[vinny84]

     Featured on BIMMERPOST.com

Not that anyone might care what a former Tesla owner might think, I still thought it would be nice to share my experience with the i4 M50 and how I think BMW has fared when comparing this to a Model 3

Finally had the opportunity to test drive one last night at my BMW dealer event. I have been eyeing this model for quite some time and I was curious to find out what BMWs answer might be to EVs and ultimately Tesla

First Look

- I have to admit, I think the front is really nice. I hate the grills on the M3/M4 and 4 Series but for some reason it works here.

- I like the rear maybe a bit more but I'm not sure why BMW decided to leave half the rear bumper in high gloss black trim. For that, I think this car looks best in black. I love the blue but that rear bumper bothers me with the black trim for some reason. If only the bottom rear was in high gloss black, I think the blue would be the color of my choice

Interior

- The interior is really nice and clean. I don't mind the buttons on the center console. I think BMW did a really nice job here. Everything is easy to use and access for the most part. I actually do wish it had physical buttons for the heated seats but I was told those can be set to come on automatically after an outside temp has been set.

- The curved display is awesome and really nice. Everything is easy to read and navigate. The steering wheel also doesn't intrude with the center console. The Porsche Taycan does slightly.

- The seats are very very comfortable. Comfort is worlds above the Model 3. I would like to have ventilated seats but I don't think it's worth upgrading to leather. The SensaTec interior is perfect in my mind.

- The rear seat area isn't that big. Tall people might have some issues in the back seat if going on long trips. For me and my fiance it's a non issue. The nod goes to the Model 3 for rear seating.

- Finally, HUD is an option. I really wish the Model 3 had this option.

Driving and Performance

- This is where the i4 M50 really shines. Performance feels similar to my Model 3 but I I feel it is definitely faster. In Sport Boost, the car really puts you back in your seat in the most fiercest way. Excellent I also enjoy the IonicSounds, I think it gives it character and emotion when driving it.

- Suspension feels really good. The adaptive suspension definitely helps here and ride quality is just about perfect. Sporty when you want it and comfortable enough for long trips. The Model 3 suspension is quite harsh compared to this i4. Also, even though the i4 is quite a heavy car, you wouldn't know it when having fun on the back roads with spirited driving

Battery

- I think the battery technology blows away the Tesla here. The i4 gives you real world range and doesn't have much, if any parasitic loss when driving. For example, I left the dealership at 99% battery and 242 miles of range. After about a 15 mile test drive mixed with sporty back road driving, flooring the accelerator most of the time and some highway cruising with some high speed bursts, we came back with 93% battery and 230 miles of range. My Tesla would of lost way more than that and that was my biggest gripe with it.

- Regenerative braking really works. I used to be able to do one pedal driving in the Tesla and I can do it here just as well but the i4 seems to charge the battery up a lot better when you have the regen braking on

Overall

In summary, BMW has hit it out of the park and into the next block here. They have successfully created probably the perfect EV to be able to compete with Tesla and other competition in this price point. I can see myself owning one in the near future

Thanks for taking the time to read my quick review

[Technic]

The rear bumper gloss black trim on each side is there to charge suckers $2800 for the carbon fiber version of that trim.

That’s how BMW rolls. You are welcome.

[gs6456]

I hate the grills on the M3/M4 and 4 Series but for some reason it works here.

The I4 grill has a slightly different shape. Look at the space between the two sides at the very bottom. This makes a lot of difference.

[cfm56d7b]

Originally Posted by vinny84

Not that anyone might care what a former Tesla owner might think, I still thought it would be nice to share my experience with the i4 M50 and how I think BMW has fared when comparing this to a Model 3

Finally had the opportunity to test drive one last night at my BMW dealer event. I have been eyeing this model for quite some time and I was curious to find out what BMWs answer might be to EVs and ultimately Tesla

First Look

- I have to admit, I think the front is really nice. I hate the grills on the M3/M4 and 4 Series but for some reason it works here.

- I like the rear maybe a bit more but I'm not sure why BMW decided to leave half the rear bumper in high gloss black trim. For that, I think this car looks best in black. I love the blue but that rear bumper bothers me with the black trim for some reason. If only the bottom rear was in high gloss black, I think the blue would be the color of my choice

Interior

- The interior is really nice and clean. I don't mind the buttons on the center console. I think BMW did a really nice job here. Everything is easy to use and access for the most part. I actually do wish it had physical buttons for the heated seats but I was told those can be set to come on automatically after an outside temp has been set.

- The curved display is awesome and really nice. Everything is easy to read and navigate. The steering wheel also doesn't intrude with the center console. The Porsche Taycan does slightly.

