BMW i4 M50 Review: A Pricey Entry EV with a Mix of Pros and Cons

Road test: The upcoming 2024 BMW i4 M50 increases specs but lacks excitement

As we await the release of BMW’s innovative Neue Klasse series in 2025 and with the distinct i3 electric vehicle becoming a distant memory, the i4 currently stands as the introductory electric model from this iconic German car manufacturer. Yet, with the high-performance i4 M50 variant I had the chance to test, carrying a price tag close to $90,000, it hardly seems the typical starting point for electric vehicles.

Within the couple of years following the debut of the i4 hatchback, there have been some shifts in the surrounding market. The introduction of the Hyundai Ioniq 6 has demonstrated that a sedan featuring a similar sleek roof design can offer impressive space and fuel efficiency. Meanwhile, the Polestar 2 has transitioned to emphasize a rear-wheel-drive layout. Most significantly, the Tesla Model 3 Performance has undergone a comprehensive update.

The 2024 model of the BMW i4

2024 Model of the BMW i4 M50

2024 model of the BMW i4 M50

Spending additional hours behind the wheel of the i4 reinforced my perception that this lineup of electric vehicles stands as a strong contender against other models, yet with a distinct focus on preserving BMW’s iconic driving dynamics within the electric vehicle domain. This experience also led me to appreciate that the more basic i4 variants achieve this objective more subtly than the M50.

After experiencing the i4 M50, it's debatable if it's the peak of electric vehicles, but I grew fond of its seamless integration with wireless Apple CarPlay, the remarkable audio from Harman Kardon, the simplified user interface borrowed from the i5 and i7 models, and the crisp head-up display that offered ample interface customization options.

During a handful of days in the spring season, I had the chance to drive the i4 M50 starting from Portland to a gathering at Ridge Motorsports Park located in Shelton, Washington, and then returned. Unfortunately, I didn't get the opportunity to test it on the racecourse. However, I did have the pleasure of navigating it on some beloved rural routes and while running some city chores, and from this, I've gathered some advantages and disadvantages of the i4 based on my usage.

2024 model of the BMW i4 M50

Upcoming 2024 model of the BMW i

2024 Model of BMW's i4 M50

Advantage: The M50 model is responsive and has nimble handling.

The BMW i4 M50's acceleration is robust, almost matching the swiftness of a supercar. This is due to the dual permanent-magnet motors, which are primarily driven by the rear wheels, delivering 469 horsepower and 538 pound-feet of torque, with an increased output of 536 horsepower and 586 pound-feet in Sport Boost mode. With the M50's official 0 to 60 mph time at 3.7 seconds, it noticeably outpaces the rear-wheel-drive i4 eDrive40, which takes an estimated 5.4 seconds due to its 335 horsepower and 317 pound-feet motor. This could be attributed to the M50's ability to maximize traction with its superior tires. Additionally, the M50 boasts a rapid and accurate steering response that complements the all-wheel-drive electric drivetrain's dynamics, although an improvement in steering feedback would be appreciated.

2024 model of the BMW i4 M50

Negative: The i4 doesn't match the 3-Series in terms of handling

When driving the i4 M50 on winding roads, its considerable weight becomes apparent. It aligns more with what you'd expect from an 8-Series rather than a 4-Series. The i4 M50 weighs in at a hefty 5,018 pounds, which is around 1,000 pounds heavier than the current 840i coupe and about 1,500 pounds more than the entry-level 2024 3-Series. Although the high-performance Pirelli P Zero PZ4 Elect tires, with sizes 255/35R20 at the front and 285/30R20 at the rear, offer great potential for grip, the steering doesn't provide the kind of feedback or assurance one would hope for, especially when compared to the iX electric SUV or even the eDrive40 that I tested on similar routes two years earlier. The ride comfort on highways in the M50 is also disappointing. Despite the air suspension, adaptive M dampers, custom anti-roll bars, and a front strut tower brace, there seems to be a disconnect. It might not just be the weight that's the issue, but also the complexity of the system.

2023 Model of the BMW i4 eDrive40

Advantage: The BMW i4 charges swiftly as expected

While the i4 doesn't top the list for speediest electric vehicle (EV) charging or boast exceptionally potent charging capabilities, BMW's track record of consistent DC rapid-charging, established since the i3 model, continues with the i4 M50. During a travel break, when connected to a 350-kW EVgo charging station at a 4% battery level, the i4 rapidly surged to approximately 205 kW and hit 71% battery life within a mere half-hour.

