On the other hand, the M50 is a whole different kettle of fish. It wears the first-ever electric M badge, a marque that signals and delivers a whole new level of performance. Thanks to its state-of-the-art all-wheel-drive technology and breathtaking acceleration, the M50 is designed for those who find thrill in every road. You know, the kind of car that not only gets you from point A to point B, but it also makes the drive a visceral, thrilling experience. So the most basic question, then, is a philosophical one: Do you want a smooth, cool EV that fits seamlessly into your life, or are you drawn to the pure, mind-bending fun of wielding that much power every time you caress the pedal?

This detailed comparison is what really separates these two beautiful electric Gran Coupés. We’ll break down how they perform in the real world, how they navigate city streets and hold up on the highway, and what their unique driving dynamics mean for day-to-day driving. And we’ll also cover important ownership issues such as practicality, the quality of the interior and running costs. Whether you prefer calm long-distance cruisers, energetic weekend runabouts or a little of both, this guide should help you to decide which BMW i4 is the ultimate match for your lifestyle.

A Glimpse into the BMW i4 eDrive40 vs. M50

• Discover the unique road handling of the sophisticated eDrive40 and the thrilling M50.
• Compare real-life performance on city roads, highways and during dynamic driving.
• Study the acceleration, the power delivery and the handling unique for each model.
• Judge the cabin luxury, digital kit and daily practicality of both variants.
• Review important ownership considerations to help you decide which fits your lifestyle.

Urban Agility: Navigating Daily Life in the BMW i4

The tight, typically chaotic traffic of city streets offers a real challenge to any car, and that is where the BMW i4 eDrive40 stands out as a superb urban ally. Its power delivery is perfectly smooth, and the motor provides an immediate but gentle response that makes stop-and-go driving effortless. While I was putting it through its paces in the city, the rear-wheel-drive layout gave me a brilliantly playful driving experience, making it easy to dart around on narrow lanes and through packed parking lots. What was most remarkable, however, was that the comfort was supreme. The standard suspension is well-tuned to mitigate the harsh chops of city streets, so slamming into a pothole or over a cracked sidewalk isn’t as bad as you might expect. This results in a peaceful cabin environment that shelters you from the usual aggravations of your daily drive.

An urban driving dynamo in both models is the “B” mode, which allows for one-pedal driving. In the eDrive40, this feature is well-suited for city living. You can feel your car slow down as the regenerative braking kicks in, allowing you to brake without pressing the brake pedal, which makes the deceleration much smoother and more controlled. That makes ploughing through stop-and-go not only simpler but more efficient (energy recovery-wise), quietly racking up incremental miles thanks to that extra juice in your battery. It only takes a few minutes, and then it’s second nature, making for less driver fatigue, and the pulse of the city traffic flow feels more seamless and instinctive. Its combination of quiet operation, cushioned ride and effortless control makes the eDrive40 a haven on wheels, whether for the school run, daily errands or the office commute.

Meanwhile, the BMW i4 M50 injects a festive mood into every city trip. It has all the practicalities you need for city living, but also an undercurrent of massive power just waiting to be unleashed. It is taut and alert even at low speeds, a feeling that is enhanced by the standard Adaptive M suspension. It is certainly stiffer than the eDrive40’s setup, but not to the point where it’s unpleasant. Instead, it’s a nuanced mix that mutes road harshness without isolating you from the road. This electro-hydraulic, continuously adapting system, reacts to road surface changes to maintain stability over bumps and the spirited M responses on rough roads. For the M50, this means the driver can look forward to their morning traffic jam with a little excitement, as it makes each red light a private thrill, realising that extraordinary performance and everyday practicality can coexist.

• Smooth Power Delivery: The eDrive40 provides instant, refined acceleration, making stop-and-go city commutes effortless.
• Adaptive M Suspension: The M50 delivers a perfect balance of sporty firmness and daily comfort, even on imperfect urban roads.
• One-Pedal Driving: Both models feature an intuitive “B” mode that simplifies navigating traffic and maximises energy regeneration.

