BMW i4 M50 is M-Power's first all electric car but is it worthy of the iconic M-badge?
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 3 ก.ค. 2024
- The BMW i4 M50 is M-Division's first ever electric performance car but can it live up to the fantastic BMW M-Power legacy? Find out here..
This video was created with the support of:
www.footmanjames.co.uk/
bit.ly/Magnitude_Finance-HG
www.silverstoneauctions.com/
www.ctek.com
chargestorm.se/en/
Follow me on
/ harrysgaragevids
/ harrym_vids - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
Straight, direct, no messing about and palpable disappointment noted. Thank you for such passionate and dispassionate reviews both.
I agree. I just can't get excited enough to spend my money on an EV. I've even cancelled some magazine subs as bored with them. I can see it will be classics for me in future only.
@@richardcarter1000 bold of you to assume they will let us drive classic cars in the future :) ... on that note I don't like modern cars very much.. but I don't think the EV part is the reason- for me it is more the overall blandness paired with high prices and short lifecycle
Here here sir 😎
@@olik136 fair enough.
Im not taken with BMWs first raft or first draft of EVs. Theres way more to come. Weve just gotta sit tight and wait for round 2 of EVs. Its still way too early for me.
I think this is first time I've heard Harrys disappointed voice, he sounded genuinely let down by the car.
@@davecooke4009 a little, but I’m not a massive BMW guy so the bar was set pretty low.
What do you expect car is heavy as a result not nimble which also means poor feed back the range being poor is no surprise and will only get worse the longer you own it hydrogen is the way forward BMW should know this as they tried this before back in the 80s with E30 tourings batteries were to blame then it appears government's and companies around the world get blocked any time hydrogen is brought to the table ,🤔
@@KS-gv8jy hydrogen is not the answer - it’s too volatile and takes far more energy to produce than electric power. Will only be reserved for large commercial vehicles. All carmakers are abandoning hydrogen.
@@matthewp9015 The infrastructure required to support hydrogen is incredibly complex and nothing like anything we currently have. It’s not that it’s not possible, it’s just that energy is driven by profits and there’s way too much risk. It’s going to have to be electric for now.
Electric cars are NOT the future and the way forward. More like a Silicon Valley gimmick and more about shifting money. How the hell are we gonna supply them all with electricity in the near future?? Windmills and solar fields?! 😂
And after 10+ years its a total loss cause of the battery’s had its best time. And why does nobody mention the amount of dirty toxic mines in 3rd world country’s where all this lithium is mined with heavy on fossil fueled machinery, and in many cases involving childlabour and exploitation of the local people..?! And dont forget the producing and shipping of those battery’s with tons of Co2 emission! 🤨 All that so we in the west are so called; “green, durable, progressive, CO2 neutral, inclusive, diverse, jobcreating” or what ever totally raped frame and empty worded socialist utopian dream slogan they shove it in theys days… 🤔
I still and always will believe Colin Chapman’s mantra is correct when it comes to car design. 2.5 tonnes isn’t a car it’s a lorry.
💯
Well said!!
👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼 Would I dare hazard a guess that you’re also a believer of another statement originating from a similar era : ‘there’s no replacement for displacement’ ?
I just looked up the specs on the BMW website (the Australian i4 version) and they actually quote maximum permitted axle loads (1140kg/1550kg). Just like a lorry. LOL
Its a borrie!
That engine bay summarises the whole car perfectly..
A mess
summarises EV fundamentals. pretends to be better for the environment, pretends to be a sports saloon.
This one or entire EV?
Every time I see the roads around Harry’s house it just makes me want an old Clio RS fully wrung out going three wheels around the corners….then I wake up in an I40 50M…must have been just a dream.
Me too! Clio and old Royce are, by far, my most favourite cars from Harry's garage ;)
lol sooo true
I have a 197 sport. It's the most fun thing I've ever owned. And it's a 1/4 of the price I've paid for many others.
Hyundai i20N is the modern equivalent, 200bhp, 1190kg, and a limited slip diff.
BMW with the i3 and i8 had the potential to be a class leader in EV tech (out of the German big three)…fast forward several years they seem hell bent on re-working ICE models, perhaps they can’t afford to do loads of platforms like VW, but coupled with a lot of their new models looking awful anyway, it doesn’t bode well for them.
i3 was ahead of the game when launched and is still -overall- one, maybe the leading EV out there. Size, engineering,innovative. No one understood this car so afterall it won´t be produced anymore. People picked it here in germany with the time passing by but no where it could´ve been so it´s done. Tesla bandwagon, giangantic and luxury BEV SUV´s so the complete opposite of what an EV should be.
The i3 and the i8 were dead in the water from the get go, their carbon composite structure doomed it from the start. They are effectively non reparable vehicles.
