2024 BMW i4 M50: Performance Punch Meets Practical Pitfalls in the EV Landscape

Test Drive: 2024 BMW i4 M50 Offers Power but Lacks Excitement

As we wait for BMW's Neue Klasse series to debut in 2025, with the i3 EV now a distant memory, the i4 currently serves as the German brand's electric vehicle entry model. Yet, with the high-performance i4 M50 variant I tested costing close to $90,000, it's hard to see this as a typical entry-level EV.

In the two years since the i4 hatchback was introduced, its market landscape has evolved. The Hyundai Ioniq 6 has demonstrated that a sedan with a similarly sleek roofline can offer impressive space and efficiency. The Polestar 2 has shifted its emphasis to rear-wheel drive. Notably, the Tesla Model 3 Performance has undergone a significant update.

BMW i4 M50 Model Year 2024

2024 BMW i4 M50

BMW i4 M50 (2024 model)

Spending additional time behind the wheel of the i4 reinforced my belief that this line of electric cars is a strong competitor to similar models, yet it focuses on different priorities. The i4 aims to bring BMW's renowned driving experience into the electric vehicle market. I also came to understand that the less powerful versions of the i4 offer this experience in a more subtle manner compared to the M50.

While it's still up for debate if this truly is the pinnacle of electric vehicles, my experience with the i4 M50 highlighted several standout features. The seamless wireless Apple CarPlay, the remarkable Harman Kardon audio system, the streamlined interface derived from the i5 and i7 models, and the versatile, clear head-up display all left a positive impression.

During a few days this spring, I drove the i4 M50 from Portland to an event at Ridge Motorsports Park in Shelton, Washington, and returned. Unfortunately, I didn’t get the chance to test it on the track. However, I did navigate some preferred backroads and completed various city errands. Here are my thoughts on the advantages and disadvantages of the i4 based on my experience.

2024 BMW i4 M50 Model

2024 BMW i4 M50 Model

The 2024 BMW i4 M50

Advantages: M50 offers rapid responses and agile handling

The BMW i4 M50’s acceleration is powerful, approaching the speed of a supercar. This is due to its rear-biased dual permanent-magnet motors, which produce 469 horsepower and 538 lb-ft of torque, or 536 horsepower and 586 lb-ft of torque when in Sport Boost mode. Officially, the M50 can go from 0 to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds, making it feel significantly faster than the rear-wheel-drive i4 eDrive40, which achieves the same in about 5.4 seconds with its 335 horsepower and 317 lb-ft motor. This is partly because the M50’s tires effectively provide the necessary traction. Additionally, the M50 features very quick and precise steering, complementing the all-wheel-drive electric powertrain’s character, although we wish the steering offered more tactile feedback.

2024 BMW i4 M50

Con: It Doesn’t Offer a 3-Series Driving Experience

When driving the i4 on winding roads, it feels significantly heavier, particularly in the M50 variant. It gives the impression of belonging to the 8-Series rather than the 4-Series, as it weighs in at an official 5,018 pounds. This makes it around 1,000 pounds heavier than the current 840i coupe and almost 1,500 pounds heavier than the base model of the 2024 3-Series. Though I briefly experienced the impressive cornering abilities of its Pirelli P Zero PZ4 Elect summer performance tires—sized 255/35R20 in the front and 285/30R20 in the rear—the steering lacks the reassuring feedback and road communication found in the iX electric SUV or even the eDrive40 that I drove on similar roads two years ago. The M50’s ride quality on the highway is also subpar. Despite its air suspension, adaptive M dampers, specially tuned anti-roll bars, and a front strut tower brace, something doesn’t quite add up. If it’s not the weight causing the issue, it might be a lack of simplicity.

2023 BMW i4 eDrive40

Advantage: BMW i4 Delivers Consistently Fast Charging

While the BMW i4 may not be the top contender for the fastest charging electric vehicle (EV) or one with the highest charging power, it maintains BMW's reputation for reliable DC fast-charging capabilities, a trait evident since the i3 model. During a road trip, when connected to a 350-kw EVgo charger at a low 4% battery level, the i4 swiftly ramped up to about 205 kw. In just half an hour, the charge level had impressively risen to 71%.

