Disclaimer: I like cars, particularly aesthetically pleasing cars that sit pretty in the driveway. I proudly drive a manual vehicle and enjoy hooning along the highway, much to my passengers' chagrin. But when it comes to the technical side of automobiles à la Top Gear, I'm a bit of a noob.
So when I was offered the opportunity to test drive the new BMW i4 M50, the M division's first electric vehicle and BMW's first real attempt at a performance EV, I jumped at the chance. A sleek, streamlined, metallic masterpiece, the i4 M50 is a thing of beauty. As an electric vehicle, it also puts a stopper on pesky petrol (and financial pain at the pump), charging up like any other device you own via a cable and power outlet.
It's also fast. And I mean, really fast.
Knowing I wasn't quite qualified to review this automobile with the aplomb it deserved, I enlisted the help of my motorhead father, Marc - a man who grew up driving on the autobahn and the recipient of many a speeding ticket. As a man who is also a BMW buff and the proud owner of his own petrol-fuelled Beemer, he was more than happy to take the wheel - literally and figuratively - to see how the i4 M50 compared. More importantly still, the i4 M50 marked my Beemer fanboy father's first electric experience.
Could my petrolhead padre be converted to an EV? We had the BMW i4 M50 for a week, and here are our thoughts.
Overview
First things first, we all know Germans can be, well, quite particular. Like the Virgos of the zodiac, Germans have a reputation as persnickety perfectionists (and before anyone comes for me, yes, we have some German ancestry and yes, I'm also a Virgo). This enjoyment of the efficient and the orderly also extends to their cars.
Enter Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, better known as BMW; a German multinational manufacturer with a fleet of finely tuned, luxury vehicles that offer premium performance, but don't compromise on style. BMWs are also typically available at more affordable price points compared to rival marques like Porsche.
With a base price of $137,900, the i4 M50 marks the first fully electric Gran Coupé from BMW M for a completely emission-free driving experience. The new fully electric i4 model aims to deliver and maintain ultimate driving performance while also being sustainably produced and operated, and it has a lot to live up to; its competitors have successfully shown how to design and build a sporty EV with decent range, great handling and the quality buyers expect at this level. Presently, the i4 can be had in only two models: the less powerful RWD eDrive40 or the rapid M50 tested here, which gets an extra motor on the front axle for 4WD. The dual-motored M50 makes 400 kW (544 hp) and 795 Nm (586 lb-ft) from its two synchronous motors - one per axle. Supporting the i4 is the same platform found underneath the BMW 3/4 series.
As aforementioned, the i4 M50 is staggeringly quick. Find an empty stretch of road, put the pedal to the metal, and the M50 will have you feeling like Michael Schumacher in no time; particularly if you've double-pressed the mode switch into 'sport boost'. It's limited to 225km/h, but can get there swiftly. Many drivers are becoming used to the blistering acceleration EVs can offer, but the BMW i4 M50 will literally take your breath away. This model in particular reaches 0-100km/h in just 3.9 sec, and that is conservative - other tests have claimed a time of 3.3 seconds.
Is this speed practical, or even possible, on Auckland's congested thoroughfares full of subpar drivers? No, but it makes for a lot of fun on the open roads, particularly the winding stretches of tarmac north of Auckland that allow the M50 to really stretch its legs. A quick note on range: the M50 offers up to 510km of range (WLTP) and at 205 kW, offers the fastest maximum charging speed BMW has achieved, with charging at full speed for just 10 minutes netting up to 164km of range.
According to BMW New Zealand, it takes an hour and 36 minutes at a standard wallbox to reclaim 100km. Alternatively, stopping at a fast-charging station while on the move adds 100km in just over 20 minutes.
The pros
Now, here's where dad's knowledge really comes in handy. The nature of the M50's performance is outstanding, he concluded, particularly in terms of mid-range, roll-on acceleration. Reaction from the motors is seemingly instantaneous, and with the car's 'sport boost' function engaged, you're given full access to all 544 hp.