@@otm646 Not true. Look up the actual construction of the whole body. The vast majority of crashes and accidents do not affect the carbon construction and if they do they´re indeed repairable to some extend. Eitherway, any ordinary car with a steel frame is equally "doomed" at heavy crash.
@@wackrapsatire I was involved in developing the adhesives used to put that car together, don't attempt to lecture me and how it's assembled. Yes there are repair methods, find me a shop in United States that can do it. Go talk to an insurance adjuster and see how many of these cars actually get repaired vs being totaled.
The i3 and i8 were development cars. They were never the true end goal of the brand, they were both literally made to develop early battery technology and to develop they're "carbon-core" construction that they now use after they acquired their own carbon factory. Also the i3 was never dead in the water, bmw were forced to extend the i3s production after they announced they were taking it off because it was still so popular in some markets, also the i8 was the first affordable battery electric mid engine sports car after the Lafarrari, 918 and P1. They were both pretty good cars for the brand but I understand the frustration they only have 1 pure batteried car... Not that I care, it's bmw, combustion is what they do best
I really don’t appreciate the fake vents, the the kidney grill, and the fact that is shares the same body as the combustion engine, no special ev body, just replacing the engine with a motor, looks like forced electrification to me. For me this car is like “fast fashion”, looks goodish, but has no real place in the world. Excellent video as always, thank you!
I must agree. Fake vents and fake exhaust. I think car designers could do better. They should wait and build a proper M ev from the ground up.
@@michealofloinn2539 you’re 💯 right. The weight penalty probably comes exactly because the electrification was a afterthought
The vents aren’t fake
@@theRappinSpree only the ones that go to the wheal arch, but the rest that normally feed air into the radiator/engine compartment are fake, and if it was a ground up ev, those would never exist, not to talk about the totally rubbishy plastic that’s all over
@@razvan0312 Especially when you have the Taycan and the etron, which both seem much better cars.
I really like that Harry is not hiding any dislikes for any car that he drives. It is us who should decide what car to drive, given that we have all the information - thanks Harry!
I think the biggest problem with this car really is the communication/marketing. Would they have called this an M-lite GT-Weapon, I would not see the problem.
Yep, they put M lipstick on a big fat sow.
M-lite maybe, light suggests something that it absolutely isn't
They have… it’s an ‘M Performance’ car, not a full M car
This car is a complete afterthought. They didn’t even bother changing the rear bumper, it still has the gaps where the exhaust should be
It’s the same platform as the 4 series gran coupe? Wtf do you expect lmao.
@@H0rseMac Still a lazy afterthought - Gigantic bonnet without any frunk space for cables and a big transmission tunnel is simply not good enough. A cramped cabin because they do not use the benifits of a dedicated electric platform - try to sit in a back seat in this car.
I have been a massive BMW man for all my life, but really feel like they have lost it recently - primarily with the train-wreck designs but also the lackluster electric options
Every review so far has said it’s better than a comparable Tesla Model 3.
@@kraenk12 Have seen the opposite as well, but still feel like it’s a missed opportunity .. They should have kept the new 4-Series as a completely new dedicated electric developed platform and not a mixed bag like this
@@DeeKay1911 A lot of ground up ev's do not have frunk or have extremely small one so not surprising.
Harry thank you so much for your youtube channel. Sometimes I find it hard to understand society these days, and your videos provide me an escape from the confusing world that I live in. And now I get to look forward to Tyrells's channel too, what a treat! Thanks again! I mean it when I say that your videos help make life worth living
Another frustrating thing about this car is, you know that the 0-60 figure has been software-hobbled so as not to be quicker than the M4 in a straight line, when the car's probably capable of it.
Appreciate the honesty of this review. I think the takeaway is that manufacturers need to make their new EVs stand on their own two feet and not piggy back on company success and history. I think a lot of people hold the M brand dear. I'm sure if it was just an i4 their would be less controversy. Great channel indeed!
How he removes "engine" cover and the sound of it smashed on the floor just tells everything.
I think it was just flung across the garage in despair. The engine bay looks like a complete afterthought
Sounded like those cheap plastic Dollar Store toys
@Josh That's the same as petrol (or heaven forbid diesel) in an ICE sportscar, I don't think that is the problem in itself, as long as the car has good feedback, good dynamics and is an enjoyable drive for hooking up hairpin corners.
@@Highgear145 that’s not the issue. It plastic. It’s there’s no front boot. No design in the engine layout etc
Great honest review, thanks as always Harry.
I enjoyed your take on this vehicle. Keeping it real. I respect that and it's what I have come to expect from your reviews. Well said.
Well done for matching your jumper to the seatbelts! That is one heavy machine! The M-Sport electric sound reminds me of an old tram.
