BMW’s M division is turning 50 today, and as a celebration, BMW Malaysia has brought out five new M models here in Malaysia, including the i4 M50 – the performance sub-brand’s first fully-electric model.
Being fully-electric driven, the BMW i4 M50 stands to benefit from the government’s EV incentives, and as such will be priced from RM430,800 on the road, without insurance, but inclusive of the sales and service tax as it’s expected to only begin deliveries after the Penjana SST exemptions expire on the 30th of June.
PERFORMANCE
The M50 is the new top-dog in the fully-electric BMW i4‘s variant line-up, powered by an all-wheel drive electric powertrain thanks to the addition of a new front motor.
Powertrain: Twin BMW M eDrive motors, all-wheel driveFront motor output: 190 kW (258 hp), 430 NmRear motor output: 230 kW (313 hp), 365 NmTotal system output: 400 kW (544 hp), 795 Nm0-100 km/h: 3.9 seconds (in Sport Boost mode)Top speed: 225 km/hBattery size: 83.9 kWh (80.7 kWh nett), lithium-ionDriving range: 510 km, WLTP
The BMW i4 M50 comes with an 11 kW AC charger on-board, which translates to a charging time of eight hours of 15 minutes. DC charging is also supported at up to 200 kW, which tops up the battery from 10 to 80% in 31 minutes.
EXTERIOR
Unlike the “traditional” M4, the BMW i4 M50 here comes in the form of a Gran Coupe. It does, however, get a range of M Sport trims on the outside to give the i4 a little more aggression. These include:
Gloss black kidney grille surround with grey pinstripingM grille badge (replacing the i logo)M Aerodynamics packageGrey rear diffuser highlightsBlack rear diffuser insertsBoot lid spoilerBMW M wing mirrorsBMW M 50 Years emblemsExterior colour choices: Mineral White, Black Sapphire, M Brooklyn Grey, M Portimao Blue, Sanremo Green
INTERIOR
Matching the exterior sportiness are the M-specific interior trims and equipment, including:
Carbon fibre trim insertsM Sport seatsM Sport steering wheelM tricolour seat beltsAlloy pedalsM anthracite headlinerM-specific BMW IconicSounds Electric
Other standard interior equipment include the BMW Curved Display panel with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch centre infotainment display, both running the iDrive 8 operating system, Sensatec faux leather dashboard upholstery, and an electrical glass roof.
SAFETY
The BMW i4 M50 in Malaysia will coem as standard with the marque’s Driving Assistant Professional Package, consisting of autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with stop and go functions, lane centring assist, lane keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Also standard is the 360-degree surround view monitor, Parking Assistant Plus, as well as Acoustic Protection and Active Protection for pedestrians.
PRICING
The BMW i4 M50 is now available for pre-booking here in Malaysia via the BMW Shop Online platform (linked here) at a fee of RM5,000. Normally retailing for RM430,800, the i4 M50 will also be offered via BMW Group Malaysia’s Straight Line Financing plan, with monthly payments starting from RM4,928 (seven-year tenure, 80% loan).
Included in the price is a five-year unlimited mileage warranty with free scheduled service programme, as well as an eight-year/160,000 km battery warranty.
GALLERY
Keyword: Facts & Figures: 2022 BMW i4 M50, first electric M car launched in Malaysia – RM431k