. If you have your heart set on a BCI and space is an issue, I would most certainly go with a male. But the choice is yours.
If the space issue is only for the next couple years, why not get a baby or a 1 year old to start? You can have a baby in a 20 gal long tank that's only 30x12x12 INCHES! A 1 yr old snake might also be ok in that or maybe a 40gal breeder sized tank - that's only 36x18x18 inches. I have a 4month old baby BCI in a 20gal long and she'll (yes, it's a female) stay in that for the next year at least. They grow fast, but not so fast as to rapidly outgrow that size tank.
But good for you for thinking it out responsibly before bringing the snake home!
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