- The seats are very very comfortable. Comfort is worlds above the Model 3. I would like to have ventilated seats but I don't think it's worth upgrading to leather. The SensaTec interior is perfect in my mind.

- The rear seat area isn't that big. Tall people might have some issues in the back seat if going on long trips. For me and my fiance it's a non issue. The nod goes to the Model 3 for rear seating.

- Finally, HUD is an option. I really wish the Model 3 had this option.

Driving and Performance

- This is where the i4 M50 really shines. Performance feels similar to my Model 3 but I I feel it is definitely faster. In Sport Boost, the car really puts you back in your seat in the most fiercest way. Excellent I also enjoy the IonicSounds, I think it gives it character and emotion when driving it.

- Suspension feels really good. The adaptive suspension definitely helps here and ride quality is just about perfect. Sporty when you want it and comfortable enough for long trips. The Model 3 suspension is quite harsh compared to this i4. Also, even though the i4 is quite a heavy car, you wouldn't know it when having fun on the back roads with spirited driving

Battery

- I think the battery technology blows away the Tesla here. The i4 gives you real world range and doesn't have much, if any parasitic loss when driving. For example, I left the dealership at 99% battery and 242 miles of range. After about a 15 mile test drive mixed with sporty back road driving, flooring the accelerator most of the time and some highway cruising with some high speed bursts, we came back with 93% battery and 230 miles of range. My Tesla would of lost way more than that and that was my biggest gripe with it.

- Regenerative braking really works. I used to be able to do one pedal driving in the Tesla and I can do it here just as well but the i4 seems to charge the battery up a lot better when you have the regen braking on

Overall

In summary, BMW has hit it out of the park and into the next block here. They have successfully created probably the perfect EV to be able to compete with Tesla and other competition in this price point. I can see myself owning one in the near future

Thanks for taking the time to read my quick review

Great, practical review. Made notes for myself as I consider i4 M50 in the 2nd year of production.

[BMWpowered]

Loved the review! Didn't realize the M50 is so close to the Model 3 Performance in terms of price. Factor in that 7.5k rebate in the US and depending on the configurations, it can get pretty similar.

The long-range though would be a more direct comparison with the eDrive40 in terms of price, and speed.

[BimmerBahn]

Agreed with your post…. Tesla P3D here…and moving back to a BMW i4 M50

[hotrod182]

Originally Posted by BimmerBahn

Agreed with your post…. Tesla P3D here…and moving back to a BMW i4 M50

Interestingly enough, over 2000 people took a Car Wow Poll asking which car is best between at M3P and the i4 M50. 45% more people picked the BMW! 901 votes vs 1300. So much for all those claiming the BMW is such a losing effort.

[Needsdecaf]

Originally Posted by hotrod182

Interestingly enough, over 2000 people took a Car Wow Poll asking which car is best between at M3P and the i4 M50. 45% more people picked the BMW! 901 votes vs 1300. So much for all those claiming the BMW is such a losing effort.

I wouldn't put too much stock in that. There are a lot of Tesla haters out there who would pick Putin over Tesla as being better off for the world. How many of them are actually buying the car? Or even have any EV ownership experience?

[nosnoop]

Originally Posted by Needsdecaf

There are a lot of Tesla haters out there who would pick Putin over Tesla as being better off for the world.

Is that so? I always had the impression that there are more Tesla fanatics than haters; and they are very active in comments section in various platforms as well. Anytime there were some negatives posted about Tesla, there would be droves of defenders posting countering views, and bashing other cars.

[hotrod182]

Originally Posted by nosnoop

Is that so? I always had the impression that there are more Tesla fanatics than haters; and they are very active in comments section in various platforms as well. Anytime there were some negatives posted about Tesla, there would be droves of defenders posting countering views, and bashing other cars.

Exactly my take. Tesla Fanatics were in full force attacking any article praising BMW EVs. But now some of the reviewers took the chance of offending their wide Tesla Fanbase, and reported their preference for the BMW.

[techwhiz1]

Originally Posted by hotrod182

Exactly my take. Tesla Fanatics were in full force attacking any article praising BMW EVs. But now some of the reviewers took the chance of offending their wide Tesla Fanbase, and reported their preference for the BMW.

I ran into some of them here.

They poo-poo all over BMW tech while extolling the virtues of Tesla that were not superior to BMW.

Now Tesla has raised the price of the Model 3 again.

Model 3 RWD with blue paint, white interior, 19" wheels and FSD is now $ 62,490

Model 3 LR is now $71,490
Model 3 Performance is $76,990

TM3 Performance now exceeds the price of a fully loaded M50 when you factor in $7500 tax credit. Actually they all exceed the price of a comparable model now.

