Introduction
Hello and welcome to my latest Blog post. It’s been eight months since I welcomed my BMW i4 M50 Brooklyn Grey into my life, and since then I have clocked 6483 miles. It seems that now is a good time to review the car and give my honest opinion as to what I like, love and dislike, before ultimately answering the question – Is it worth buying?
BMW i4 M50 Brooklyn Grey
My car is a suave (well I think it is) BMW i4 M50 dressed in a sophisticated Brooklyn Grey. Whilst the wait for it was epic – a lengthy 10 months from when I ordered to the day it was delivered in May 2023 – it was well and truly worth waiting for.
I’m one for leasing cars, typically over 3 or 4 years. However, for the BMW, I opted for a 4-year term. The timing was crucial – I committed when car prices were through the roof, thanks to the post-Covid market frenzy. Finding a good deal was like looking for a needle in a haystack, so I took the plunge amidst the madness. I paid a 3-month deposit and am now paying around £750 monthly.
Leasing it through my business brings some nifty tax advantages, especially since it’s an electric vehicle. And let’s not forget the convenience of charging at work – an absolute win.
Had I gone down the purchase route, the base i4 would have cost me around £52k. But my heart was set on the i4 M50, and that’s a different kettle of fish, starting at about £64k.
In my book, leasing is the wiser choice. It’s all about that old saying, ‘If it appreciates, buy it; if it depreciates, lease it’ and I’m a big believer in that philosophy.
i4 M Sport Exterior Styling
My choice of colour was Brooklyn Grey, which I’m absolutely chuffed with. After a string of six black cars, this grey beauty marks a refreshing change – perhaps it’s a nod to my ‘mid-life renaissance’ rather than a crisis! I must say, I’m pretty taken with it.
On the design front, the car sports an unconventional, filled-in front grille. It’s a distinctive feature since cooling, like in a conventional vehicle, isn’t necessary. The iconic M logo is proudly displayed not just on the grille but also on the sides and back of the car.
I chose the 19″ wheels over the 20″ ones for better economy. Still, they don’t skimp on style – the silver and black finish, paired with striking red brake callipers, complements the Brooklyn Grey hue perfectly. And the wing mirrors? They’re taken from the M3 design and sit perfectly on the car, indicating that this is not a standard i4 model.
Fusion of 3 & 4 Series
The side skirts are fully decked out in M Sport style, and a rear diffuser adds a dash of character at the back. The car’s foundation is based on the 3 Series, while the body shape mirrors the 4 Series coupe. This means frameless windows, enhancing the car’s sporty feel and appearance. A particular highlight is the sculptured tail lights that elegantly wrap around the vehicle’s rear.
And for practical flair, the charging point is neatly tucked behind a compartment door on the rear driver’s side – right where you’d expect to find a petrol cap on the conventional BMW 4 Series coupe.
Interior with M Sport Styling
Stepping inside (Do you step inside a car?), the M Sport vibe is unmistakable. The sporty leather seats are a class apart. They are adorned with the M Sport branding, snazzy blue stitching, and seatbelts edged in the signature M Sport blue and red – a subtle nod to its racing heritage.
These seats aren’t just for show; they sit low, as you’d expect from an M Sport car, offering exceptional comfort and, of course, the anticipated adjustability for a car in this league. Compared to my previous Jaguar, these seats are a dream, providing a driving position and angle that’s next level.
The door side panels are elegantly finished in leather, featuring a customizable LED light strip. I’ve set mine to blue, complementing the overall interior styling. It’s these little details that really elevate the driving experience.
Centre Console & Dashboard
Now, the front centre console is perfectly positioned, becoming the usual resting place for my left elbow during drives. The built-in storage within the armrest is a handy spot for essentials like wallets and sunglasses.
The front screen is expansive, stretching from the driver’s side towards the passenger side, stopping just short of the glove box area. It’s a marvellous technology – sharp and responsive – and displays colours and text with absolute clarity.
As for the tunes, Spotify is my go-to, and it’s a breeze to operate. While it also supports Apple Car Play, I use Spotify for my musical escapades.
The Sat Nav in my i4 M50 Brooklyn Grey is top-notch, never missing a beat. I love having the navigation display on the centre screen and directly behind the steering wheel – super convenient for keeping my eyes on the road.
The display in my i4 M50 Brooklyn Grey offers many built-in features like weather updates and a compass. Whilst I don’t use all of them, they might come in handy for others.
The ‘head up’ display is another gem, showing speed and assisting with navigation – a real boon, especially at roundabouts or for turn-by-turn directions.
Climate control is all touch-screen with no physical buttons, which I find user-friendly. The heating and cooling are efficient, and let’s not forget the heated seats – a luxury on those chilly mornings.