The EPA range with the 20" wheels is around 230 mi, or about 40 mi less than the 19" wheel option.
Good to see an honest review!
Good review summed it up perfectly
I bet it shreds through its tyres pretty quickly too! That's a lot of mass to lug around a corner at 'enjoyable' speeds.
the fact it can reduce torque in nanoseconds, at the first mm of slip, might mean the tires actually last far longer? Starting around 2010 or so even excellent performance tires have had so much range that I'm throwing them away when they hit 5 years old. I haven't actually worn a tire out since the Michelin MXX3's on my Supra Turbo in the 90s. (And the Pilot Sport 2 was a lot softer riding and just as sticky, despite having like 3x the range.)
I remember the times when one would wait in anticipation of new M to be revealed.
This isn’t really a “true” M car though in the same way a M440 is not an M4.
For that reason, used M2s might be something to pay attention to since the last generation peaked in design, like the mk7 GTI, imo. Then there are cars that are completely dead like the STI and Veloster N. Now is a great time to buy a future classic.
As always, great review!
Great review Harry. Keep telling it how it is!
What Harry hasn't realised is that 'proper driving' enjoyment has been banned ... the implementation is just taking effect in stages.
Hard to disagree with your observation.
I think you’re probably right…I haven’t seen many EV’s that a real petrol head even if they can be converted would really want. As a means for getting from A to B they probably work but every review of a EV leaves me feeling uninspired. Unless crazy money is being spent.
BMW were ahead of the game with the i3… it’s unforgivable to see they’ve wasted that decade and brought this out as their first M car. Korea are already doing it better than Germany.
Unfortunately I think The i3 burnt BMWs fingers a bit. It was/is a really clever car just 5 years too early. It was a flop that cost them a lot of money and stalled the “I” projects. I think it has also made them more conservative with their approach. Not wanting to jump in with something extreme again. Despite it probably being what is needed.
Arse so...
The i3 weighed 1195KG! Not too bad really. I think we have to blame the consumer. They want big brash road dominance machines. No one quotes weight in a review. Apart from Harry that is.
Korea is just following what the Germans have done.
Asians (except for Japan) are copying from their superiors.
Deutschland über alles.
Funny how every review so far rated the i4 better than the Model 3. It’s even more efficient. Korea has nothing comparable so far.
great vids thanks for sharing
Great honest opinion .....refreshing !...
Nicely said about “M” car dynamics
12:23 that's probably why they've called it an i4 M50 rather than an i4M, the nomenclature suggests its more of an M-lite car (in the same vein as the M340i/M550i/X3M40i/X5M50d etc) rather than a full-fat cojones-out proper M car
An update to the M760Li.
Spot on summary
«Not a pretty sight under there». Keep up with the great videoes, Harry!
A great review that highlight all the issues with EV cars for me, range, charge network, and price. And when this is backed up by the opinion that the M4 is just a better car for the same money I’m not ready to take the leap to EV yet, not that I could afford one anyway.
Another great video. I am lucky enough to own an i4 M50, and as a daily, I love it! It's extremely comfortable, very fast, the tech is brilliant, and as I am a business owner, the tax benefits just make massive sense. The range seems to be better than Harry's too (perhaps as it's a later car with software upgrades)?
However, for my weekends, I own a 991 GTS and a Vantage N400, sports cars.
Perhaps they should have named it a BMW i4 50M, and not an M50?
It's a brilliant saloon car, but just not a pure M Car.
A cheeky GR Corolla in the back ground. I grew up on Evo in the 90's and 2000's. You're a Legend Harry, love your work. Thanks mate.
Well done H.
Keep telling it, as it is.
Especially on the E front.
Yep, I think the step down “40” model is the pick of this range as usefully lighter,RWD and thus more efficient with better range. And still fast enough. EVs this size are just not fun to hustle around on B roads as they are just too heavy and their composure starts to fall apart quite quickly. You can’t beat physics. Again a sad state of affairs for BMW after the i3 and i8, which promised so much more. An EV based on ICE architecture never really works. And still a massive bonnet and no frunk! MM
totally agree, the i3 is a really cool car and the i8 looks stunning though I have never driven one. I get queasy just watching that instant pinned into the back of your seat acceleration. Think how much energy it takes to ping 2.3 tonnes of down a straight faster than most supercars, no wonder the range is nowhere near the promised.
@@Hali88 electric cars do not have a long range when used on a motor way. It is in stop start driving where electric cars shine as regenerative braking adds considerable amount of energy back into the battery.
Absolutely. It’s the weight I absolutely hate on cars. Ev or ice. Looks like I will be waiting and keeping my Jag until sub 1700 kg ev sports cars with the same range as my current car hit the market.
