From the moment you settle into the driver’s seat and press the accelerator, the BMW I4 M50 Gran Coupe announces itself as a formidable electric vehicle. In a market saturated with electric crossovers and SUVs, this all-electric sedan provides a refreshing and exhilarating driving experience. After a week behind the wheel of the 2025 BMW i4 M50 Gran Coupe, it’s clear – this EV redefines fun.
Positioned as a luxury all-electric sports car, the i4 M50 starts at an MSRP of $70,700, placing it firmly in the premium segment. With added options and packages, the model tested here reaches approximately $76,575. While this price point may be a significant investment, the i4 M50’s status and appeal are undeniable. It even garnered more attention and compliments than the Kia EV9, showcasing its visual magnetism.
However, in the competitive luxury EV market, dominated by rivals like the Lucid Air Pure, Cadillac Lyriq, and Genesis GV60, the i4 M50 needs to offer more than just striking looks. This review dives into the pros and cons of the BMW i4 M50 Gran Coupe to determine if it truly lives up to the hype.
2025 BMW i4 M50 Gran Coupe: Specifications
| Feature | 2025 BMW i4 M50 Gran Coupe |
|---|---|
| Battery | 83 kWh |
| Motor | Dual motor 200–400 kW |
| Range (EPA est.) | 267 miles |
| Horsepower | 536 hp |
| Wheels | 20-inches |
| Base MSRP | $70,700 |
2025 BMW i4 M50 Gran Coupe: Week-Long Test Drive Summary
(Image credit: Future) The digital display showcasing the mileage of the BMW i4 M50 Gran Coupe after a week-long test drive, highlighting its real-world usage.
Initially, the plan wasn’t to accumulate extensive mileage, but the BMW i4 M50 Gran Coupe proved to be irresistibly enjoyable, resulting in 461.5 miles driven. While slightly less than the Chevrolet Equinox EV 2LT, the driving experience was vastly different. The i4 M50’s sporty character evoked nostalgic memories of classic racing games like Ridge Racer and Gran Turismo, thanks to its exhilarating acceleration and precise, responsive steering.
Efficiency-wise, the test week yielded 2.9 mi/kWh, slightly below the 3 mi/kWh average. However, for drivers drawn to the i4 M50’s performance, efficiency is likely a secondary concern. While not the most efficient EV, it’s certainly within an acceptable range. For daily driving, nightly charging will be necessary to maintain a sufficient battery level, or more frequent stops at charging stations will be required.
Charging was conducted using a Level 1 charger connected to a standard household outlet. This method, while convenient for overnight charging, is undeniably slow. Averaging around 1kW, it added only 16 miles of range in 7 hours and 17 minutes. Prospective i4 M50 owners, who can afford the vehicle’s premium price, would greatly benefit from investing in a Level 2 charger for home use, significantly reducing charging times and enhancing usability.
Key driving and charging stats from the week:
- Total miles driven: 461.5
- Average efficiency: 2.9 mi/kWh
- Range added with Level 1 charging (7.28 hours): 16 miles
- Charge level increase (in 7.28 hours): 60% to 67%
- Level 1 recharge rate: 2.19 mi/hour
2025 BMW i4 M50 Gran Coupe: What I Liked
Precise and Responsive Steering
(Image credit: Future) A close-up of the BMW i4 M50 Gran Coupe’s steering wheel, emphasizing its sporty design and the tactile feedback it provides for enhanced driving control.
The BMW i4 M50 Gran Coupe’s exceptional handling is largely attributed to its tight and responsive steering. Navigating winding roads becomes a joy, allowing for confident cornering that surpasses the capabilities of larger crossovers or SUVs. Beyond just cornering, the i4 M50 feels remarkably stable in all driving conditions, with the steering providing consistent feedback during lane changes and everyday maneuvers. The sense of control is unwavering, even when pushing the car through challenging curves, inspiring driver confidence.
Thrilling Acceleration
(Image credit: Future) A detailed shot of the BMW i4 M50 Gran Coupe’s wheel, highlighting the performance-oriented design and hinting at the powerful acceleration capabilities of the vehicle.
Forget needing a dedicated boost button; the i4 M50 delivers instant and potent acceleration in any drive mode. Even in the energy-conscious Eco-Pro mode, the car’s 536 horsepower output is readily available, pressing you firmly into the seat with even moderate pedal input. This exhilarating acceleration is a defining characteristic of the i4 M50, transforming every drive into an exciting experience and consistently raising the pulse. It’s this raw power that truly sets it apart as a performance EV.
Sporty and Luxurious Aesthetics
(Image credit: Future) The BMW i4 M50 Gran Coupe in motion during a test drive, showcasing its sleek silhouette and the striking Vegas Red Metallic paint that enhances its sporty yet luxurious design.
The BMW i4 M50 Gran Coupe’s design consistently draws attention and praise. Despite being classified as a sedan, its coupe-like profile and sporty design elements make it a standout vehicle. The Vegas Red Metallic paint option is particularly captivating, with a vibrant sparkle that enhances its visual appeal from every angle. The i4 M50 successfully blends sporty aggression with luxury refinement, creating a truly desirable aesthetic.
Oversized Head-Up Display
(Image credit: Future) An animated GIF demonstrating the BMW i4 M50 Gran Coupe’s head-up display (HUD), illustrating its size, clarity, and integration with navigation systems like Google Maps and Apple Maps.
A head-up display is expected in a luxury vehicle at this price point, but the i4 M50 exceeds expectations with its exceptionally large and clear HUD. Projecting vital driving information directly onto the windshield, it allows drivers to maintain focus on the road while monitoring speed and navigation prompts from Google Maps and Apple Maps. The HUD’s size and brightness ensure excellent visibility in all lighting conditions, enhancing both safety and convenience.
