Gridly
Overview
The BMW i4 M50 is a genuine M Performance vehicle - not a cosmetic M Sport pack applied to a standard car, but a model engineered by BMW M GmbH with specific drivetrain calibration, M adaptive suspension, M xDrive AWD tuning, and an exterior and interior specification that reflects the M Performance identity. Two electric motors produce a combined 400 kW (544 hp) and 795 Nm, with the rear motor contributing the majority of output and the front motor adding AWD traction when required.
At $133,900, the i4 M50 sits at the top of the i4 range and enters the performance EV segment occupied by the Tesla Model 3 Performance, Polestar 2 BST, and Kia EV6 GT. Unlike those rivals, the M50’s performance envelope has been calibrated by engineers who work on M3, M4, and M5 programmes - the result is a car that communicates grip, load, and limit in a way that rewards experienced drivers.
The 84 kWh battery returns 520 km on the WLTP cycle - competitive for a dual-motor performance EV. The M50 demonstrates that the efficiency penalty of adding AWD performance at BMW is well managed.
Pricing & Variants
| Variant | Drive | Battery | Range | 0–100 | Price (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| i4 eDrive35 | RWD | 70 kWh | 483 km | 6.0 s | $85,900 |
| i4 M50 | AWD | 84 kWh | 520 km | 3.9 s | $133,900 |
The i4 M50 is the only AWD i4 variant sold in Australia. The gap to the eDrive35 reflects the larger battery, M GmbH development costs, M-specific hardware, and premium positioning. Buyers choosing the M50 are typically motivated by M credentials rather than pure value calculation.
Performance
Two motors - one per axle - produce 400 kW standard output, with a Launch Control function enabling maximum torque delivery from standstill. The 0–100 km/h time of 3.9 seconds is achieved through BMW M xDrive’s torque vectoring, which distributes drive front-to-rear and side-to-side to maximise traction without the wheelspin that afflicts simpler AWD systems.
Top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h. The M adaptive suspension uses electronically controlled dampers with M-specific spring and damper rates - the car sits lower than the eDrive35 and corners with noticeably reduced body roll. The steering calibration is direct and consistent, with the M50’s front motor contribution improving the steering feel under hard cornering compared to a purely rear-drive setup. Driving modes range from Efficient through Comfort and Sport to Sport Plus, with Sport Plus sharpening the throttle map and reducing stability intervention.
Range and Charging
The 84 kWh battery (approximately 80.7 kWh usable) returns 520 km WLTP. Real-world highway range at 110 km/h cruise is approximately 400–450 km in mild conditions - a strong result for a dual-motor performance EV. The larger battery versus the eDrive35 partially offsets the higher energy consumption of the M50’s output and AWD system.
DC fast charging is rated at 180 kW on CCS2. A 10–80% charge covers approximately 56 kWh of useful energy and takes around 35 minutes at peak speed. AC onboard charging is 11 kW (three-phase), with a full charge from near-empty taking approximately 8.5 hours on a wall charger. The 400V architecture is the ceiling on DC peak speed - 180 kW is competitive but trails the 250–350 kW available on 800V Korean platforms.
Interior and Technology
The M50 receives M-specific interior treatment over the standard i4: Vernasca leather upholstery with M Sport stitching, an M Sport steering wheel with M-specific mode buttons, M instrument display layouts showing additional performance data, and M-specific ambient lighting. The curved iDrive display unit - 12.3-inch instruments plus 14.9-inch touchscreen - is shared across the i4 range.
Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. The Harman Kardon sound system is fitted; the optional Bowers & Wilkins Diamond surround system is available as a factory option. Heated front seats, panoramic roof, and a full-colour head-up display with M Performance data overlays are standard on Australian specification.
Practicality
Five seats with the same Gran Coupe body as the eDrive35 - the M50’s practicality profile is unchanged. Boot volume is 470 litres. Rear headroom is slightly reduced by the fastback roofline but adequate for adults under 185 cm. There is no frunk storage.
Towing capacity is zero; the i4 M50 is not approved for trailer use. V2L and V2H are not available. The M50 is a driver’s car first; buyers who need towing or power export should look elsewhere.
Safety
BMW’s Driving Assistant Professional is standard in Australia, encompassing adaptive cruise control with lane-centring, automatic lane change assist, traffic jam assist, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The system also includes speed limit recognition via camera and map data.
Parking Assistant Plus with surround view cameras simplifies urban manoeuvring. Over-the-air software updates keep driver assistance systems current throughout the ownership period.
Running Costs and Ownership
At $0.30 per kWh, the i4 M50 costs approximately $4.85 per 100 km on home charging - calculated as (84 ÷ 520) × 100 × 0.30. In practice, spirited driving will push consumption higher; highway cruising in Efficient mode will bring it closer to the theoretical figure.
BMW Australia’s three-year warranty with no stated kilometre limit applies. The BMW dealer network serves all capital cities and regional centres. M Performance vehicles are serviced by BMW-trained technicians; the i4 M50 follows BMW’s Condition Based Servicing schedule with longer intervals than equivalent combustion M cars owing to reduced drivetrain wear.
Verdict
The BMW i4 M50 is the performance EV for buyers who want M division calibration rather than simply the fastest acceleration number. At 3.9 seconds to 100 km/h it is rapid; more important is the quality of that acceleration, the chassis balance through corners, and the way the car communicates driver inputs. BMW M GmbH’s involvement is not cosmetic - the M50 drives differently from the eDrive35 in ways that matter to enthusiasts.
The Kia EV6 GT offers comparable acceleration, a longer warranty, faster charging, and V2L at approximately $40,000 less. The i4 M50 is not the rational value choice. It is the choice for buyers for whom the BMW M identity, chassis engineering, and brand experience justify the premium - and for that buyer, it is excellent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the BMW i4 M50 a full M car or an M Performance model?
The i4 M50 is an M Performance vehicle - developed by BMW M GmbH but not a full M division car equivalent to an M3 or M4. It uses M-specific hardware (adaptive suspension, AWD calibration, brakes) but retains the standard i4 body and is positioned below a theoretical full-M electric car. The distinction matters for buyers expecting M division track capability; the M50 is a road-oriented M Performance product.
How does the i4 M50’s range compare given its larger battery?
The M50’s 84 kWh battery is 14 kWh larger than the eDrive35’s 70 kWh, which more than compensates for the AWD efficiency penalty. The result is 520 km WLTP versus 483 km for the eDrive35 - the M50 actually has more rated range despite being heavier and faster.
What charging infrastructure does the i4 M50 use in Australia?
The i4 M50 uses Type 2 for AC charging (11 kW, three-phase) and CCS2 for DC fast charging (up to 180 kW). Both connector types are the Australian standard and are widely available across the NRMA, Chargefox, Evie Networks, and BP Pulse networks. BMW’s own Remote Services app integrates route planning with charging stop suggestions.