I think you nailed it. This car is designed to offer electric appeal to traditional M buyers who want something that looks like an M car. With batteries weighing 100x as much as gasoline for the same energy stored, some compromises are inevitable.
I think the problem lies with this being built on the existing 4 series platform (a platform not designed to house an electric drivetrain) rather than being a bespoke platform for the BMW i range of cars.
That's what I was thinking.
The massive bonnet without a frunk tells a lot of the story. A big transmission tunnel and a start/stop button - why? Why do you need to turn on a car like this? Why not just put in gear and go?
You do need to make the battery box part of the cars structure to minimise weight. However BMWs are already heavy as seen with the M4 weight. They need to look at every component and make them lighter.
Thanks Harry, fantastic video, was going to consider one of these, your video has made my mind up. Went elsewhere.
Thank you
Opening shot flinging it into Easter Sunday 😂
Independent motor journalism lives on this channel. Superb as always.
Hello Harry , good video as usual, we passed you the other day, you were in a red BMW I thing, knew it was you when we saw you camera on a tripod at the side of the road, thought about stopping to say hello when you collected it but decided you probably wouldn’t appreciate the interruption, have a good week
thank you
Really interesting video as always. Test drove the cheaper sibling to the M50, the e drive 40 M Sport which felt good in the corners (about 180kg lighter than the M50, marginal gains but a gain nonetheless), had enough punch to keep things interesting (but not on the level of the M50) and much better range (real world approx 300 miles on a charge). As such I made the decision to place a tentative order for an M Sport (coming from a B9 S4, I didn't honestly feel I'd be losing out by moving to 2WD). It'd be interesting to see what you make of the 40 M Sport as a comparison to the M50 if you can get hold of one. My impression was that it wasn't trying to be something it's not whereas the M50 perhaps, as you say, is lacking in all of the 'M car' credentials in ICE equivalent vehicles.
I'd also be interested in how you think the i4 compares to (different price point I know), the e-tron GT? I was lucky enough to test drive a Vorsprung demo car back in June '21, really impressed with it, but couldn't make the numbers work. There's a part of me that says hang on to the S4 and part of me that says bite the bullet on the more expensive GT.
June 2022: As an update, and being careful how I word it, approximately two weeks after signing for the i4 edrive 40 M Sport, a change was made to the terms of the agreement I'd signed for (APR and purchase price went up considerably). As such I've now cancelled my order and have en etron GT coming in August...
The Tesla 3 Performance is 1850kg (similar performance, range, AWD). BMW really needs to make efforts on the weight of its EVs.
Probably down to battery tech, Tesla has a head-start because it started when other manufacturers were still sleeping
I’d probs favour a BMW vs Tesla. Better build quality
@@astradala1845 No questions about the build quality, BMW is superior. But still, doesn't justifies a 400kg difference.
Well done Harry - Straight + honest.
Looking forward to it
how does my 2017 BMW i3 comprehensively outperform this as a successful exercise in almost every way? It outperforms it’s quoted mileage every trip, still manages to be really fun to drive, has barely any less space inside, has more innovation and more carbon (carbon chassis!).
Shh, the new car is always better, remember?
I must be getting old, BMW's take on what they imagine we want or need is so far removed from my own view. Two and a quarter tons, I guess it will eat tyres and brakes! Yet another BMW to please their accountants and try and fool the buying public, this fool won't be swayed! Thanks for the review Harry.
Wouldn't surprise me if you needed new brake pads and tyres every service.
the thing, like literally every other EV, has regenerative braking.
just lift off the accelerator and it'll slow down quickly.
and regarding the weight. tha's entirely on BMW for using a single platform for both ICEs and EVs.
@@anonym3017 No they decided they wanted to go with a full size battery. People need to abandon the range issue if they have more than one car. You need a daily electric car to commute, and that doesn’t require a lot of battery, and then you need a fun car for when you want to drive for pleasure. This notion that we need to have every car be a car that does everything needs to be abandoned. SUVs are the car that one gets if they need one car to do it all, but if you can afford to have more than one car then there is no point in having such a big battery to lug around in your daily
@@AlbertManiscalco You describe how I like to use cars, but I have significant disposable income and a second or third car. But the majority of people don't have that luxury. EVs must work as a single car. Whatever BMW thought they did with this car, it didn't work unless they were just pandering to the 'I don't care give me the latest expensive M car' market.
@@AlbertManiscalco !!?&£!? How “environmentally friendly” is having to have two cars…..??!!!! The worlds gone mad!
I'm a little disappointed because I was waiting for a video about your trip in a red Porsche!!!
Hoping your Easter is full of the sweetest things in life!
Wishing you all the love and happiness that only Easter can bring. Have a joyous celebration with your family!
Nice to see Harry's jumper matching the seat belts.