Motorway Mastery: Long-Distance Cruising in the BMW i4

The motorway is where the grand touring nature of a car is put to the ultimate test, and it is in this arena that both the BMW i4 eDrive40 and M50 shine, albeit in widely differing manners. The eDrive40 makes a fast start to becoming the ultimate distance runner. Its main strength lies in its official scouting range, which gives you peace of mind when on the road for longer distances. A long drive also means fewer and shorter stops, so that you can get further with less planning. The result is an exercise in composed calm; the cabin is so quiet that you are insulated from the wind and road noise, making fatigue a far less likely companion on long days at the wheel. Passing is accomplished with a smooth, linear surge of power that is as effortless as it is confidence-inspiring, never disrupting the calm interior of the car.

And the eDrive40’s shocks and springs, which feel so soft in urban stop-and-go, really shine at highway velocity. It floats over imperfections on the highway, producing a cushioned, controlled ride that leans more toward comfort than any other direction. That emphasis on polish is what makes it the best bet for regular business travellers or families on the road. Combined with BMW’s superb driver assistance technology, including adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping assist, the eDrive40 removes the effort from highway driving. The system will keep a constant distance from the vehicle in front of you and also provide mild steering inputs to keep you in the centre of your lane, so you can sit back and simply oversee the road. It’s all very seamless and intuitive, and it makes for better safety and comfort.

On the other hand, the BMW i4 M50 turns every motorway journey into a lively affair. Its range is somewhat less than that of the eDrive40, so a bit more planning is needed for charging up on very long trips, but it offers an exhilarating drive performance that can always be enjoyed. The torque of its two motors, combined with all-wheel drive, means passing is so quick and thrilling. A little burp of the gas pedal turns into a wide river of power that rockets you past sluggish drivers with stunning authority. This isn’t just a car that gets up to speed; it dominates the road with a ferocity that will satisfy the performance-hungry driver deeply. The M-calibrated adaptive suspension achieves rock-solid stability at high speed, delivering a planted and confident feel even when suddenly changing lanes.

Long distance shouldn’t be an issue with the M50 either. It has the same high-end driver assistance technology as the eDrive40, which can make it a distracting, relaxing cruiser when you want it to be. But there still is this feeling of coiled power, a reminder of the crazy power you have under your right foot. It’s this duality that defines the character of the M50 on the motorway, pottering along as a composed and comfortable tourer one minute before being unleashed as a performance tourer the next. Choosing between the two models really comes down to what you want for the long haul. The eDrive40 is a journey of efficiency and tranquillity, the M50 of short bursts of raw power and engagement that fuel longer drives.

• Extended Range: The eDrive40’s impressive range minimises charging stops, making it ideal for seamless long-distance travel.
• Exhilarating Overtakes: The M50’s immense power provides thrilling and immediate acceleration for confident motorway driving.
• Advanced Driver Assistance: Both models feature adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist for a more relaxed and less tiring journey.

Power and Poise: Dissecting the BMW i4’s Performance and Handling

The dynamic qualities are the true test of any BMW, and the i4 lineup upholds that tradition with two markedly different yet equally captivating expressions of electric performance. The i4 eDrive40 is a glorious example of classic BMW pleasure behind the wheel reimagined for the age of electricity. It produces 340 horsepower exclusively to the rear wheels, creating an engaging, wonderfully balanced driving experience. The acceleration is brisk and pleasing, 0-62 mph in 5.7 seconds. But while they’re nice to have on paper, it’s really about how it feels out on the road. The torque is delivered linearly and immediately, with a smooth, confident rush that turns the joy of driving on B-roads into a true pleasure. This rear-wheel-drive layout also contributes to the car’s natural agility, and from behind the wheel, you feel a bond to the asphalt that most consider the essence of BMW. It’s predictable, polished and has a biddable character that will reward an enthusiastic driver without ever being intimidating.

This sense of control on the road is underpinned by the eDrive40’s beautifully tuned chassis. The car feels light on its feet, turning into corners with precision and leaning through sweeping bends. It offers the best of both worlds as a sports car with engaging steering and a compliant ride, so you can enjoy spirited driving on the weekend and relax during your daily commute. You can access the power all the time, but it has a delivery and a grace that gives you confidence, a barrel-roll free zone of confidence. For the driver who relishes the detail of a well-sorted Rear Wheel Drive saloon and craves a compelling mix of attainable performance and efficiency, the eDrive40 is a tour de force of the contemporary electric sport sedan.

