BMW i4 Gran Coupé M50 (75 plate) Review
A properly quick electric Gran Coupé that feels “on rails” on the bends, then turns into a quiet motorway mile-eater — without shouting about being an EV.
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Key highlights & who it’s for
- Feels like a BMW — not a sci-fi EV pod.
- Comfort is a standout for long runs and busy days.
- Big power on tap whenever the road opens up.
- Excellent motorway manners (M62 and M1 were effortless).
- Confidence on twisty roads — Cat and Fiddle felt “on rails”.
- Ideal for drivers who want performance + refinement in one car.
Driving experience (Cat and Fiddle + motorway)
Across the Cat and Fiddle, the i4 M50 was the highlight of the trip — it felt planted, accurate and unbelievably composed, like it was running on rails. When the road gave us space, there was loads of power ready instantly, which makes overtakes and short bursts of fun feel effortless.
On the M62 into Leeds (and later back on the M1), it settled into a smooth, confident cruiser. Motorway driving was simply excellent: stable, comfortable and relaxed — the type of EV that makes distance feel easy.
Range & charging costs
We drove Belper → Manchester → Leeds → back to Belper over the test and managed the whole run without charging, finishing with 4 miles remaining. That’s the kind of real-world usability that makes an EV feel genuinely “normal”.
Overnight, it cost £7.01 to charge on Octopus Energy (home charging), which is exactly where the i4 starts to make a strong case versus petrol performance cars.
Comfort, tech & daily usability
The big win here is comfort: it’s the kind of car you can do a meeting-heavy day in (Manchester, Leeds, home) and still step out feeling fresh. It also helps that it doesn’t scream “EV” — it’s typically BMW in the way it looks and goes about its business.
There are a few tech/ergonomics frustrations though. The climate controls being on the screen is annoying when you just want a quick temperature tweak. And we had Apple CarPlay glitches where it dropped out — seemingly from overheating — which is the sort of small nuisance that becomes a big one if you rely on navigation and calls.
Competitors to consider
- Polestar 2 — minimalist performance EV vibe, strong all-rounder.
- Mercedes-Benz EQE — comfort-first exec EV feel.
- BYD Seal Saloon — value-led alternative with lots of kit.
- Tesla Model 3 — efficiency + charging network strength, very tech-led cabin.
Pros & cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| So comfortable — great for long motorway runs | Suspension can be harsh on rougher roads |
| Loads of power available when you want it | Climate controls on a screen (less convenient) |
| Doesn’t look “futuristic EV” — just a BMW Gran Coupé | Apple CarPlay glitches and can drop out from overheating |
| Real-world usable range (Manchester + Leeds + home without charging) | Performance setup won’t suit everyone’s roads/preferences |
Top accessories I’d pair with the BMW i4
- Front + rear dash cam (ideal for motorway miles)
- MagSafe car phone mount (handy when CarPlay plays up)
- USB-C PD fast car charger (keeps phone cool-ish and topped up)
- Type 2 EV charging cable (32A) (useful backup for public chargers)
- Portable tyre inflator (quietly one of the best “always carry” buys)
- Microfibre cleaning kit (screens + piano black trim without scratches)
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FAQs
Can you road trip the BMW i4 M50 without constantly charging?
Yes — in our test we covered Belper → Manchester → Leeds → back to Belper without stopping to charge and still finished with 4 miles remaining.
Is the BMW i4 M50 comfortable for motorway driving?
Absolutely. On the M62 and M1 it felt stable, relaxed and very easy to cover distance in.
Is the ride harsh?
It can be. The performance setup is great on smooth tarmac, but on rougher roads the suspension can feel firm/harsh compared with softer, comfort-focused rivals.
Does Apple CarPlay work reliably?
In our time with the car, Apple CarPlay glitched and could drop out (we suspected overheating). If you rely heavily on CarPlay, it’s worth testing it on a longer drive.
Verdict
The BMW i4 Gran Coupé M50 is the rare performance EV that feels both seriously fast and properly usable. Across the Cat and Fiddle it was sensational — composed, confident and grippy — and on the motorway it was excellent for covering miles in comfort. If you want an EV that still looks and feels like a BMW (rather than a futuristic experiment), this one lands right in the sweet spot — just be ready for a firmer ride and the occasional CarPlay wobble.