A fully loaded M50 is about $80k
That is with Tanzanite, leather, laser lights, HUD, performance tires, etc. On the Tesla you also don't get adaptive suspension.

If you remove features that have no Tesla equivalent like HUD, leather and laser lights you can actually beat the TM3P by a significant amount.

I added FSD because I added all the ADAS on the BMW.

Tesla is asking luxury prices for a less than luxury vehicle

Go figure....

[BMWpowered]

Originally Posted by techwhiz1

I ran into some of them here.

They poo-poo all over BMW tech while extolling the virtues of Tesla that were not superior to BMW.

Now Tesla has raised the price of the Model 3 again.

Model 3 RWD with blue paint, white interior, 19" wheels and FSD is now $ 62,490

Model 3 LR is now $71,490
Model 3 Performance is $76,990

TM3 Performance now exceeds the price of a fully loaded M50 when you factor in $7500 tax credit. Actually they all exceed the price of a comparable model now.

A fully loaded M50 is about $80k
That is with Tanzanite, leather, laser lights, HUD, performance tires, etc. On the Tesla you also don't get adaptive suspension.

If you remove features that have no Tesla equivalent like HUD, leather and laser lights you can actually beat the TM3P by a significant amount.

I added FSD because I added all the ADAS on the BMW.

Tesla is asking luxury prices for a less than luxury vehicle

Go figure....

But..you can get an iPad in the middle of your dash, and no actual dashboard!

Jokes aside though, the value proposition for the Model 3 at those price points has really dropped off. The only positive now is that you can still get the Model 3 faster than an i4 (August delivery for the Model 3 if you order now, versus God knows when if you order an i4 now)

[cruzer666]

Originally Posted by techwhiz1

I ran into some of them here.
Model 3 Performance is $76,990
Tesla is asking luxury prices for a less than luxury vehicle
Go figure....

I agree with you, the comparison between a Tesla Model 3 and a BMW i4 can be done on EV features ONLY(range and performance).

Other than the EV features there really isn't a comparison between the cars, it's apples to oranges. It's not a matter of hating the Model 3, it just doesn't have basic features like a dashboard and basic quality workmanship (panels lining up, acceptable quality paint, it even has poorly designed rims, they get scratched on the most minor curbing) a new $16,000 sedan has.

[techwhiz1]

Yeah, that's my point competition has entered the market and Tesla might look good in a vacuum but that vacuum no longer exists.

Tesla Model 3/Y and yo a large extent the S/X at $100k+ just doesn't make the cut anymore.

The only thing they currently have is short lead times, but that will go away.

BMW and others have not looked at the pent up demand for "brand loyal" customers. Look at how many of us have waited a year for a car. Surprising enough most of us are cross shopping cars that can't be delivered any sooner.

I'd buy a Lucid if I could get one.
My wife would get a Fisker Ocean tomorrow if she could. Neither of us want a Tesla.

[bavarianride]

Originally Posted by techwhiz1

Yeah, that's my point competition has entered the market and Tesla might look good in a vacuum but that vacuum no longer exists.

Tesla Model 3/Y and yo a large extent the S/X at $100k+ just doesn't make the cut anymore.

The only thing they currently have is short lead times, but that will go away.

BMW and others have not looked at the pent up demand for "brand loyal" customers. Look at how many of us have waited a year for a car. Surprising enough most of us are cross shopping cars that can't be delivered any sooner.

I'd buy a Lucid if I could get one.
My wife would get a Fisker Ocean tomorrow if she could. Neither of us want a Tesla.

Tesla sales is still robust in non-US mkts(e.g. China), so it is not like Tesla is on the way out even if competitions ramp up.

What does happen is that FMVs of Teslas(both new and used) re-adjust, e.g. Model 3 base actually has big price increase to align with i4 eDrive 40 after $7.5k incentives(say, around $48k), currently that is helping Tesla.

As far as Tesla's best product aka TSLA, it still holds its ground relatively well at the moment.

[paulbazoV2]

Originally Posted by bavarianride

Tesla sales is still robust in non-US mkts(e.g. China), so it is not like Tesla is on the way out even if competitions ramp up.

What does happen is that FMVs of Teslas(both new and used) re-adjust, e.g. Model 3 base actually has big price increase to align with i4 eDrive 40 after $7.5k incentives(say, around $48k), currently that is helping Tesla.

As far as Tesla's best product aka TSLA, it still holds its ground relatively well at the moment.

What about route planning navigation on I4 compared to Tesla?