Customisability
The customisability of the front screen with different widgets adds a personal touch to the interface. The steering wheel has the usual controls, and the BMW iDrive system is conveniently placed on the driver’s left hand.
The BMW assistant is quite handy – a simple ‘Hey BMW’ or a button press on the steering wheel gets things done, be it navigation commands or opening Spotify. It’s not flawless, but it does the job well enough. Even though you can command it to open windows or change the temperature, I find manual control more straightforward.
Speaking of Sat Nav, it cleverly calculates charging stops, factoring them into your estimated arrival time – a handy feature.
The front centre console has a couple of cup holders, ideal for your morning coffee, and a tray for wirelessly charging your iPhone – a neat, cable-free solution.
The stereo is a Harmon Kardon system, delivering quality sound. It doesn’t match the stereo in my previous Jaguar iPace, which felt like a nightclub sound system, but it’s still impressive. An upgraded stereo option is available, but I’d say the standard system is more than adequate for most.
Rear Interior
In the back, the rear seats are comfortably spacious for two adults. Fitting a third passenger is possible, but it’ll be a squeeze. For someone around 6ft, headroom is ample and leg space is decent. The middle seat, though, could be more roomy due to the raised platform in the footwell around the centre console, which means the middle passenger would have to navigate their legs around it.
In the rear, there’s a touch of luxury with a leather centre armrest that folds down, revealing two drink holders perfect for bottles, cans, or coffee cups. The rear centre console isn’t just for show – it includes climate control and two USB-C charging points, keeping everyone connected and comfortable.
There are Isofix points for car seats for those with little ones, and the rear seats offer practicality with a 60/40 fold-down configuration, handy for those times when you need that extra space.
As for the doors, the car boasts a 5-door hatchback design, complete with a removable parcel shelf at the back. This is handy when transporting larger loads – remove the shelf, fold the seats, and you’re ready.
Generous Boot 470L
The boot space is pretty generous, too, offering 470 litres – more than adequate for a car of this size and perfect for those weekend getaways or a spot of golf.
One thing to note – the i4 M50 Brooklyn Grey, doesn’t come with a spare wheel. Instead, there’s a puncture fix kit. Thankfully, I haven’t had the need to use it yet… and with a bit of luck, I won’t have to.
There’s a choice for every mood in the i4 M50 regarding driving modes. ‘Comfort’ is my go-to for daily drives – it’s smooth and hassle-free. Then there’s ‘Eco’ mode, where you become more mindful of your power consumption, which is excellent for those longer, more efficient journeys.
And let’s not forget ‘Sport’ mode – where the real fun kicks in.
i4 M50 0-60
Speaking of fun, the 0-60 mph in ‘Sport Boost’ mode is a blistering 3.6 seconds. Though I’ve seen videos claiming 3.2 seconds, 3.6 feels rapid enough for me! In ‘Sport Boost’ mode, this car boasts a whopping 540HP, and the torque is simply staggering…. It’s a little childish, but I’ve had fun shaming the odd boy racer from a green light since I’ve had this car!
Interior & Exterior Sounds
One of the unique aspects of driving an electric car like this is the quietness. It’s so silent that you become acutely aware of the sounds of the outside world like rain patterning against the windows and roof.
And then there’s the in-vehicle sound option, crafted by the legendary Hans Zimmer. The experience is most intense in ‘Sport’ mode – a blend of Formula 1 and the Millennium Falcon, adding a thrilling edge to each drive.
Handling & Drive Modes
Despite weighing a hefty 2.2 tonnes, the i4 M50 glides as if it’s light as a feather, cornering smoothly without any roll. The steering is precise, and the leather steering wheel feels substantial and comfortable.
This car isn’t just quick – it’s lightning-fast, moving effortlessly. In ‘Comfort’ mode, it’s as the name suggests. But sometimes, I switch to ‘B Mode’, where one-pedal driving comes into play. Lift your foot off the accelerator, and the car starts to brake automatically, harnessing regenerative braking to recharge. Initially, it’s a bit odd, but it soon becomes second nature and quite a fun way to drive.
The braking in the M50 is sharp and responsive – a stark contrast to my previous iPace, which, though heavy, didn’t always instil that same level of stopping confidence, especially at higher speeds.
As for handling road bumps, the ‘Comfort’ mode smooths them out nicely, and the steering feels lighter than the ‘Sport’ mode.
The headlights? They’re brilliant, lighting up the road with clarity when needed.
The BMW App
Let’s talk about the BMW App – a game-changer often overlooked in reviews. I find myself using it constantly, and it’s convenient. It’s like having a remote control for your car right in your pocket.
First, checking on things like tyre pressure levels is a breeze. This is useful for knowing when to top up some air. You can also keep tabs on your mileage and service status and even check whether your car is locked or all windows are securely closed. And believe me, I’ve used this feature more times than I’d like to admit – it’s an actual peace-of-mind provider.
