BMW i4 M50 explained: the first electric M Performance car
The BMW i4 M50 was the first electric M Performance model. Its two motors, power, range, charging, driving feel, sound and how it compares with petrol M cars.
1 view 1 reading now 0 comments 5 min read
On this page
The BMW i4 M50 was the first fully electric car from BMW M. Launched in 2021, it combined the sleek body of the 4 Series Gran Coupé with two electric motors, all-wheel drive and acceleration that rivals many petrol M cars.
It is an M Performance model rather than a full M car, but it showed how BMW M approaches electric driving. In this article we explain how the BMW i4 M50 works, its power and performance, range and charging, the driving experience and how it compares with petrol M cars.
A new kind of M car
BMW M has built fast cars with petrol engines for decades. The i4 M50 was the first time the division applied its expertise to a fully electric car. It sits in the M Performance category, like the M340i or M440i, between the regular models and full M cars. Our article on BMW M vs M Performance vs M Sport explains these categories.
The car is based on the i4 Gran Coupé, a five-door coupé with a large tailgate. It offers the practicality of a family car with a sporty design and performance.
How the BMW i4 M50 drivetrain works
The BMW i4 M50 uses two electric motors:
- One motor on the front axle and one on the rear axle, giving all-wheel drive.
- A combined output of 544 hp in Sport Boost mode at launch, with very high torque available instantly.
- A high-voltage battery mounted in the floor, which lowers the centre of gravity.
The control system distributes power between the axles in a fraction of a second. In normal driving, the car can prioritise the rear axle for efficiency and a sporty feel. When more traction is needed, the front motor adds power immediately.
Performance
The i4 M50 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in around four seconds at launch, according to BMW. The instant torque of the electric motors makes it feel extremely quick in everyday situations, such as overtaking or joining a motorway.
The low centre of gravity and the M-tuned suspension help the car feel composed in corners, despite its weight. The car is heavier than a petrol 4 Series because of the battery, which you notice in tight corners and under heavy braking.
Range and charging
Range depends on the wheels, temperature, speed and driving style. The official figures at launch were several hundred kilometres according to the WLTP test cycle, and real-world range is usually lower, especially in cold weather and at motorway speeds.
The i4 M50 supports fast DC charging at high power, which allows a large share of the battery to be recharged in about half an hour at a suitable fast charger. At home, an AC wallbox is the most convenient way to charge overnight.
Tips for better range:
- Pre-condition the battery and cabin while the car is plugged in.
- Use the efficient driving modes for everyday trips.
- Keep tyre pressures correct.
Driving feel and sound
Electric cars are silent by nature, so BMW worked with the film composer Hans Zimmer to create IconicSounds Electric. In sporty modes, the car plays a synthetic sound that changes with acceleration and speed. Some drivers love it, others prefer silence, and it can be adjusted in the settings.
The steering, suspension and brakes are tuned by BMW M for a sporty feel. Adaptive suspension and variable sport steering are part of the package on many cars. Our article on BMW Active Sound Design explains how BMW uses sound in its petrol models too.
i4 M50 vs petrol M cars
Compared with petrol models such as the M440i or M3:
- Acceleration: the i4 M50 is extremely quick in real-world situations, especially from low speeds.
- Weight: it is heavier, which affects agility on twisty roads and on track.
- Sound and character: there is no engine sound or gear change, which many enthusiasts miss.
- Running costs: charging at home is often cheaper than fuel, and there is no oil to change.
- Track use: repeated fast laps are limited by battery temperature and energy use.
For daily driving, the i4 M50 offers a compelling mix of performance and comfort. For track days and driving involvement, petrol M cars still have the edge.
Ownership tips
- Tyres wear faster because of the weight and instant torque.
- Brakes wear slowly, because much of the braking is done by energy recovery. Still, they should be used regularly to keep the discs clean.
- Battery health: avoid keeping the battery at 100 percent for long periods unless you need the full range.
- Software updates: BMW improves functions through updates.
When buying a used i4 M50, check the battery health report, charging history where available and the condition of tyres and wheels.
What it means for BMW M
The i4 M50 showed that electric drive and BMW M can work together. It opened the way for further electric M Performance models and, in the future, fully electric M cars.
For enthusiasts, the question is not whether electric M cars will come, but how BMW M will keep their character. The i4 M50 is an important first step in that story.
BMW i4 M50 key facts at launch
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Launched | 2021 |
| Category | Electric M Performance model |
| Body | Four-door Gran Coupé with tailgate |
| Motors | Two motors, all-wheel drive |
| Power | 544 hp in Sport Boost at launch |
| 0–100 km/h | Around four seconds at launch |
| Charging | Fast DC charging and AC wallbox |
Frequently asked questions
Is the BMW i4 M50 a real M car?
It is an M Performance model, tuned by BMW M, but not a full M car like the M3 or M4.
How fast is the BMW i4 M50?
At launch, BMW quoted around four seconds from 0 to 100 km/h, with very strong acceleration in everyday driving.
Does the BMW i4 M50 make a sound?
It can play IconicSounds Electric, created with Hans Zimmer, in sporty modes. The sound can be adjusted.
Can you take a BMW i4 M50 on track?
Yes, but its weight and battery temperature limit repeated fast laps compared with petrol M cars.
Comments 0
Join the conversation — be kind, no links.
Loading comments…