BMW i4 M50, the test of the electricity with “M” performance

The performances are similar to an M4 petrol, from which, however, the BMW i4 M50 electric differs in a weight of over 400 kg higher. Burn it 0-100 in less than 4 secondswith a maximum speed of 225 km/hbut above all it offers an response to the accelerator among the most exaggerated ever seen. The burner’s scotto pays on the scale with a weight of 2,290 kgwhich manages to hide very well thanks to the two engines (258 HP at the front, 313 on the rear axle). It also moves well between the curves and pays the large weight only if you are looking for the limit, both in thehandling That in braking, and in general it is still powerful and well modular. As for autonomy we go from a minimum of 330 real km on the highwayworst condition for an electric, to the declared in the WLTP cycle of about 510 km.

1How it is done

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BMW’s electric version of the 4 series is based on Gran Coupé bodyworkfrom which it differs for some dedicated details and for a sporting connotation, such as large air intakes on the front bumper or color Frozen Portimao Blue of the exclusive bodywork of the i4 M50. Even inside you can breathe the air of “M”, with seats that integrate headrests and speakers, as for M3 and M4, while the digital instrumentation system and infotainment is borrowed from the sisters with an endothermic engine. The large screens (12.3 “and 14.9”) form a choreographic Curve single elementon which to view all the information and configure the various features.

Without exceeding, however, because some physical commands remain for what is most often used and that, in doing so, with a minimum of habit you can manage without moving your gaze from the road. If today there are not few models that merge The “I” of electric cars and the BMW Motorsport logoown The i4 M50 was some ago the first to dispel this taboo. To do this without making the nose tank with the purists, one has two engines, one per axis, with a power that would overcome the 544 cv declared (258 plus 313, hypothetically 571), but that the technicians have decided to “limit” in part. The system then sees a 80.7 kWh battery packwhich can be recharged in continuous current up to 205 kWallowing you to pass from 10 to 80% in just over half an hour.

2How is it going

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Before talking about performance and guide, the i4 M50 is certainly promoted from the first approach by climbing on board. In fact, it is appreciated for the quality of finishes and for the equipmenteven if scrolling the list of options a lot of what is essential today is paid separately (for example wireless charging for the mobile phone). The interior “pampers” those on board, with A mix of technology and comfortwhich obviously benefits from the silence of electrical propulsion. Good internal habitability, even for those who sit behind, despite the pitched roof of the I4 bodywork. The trunk has a basic capacity of 470 literswhich go up to the back of the rear sofa demolished to 1,290.

3Autonomy and performance

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Driving the experience is a mix between the two soulswith the “tranquility” and the silence of the “I” part, which I play strength when you have to travel long routes forces to play between autonomy and the possibility of recharging first, during the journey and arrived at your destination, but on the other we find the exaggerated performance of a car with the BMW Motorsport logo. We do not refer only to accelerations that glue to the backrestswith an response to the accelerator that allows you to impress anyone who goes on board with you, but also to a calibration of the suspensions and a braking system that are up to a hyper-sports sedan. The braking is almost impressive for power and modularity, but if you distract yourself and take too much the taste of exploiting the whole torque of the two electric motors, the speeds that are touched are such that even a system of praise struggles to arrest the approximately 23 quintals of the i4 M50. Between the curves moves very well and in Sport mode experience becomes more engaging thanks to the digital sounds of theIconic Sounds Electric. Both in the city and in traffic you can then enjoy the advantage of regenerative braking, which allows you to drive “one-pedal“, With the accelerator pedal that in the final part of its excursion manages the braking of the car, greatly limiting the need for the use of the brake.

4Conclusions and prices

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The BMW i4 M50 confirms on the one hand what already transpires from reading the data on performance, which are certainly as a car that shows off the legendary letter M of the House of the propeller. On the other we find a Comfort and level finishes It is a driving pleasure both in the event that its enormous potential is exploited, but also when you travel relaxed. As for autonomy and charging times, the i4 M50 is able to travel long routes, as long as the recharges are planning by exploiting the now widespread ultra -prapid columns with continuous current. The cost per kW/h rises, but the times are reduced, given that in just over half an hour you can earn almost 300 km of autonomy. The list price starts from 79,500 eurosto which any optional must be added.

5Strengths and weaknesses

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Below, the strengths and weaknesses found behind the wheel of the BMW i4 M50

• Sports performance;
• Comfort;
• Driving pleasure.

• Autonomy on the highway;
• High weight.