In keeping with tradition, the all-new i4 M50 is a completely different beast, and beyond that, the first fully electric vehicle to get the M division treatment. The result: spectacular. By placing a second electric motor on the front axle, the M50 gets all-wheel drive and a mind-blowing 544-horsepower combined output with Sport Boost enabled. This mode unlocks the full potential of the car, propelling it from 0-62 mph in an astounding 3.9 seconds. The sensation is massive and visceral; the immediate, relentless torque wave slams you back into your seat and gives you an adrenaline rush typically only found in supercars. It’s a pace of acceleration that sets new standards in an electric Gran Coupé, offering blistering performance that can be enjoyed at a moment’s notice.

Fast but not frenzied, the M50 is a thoroughly Modern Classic, BMW-engineered. The result is a phenomenal grip and stability, whether from a standing start or when exiting a tight corner,” said Geoff Fickling, BMW M’s North American manager of engineering. The Adaptive M Suspension, included as standard on this variant, makes sure the car is planted and confident, allowing the driver to get the most out of the incredible performance. The M50 isn’t just about ace 0-60 times, though – it’s a fully-fledged performance machine whose raw power is balanced with precision and control on both two wheels and four. It has been designed for the enthusiast who demands the best in electric performance and wants to feel the thrill of having that kind of power at his/her fingertips.

• Rear-Wheel Drive Agility: The eDrive40 delivers lively, classic BMW handling that is both engaging and predictable for the driving purist.
• Sport Boost Power: The M50 unleashes a breathtaking 544 hp for supercar-levels of acceleration and an exhilarating experience.
• Composed Performance: Both models masterfully balance immense power with sophisticated control, inspiring driver confidence in all situations.

Tech and Charging: The BMW i4’s Cutting-Edge Features

But aside from the performance, the BMW i4 also includes an array of advanced technology that aims to make owning one easy and fun. The focal point of this experience is the breathtaking Curved Display that integrates the iDrive 8 infotainment system. This wide, high-resolution display acts as the control centre for the whole vehicle and provides intuitive access to navigation, media and vehicle configurations. The system is extremely quick, and the logical menu hierarchy will have you find what you are looking for with minimal distraction. With wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, your smartphone seamlessly integrates, and your favourite apps and music go straight to the car’s screen. That type of connection means you’re ever in control, whether you’re plotting a route or finding the perfect soundtrack for your journey.

The innovation extends beyond the main screen and makes the entire owning experience smart. The My BMW App turns your smartphone into a remote control for your vehicle, so you can precondition the cabin on a chilly morning, check your state of charge or send a destination straight to the car’s navigation system before you even get to the house. That remote functionality creates a level of convenience that is often taken for granted. In addition, with software updates over-the-air, your i4 is a moving target, evolving with new features and system enhancements on its own, so you can rest assured your car will always be the cutting edge of technology without ever having to make a visit to the dealership.

Charging the BMW i4 for speed and efficiency, not leaving it idle for long. Both the eDrive40 and M50 trim levels offer DC fast charging at up to 205 kW. In practical terms, that means you can add about 100 miles in 10 minutes at a compatible high-speed charger. This ability changes the game for long-distance travel: quick top-ups on a coffee break are now the stuff of reality. On the road, you’ll typically gain about 100 miles of range in 10 minutes at a compatible high-speed charger. With this powerful charging infrastructure, public and private, owning an i4 is not only effortless but also rewarding.

• iDrive 8 with Curved Display: Provides an intuitive and visually stunning interface for controlling all vehicle functions and media.
• 205 kW DC Fast Charging: Adds around 100 miles of range in just 10 minutes, making long journeys faster and more convenient.
• My BMW App Connectivity: Allows remote preconditioning, charging status checks, and route planning directly from your smartphone.

Space and Sophistication: Inside the BMW i4

Getting into the BMW i4 is like stepping into the future of luxury with software and hardware elements that enhance and modernise the driving environment. The centrepiece is the eye-catching Curved Display, a single pane of glass that seamlessly integrates the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and the 14.9-inch central infotainment screen. This digital cockpit is running BMW’s latest iDrive 8 OS, which is visually stunning and surprisingly easy to use. It also gives you easy access to many features, such as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, sophisticated navigation, and vehicle options. The images are clear, and the interface reacts with such speed and fluidity that interacting with it is genuinely fun. The quality in the cabin is taken for granted the moment you lay your eyes on it, from the soft materials on the dash and precisely machined switchgear, it all ensures the i4 is a premium car.