Interesting review - thank you. I remember seeing an M1 on the cover of Motor and was blown away by the looks; I can't get used to BMW's current design - to me it looks ugly (especially in matt finish) but I suppose we get used to things. The thing that surprised me (not in a good way) was the bracing once that front cover was removed (at 4:17) - it looks like someone grabbed some square section tube from B&Q and lashed it together - obviously not designed to be on show.
I noticed that too about the bracing. What we're they thinking? Obviously a cost saving area.
" but I suppose we get used to things." Well not for me. Plain and simple, that "thing" is ugly. Matt paint included !
Just think if they'd put the electric motor in an M1 body shell eh............
Would be interested in your opinion of the single motor version, if you get the chance. It’s a lot lighter, and seems like the one to go for.
As ever, an honest assessment.
Another great real video. The fact is that the technology just isn’t quite there yet.
The estate fencing is looking good.
The only nice looking thing in the video. 😀
those carbon clip-on parts are ridiculous...
Gold words Harry
A very honest review and dare say BMW will be concerned about your review , well done on being forth right .
The M badge is M performance only. It’s not an M car. 👍
That reminded me of the Black Badge Rolls Royce. More everything like Luxury etc. But he spent a shocking amount of money on gasoline and maintenance. Quality is not the same thing as a global brand.
Enjoyed the review. Think electrifying an ICE platform isn't the way to go in this case. Whilst a Model 3 performance may not have the quality feel, it's over 400kg lighter and as a consequence a significantly better real world range.....
Exactly, Evs arent the problem, its the manufactures refusal to change thats the problem
I'm sorry what? I've been in both and I can tell you now that the standard I4 40 model can easily do 300 miles on a charge. That's the range most people want from an EV like this realistically. That and its interior/build quality is infinitely better than a Model 3.
What amazes me is Tesla with the model 3 once you've got a decent spec on it. So say the long range model nice alloys basic autopilot and some nice paint they charge over £55k it is insane. Yet it's interior and build quality would be put to shame by a £30k Skoda that is how shoddy Tesla build quality and luxury is.
Realistically all Tesla has over the I4 is the supercharger network and even then with the UK’s expanding charging network its not that big of an advantage. That and I can take or leave autopilot frankly.
@@teabagtowers3823 You underestimate the draw of the supercharger network. It's not just more available, it's more connected so you always know where the next free charger is and it plans your route around them so you don't get range anxiety. No, I don't own a Tesla, but that's the only electric car I would be looking at in the next couple of years if I were going to electric yet.
@@ruk2023-- Actually one my family members owns an I4 40 it was on first customer cars delivered in the country. It shows pretty much every charger in the vicinity on the map it is really easy to plan a journey with it. It'll even drop a circle around the map to show your range when you are low on battery and which chargers are in the area.
That and we have a wallbox at home so we can charge every night and practically every motorway services now has a rapid charger available for journeys. Having switched from a diesel to electric we tried it on a one of those monster +100KWH chargers on a motorway journey a few weeks back took 30 minutes and we had over 80% battery.
That and on a full charge it'll do 300 miles don't mess around with the I4 M50 get the I4 40 model it is better the M50. Oh and in nearly every measurable way it is a nicer car than the Model 3. As more and more rapid chargers get put in throughout the country the supercharger network will become less and less of major benefit.
@@teabagtowers3823 You miss the fact that the BMW cannot know if the charger is serviceable or available.
The Tesla certainly does.
Journey planning is dynamic and trusted.
A Tesla is the ONLY BEV you could drive across Europe.
Thanks. I'd like to see it once they've put the top coat on the paintwork - unless that would make it too heavy of course.
More classics please Harry
The likes = Harry
The dislikes = An electric M4.
A wonderful review Harry basically describing what a sad sad day it is for all people that love M cars and all great driving cars of the past.
It's been coming for ages mate..Sad, but we need to used to it. If you want an M car. Sell a kidney and get one now. They're gonna be untouchable in a few short years.
@@matt355 Or maybe petrol will be so hideously expensive that petrol cars won't be that expensive. Time will tell.
You know it is going to be bad when Harry puts the likes first......
The electric M4 is not launched yet (iM4).
This is the GT version (double digit M) that Harry drove with 20’ wheels that give -16% range. So many misunderstandings and disturbing facts in this video.
@@kingsterre Yes, the "old fart" Harry was thinking this is a M car 🤣🤣🤣. What an idiot (like many other commenters in this topic). i4 M50 is just M performance GT and it has nothing to do with real sports cars like M4. Here in Scandinavia this will cost around 75k € and real M4 around 155k € so very stupid to even compare these. This was the most ridiculous review I have seen ever, hah hah 😁
£63k for a car with 180 miles of usable range, when you're driving relatively sensibly.
Next...