2024 Model of the BMW i4 M50

Green Car Reports has previously highlighted that opting for a 150-kw charging point doesn't really hinder your charging time significantly. For instance, when I connected the former i4 eDrive40 to a 150-kw charging station at 3%, it only took half an hour to reach 67%. Curious about the charging process under less than ideal conditions, I hooked up the M50 to a 150-kw charger at a 40% charge level and within a mere 10 minutes, it had already bumped up the charge by 22%.

2024 Model of the BMW i4 M50

Upcoming 2024 model of the BMW i

2024 Model of BMW's i4 M50

Critique: The i4 M50's performance in terms of distance and efficiency falls short

During my time with the i4 M50, it was equipped with optional 20-inch wheels that also included M wheels, M Sport brakes, and Shadowline exterior features. The vehicle looks impressive with this setup, but it's important to note that these upgrades come at a premium well over $2,500. Moreover, the ride comfort is compromised with these larger wheels. Additionally, opting for the 20-inch wheels instead of the standard 19-inch ones significantly reduces the car's driving range. The M50's official EPA-estimated range decreases from 269 miles with the 19-inch wheels to just 227 miles with the 20-inch wheels that were on my test vehicle. This is a considerable reduction from the 301 miles of range offered by the eDrive40 model, despite both models using the same 80.7-kWh battery.

2023 Model of BMW's i4 eDrive40

It's worth mentioning that the 2025 BMW i4 series will receive a slight increase in range, along with an updated interior design.

During my journey of 336 miles in the i4, the vehicle's onboard system reported an average efficiency of 2.6 miles per kilowatt-hour. This calculation was based on driving primarily on highways, with external temperatures around 55 degrees Fahrenheit and the internal climate control set between 69 and 72 degrees. Although the eDrive40 model appeared to exceed its expected range, I found the M50's projected range of 227 miles to be overly optimistic when put to the test under actual driving conditions. I'm confident that the Polestar 2, equipped with the Performance package, surpasses the M50, as evidenced by its EPA rating of 247 miles.

Upcoming 2024 model of the BMW i

The upcoming 2024 model of the BMW i

2024 model of the BMW i4 M50

Advantage: Superior comfort in the i4's front seats

The front sport seats in the BMW i4 are noteworthy, offering features such as adjustable thigh support and a customizable width for the driver's seat. While the center console may appear a bit constrictive when compared to the more spacious designs of vehicles like the Hyundai Ioniq 6 and Tesla Model 3, it didn't take long for me to acclimate. Indeed, these seats provided such comfort that I felt rejuvenated even after long drives.

2023 model of the BMW i4 eDrive40

Negative Aspect: Limited Rear Seating Area

The BMW 3-Series is known for its cramped rear seating, and the i4 model continues this trend, perhaps even more so. Entry into the rear of the i4 is challenging due to the slim doorways and the significantly low ceiling, particularly at the entry points. When the front seat is set to accommodate someone six feet tall, the rear legroom is virtually nonexistent, and taller passengers will find their heads pressed against the ceiling fabric. Despite BMW branding the i4 as a Gran Coupe in its 2024 promotions, a change from the previous year, it seems this might be a strategy to justify the sleeker, but less practical, roof design. The trunk space is limited to 10.0 cubic feet when the rear seats are up, but expands to over 45.6 cubic feet when they're down. Opting for the latter is advisable; after all, the i4 is essentially a hatchback with the essence of a coupe.

2023 edition of the BMW i4 eDrive40 model

The starting cost of the 2024 BMW i4 M50 is $70,695, with the reviewed model coming in at $87,845 due to additional features such as the M Sport Package Pro, high-performance tire package, and a selection of other aesthetic and technology enhancements. This vehicle is equipped with two permanent-magnet motors, offering a standard output of 469 horsepower and 538 pound-feet of torque, which can be boosted to 536 horsepower and 586 pound-feet of torque. It comes with all-wheel drive and has an EPA-rated electric range of 227 miles, with a combined efficiency of 2.4 miles per kilowatt-hour. The positive aspects include a robust and responsive powertrain, agile steering, consistent charging duration, and comfortable front seating. However, it falls short with its cramped rear seating, overly assertive handling, and the M50's disappointing range and energy consumption.

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