Comfort has obviously been a focus for the i4. The front seats are excellent; they are well bolstered, and you can adjust most aspects of the seat to help find the perfect driving position for long trips. City driving or long stretches on the highway, the seats achieve a superb equilibrium of sprinkling softness and firmness that alleviates fatigue on long hauls. While the Gran Coupé’s roofline is sleek and sloping for greater dynamism, this does impinge slightly on headroom in the rear for taller passengers. The rear seats, on the other hand, are sufficiently spacious and comfortable for most adults and children to be used daily or for weekend jaunts. This is a clever packaging exercise, which means that the stylish exterior of the car is not at odds with its practicality as a four-door saloon.

Maybe the most surprising thing about the BMW i4 is how practical it is. The Gran Coupé has a hatchback tailgate that covers a spacious 470-litre boot. This large opening certainly facilitates the loading and unloading of bulky items, such as pushchairs, luggage, or the occasional piece of flat-pack furniture. When the back seats are folded down, the boot capacity increases significantly, providing a level of flexibility not often seen in saloon cars. The practicality is the same in both the eDrive40 and M50, so it’s just a matter of what you want from the rest of the car. The eDrive40’s more refined, comfort-biased ride could make it the best pick for families, while the M50 provides the same practicality but with a more rigid, performance-oriented suspension setup. In the end, both vehicles demonstrate that you don’t have to give up daily usability for exhilarating electric performance.

• Curved Digital Dashboard: The expansive display with the iDrive 8 system offers intuitive control and seamless smartphone integration.
• Spacious Boot: A 470-litre boot with a practical hatchback opening makes loading luggage and bulky items effortless.
• Supportive Seating: The ergonomically designed seats provide exceptional comfort, making even the longest journeys enjoyable.

Running Costs: Efficiency Meets Affordability

Although the upfront cost is an important factor, it is the running costs of an electric vehicle over time that offer the potential for the biggest savings. Both BMW i4 models represent a strong financial value compared to petrol or diesel equivalents, but within individual efficiency figures, they lead to slightly different results. The eDrive40, which is focused on extending range, is more economical of the two, making it a particularly money-saving choice for long-distance drivers. Running costs when charging at home on an off-peak electricity tariff can be a fraction of what it costs to fill up a petrol saloon, making the daily commute or weekend trip a much more economical enterprise.

Cost savings aren’t just from fuel. Electric vehicles such as the i4 have significantly fewer moving parts in their powertrains than internal combustion engines. That means no oil changes, no exhaust system to rust out and fewer parts that wear out over time. As a result, routine maintenance intervals are less frequent and much less expensive, which helps keep the cost of ownership down over the life of the car. For UK motorists, especially those in London, the i4’s zero emissions status also grants it exemption from schemes such as the Congestion Charge and Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) fees, which is a not-insignificant sum of money saved every year for a lot of city commuters.

In addition, BMW i4 ownership may be eligible for attractive government incentives and tax rebates. Although direct purchase grants have been phased out for cars, companies can still take advantage of sweetened tax deals, such as a very low Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) rate for company-car drivers, making the i4 an extremely attractive proposition. These incentives, combined with lower operating costs day-to-day due to the need for less maintenance and the lower cost of “refuelling,” make owning one a pretty compelling proposition. The i4 demonstrates that selecting a premium, high-performance car doesn’t have to entail outrageous costs over the life of the vehicle.

• Electric Powertrain: Delivers significant savings on fuel costs compared to petrol or diesel equivalents, especially when charging at home.
• Reduced Maintenance: Fewer moving parts mean lower servicing costs and less downtime, enhancing long-term value.
• Tax and Levy Exemptions: Zero emissions provide eligibility for tax benefits and exemption from city congestion charges, reducing the overall cost of ownership.

