Based on an adapted version of the CLAR platform already used by the Series 3, the BMW i4 it presents itself as the Bavarian brand's answer to the success of the Tesla Model 3 in a segment where, among combustion engine models, BMW usually dominates.
The most recent member of a “family” of electric models that currently has four elements — i3, iX3, i4 and iX — this new BMW i4 also had the “honor” of being the first 100% electric model of the German brand to receive the “M treatment”.
But is that enough for a model that doesn't hide its connection with the 4 Series Gran Coupé to beat the benchmark among D-segment electric saloons? To discover Diogo Teixeira, he traveled to Germany to test the new BMW i4 M50.
BMW i4 M50 numbers
As you well know, the BMW i4 will initially appear in two versions: the M50 that Diogo tested and the eDrive40 that will serve as an entry-level version. Both use a battery with 83.9 kWh of capacity, but what they “do” with the energy it provides is quite different.
In the i4 M50, the battery powers two electric motors (one on each axle) that offer the first electric motor developed by BMW M a maximum combined power of 544 hp (400 kW) and 795 Nm. With all-wheel drive, this i4 M50 fulfills 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.9s and announces a range of 510 km and consumption between 19 and 24 kWh/100 km (WLTP cycle).
The more “quiet” BMW i4 eDrive40 has only one engine (and rear wheel drive), has 340 hp (250 kW) and 430 Nm, meets 0 to 100 km/h in 5.7s and announces an autonomy of 590 km and see consumption settle between 16 and 20 kWh/100 km.
Scheduled for arrival in November, the BMW i4 sees its prices start at 60,500 euros (in the eDrive40 version) and rise to 71,900 euros in this M50 variant that Diogo was able to test in Germany.
In comparison, the Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus, rear-wheel drive only, 238 hp (175 kW) and 448 km of range is available from €50,900. The Model 3 Long Range, with its two engines, all-wheel drive, 351 hp (258 kW) and 614 km of advertised range costs €57,990.
Finally, the Model 3 Performance, also with two engines and all-wheel drive but with 462 hp (340 kW) costs €64,990 and advertises 567 km of autonomy.