BMW i4 M50

Overview

The BMW i4 M50 is the all-electric Gran Coupe that's got proper performance chops, especially in this M50 guise. It’s BMW’s electrifying answer to sporty four-doors, blending that classic driving feel with a serious electric punch from its dual motors. Think of it as the M-lite hero of the i4 range, designed to thrill without screaming about its green credentials. With this specific 2021-2024 version now discontinued, it’s a cracking used buy for around €47,700, offering a near-M car experience with zero tailpipe emissions. It’s a sophisticated rocket for the real world.

What's New for 2024?

For the 2024 model year, this specific iteration of the BMW i4 M50 (produced from 2021) reached the end of its production run, making way for anticipated model updates later in the year. So, if you're eyeing up *this* M50, it’s essentially the well-loved, potent package enthusiasts came to appreciate since its launch. There weren't major spec changes for its final stint; it bowed out retaining its impressive performance and tech suite. Consider it the grand finale of the first-phase i4 M50 before any significant facelifts or powertrain tweaks for subsequent versions.

Design & Exterior

The i4 M50 rocks BMW's four-door Gran Coupe silhouette, looking sleek and muscular. That controversial kidney grille? It’s here, but the M50 gets exclusive Cerium Grey accents, M aerodynamic bits, and specific M alloy wheels that give it a properly aggressive stance. It’s undeniably sporty. Dimension-wise, it measures 4783 mm in length, 1852 mm in width (mirrors tucked), and stands 1448 mm tall. Sharp LED lighting front and rear completes the look, ensuring this electric Bimmer turns heads for all the right reasons. It’s a head-turner, no doubt.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Step inside the i4 M50 and you’re greeted by BMW’s impressive Curved Display, merging instruments and infotainment into one sweeping screen running the latest iDrive system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Quality is top-notch, with sporty M touches like the steering wheel and supportive seats. Passenger space is decent up front, a bit cosier in the back. For your gear, there's a practical 470-litre boot, expanding to a generous 1290 litres with the seats down. Sadly, no frunk to stash your charging cables, but the cabin tech and feel are ace.

Performance & Driving Experience

This is where the M50 truly shines! With two electric motors (PMSM front and rear) kicking out a hefty 400 kW and a stonking 795 Nm of torque, it's an all-wheel-drive monster. Nail the accelerator, and 0-100 km/h vanishes in a blistering 3.9 seconds, thanks to that instant electric shove. The adaptive M suspension keeps it planted and agile, offering a surprisingly good balance between sporty handling and daily comfort. Regenerative braking is strong, allowing for one-pedal driving if that’s your jam. It’s a proper driver’s EV.

Range, Battery & Charging

The i4 M50 packs an 80.7 kWh (usable) battery, giving a Green Cars Compare estimated real-world range of around 409 km – pretty solid for a performance machine offering an efficiency of 5.07 km/kWh. For charging, its CCS Type 2 port handles up to 11 kW AC, meaning a full top-up takes roughly 7.5 hours. Hook it up to a DC fast charger, and it can slurp power at up to a very impressive 207 kW, zapping the battery from 10-80% in about 30 minutes under ideal conditions.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

The BMW i4 range, on which the M50 is based, scored a 4-star rating from Euro NCAP. The M50 comes equipped with a good baseline of safety kit, including essentials like forward collision warning and lane departure warning. For the full suite of futuristic driver aids, you'd typically look to the optional Driving Assistant Professional package, often specified on these models. This unlocks goodies like adaptive cruise control with stop & go and active lane-keeping assist, making motorway schleps a breeze. Always check the exact spec of a used example!

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

In Europe, BMWs typically come with a 2-year, unlimited kilometre vehicle warranty, though some local markets might offer three years. The crucial high-voltage battery in the i4 M50 is covered for a more substantial 8 years or 160,000 km, whichever comes first, warranting against excessive degradation (usually to 70% of original capacity). While BMW offers optional Service Inclusive packages for maintenance, routine EV servicing is generally less intensive than for combustion-engine cars. The i4 platform is generally regarded as a robust entry into BMW's electric portfolio.