I enjoyed watching the Video Review. One of best Electric Cars on sale
If that's one of the best then it doesn't say much for the others...
I was seriously considering an i4 M50 as my next daily driver as my company is trying to follow the 'green' route and offer better incentives for electric cars. I have just sold a 2019 Maserati Ghibli and temporarily? purchased a AR Giulia Veloce whilst we sort out the electric incentive. Thanks to you Harry, it looks like I will be keeping the Giulia a little bit longer than intended as I won't be going down the i4 (or Tesla- too common) route, plus the Guilia is actually a great car to drive and is quick & efficient enough and much cheaper to run day to day than the Ghibli. I also have my Fulvia 1600 Sport (like yours) in the garage for the weekends too.
The trouble is, M cars evoke a certain feeling and they always have. It’s about the absolute best that BMW can pull together to give the dynamic and engaging performance that enthusiasts demand. Sadly, I feel that we are never going to see the likes of the real M cars again because BMW have to work in these new guidelines. Electric power is years off being able to excite that thing that us petrol heads enjoy about driving. Until they can find a way to hide the battery weight they will be heavy and compromised. Let’s be honest, the government don’t want people to enjoy driving!
There are two types of cars from the "M" division - the proper M car like M3, M4, M5 etc, and the "M Performance" models like M340i, M550i, X3 M40i. i4 M50 is a M Performance model. Just like comparing ICE M340i with M3 - there is no comparison. If you buy a M340i and expect it to perform like a M3, you WILL BE disappointed. Maybe there will be a real M i4 and it will probably be called i4M. Until then, there is no point expecting i4 M50 to perform like a real M car.
@@identicloak BMW are marketing this as “the first electric M car”, it isn’t (as Harry states) M performance isn’t (and never has been) an M car. It’s a halfway house between M-Sport badged cars and proper M cars for those that don’t have the budget for a proper M car. While the M Performance have some of the M division magic, they really are not a thoroughbred like the proper M cars are.
Couldn't agree with you more hydrogen is a good compromise but keeps getting blocked Japan seems to be the only country I know of who has put serious effort in to it BMW made a 7H good effort but again no support from governments or companies
Well said. People just drive to get to places, people dont enjoy the act of driving anymore and that makes it easier for the goverments to restrict vehicles in the future.
@@alanharris2799 M car is all cars with an M.
i4 M50 is a two digit M just as X5 M50 or X6 M50.
There are obviously some people that want to. compare different things to get headlines
Since I saw the simple and clean dashboard of the Bugatti I really can’t be bothered with the iPad dashboards all cars seem to have these days.
Go on Harry, you tell M division. Nice to hear an honest review of a BMW. Keep up the great work Harry.
Its a bit like Mercedes throwing the AMG badge around everywhere, where in the end it means less.
As a Tesla Model 3 Performance owner this offering from BMW carries a confusing premium for less car. Not really a serious contender.
In the US after rebates and recent Tesla price increases, not that big a difference in price for what most consider a better car.
This video was brought to you by Tesla....
What we've really seen is the growth of real serious competition and now the mighty Musk PR guns are coming out.
The way I see it atm is just have an EV as a daily, treat it as such and have an ICE car as your fun/ weekend car.
I have Tesla M3 LR with Acceleration Boost as my daily and its a great one at that, it cost about 80k AUD which is almost half the price of this M50, is quicker to 100, plus has a heap more range.
With the savings over the M50 you could have one hell of a fun ICE weekend car to go with it.
Your Mod3 is 400kg lighter than the BMW.
@@Neojhun yep.
Beauty of being a dedicated EV platform, lighter more efficient, front trunk, just as quick with less power, basically a better EV at being an EV.
If you want an fun performance car at this point in time buy the ICE equivalent, not the EV version.
@@sr20trx The one thing BEVs can not do yet is Light weight 1.3 Tonnes or lower while having plenty of range. But that is a niche product.
Harry telling it how it is👍
Fabulously honest and Frank assessment
...."It's the end of the world as we know it.." (And I DON'T feel fine)....
The range quoted on the site is for the i4 M50 with the smaller 19" wheels with 245/255 staggered width . The car you're driving has the high performance tire package with 20" 255/285 width wheels/tires, stickier rubber, rear spoiler, and flares on the wheel arches. The website should show a pretty substantial range decline on the wheel options page for that wheel/tires set. That option increases rolling resistance and drag. You should always expect to see range loss on the highway at 70 mph versus WLTP range rating. The weight is certainly an issue in this car, which is why I think a lot of people seem to like the i4 40 more than then i4 M50.
