The First Electric M Vehicle

Let’s talk the BMW i4, electric vehicles, and why you should be thrilled about the next iteration of BMW electric performance.

Electric vehicles have been the next big push for the automotive industry: Tesla were the trendsetters and continue to be the go-to, whilst European and American manufacturers continue to experiment in the electric field. Audi has released the e-tron SAV and e-tron GT (an electric performance sedan) while Porsche released their 4-door performance vehicle that ranges in price from $89,900 to over $200,000. Even Ford has released the Mustang Mach-E (although word from Linus Tech Tips is that it’s not really a Mustang). Here at BMW, the electric market has been touched-on with an electric compact sedan called the i3 and the hybrid supercar BMW i8, both of which have been discontinued sadly.

But that’s not to say that BMW has been slacking in their electric vehicle development: since 2019 BMW has been playing around with their incredibly powerful electric prototype 5-Series nicknamed ‘Lucy’, testing out different power to weight ratios while developing their future EV line-up. That line-up was recently announced including the iX, but I specifically want to touch-on the other vehicle announced, the i4.

The i4 is a 4-door sedan sized roughly around the 4-Series with enough space for five adults inside, has a range of ~300 miles and 355 horsepower, and starts at just $55,400. However, we’re not here for just the daily driver, but for the Ultimate Driving Machine; that’s why I’d like to introduce you to BMW’s first ever all-electric M, the BMW i4 M50. The specs have been tuned (likely using testing information from Lucy) for 536 horsepower and a 0-60 of 3.7 seconds, although this does come at a compromise to the range of about 245 miles. But with a starting price of $65,900, this is some extreme performance for a fantastic price: The e-tron GT starts at $99,000 and Taycan starts at $89,900, both with less range and a slower 0-60. Even the electric Ford Mustang Mach-E GT is beat out in power and acceleration.

But beyond the performance, the i4 and i4 M50 come with an awesome design and features. The exterior design features the signature large kidney grille which has been covered up and give a glossy sheen to indicate the electric functionality. But other than the altered grille, the i4 still looks like a standard combustion-engine vehicle, something few (or no) electric vehicles do to-date. The interior meanwhile features both a 12.3-inch infotainment center as well as a 14.9-inch control display for the driver; while not revolutionary compared to other BMW models, the design assures familiarity to those who have already driven BMW.

BMW has finally decided that instead of testing the waters of electrification, they should go all-in; the culmination (so far) of those efforts is the i4 and i4 M50 and I couldn’t be more excited about this electric vehicle and how perfectly it fits on the spectrum of performance and price.

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