The i4 shares design DNA with BMW’s iconic saloons past and present. The long wheelbase, short overhangs and a flowing roofline are typical BMW signatures. So is the ‘Hofmeister kink’ in the C pillar, a BMW design element since the Neue Klasse of 1961. Though coupé-like in profile there’s ample space for five within. On i4 models the BMW kidney grille is blanked off and on the M50 it’s framed in Cerium Grey, while the U-shaped front apron graphic is another M hallmark. There’s also an M-specific tailgate spoiler and a choice of 18-inch M aerodynamic wheels or 19-inch M light double spoke alloys.
PERFORMANCE
As befits the first ever fully electric BMW M model, the M50 is powered by a 190kW electric motor at the front axle and a 230kW version at the rear, which combine to produce a total of 544hp. The sophisticated chassis technology of the M50’s electric all-wheel drive reacts with extreme sensitivity to the speed of the wheels at each axle for maximum control and traction, enabling it to accelerate from 0-62mph in a shattering 3.9 seconds. The 83.9kWh batteries are floor mounted, giving an exceptionally low centre of gravity. Range when fully charged is up to 318 miles (WLTP) and if using a DC high-power charging station, you can add 62 miles of range in just 5 minutes.
TECHNOLOGY
The i4 M50’s driver-focused cockpit features a slim instrument panel, with a fully digital 12.3-inch information display directly in front of the driver that merges seamlessly into a 14.9-inch control display in the centre of the dash. A Harman Kardon surround sound system, with 16 speakers and 464 watts of audio power, is standard on the i4 M50. Other standard features on the M50 include M Adaptive Suspension, electric memory seats, Driving Assistant, wireless phone charging, and Live Cockpit Professional with Head-up display. There’s even an M-specific soundtrack (composed in collaboration with Hans Zimmer) to intensify the driving experience when you’re in Sport Boost mode.
SAFETY
The i4 offers around 40 safety and driver assistance functions including an acoustic protection system to warn pedestrians of the M50’s presence at low speeds. All systems are designed to enhance safety and comfort when driving or parking, especially in adverse weather and unclear road situations. But BMW M Performance never allows assistance systems to hamper driving enjoyment, and so the M50’s Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) mode allows a higher degree of wheel slip, helping the driver to explore the car’s performance limits.