Wave Goodbye to a Cold Car
But here’s the kicker – the ability to turn on the climate control from the app. This has been a lifesaver, especially during those cold winter evenings. Picture this: you’re wrapping up a late night at work, and the last thing you want is to step into a freezing car. With just a few taps on the app, I can get the car warm and toasty, ready for a comfortable ride home. It’s these little conveniences that really elevate the overall experience of owning the i4 M50 Brooklyn Grey.
The Tapping Seatbelt Niggle
While I’ve showered plenty of praise on the BMW i4 M50, it’s only fair to discuss a niggle that, for me, slightly mars the overall experience – a minor issue that BMW could quickly rectify in future models.
My gripe is with the passenger seatbelt, specifically the metal buckle. When driving solo, this buckle taps against a plastic area on the side, creating a repetitive and annoying noise on longer journeys. It’s one of those little things you wouldn’t notice at first but becomes increasingly noticeable over time. The solution? I often buckle the passenger seatbelt into its slot to stop the tapping. It’s a quick fix, but it shouldn’t be necessary.
This minor annoyance aside, my fondness for this car remains undiminished. It’s the only flaw in what is otherwise a near-perfect driving experience. I absolutely adore everything else about the BMW i4 M50 – it’s a testament to the car’s brilliance that such a small detail stands out.
Battery & Charging
The BMW i4 M50’s beating heart is its high-performance 80kWh battery, a cornerstone of the car’s ability to deliver thrilling drives with fewer interruptions for recharging.
For those who prefer the convenience of home charging, the i4 M50 caters perfectly to this need. It can be fully charged in about 13 hours using a standard 7kW home charger. This setup is ideal for overnight charging, allowing you to wake up to a car brimming with energy, ready to tackle the day’s adventures.
Moreover, many energy suppliers now offer low tariff rates for overnight EV charging. I’ve encountered instances where people have fully charged their car for just over £10 – a cost-effective solution for daily use.
When you’re moving and need a quicker boost, the i4 M50 is more than accommodating. A 50kW DC charger can lift the battery from 10% to 80% in merely 71 minutes – perfect for those short breaks on long drives. And for an even speedier charge, a 150kW charger does the job in just 30 minutes. This rapid charging capability dramatically reduces downtime and adds a layer of convenience to your journey.
Expensive Public Charging
However, it’s worth noting the cost associated with faster chargers. In my experience, the cost can be around £0.30 per mile, which can add up on longer trips. It’s a trade-off between time and expense that many EV owners find worthwhile for the added convenience.
Comparing the battery and range of the BMW i4 M50 with my previous EV, the Jaguar iPace, the BMW stands out. The battery is more efficient, and the range indicator seems more accurate, dynamically adjusting based on your driving style for each journey.
For a deeper dive into the range aspects of this car, I’ve covered this topic extensively in a previous blog post. If the range is crucial, please check out that post here: Is it Worth Getting an Electric Car Now?
| Technical Specification | BMW i4 M50 Data |
|---|---|
| Engine Power in kW (hp) | 400 (544) |
| Maximum Torque in Nm | 795 |
| Acceleration 0–62 mph in s | 3.9 |
| Max Speed | 140 mph |
| Electric Range in km (WLTP) | 414–510* |
| Maximum Charging Capacity | Recharging for 10 min can add up to 86 miles (at a high-power charging station) |
| Weight | 2215 kg |
*Range depends on various factors like driving conditions, style, and environment.
Let’s Discuss Range
Let’s talk about range – a critical factor for any EV owner. Based on the tables we’ve looked at and my personal experience, the i4 M50 consistently delivers around 230 miles per full charge in my day-to-day use. This includes my daily commute and the occasional longer weekend drive.
On a longer haul, I’ve stretched it to about 290 miles on a single charge. There was room to push it further, but I opted to charge up instead of testing the limits. This practical range, balancing performance and efficiency, makes the i4 M50 stand out for everyday use and longer trips.
Conclusion
In wrapping up, I’m fully aware that I’m in a privileged position to drive a car like the BMW i4 M50. EVs are still pricier, and owning one is a significant investment. But let me tell you, this car is worth every penny. Every moment behind the wheel is a sheer joy – it’s more than just a mode of transport; it’s an experience, a journey in itself.
The BMW i4 M50 exemplifies the pinnacle of electric vehicle innovation, offering a harmonious blend of style, thrill, luxury, and practicality. This model isn’t just a means to travel from one point to another; it’s about enjoying each moment and mile of the journey.
But don’t just take my word for it; delve into a comprehensive review to see why the BMW i4 M50 is garnering acclaim and why it should be at the top of your list if you’re in the market for a car that truly stands out in every category.