The reason the model 3 performance gets better efficiency is because it's using 235/235 width wheels, I'm guessing smaller brake rotors, it's slightly more aerodynamic, and it weighs quite a bit less. The lower weight is a factor of them using far more aluminum, using far less noise insulation, and using lower quality interior furnishings. I imagine BMW is using a lot more steel; just like they do in the ICE 4 series. With aluminum prices skyrocketing, this is probably intentional to keep their manufacturing costs down long term.
The body of the Model 3 is largely steel. The doors, hood, fenders, and some of the rear end are Aluminium. I’d be shocked if all these parts are steel on the i4. I don’t think you can attribute the Model 3s ~450 kg weight advantage to some material choices, insulation, and interior trim. It’s the big heavy bits. Motors, inverters, batteries, power electronics, electrical system, thermal management system, and the integration of the whole car are why the Model 3 Performance is so much lighter than the i4 M50.
In fact the Model 3 Performance, at 1836 kg, is lighter than an ICE BMW M3 AWD (1855 kg). So I don’t buy Harry’s conclusion that “well, if BMW are struggling, what hope have we got”. The fact is BMW’s ICE cars have gotten ridiculously heavy and then they’ve just swapped out to a heavier propulsion system. They need a clean sheet design if they want to lead the way on weight again.
@@joshualewis3337 I'm not sure if they want to 'lead the way' again if they are still selling enough of these low effort cars as is. BMW seem to be leaning on their past laurels. And I think some of that is fine as you cannot push on every project but it's a fine line, I'm not sure they realise how far behind they are behind Tesla for range. Exaggerating their range vs real world is telling.
The sound when Harry chucks away the plastic engine cover sums this car up in a nutshell.
Remember how much work was involved in taking pictures with film cameras, now even your phone delivers great results. The car industry is going through the same journey.
@Harry's garage Harry, you've hit the nail on the head. First, pathetic range, second, an M-car that weighs 2.3 tons is most definitely not M-inspired (probably not even designed by the Motosport division). I suspect its just a "trim level'. Great review, I always enjoy your down to earth manner. Looking forward to the 930 European trip!
I heard no one complaining about the M760Li. Should be amazing how bmw managed to get basically same specs (weight and power) without a crazy hungry V12 and price tag.
Comparing to M4, for example ,as Harry does: in a company in Portugal, it costs DOUBLE of the M50 after tax incentives. M50 you can get in for 62,500€ with good extras, and M4 is around 120.000€ also with some extras. Now that makes it crazy interesting if you put it into perspective.
Nice review as always. I took delivery of a new F-Pace SVR in December and occasionally wonder whether I should’ve gone ‘performance’ electric. Reviews like this make me realise I made the right choice. I’m yet to see an electric car that doesn’t leave me utterly cold - despite being fast and technically brilliant. The V8 is dead, long live the V8.
As always, a great an honest review without the hype and over exaggeration of many presenters. Nice to see the honest review at the end of the video too.
I like your honest view of this car. It’s a fancy electric BMW that will sell to the masses but not a true enthusiast M Car.
I dread to think what happens if something that heavy hits me in my MX-5... I know batteries are heavy but I miss the efficiency of lightweight construction and the dynamics you get with it
Drive like everyone else is trying to kill you.
No need to worry about articulated lorries so lol
@C J B And don’t forget to give an extra wide berth for EV SUV drivers!
Yup, from experience its life changing when 1.8 tonnes of SUV piles into the back of a stationary 1 tonne of MX5.
Our beloved old classic cars are not a good choice for long drives or drives on roads that are sketchy. I live in New Zealand with highways without median barriers in some places and when I take out my S2000 I'm aware of that. I love how my S2000 handles but for long trips I look forward to driving my modern daily, a Mini Countryman Cooper S. Gotto take the right car for the journey!
Could not agree more 👍👍
Harry we need more old gear please 💖
The reviews on the RWD/single engine i4 have been universally good, many suggesting that the lower cost version of the BMW is the smarter choice versus the M50.
Only where you don't want AWD - which you do if you have much adverse weather.
The lesser models are usually the sweet spots in many manufacturers ranges
Isn't this an "M-Lite", like the M340i, for example? Not a full M car, which I assume would be called something like the i4M, or something.
Apparently not, BMW are marketing it as the first BMW EV produced by the fabled M-Power division. Maybe they'll backtrack over time and do a proper M car in a few years time. But right now, this car is the product of M.
This is true, however BMW have shifted things, when you go to the M models in the range, that used to include only true M cars, they now list the M-Lite's in the same category. e.g. M340i used to be top of the standard range, now lists in the M car section, I really don't like the shift, dilutes the brand one step further. I think the shift is to better match with their competitors, e.g. S5, RS5. C43, C63. Even the M340D lists as an M model in the M car section !
@@harrysgarage - be smarter than the marketing....read interviews with those in the M Division, they say it themselves. Don't be scared of some critical thinking.
