Driving the BMW i4 M50: A Blend of Performance and Style

I recently had the opportunity to test drive the BMW i4 M50, an electric sedan model from BMW's M Gran Coupe lineup.

In March 2022, I first encountered this car at a launch event with my wife,

and I was thrilled to get behind the wheel again after a 10-month wait.

At that time, the car's striking design and impressive performance captured everyone's attention,

but after 10 months and exposure to new electric vehicles from other brands,

I found myself feeling more accustomed to the competition.

When I attended the BMW i4 M50 launch event,

I vividly remember expressing to the sales staff my desire to purchase this model,

as my wife and I were both quite taken with it.

However, the online pre-order system on BMW Korea's website had already closed,

and due to limited initial shipments, I learned that I would have to wait quite a while.

As time passed,

I noticed that the prices had increased when contracts resumed a few months later.

In fact, my wife and I attended the launch event and even test drove the car,

and we were both so impressed that we waited 3 to 4 months for it.

However, since they only conducted online pre-orders on a first-come, first-served basis, we found no way to purchase it at that time.

Had the timing been better, we might have bought it,

but by the time we were ready to pre-order, the online sales became highly competitive,

and sadly, we missed out on this electric vehicle.

I apologize for the lengthy backstory.

To sum it up, one of the two cars my wife and I agreed to purchase over the past three years is indeed the BMW i4 M50.

Considering the price, the performance and design of this model are so satisfying that

I would have been eager to buy it if I had the opportunity!

The BMW i4 comes in two models: the eDrive 40 and the M performance design model, the M50.

Among them, the M50 stands out with its powerful performance and exclusive M design,

making it a worthy contender for widespread admiration.

The M performance model features a cerium gray color applied to the side mirrors, front grille, emblems, and wheels,

adding to its luxurious atmosphere.

The model I test drove was in Portimao Blue, a color that perfectly blends sexiness with urban sophistication.

Additionally, it comes in various colors, including Alpine White and Black Sapphire,

as well as Brooklyn Gray, Dravit Gray, and Aventurine Red.

Now, let's take a look at the specifications of the BMW i4 M50.

Length: 188.4 inches (4,785 mm)

Width: 72.8 inches (1,850 mm)

Height: 57.1 inches (1,450 mm)

Wheelbase: 112.4 inches (2,855 mm)

Curb weight: 4,970 lbs (2,260 kg)

Battery capacity: 84 kWh

Maximum output (combined): 544 hp (544 ps)

Maximum torque (combined): 59.8 lb-ft (81.1 kg·m)

0 to 60 mph: 3.9 seconds

The trunk door opens as a hatchback, extending all the way to the rear window.

The trunk capacity is 16.6 cubic feet (470 L), which can fit two golf bags tightly at an angle.

By folding down the rear seats, you can expand the space up to 45.5 cubic feet (1,290 L), but the headroom may feel a bit tight for camping purposes.

It comfortably accommodates up to three people for a round of golf.

The Driving Assistant Professional option, along with Parking Assistant Plus, provides drivers with both comfort and stability through advanced driving assistance systems.

The design of the cluster, first introduced in the iX, has been applied here, but it remains uncertain whether this design will be featured in the upcoming full redesigns of the 5 Series and X5.

The M50 model boasts blue laser lights, which were previously reserved for luxury models, giving it a sophisticated appearance.

The prominent character lines on the sides and the 19-inch aerodynamic 861 M wheel design enhance its sporty feel.

You truly feel the value of this model when you take it for a spin; it offers stable handling and a grounded feel as it hugs the road,

providing a satisfying acceleration and cornering experience that leaves you impressed with its performance.

Although the model falls into the mid-size sedan category and may seem heavy,

the low placement of the battery helps maintain balance, allowing for a smooth ride.

The rear-wheel-based eDrive 40 model often displayed instability during deceleration and cornering,

but the M50 model clearly demonstrates a superior level of balance.

Even considering the price difference, the performance and design satisfaction make the M50 my clear choice.

During nighttime driving, the ambient lighting, along with the crisp display of the digital cluster and center monitor, creates a captivating atmosphere.

This subtle charm truly appeals to the senses.

When it launched in March of last year, I couldn't appreciate this ambient lighting due to the daytime conditions,

but after this test drive, my wife was absolutely enamored with it!

In the past, people often associated emotional sedans with Mercedes rather than BMW,

but BMW's interior ambiance has dramatically shifted to challenge that perception.

Driving modes include Sport, Comfort, and Eco Pro, allowing for tailored driving experiences.

Selecting Sport mode makes you feel like you're launching from a racing start line.

If you want to achieve optimal fuel efficiency, selecting Eco Pro mode extends your driving range.

For reference, the eDrive 40 has a range of 266 miles (429 km) based on European WLTP standards, while the M50 offers 235 miles (378 km).

While the M50's performance is undeniably superior, the driving range differs by over 30 miles (50 km).

The BMW i4 M50 model supports DC fast charging of up to 200 kW.

When comparing charging times from 10% to 80%, it takes about 31 minutes with DC fast charging and around 8 hours with AC slow charging.

The large touch monitor allows you to select various functions, and the menu structure has become more intuitive compared to previous models,

making it easy for first-time users to get accustomed to it quickly.

Android Auto and Apple CarPlay can connect wirelessly, so keep that in mind.

The BMW i4 M50 is the brand's first electric sedan!

The exterior design features a vertical kidney grille and cerium gray accents,

and it has received praise for its ample performance and convenient charging capabilities.

While many may hesitate about electric vehicles due to recent battery fires,

the i4 M50 model stands out as a stable and comfortable choice.

From Q2 to Q4 of 2022, only a limited number of units arrived,

and the available units were missing many options due to semiconductor shortages.

However, the semiconductor supply issues are easing,

and with many people canceling orders due to high interest rates,

I believe that even if you place an order for the i4 now, you might receive it quickly.

The BMW i4 M50 appeals with its spacious interior and luxurious colors,

and it becomes increasingly attractive the more you see it.

In the next installment, I plan to share a video of driving the M50 model to a golf course with golf bloggers, so stay tuned for that.

If you have any additional questions, please leave a comment, and I'll respond based on my test drive experiences.