It was the first electric BMW to bear the motorsport logo. It produces 544 horsepower at four-wheel drive with an acceleration equal to or even greater than thermal M4.
From a distance, one would think of a Series 4 Gran Coupé with an M bag. Then, by finding the acronym of the engine around the machine, one detail is obvious: beautiful without exhaust pipes ... At that point, we must make a choice: either to remain interested in this obviously very new thing, or to realize that it is about the first BMW Motorsport... Stand up after the electric. We certainly chose the first solution.
The passion for the engine remains the same
BMW is known to be a great engine manufacturer and intends to continue to be in this state. On the thermoelectric side, he designed and designed every component used to propel the model. For example, in the current situation, he points out that he prefers winding rotors to permanent magnet technology. On the one hand, the rotor does not use rare earths, on the other hand, it provides a higher excitation capacity (engine reactivity) while limiting the power loss when the speed rises.
The i4 M50 xDrive motor, designed in this way, delivers maximum power between 8,000 and 17,000 rpm with up to 93% efficiency. With a front axle of 258 hp and a rear axle of 313 hp, the i4 M50 declared a cumulative power of 544 hp and a 3.9 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h. This is comparable to the performance of the thermal two-wheel drive M4, but 0.4 seconds slower than its all-wheel drive version. Sure, the heat is less powerful (510 hp), but it loses almost 500 kg of weight. On the other hand, if the BMW does not communicate in the time period of 80 to 120 km / h, the electric version may be more lively, thanks to its torque of 795 Nm (for 610) immediately available.
Specific interiors
This electric 4-series has its own dashboard that takes the driver into a fully digital world. It has a 12.3-inch dashboard screen with a 14.9-inch curved panel on the right. This new system eliminates almost all control buttons, but it's complicated in terms of usage.
Of course, this new device is flexible and can be configured at will, responsive and candidally characterized. You can even install shortcuts for certain features. But you have to always take your eyes off the road to access it, thus operating the wheels or manipulating the screen. The same is true of modern and networked GPS, but it can be confusing at times. And the display of the charging station is not systematic: we prefer to use the ChargeMap app to find something in our tests that can be refueled. Also pay attention to the large width of the head-up display, which has the advantage of providing information. As always, if you wear polarized sunglasses, do not check this option. Because in these conditions, the function will disappear from your sight ...
2,290 kg feathers or lead?
On paper, such a large weight won't make you dream. But behind the steering wheel of such a car, you don't feel it. Not really. So much so much that it was initially disturbing. Those who are used to driving electric cars will be surprised, especially the driving position is very good. The BMW cleared the truck in an instant in national races, always winning at the start.
To make the atmosphere even more sensational, it also uses Iconic Sounds technology, which produces artificial sound from speakers. It's not as ridiculous as the Mustang Mach-E, but it has a place in the competition for the most despicable voices in sports cars. Luckily, it can disconnect and then make room for chassis and rolling noise on harsh roads, but in a quiet world where air noise is well controlled on the highway.
In towns or trails, the i4 offers four levels of regeneration that can be used when the engine is braking, but no electronic pedal function can completely eliminate braking. To approach this feeling, it is necessary to enter mode B (only by tilting the gear lever) to activate the maximum regeneration and allow individual stops according to the needs of deceleration. Adaptive cruise control, the ability to manage the car until it stops and then starts again (depending on the length of the stop) is very useful in traffic jams.
When leaving the city, it's easy to look for the dynamic limits of this heavy-duty four-door coupe. The power helps to get there fairly quickly, especially outside the corners in wet conditions. Despite being four-wheel drive, the "truck-style" couple operates the transmission. Luckily, this i4 M50 has an advanced ESP that adjusts torque to the electric motor instead of the wheels. This technology makes driving smoother, even when the auxiliary equipment is activated.
In terms of general behavior, it should be noted that precise steering and brake pedals can help this "behem" very well, and its attacks are so surprising that sometimes there is a lack of dose. In dry conditions, the i4 gets tired when driving fast. The bmw M4, the first electric vehicle in history, is not so much a playful sports car as a precise and efficient machine.
In terms of consumption, you can count the average 20 kWh of electricity / 100 km in the city, 25 kWh / 100 km on the highway, and 28 to 30 kWh / 100 km on the highway, which is already a lot. By comparison, a Tesla Model 3 consumes less than 20 kWh/100 km on the highway. However, with an 80 kWh battery, it is possible to drive autonomously for 300 kilometers, regardless of the route. Then, you need to refuel at a terminal at least 7.4 kW at home or on a fast charger on the highway. Cars receive up to 11 kW (on-board chargers) on conventional terminals and up to 205 kW on fast terminals. Under these conditions, it takes 31 minutes for a battery level from 10% to 80%, which is still acceptable when traveling.
Judgment
The i4 M50 xDrive is a sleek technology that fascinates style, performance, and manufacturing quality. But while buying an electric car is a personal commitment, buying an electric M still requires a different mental path. Who will risk it?
Technical information on engines
Type: two motors, winding rotor synchronous
Location: Front and back
Cumulative power: 544 hp (258 FWD, 313 REV)
Torque: 795 Nm
Propagation mode: four rounds
Transmission: Single speed
Frame type: monomer shell
Front brake: ventilated disc, rear with 4 fixed pistons
Brake: ventilated disc, 1 floating piston
Front suspension: Double hinged aluminium struts
Rear suspension: Multi-link, optional air suspension
Steering: Electric
Length/width/height: 4.78 x 1.85 x 1.45 m
Wheelbase: 2.86 m
Front/rear tracks: 1,589 / 1,606 mm
Tires: 245X45R18 (front); 255x45R18 (AR)
Luggage space: 470 to 1,290 litres
Top speed: 225 km/h 0 to 100 km/h: 3.9 seconds
Combined consumption (WLTP): 19 to 24 kWh/100 km
Battery capacity: 80.7 kWh automatically
Driving WLTP: 448 km (up to 510 km of city cycle)
Charging time (from 0% to 100%): 43h30 domestic outlet; 1:00 pm on a 7.4 kW wall box; 8:15 a.m., 11 kW terminal; 31 minutes (10% to 80%) on a 205 kW terminal
Weight: 2,290 kg