The BMW I4 Gran Coupe 400kW M50 Review

The world of electric cars is not so boring as many thought … “it’s all about the environment and taking the fun out of driving” we heard many objectors say about this. While combustion engines have almost certainly improved in the last few years, with more robust consumption and performance figures, it is fair to say that battery electric vehicles offer drivers something wholly different.

Some of the early impressions of an EV was perhaps based around the more moderate Renault Zoe and Nissan Leaf, which are no less crucial than any other EV option. However, less focus was initially placed on the exciting aspects which make electric vehicles such a great proposition - the early innovations were not aesthetically pleasing, they had limited battery ranges, slow charging times and unexciting performance.

But this was around 2010 and until about 2019 / 2020, many potential electric car lease customers were being led to believe that this accurately reflected what all-electric cars were still like. And the truth couldn’t be any more different;

Since the turn of the century, the electric car market is the place to be and manufacturers are eagerly competing to be known as industry leaders for innovation, tech and performance. And what’s thrilling about zero-emission vehicles is that they can offer a more sustainable and eco-friendly automotive experience while maintaining the fun and excitement which many of us now demand from our vehicles.

When the Tesla Model Performance was thrown into the UK around 2019 / 2020, many of us couldn’t quite believe what was being offered - a relatively affordable saloon for PCH and BCH customers with an overall range which is close to 300 miles (on a full charge), rapid charging capabilities of around 27 minutes from 10 -80% and an unbelievable 0 - 62 times of just over 3 seconds. Yes, 3 seconds to 62 mph from a standing start!

This was never considered possible and was not something being envisioned by those pessimistic towards electrification. Yet Tesla set a key standard for many other manufacturers to follow, in particular the fact that cars need to be quick, exhilarating and dynamic. We can save the planet while maintaining some mischief it seems …

So is the Tesla Model 3 Performance the best sports / performance EV?

Many of the competition used this car as a catalyst to introduce their own versions with equally robust technology and driving experience. BMW, who were notoriously slow compared to Mercedes, finally brought out their key alternative in 2021 in the form of the i4. Similar to a 4 series Gran Coupe, the i4 is available in two key battery (and motor) formats. The one shown here is the “role model”, being the i4 M50.

With an equivalent of 536hp, this speed machine can propel you to 62 mph from a standing start in 3.9 seconds while reaching top speeds of 140 mph. So when customers ask how fast is the m50 i4, our e-car lease team can confidently say “very fast!” And the use of the M is clear indication of the M Performance you get aesthetically, ergonomically and mechanically. As BMW state, this is a true Ultimate Driving Machine.

The M50 is one of the leading EVs to lease and the online media outlets certainly think so - EVO Magazine rate this at 4/5, Car Magazine at 4/5, Auto Express 4.5/5 and CarWow at 8/10. But what makes the perfect EV is more than just the 0 - 62 times; there are a number of key facets which also need consideration. The M50 i4 delivers 225 miles of combined cold weather driving with the warmer temperatures increasing this to 310 miles.

A robust 11 kW AC charging capability means 8 hour 0 - 100% charge times and the 200 kW DC rapid charge translates to 30 minute 10 - 80% charge times. A fuel equivalent of 135 mpg and towing capacity of 750 kg (unbraked) and 1600 kg (braked). Understanding just how good an electric car is will mean dragging out the important data - charging times, range, speed and towing capacity. This is where the e-car lease “living with your …” tools become so important for you or the business.

Making the i4 M50 will involve some careful specification choices - the Comfort Pack can be added at a cost of £1200 to enable comfort access, extended storage and heated steering wheel. The Technology Plus Pack at £1900 will include drive recorder, parking assistant plus and driving assistant plus.

The £1500 Visibility pack adds high beam assistant and laserlights. Or for those needing to tow a caravan or trailer, the £1000 towbar is a great factory option to add. For the more aesthetically-minded EV drivers out there, the M Carbon exterior at nearly £2500 and the £1050 electric glass sunroof are worth including. As part of improving choice, BMW have included two unique Matte individual paint choices - frozen pure grey and portimao blue.

Already the allocation for 2022 has been exceeded on the BMW i4 M50, making this one of the UK’s favourite sports car options. Many customers ordering today (August 2022) will not see the car until March 2023 and onwards! But that doesn’t mean that BMW are not without tough competition. What else should I or the business consider? The Polestar 2 or the Tesla Model 3 are equally robust and all offer the UK customer a genuinely electric experience.

BMW I4 Gran Coupe 400kW M50 83.9kWh 5dr Auto (Pure Electric Vehicle)

In terms of the car shown, the BMW I4 Gran Coupe 400kW M50 83.9kWh 5dr Auto (Pure Electric Vehicle), this is based on the following configuration: