Quick Take: 2022 BMW i4 M50
Electric vehicles are not generally considered by shoppers for their performance; rather it is usually about the efficiency of EVs. The 2022 BMW i4 M50 will likely change that as we were surprised by the amount of performance we experienced from a vehicle that looks like any other 4-Series Gran Coupe on the road today. However, it wasn’t just performance and electric efficiency we were impressed by, we also were dazzled with the high amount of practicality that the i4 retained.
With dual electric motors delivering a combined 536 horsepower and driving all four wheels, our i4 M50 test vehicle exhibited plenty of traction and speed out of the corners on the winding roads of Half Moon Bay near Highway 1 in Northern California. Due to the heavier 20-inch wheels on our test vehicle, the maximum range on a full charge was limited to 227 miles. In particular, we really liked the acceleration when placed in sport mode (especially Sport Boost), which pressed us quickly into the seats.
Our i4 M50 test vehicle had plenty of options, from the $3,600 custom Frozen Portimao Blue paint to the $2,800 M Carbon Exterior package. Notable add-ons included Icon LED adaptive headlights with Laserlight, the BMW curved display with a heads-up display, and the High Performance package which brought high-performance tires and uprated performance characteristics. The front seats were very comfortable, while the back seat may be a bit tight for taller individuals. Storage space is not at a premium thanks to the rear hatchback opening.
At an as-tested price of $82,820, the i4 M50 we drove can be considered high-priced, though after subtracting the paint and additional carbon options, we think it's a great value. Considering the high level of performance that the i4 M50 provides at a relatively reasonable price, we can imagine that quite a few shoppers who were considering some high-line gas-powered cars (maybe even BMW’s own M3) may change their minds once they get behind the wheel of the i4.