Caught a glimpse of the red GR Yaris. Hoping to get a update on that soon and a potential road trip 🙏🏽🙏🏽
In the US anyways, the M-lite cars are just the old bigger engined models with a standard sport pack; the old 135i, 340i, 550i etc.
They were never full bore M models, just like this i4 M50 isn’t. Think of it as an ‘EV’ M440i Gran Coupe, and it makes way more sense than an EV M4 Competition competitor.
Just returned from a 500 round trip and two things I noticed were every charger at the services was being used with others waiting and the slowest cars on the motorway were electric cars trying desperately to save a little range.
In the UK?
@@MrBaskevin No, Azerbaijan
and how much did your 500 miles journey cost? I did a journey from Northamptonshire to Scotland in a Mini electric and it cost me £40. The issue is manufacturers chasing range when the battery tech isn’t there. Bigger batteries are great, but the added weight reduces the efficiency of the vehicle, the driving enjoyment, the sustainability and makes the things too expensive. Until solid state batteries are the norm, small is the way to go.
@@tris7 We took the wifes new Yaris hybrid so the cost would have been minimal but the cost of the car was £21,500 and your electric Mini was around the £30,000 mark so you're nearly £10,000 down before you start. More important was the time factor and I just don't want to make a 4.5 hour journey take 9 hours, Ok 9's a bit of a stretch but you get my point.
The i4 Msport is looking like the sweet spot. RWD with much much greater range and an arguably more usable 5+ secs 0-60.
👍 In the real world range is more important than 0-60 in 2.5s. If I had to have an EV I’d rather have 350hp and 450+ miles of range than 1000hp and 300 miles.
That VAT is insane.
Harry wasn't paying attention @ 7 minutes 45 seconds. The road said "unsuitable for HEAVY goods vehicles. " ;)
Very interesting to hear your thoughts on this Harry, great video! I like to think I'm fairly open minded about the future of cars, but the current trajectory of BMW is depressing at times. They seem to have completely lost touch with what the brand was built on, and I just struggle to get excited about many of their latest models. This i4 M50 doesn't seem to change anything. The weight is ridiculous and it just seems like a minimal effort marketing strategy in some ways. Hopefully they can build some interesting so-called electric M cars in the future, but this does not seem to be a great start.
Losing their mojo like Peugeot did in the mid to late 90's. The best days for personal transportation are coming to an end unless you ride a motorcycle. The car user is rapidly becoming the scurge of soceity in many countries.
@@paid2getdirty1 Good point about motor cycles. I never got my license for self protection but you are right about the scurge thing. Being a car owner is now akin to being a smoker.
@@paid2getdirty1 As a rider and operator of a motorcycle channel I agree at the moment but the writing is on the wall for us two wheeled riders. Anti tampering, speed limiting and auto data (speed) collection tech is around the corner.
Then you look at every great motorcycle road, lower limits ( Germany even bans motorcycles on some roads) cameras, noise cameras.
I still cannot get my head around the whole range thing, they say over 300 miles, you drive it gently and it's 180 max.. how on earth do they get away with the BS range crud
Unfortunately we are stuck with WLTP figures which are a complete fantasy.
The EPA figures in USA are much more accurate (though still not perfect)
Also the dash showed it was 7°C and batteries perform a lot worse in cold weather. If he did the same drive on a warm spring day or hot summer day he would get another 50 miles of range out of it.
You could probably get over 300 miles if it wasnt freezing, and you werent bombing it down a motorway all day
because he drives on the 868M wheels that have -16% range compared to standard 18’ and 19’ wheels - and it is so bad not to mention it. Probably he is unaware of it. As he is unaware that the rear carbon spoiler is an option for the M50 as well as for the 2wd eDrive40.
@@kingsterre It's listed in the optional extras paperwork that he shows and mentions on the video, so I'm sure he is aware of the carbon spoiler thing.
Most people don't realise larger wheels = less range though.
It says up to 318 so 200 is up to 318. It means that in the real world on the motorway you'll be done after 2.5 hours. With charging limits you'll not do more than 400 miles in a day and that's poor at £80k. I've easily done 600 in a day in my £1k Mondeo.
Had a drive of the normal i4 and that could be playful, also the range seems bearable, you've saved me looking at the i4M50, thanks. I have the old 4 series tin top and was looking to change to electric but looks like I'll stay with ICE power for at least another year.
I don't think I'm an automotive enthusiast anymore. I'm 36 and have loved cars all my life, I used to eagerly anticipate each new release...over the last few years nothing new has interested me, in fact I don't think I have much interested owning anything much made after about 2010.
2000's is peak ICE car for the most part! 🙂 There are still *some* wailing naturally aspirated engines for sale brand new, but not all that many anymore.