Rival Comparison: How the BMW i4 Stacks Up

The luxury electric vehicle segment is an increasingly crowded field, but the BMW i4 manages to occupy a unique position in that space, offering the brand’s beloved driving dynamics with next-generation electric technology. In contrast to competitors such as the Tesla Model 3, the i4 prioritises a more conventional and driver-oriented experience. Although the Tesla dominates with its no-frills interior, vast charging network, and mind-boggling straight-line acceleration in its Performance guise, the BMW holds the upper hand when it comes to interior quality, driving dynamics, and a certain familiar comfort that the majority of premium buyers value. The i4’s cabin is dressed in premium materials, and its driver-focused Curved Display feels like a breath of fresh air compared to the Model 3’s Spartan setup, delivering a more polished environment.

Another close rival to consider is the Polestar 2, which has the i4’s hatchback practicality and premium aspirations. The Polestar 2 has a distinct Scandinavian design and an infotainment system, powered by Google, which is clean and easy to use. Still, the BMW i4, especially the eDrive40, frequently leads in on-road driving efficiency and offers a more traditional RWD feel that driving purists tend to like. The M50 model, meanwhile, is a direct match for the Polestar 2’s performance trim levels, delivering a more powerful and visceral driving experience inspired by BMW’s Motorsport (M) Division.

And if you’re eyeing the top of the i4 range, the Audi e-tron GT is also a tempting alternative, particularly as a competitor to the M50. The Audi car features a dramatic design and extremely high charging speed in an 800-volt architecture. Nonetheless, the i4 M50 frequently feels more nimble and responsive, a testament to the effectiveness of BMW’s performance tuning. In addition, the Gran Coupé body style of the i4, with its hatchback tailgate, is more practical than the pure saloon e-tron GT. The i4 neatly stakes out a middle ground, offering the high-end quality and driving enjoyment expected from BMW while competing with some pretty tough and varied opposition.

• Classic BMW Driving Dynamics: Offers a more engaging and balanced handling experience compared to many rivals, appealing to driving enthusiasts.
• Superior Interior Craftsmanship: The cabin features premium materials and a driver-focused design that provides a more luxurious feel than competitors like the Tesla Model 3.
• Hatchback Practicality: The Gran Coupé design includes a versatile hatchback, offering superior boot access and practicality over traditional saloon rivals.

Choosing Your Ideal BMW i4

Choosing between eDrive40 and M50 is undoubtedly a good problem to have, with both models being the very best in electric mobility, as filtered through BMW’s legendary engineering. The right one for you is just a question of what kind of driver you are and what your daily needs are. The i4 eDrive40’s strength is that it’s the ultimate all-rounder. It is a top-quality and high-performance Gran Coupé for those who expect perfection and desire a relaxing and comfortable driving experience. Its range, RWD smoothness and dynamics make it an ideal choice for distance-hungry commuters, families, or anyone seeking a rewarding, practical, and refined daily driver. That’s because the EQS is the natural and intelligent pick for the driver who wants a premium EV to seamlessly integrate with their lifestyle.

And at the sportier end of the spectrum lies the i4 M50, an enthusiast’s vehicle. It is the first-ever electric M model, and it lives up to that promise with supercar-like acceleration and the tenacious grip of its all-wheel-drive system. Every trip in the M50 is an occasion, whether it’s a jaunt to the grocery store or a blast on the open road. Although it sacrifices a little bit of range and ride comfort to its eDrive40 counterpart, it gives the driver a level of engagement and exhilaration that is simply unmatched. The M50 is for the adrenaline junky who wants their vehicle to be a source of happiness and exhilarating performance every time they get behind the wheel. It’s a car that speaks right to the heart.

In the end, specs and reviews are only able to describe so much. We believe that when you live with them, you just can’t get the full sense of these two vehicles until you’ve been behind the wheel. We highly recommend that you test drive both models. The polished poise and bs-free seamlessness of eDrive40 will certainly win you over with its silent productivity. Compared to that, the M50’s raw, instantaneous power will have you smiling for a long, long time. There is no other way to tell which of these is your car but by experiencing them in person. Whichever way you go, you’ll be buying a world-class electric Gran Coupé that delivers the quintessential BMW experience, straight from the start.

• Refined All-Rounder: The eDrive40 provides a perfect balance of long-range efficiency, comfort, and classic BMW handling for daily life.
• Exhilarating Performance: The M50 delivers heart-pounding acceleration and all-wheel-drive grip for the ultimate driving thrill.
• In-Person Experience: A test drive allows you to feel the unique character of each model, ensuring you make the choice that best fits your driving style.

Want to go for yourself? Schedule a test drive at The.Car today!