However, there is a less furious side to the i4 M50's performance; effortless pace and precise handling are arguably its most innate abilities. The car offers even, responsive acceleration, making driving a mostly calm experience, even on Auckland's roads (driving to work is never a calm experience). You can always release the enormous performance for warp-speed overtakes, but the car's easy and quietly powerful drivability makes the i4 easy to like.
Additionally, the M50's low centre of gravity and weight also brings a sense of added security to the ride - even though you are constantly reminded that this BMW is actually a behemoth, particularly on winding roads. This combined with cosseting, supportive seats, an excellent driving position, and good visibility further support its desirability.
I may not know too much about cars, but I know what a nice ride feels like. The M50 almost glides, holding the road snugly and securely with silent stealth as it slinks through the streets. It's Fast & Furious meets A Quiet Place.
Now, let's touch on the aesthetics. Our model came with Portimao metallic blue paintwork, leather 'Vernasca' black upholstery with blue contrast stitching and 19-inch M light alloy wheels with performance tyres. The cabin also features ambient interior lighting, a BMW Head-Up Screen, a 14-inch control display, sport seats for the driver and front passenger (plus seat heating!) and an electric glass sunroof. The Beemer also comes equipped with a Harman Kardon surround sound system - you best believe I was blasting Zeppelin as we took the M50 for a run around the roads of Waiwera.
Overall, the M50's interior is a serene place of quality materials and simple elegance. The driving ergonomics are excellent with plenty of adjustability in the steering column and seats. The materials are smart and built with care, as one would expect from the German marque. Thick consoles and doors make the M50 wrap snugly around you, which according to dad, puts the driver in the right mood for driving - fast.
The new BMW iDrive 8 infotainment system and digital instrument display is also striking, if high-tech IT appeals. If you're anything like my dad, the infotainment isn't so much entertainment as it is a pain in the arse. However, some of the functions are really quite nifty, such as 360-degree camera views; you've also got all the bells and whistles like smartphone integration including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ConnectedDrive Services and Apps, and Real Time Traffic Information (RTTI).
The cons
For dad and I, there really wasn't much to complain about - but of course, nothing is perfect. After some deliberation and quite frankly, nitpicking, dad determined that passenger space is one area where the M50 could do better – space at the rear is not great, particularly for taller passengers. At just under 6'5", it's not uncommon for my dad to A) scare any boyfriend I bring home, and B) struggle to fit in most places. Thankfully it was only 5'7" mum who was relegated to the rear on our journeys, but if you're a family of giants, it's certainly something to consider. Alternatively, boot space is impressive at 470 litres.
Another minor con is that the turning circle is very limited, so perhaps avoid making any tight U-turns when behind the wheel of an M50. A three-point turn will become a 10-point turn quickly, which can make easing into tight parking spots - even with Parking Assistant Plus - a bit of an ordeal, particularly for those of us who already lack spatial awareness (yes, me).
The final verdict
BMW has done a consummate job with the i4 M50 because, in its class, it must set a benchmark with its poise, balance, quality and refinement. There are times when the i4 M50 offers the kind of serenity you just don't expect from a car with sporting intentions - low-speed absorption is very good considering the 19-inch alloys, and the quietness and sharp responsiveness means the car glides through urban environments with effortless aplomb.
So has the BMW i4 M50 converted motorhead Marc to an EV enthusiast? The answer is yes. While not all EVs will have the same refinement or scintillating performance, the BMW i4 M50 was simply enjoyable and relaxing to drive. Of course, clean cars also benefit the health of our planet, which for the eco-conscious, is a significant plus-point.
However, the price is absolutely out of range for the average New Zealander. The i4 M50 is a pretty costly car - almost $30,000 more than a Tesla Model 3 Performance, as well as the Polestar 2 Long Range Dual Motor. If you're after an EV with a luxury feel, there are other options available that won't break the bank - as much, anyway.
The other main issue? 'Range anxiety'. Eventually, when charging points in New Zealand are as dependable and as commonplace as petrol pumps, motorhead Marc says he would have no hesitation in buying an EV - just maybe not a $138,000 one.
Newshub was supplied with a BMW i4 M50 for this review.
