Background
BMW i4 M50 (G26) marked an important step in BMW’s transition to electric mobility, combining the elegant and practical form of the 4 Series Gran Coupé with a fully electric drivetrain and the sporting character of BMW M. Unveiled in 2021, the i4 M50 was the first fully electric performance model from BMW M GmbH and demonstrated how the brand’s traditional focus on driving dynamics could be transferred into the electric era.
An electric Gran Coupé
The BMW i4 was based on the architecture of the 4 Series Gran Coupé and retained its low coupé-like silhouette, four side doors and large tailgate. The M50 differed from other i4 versions through a more sporting appearance, M-specific details and a chassis set-up focused more strongly on performance. At the same time, it remained a practical five-seat Gran Coupé, combining high performance with everyday usability.
Two electric motors and 544 hp
The BMW i4 M50 used BMW’s fifth-generation eDrive technology with one electric motor on each axle. During normal driving the system operated according to demand, while the Sport Boost function provided a maximum system output of 544 hp or 400 kW and maximum torque of 795 Nm for short periods. Unlike many electric motors using permanent magnets, BMW employed electrically excited synchronous motors that did not require permanent magnets in their rotors.
3.9 seconds
The two-motor all-wheel-drive system enabled the i4 M50 to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds. Top speed was electronically limited to 225 km/h. The electric all-wheel-drive system could distribute power between the front and rear axles extremely quickly while retaining the rear-biased driving character traditionally associated with BMW.
BMW M dynamics in electric form
The i4 M50 differed from the regular i4 in more than just its power output. It featured M-specific adaptive suspension, variable sport steering and a high-performance braking system. Positioning the battery beneath the floor lowered the car’s centre of gravity and contributed to balanced weight distribution. BMW also developed the chassis and body specifically to ensure that the relatively heavy electric vehicle retained precise and sporting handling.
80.7 kWh battery
The high-voltage lithium-ion battery had a net energy capacity of 80.7 kWh. According to the original factory specifications, the i4 M50 offered a WLTP driving range of up to 521 kilometres. DC fast charging was possible at up to 200 kW, while regenerative braking recovered energy during deceleration and returned it to the battery.
Built in Munich
Series production of the BMW i4 began in October 2021 at BMW Group Plant Munich in Germany. The fully electric i4 was manufactured on the same production line as combustion-engined and plug-in hybrid models, marking an important transition towards electric vehicle production at BMW’s historic home plant. The i4 entered the market in November 2021. BMW has not published a separate total production figure for the i4 M50.
Model in the collection
The BMW i4 M50 (G26) in my collection was produced by Minichamps and represents a 2022 car. It is a limited-edition model, with a total production run of 336 examples.
Technical data in brief
Model debut: 2021
Production started: 2021
Production location: BMW Group Plant Munich, Germany
Body style: five-door fully electric Gran Coupé
Powertrain: two electric motors, one on each axle
Motor type: electrically excited synchronous motors
Maximum system output: 544 hp / 400 kW
Maximum torque: 795 Nm
Battery net capacity: 80.7 kWh
Drivetrain: electric all-wheel drive
0–100 km/h: 3.9 seconds
Top speed: 225 km/h, electronically limited
Electric range: up to 521 km WLTP
Maximum DC charging power: 200 kW
Weight: 2,215 kg DIN
Production: BMW has not published a separate total production figure
Special feature: the first fully electric performance model from BMW M GmbH