BMW i4 M50, 2024 Model

According to Green Car Reports, opting for a 150-kW connector doesn't significantly reduce charging speed. In a prior experience with the i4 eDrive40, connecting to a 150-kW charger at just 3% battery, the charge reached 67% in only 30 minutes. To test its performance in less-than-ideal conditions, I connected the M50 to a 150-kW charger at 40% battery, and in just 10 minutes, it charged up to 62%.

BMW i4 M50 for 2024

The 2024 BMW i4 M50

2024 BMW i4 M50 Model

Negative Aspect: M50 Falls Short in Range and Efficiency

The i4 M50 I tested was equipped with the optional 20-inch wheels, along with the M wheels, M Sport brakes, and Shadowline trim and lighting. While this setup gives the i4 a striking appearance, the additional cost of the wheels goes beyond the initial $2,500. The ride quality suffers with these larger wheels, and there's a significant decrease in range compared to the standard 19-inch wheels that come with the M50. The official EPA range for the M50 drops from 269 miles with the 19-inch wheels down to 227 miles with the 20-inch wheels on the test vehicle. This is already a reduction from the 301 miles the eDrive40 variant can achieve with the same 80.7-kWh usable battery capacity.

2023 BMW i4 eDrive40

It is important to mention that a significant portion of the 2025 BMW i4 models will receive a slight increase in range, along with an updated interior design.

Over a distance of 336 miles in the i4, the vehicle achieved an average of 2.6 miles per kWh, as indicated by its trip computer. This was during a trip primarily on highways, with outside temperatures around 55 degrees Fahrenheit and the climate control set to automatically maintain between 69 and 72 degrees. Although the eDrive40 model seemed to exceed its expected range, I found that expecting 227 miles from the M50 model in practical driving scenarios was overly hopeful. In actual conditions, I believe the Polestar 2 with the Performance package performs better, consistent with its EPA rating of 247 miles.

BMW i4 M50 (2024 Model)

2024 BMW i4 M50

2024 BMW i4 M50 Sedan

Advantage: Comfortable Front Seats in the BMW i4

The BMW i4 boasts impressive front sport seats, featuring adjustable thigh support and customizable width for the driver. Although the center console feels a bit confined compared to the more spacious designs of the Hyundai Ioniq 6 and Tesla Model 3, I quickly adapted. These seats kept me feeling rejuvenated even after long hours of highway driving.

2023 BMW i4 eDrive40

Disadvantage: Cramped Rear Seating

The 3-Series has historically lacked sufficient rear seat space, and the i4 continues this trend, if not exacerbates it. The i4 features tight door openings and a low rear roofline, particularly around the doors, which makes entry difficult. When the front seat is positioned for someone who is 6 feet tall, there is virtually no legroom in the back. Additionally, anyone close to 6 feet tall will find their head pressing against the soft headliner. In 2024, BMW is branding the i4 as a Gran Coupe, unlike in 2023, possibly to help consumers understand that the limited space is a trade-off for a more stylish roofline. The cargo space is 10.0 cubic feet with the rear seats up, but expands to over 45.6 cubic feet when they are folded down. Opt for the latter configuration; the i4 is essentially a hatchback with the spirit of a coupe.

2023 BMW i4 eDrive40 Electric Car

2024 BMW i4 M50

Base Price: $70,695

Tested Price: $87,845 (includes M Sport Package Pro, high-performance tire package, and various trim and tech options)

Power: Dual permanent-magnet motors producing 469 horsepower and 538 lb-ft of torque, with a boost mode delivering up to 536 horsepower and 586 lb-ft; all-wheel drive

EPA Efficiency: 227 miles of electric range, averaging 2.4 miles per kilowatt-hour

Highlights: Powerful engine, responsive steering, reliable charging times, comfortable front seats

Drawbacks: Limited rear-seat space, heavy handling, subpar range and efficiency for the M50 model

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