Brilliant and Clear Displays
(Image credit: Future) The BMW i4 M50 Gran Coupe’s interior, focusing on the 14.5-inch main touchscreen display, highlighting its brightness, clarity, and seamless integration into the dashboard design.
While many EVs feature bright displays, the BMW i4 M50 Gran Coupe’s screens stand out for their consistent clarity in all lighting conditions. The 14.5-inch main touchscreen and the 12.3-inch instrument panel are crafted from high-quality materials that minimize glare and distortion, even in direct sunlight. This ensures optimal visibility and readability, making interactions with the car’s infotainment system and driver information seamless and user-friendly, day or night.
Superior Sound Insulation
(Image credit: Future) The BMW i4 M50 Gran Coupe parked, showcasing its sleek profile and highlighting the premium build quality that contributes to its exceptional soundproofing and luxurious cabin experience.
Luxury vehicles are distinguished by their refined and quiet cabins, and the BMW i4 M50 Gran Coupe excels in sound isolation. Cruising on highways is remarkably silent, minimizing road noise and creating a serene driving environment. The soundproofing is so effective that even in a bustling urban environment like New York City, closing the windows transforms the interior into a tranquil space, akin to using high-end noise-canceling headphones. This level of acoustic refinement significantly elevates the driving experience.
Smooth Cruise Control Operation
(Image credit: Future) An animated GIF demonstrating the BMW i4 M50 Gran Coupe’s smart cruise control system in action, highlighting its smooth acceleration and braking adjustments in response to varying road conditions.
While smart cruise control is increasingly common, the BMW i4 M50 Gran Coupe’s system stands out for its smoothness and refinement. The system reacts to changes in traffic and road conditions with subtle and measured braking and acceleration, providing a confident and relaxed automated driving experience. The absence of jerky or aggressive throttle adjustments further enhances passenger comfort and trust in the system’s capabilities.
Striking and Comprehensive Lighting
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(Image credit: Future) A front view of the BMW i4 M50 Gran Coupe during a nighttime test drive, showcasing its captivating front lighting design and how it enhances visibility and aesthetic appeal.
(Image credit: Future) A rear view of the BMW i4 M50 Gran Coupe at night, emphasizing the unique and stylish design of its brake lights, resembling Edison light bulbs with intricate wire-like patterns.
(Image credit: Future) An interior shot of the BMW i4 M50 Gran Coupe, showcasing the customizable ambient lighting that enhances the cabin’s atmosphere, along with practical spotlights illuminating the ground near the front doors.
The BMW i4 M50 Gran Coupe’s visual appeal extends beyond daylight hours, thanks to its stunning and comprehensive lighting system. From the welcoming light sequence upon unlocking to the distinctive brake lights reminiscent of Edison bulbs with their intricate filament-like design, the exterior lighting is both functional and artistic. Inside, customizable ambient lighting allows for personalized cabin ambiance, complemented by practical touches like door-mounted spotlights that enhance nighttime entry and exit.
2025 BMW i4 M50 Gran Coupe: What I Didn’t Like
Limited Rear Legroom
(Image credit: Future) The BMW i4 M50 Gran Coupe with its trunk open, indirectly highlighting the compact rear seating area and the trade-off between its coupe-like styling and rear passenger space.
Despite being a sedan, the rear seating in the i4 M50 Gran Coupe feels more akin to a coupe in terms of space. While the presence of rear doors is convenient, the limited legroom and low roofline can make rear passengers, especially adults, feel cramped. While suitable for children, the rear seats are less accommodating for taller individuals or longer journeys, making it less ideal as a primary family vehicle for passenger comfort.
No Blind Spot Camera Option
(Image credit: Future) A closer view of the BMW i4 M50 Gran Coupe’s steering wheel and driver’s side controls, drawing attention to the absence of a blind spot camera feature, a surprising omission in a luxury vehicle of its class.
A notable omission in the otherwise well-equipped BMW i4 M50 Gran Coupe is the lack of an optional blind spot camera system. While it includes standard blind spot monitoring with mirror indicators and steering wheel vibrations, the absence of camera-based blind spot views, increasingly common in EVs, is surprising for a luxury car in this price range. Many drivers appreciate the enhanced visibility and safety provided by blind spot cameras.
Modest Driving Range
(Image credit: Future) A detailed shot of the BMW i4 M50 Gran Coupe’s gear shifter, subtly referencing the vehicle’s electric powertrain and the discussion about its driving range capabilities and limitations.
While not the shortest range EV available, the BMW i4 M50 Gran Coupe’s EPA-estimated 267 miles from its 83 kWh battery is somewhat modest, especially for a vehicle in the luxury segment. It’s not designed for long-distance travel in the same vein as some plug-in hybrid EVs, and it falls short of the 300-mile benchmark often considered optimal for modern EVs. While the range isn’t a deal-breaker given its performance and handling, a greater range would enhance its appeal and practicality for a wider range of drivers.
2025 BMW i4 M50 Gran Coupe: Final Verdict
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(Image credit: Future) The BMW i4 M50 Gran Coupe in an urban setting, summarizing its suitability as a stylish and performance-oriented vehicle for city driving and short commutes.
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(Image credit: Future) A collection of images showcasing various angles and features of the BMW i4 M50 Gran Coupe, reinforcing its stylish design and sporty appeal.
If a second EV test drive was on the cards, the 2025 BMW i4 M50 Gran Coupe would be at the top of the list. It’s an exceptionally fun EV, excelling in both performance and handling, while captivating onlookers with its stunning design, striking lighting, and premium features. While its limited rear space and range may not make it the ideal primary family vehicle, the i4 M50 is an outstanding choice as a second car, perfect for spirited drives and stylish urban commuting – provided the budget allows.
