Electric BMW i4 M50 no match for M3 or M4

Despite having more power and torque, accelerating just as crazy-quick and being cheaper, the new 2021 BMW i4 M50 is not an in-house rival for the iconic BMW M3 and M4 sedan and coupe rockets.

Well, so says BMW, which seems a bit perplexed anyone would even draw the comparison.

The official argument goes the twin-turbo six-cylinder M3 and M4, released this year in Australia into their latest big-grilled iteration, are full-blown M models.

The incoming BMW i4 M50, the flagship of the i4 four-door coupe battery-electric range that reaches Australia in the first quarter of 2022, is a mere ‘M Performance’ model.

“This means it comes with extended capabilities for sporty driving on public roads but was not designed for racetrack use, even if it is capable in that environment,” BMW electromobility spokesman Wieland Bruch told carsales.

“Our BMW M3 and M4 were engineered with full racetrack capability in mind, and their highly focused overall manner reflects that while also delivering excellent day-to-day ride qualities.”

Well, glad that’s sorted.

Mind you, you can understand why there might be some comparisons and cross-shopping when the i4 M50 makes 400kW and 795Nm and accelerates from 0-100km/h in 3.9 seconds.

The top-spec M3 and M4 Competition produce 375kW/650Nm and accelerate from 0-100km/h in 3.9sec.

Um, okay.

They are not much different in size either.  The i4 is 11mm shorter and up to 50mm (and a bit) wider and higher. What about the wheelbase, the fundamental basis upon which the car is built? One millimetre shorter at 2856mm.

Okay, there is one big difference here, as Bruch pointed out.

“The i4 M50 is the first purely electric performance car from BMW M, so it already has a distinct point of difference compared with our combustion-powered BMW M3 and M4,” he said.

Yep, the i40 M50 has two e-motors and all-wheel drive, while the M3 and M4 are powered by a biturbo 3.0-litre straight-six petrol engine driving the rear wheels. The i4 also weighs almost 500kg more than the M3 sedan and M4 coupe. That’s gotta hurt…

Pricing also acts as a differentiator and one that might increase the appeal of the i4 M50, which is pitched at $124,900 plus on-road costs. The M3 and M4 range currently spreads from $144,900 to $159,900 plus ORCs.

When the xDrive all-wheel drive versions of the new M3 and M4 arrive later this year – including a convertible – the pricing will top out at $176,900 plus ORCs.

While power and torque will stay the same, the 0-100km/h acceleration times will drop to 3.5sec for the hard-tops and 3.7sec for the drop-top, handing the performance edge back to the combustion-engined models.

Bruch argued i4 M50 drivers will instead be rewarded in other ways.

“The i4 M50 will deliver incredible performance and handling while balancing the different dynamic requirements and factors influenced by integration of electric motors and batteries,” he insisted.

“For example, we adopted air suspension exclusively at the rear in order to deliver BMW-signature driving dynamics and a level of safety independent of the load condition posed by the overall vehicle concept.

“Other key differences include a different sound due to its electric powertrain compared with the BMW M TwinPower Turbo inline six-cylinder engines of the BMW M3 and M4.

“However, it has its own character due to the work we have done in development to create an emotional aural experience.

“We collaborated with Academy Award-winning composer Hans Zimmer and BMW sound designer Renzo Vitale to develop a drive sound, which is part of our BMW M Iconic Sounds Electric offering, that is utterly befitting of the car’s performance and capability.”

For a deeper dive, check out our international review of the i4 M50 and our local launch review of the M3 and M4 Competition.