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By the numbers
Its performance is fantastic. As we predicted, it will beat M3 rivals for 0-100 km/h straight time with 3.3 seconds, 0.2 seconds faster. The petrol-powered M version needs 400 meters to catch up with its electric sibling, and both split the 0-400 meters (quarter mile) run in 11.6 seconds. However, the M3 Competition was 7.7 km/h faster than the i4 M50’s 193 km/h. Note: The i4 M50 must be in Sport Boost mode to achieve maximum acceleration, other modes will reduce it.
The petrol-powered car stops slightly shorter (by 1 metre), but that’s not surprising given it’s 611kg lighter than the 2.3-tonne i4 M50. However, the BMW EV’s ability to stop from 100 km/h in 31.6 meters is impressive. Even more impressive is its stability, since heavy-duty electric vehicles tend to have overheated brakes after multiple crash-stop tests. Not this one.
It’s equally unsurprising that the lighter, nearly as fast M3 Comp is quicker around the figure-eight lap, but that’s also partly due to the i4 M50’s overly aggressive stability control system, which reduces current draw until the steering wheel is almost direct even when ESC is off. Why BMW programmed it this way remains a mystery, since the car is clearly capable of sliding well and other M products have an actual drift mode. In other words, BMW is afraid of some kind of lateral overload. Regardless, 0.94 g on the brakes is not bad, as is a 24.5-second lap with an average of 0.80 g.
All of these features are especially impressive when you consider that the M3 Comp rides on stickier tires and has a wider front end. The BMW i4 M50 uses BMW’s high-performance Pirelli P Zero Elect all-season tires. The tire, specifically designed for electric vehicles, also has low rolling resistance, making it easier to keep up with the M3 Comp when using this rubber.
The fastest charging BMW car
Continuing the conversation about energy recovery and conservation, it should be mentioned that the BMW i4 charges faster than all the company’s cars. BMW iX will also share this place with him. The i4 can charge at 200 kW with the right charger. At this charging speed, the BMW i4 40 can charge up to a range of 164 kilometers in just 10 minutes, while the i4 M50 will only get 140 kilometers of range in the same time. It is also possible to charge at a power of 11 kW using only a level 2 home device. In this mode, a full charge will take 8 hours. Which actually sounds like a great option for the night.
Space Odyssey
BMW is keenly aware of the above and even hired award-winning composer Hans Zimmer to help create unique soundtracks for the powertrain and bring things to life. However, even with the Oscar winner involved, it all sounds like the effects of a sci-fi film, tied to the position of the accelerator. We give the BMW an A for effort, but it just didn’t work for us – but maybe we’re out of touch and younger drivers will like it.
On the other hand, the ride quality is a great plus for the whole isolation. BMW has found a fantastic balance here between road holding and compliance: the 2022 BMW i4 M50 is able to easily handle bumps large and small, in a straight line or mid-corner, with minimal impact on the cabin and without affecting road grip or suspension stability. In this regard, the i4 M50 is outstanding.
The only handling problem that can be noticed occurs when starting a turn at speed. Turning the steering wheel for a moment you feel a slight understeer when entering a turn. A somewhat counterintuitive solution is to hit the accelerator earlier than usual, which activates the front engine, which will pull the nose into the turn. If you plan ahead, you can avoid understeer entirely by braking early and reducing your initial speed to get the engine into gear faster. Luckily, the car has such good grip that the stability control issues we encountered on the test track never showed up on the street.
Let’s return to the brakes for a moment. They’re very durable and won’t fade, and the transition from regenerative braking to mechanical braking is smooth – if you work hard with them (more on that soon). And although BMW allows you to select several levels of regenerative braking, including a “high” setting. We give him top marks for this characteristic.
The brand’s most important new model
The BMW i4 may not look like anything revolutionary for the brand. Especially considering the traditional appearance and familiar design elements. However, don’t judge this car by its cover. The BMW i4 is the most important model for the new future of the famous car brand and its movement forward. It contains all the necessary technologies that will allow customers to switch to electric vehicles. The car doesn’t look revolutionary, but it will bring a lot of change for BMW.
Appearance on the market expected already in November 2021. The BMW i4 eDrive40 starts at $55,400 and the i4 M50 starts at $65,900.
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