I understand that on tesla you set your destination and the car suggests chargers to stop along the route based on your parameters like run battery down to a selected %, etc. If needed it knows to condition the battery before arriving at charging station, once at the charger is just plug and charge, etc etc

Taycan is the same, How is the I4 doing route planning?

[footie]

I would be very nervous about owning a Lucid, it take years to perfect a car and I’m not only meaning the way it drives but the quality and reliability of it, in my opinion Tesla for all its praise are a long way from delivering a product that could be classed as robust and lasting quality.

So whilst the mainstream brands might not have Tesla beat on the EV bit of motoring they have them licked as something you could rely on to not fall apart in the next 7-10 years.

And this is Tesla, Lucid we have no experience as yet.

[bavarianride]

Originally Posted by paulbazoV2

What about route planning navigation on I4 compared to Tesla?

I understand that on tesla you set your destination and the car suggests chargers to stop along the route based on your parameters like run battery down to a selected %, etc. If needed it knows to condition the battery before arriving at charging station, once at the charger is just plug and charge, etc etc

Taycan is the same, How is the I4 doing route planning?

Check out this German youtube review, @16:40 demos the i4 route planning. I haven't seen any discussion on how BMW determines battery conditions and range and suggestion to next charger, my guess it should be similar to Tesla and Porsche.

[techwhiz1]

Originally Posted by paulbazoV2

What about route planning navigation on I4 compared to Tesla?

I understand that on tesla you set your destination and the car suggests chargers to stop along the route based on your parameters like run battery down to a selected %, etc. If needed it knows to condition the battery before arriving at charging station, once at the charger is just plug and charge, etc etc

Taycan is the same, How is the I4 doing route planning?

It's listed as something it can do, but since I don't haveine yet, I can't answer.

I know it's not a significant issue since I didn't do any long trips in my E90 for a decade.

[techwhiz1]

Originally Posted by footie

I would be very nervous about owning a Lucid, it take years to perfect a car and I’m not only meaning the way it drives but the quality and reliability of it, in my opinion Tesla for all its praise are a long way from delivering a product that could be classed as robust and lasting quality.

So whilst the mainstream brands might not have Tesla beat on the EV bit of motoring they have them licked as something you could rely on to not fall apart in the next 7-10 years.

And this is Tesla, Lucid we have no experience as yet.

Lucid develops the batteries and management system for Formula E.
They have veteran auto industry people. The quality looks good and time will tell.

[sor]

Originally Posted by techwhiz1

I ran into some of them here.

They poo-poo all over BMW tech while extolling the virtues of Tesla that were not superior to BMW.

Now Tesla has raised the price of the Model 3 again.

Model 3 RWD with blue paint, white interior, 19" wheels and FSD is now $ 62,490

Model 3 LR is now $71,490
Model 3 Performance is $76,990

TM3 Performance now exceeds the price of a fully loaded M50 when you factor in $7500 tax credit. Actually they all exceed the price of a comparable model now.

A fully loaded M50 is about $80k
That is with Tanzanite, leather, laser lights, HUD, performance tires, etc. On the Tesla you also don't get adaptive suspension.

If you remove features that have no Tesla equivalent like HUD, leather and laser lights you can actually beat the TM3P by a significant amount.

I added FSD because I added all the ADAS on the BMW.

Tesla is asking luxury prices for a less than luxury vehicle

Go figure....

I can understand people being Tesla fans and the defensiveness, because Tesla does deserve a lot of credit for jump starting the "EV revolution".

However I think there is a lot of hyperbole around Tesla and people are straight up lied to about how far ahead Tesla's tech is or how difficult it would be to reproduce it. I could go into specific examples but I don't want to make this a ten paragraph comment.

I'll just say that I think it was inevitable that some of the existing players who already know how to mass produce quality vehicles would be able to outdo Tesla in build quality while electrifying their platforms and making them perform comparably.

Tesla still has problems with rattles, ride quality, road noise and drive feel. And they still pump hype for their stock price, like showing another Cybertruck last week on stage that had a 2cm panel gap on a closed door and no airbag while claiming production readiness. It's just sloppy. I just don't trust them, I think their range numbers are repeatedly shown to be over-optimistic compared to others, etc. The CCS charging network is already larger than the Supercharger network, and has proven reliable for me. There are a few things I like about the vehicle UI and that's about it.

[WhereItsAt]

I'm curious about range. Not for a buy/no buy decision as I have already decided that this is my next auto and placed an order, but for curiosity's sake. I haven't seen any testing beyond extrapolating total range based on a 70 mile journey. A real world 100%-20% would be appreciated. Then 20-80 and 100% charge times would be even more appreciated.