BMW has entered the all-electric game in a big way with the introduction of its 2022 i4 M50 performance luxury sports model.
Does 536 horsepower, all-wheel drive and an estimated 245 mile range get your attention? I thought so.
The i4 blends the functionality and space of the gran coupe design with the instantaneous power delivery of BMW’s latest 5th generation eDrive. Class-leading driving dynamics and long-distance comfort, elegant design, uncompromising workmanship, cutting-edge user-vehicle interface, and advanced infotainment and driving assistance technologies all combine to deliver a zero-emissions BMW worthy of the “Ultimate Driving Machine” moniker.
eDrive technology combines twin electric motors, power electronics, charging system and a high-voltage battery. The electric motor, power electronics and transmission share one compact housing while the high-voltage battery measures only 4.3-inches in height and is mounted low in the floor of the new i4 for improved vehicle agility.
i4 M50 seats up to five adults in BMW bliss, with storage supplied both fore and aft. Best of all, forget about outrageous gas prices. The open road is a brief charge away.
The vehicle’s exterior is highlighted by BMW’s signature kidney grille, which is largely blocked off due to the small amount of cooling air required by the electric drive components. Depending on the specification, the car’s front camera is joined by ultrasonic and radar sensors integrated discreetly into its surface.
As an exhaust system is not required, the lower section of the rear bumper is used to improve aerodynamics via a diffuser element. Below the long and slim, L-shaped rear lights with their highly technical design is an extremely clear surface treatment. Sharply cut vertical aero vanes frame the rear of the car to the sides. The lower areas of the skirts and rear have a sophisticated black finish, giving the car a lower-slung appearance and accentuating its broad stance.
My tester came with several options that added $6,250 to its bottom line. A driver assistance package provides extended traffic jam assistant and active driving assistant pro ($1,700). A shadow line package adds M shadow line lights and special trim ($400). Parking assistance package adds a drive recorder, active park distance control rear view camera, surround view with 3D and parking assistant plus ($700). Premium package delivers a heated steering wheel, lumbar support, heated front seats and ambient lighting ($950). And a high-performance package adds M technology and 20-inch M wheels ($2,500).
Other “extras” included icon adaptive LED with laser light ($1,000), wireless device charging ($200), personal eSIM 5G ($300), BMW curved display with HUD ($1,000), and a Harman Kardon surround sound ($875).
In addition of seemingly endless torque and the aforementioned horsepower, i4 M50 benefits from an adaptive M suspension, dynamic stability and traction control, M Sport antilock disc brakes with blue calipers and cornering brake control, and xDrive all-wheel drive to deliver control and confidence in any driving condition or situation.
Safety technology includes active driving assistant with frontal collision warning, active blind
spot detection, lane departure warning, active guard and front and rear parking distance control with rear view cameras.
Base Price: $66,895
Price As Driven: $77,070
Destination charge is included in base price. Vehicles are provided by the manufacturer. List price may vary at local dealerships.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
