I had owned a Tesla Model 3 Performance for 8 months, then I sold it for various reasons. One of them is the lack of soul or excitement. Yes, the acceleration is fast, at first it is very impressive, especially during the test drive, but you know what, after having done maybe 5-10 times the full acceleration, my body got used to the G force, then I couldn’t feel anything special about the car anymore. There is no acoustic feedback (engine noise), no revs, nothing, there is no feedback, nothing to work with, it’s a super super boring experience, I am not attached to the machine. Then I sold it and switched back to a manual mx-5 with 8s 0-100, super slow, but very exciting to drive, you are connected to the machine, you can work your engine, you get a feedback, it’s rewarding. Another reason to sell Tesla is phantom braking, another topic.
Performance EVs are a one-trick pony. Combustion engines have so many facets to their personality that I mourn for the future. And Mark Williams… a sound generator just doesn’t cut it 🤷🏻♂️
I feel sorry for those that can only have 1 car for some reason. I have 3 all suited for a different purpose. The model 3 P is a great daily. But yeah, not great if thats your only car and you're a bit of a driving enthusiast.
As a car enthusiast who started out in mk2 Escorts I think EV’s make great everyday cars, especially if it means we can enjoy proper (petrol powered + manual gearbox) sports cars for fun!
I really appreciate your thorough car reviews. Especially points about interior space. Many car journalists forget that people need to be able to actually use with these machines everyday.
The reason for the lack of door space in the rear is due to the fact that the Gran Coupé, is the same dimmensions as the normal coupé. Same lenght, wheelbase and width (Counting without the added wheel arches). I have a M50 on order myself. Fiew reasons for going for the M50 and not the eDrive40; I wanted xDrive, the added bits of power and style, and price difference here in Norway. It was only 10000 nok or about 1000£, for fully specced models in the start. Later they realised that the M50 was too cheap so the price went up 56k nok / 5.6k £! Another reason is that the M50 was almost half price of a similar specced M440i, due to taxes.. You're absolutely right about this not being a M3 alternative or replacement. I believe it never was supposed to be, as BMW themself said current technology hasn't reached that far yet. Its simply too fat and can't drive all day on a track without killing its tires and draining the battery too soon. But atleast to me, its the best alternative in the current EV marked if one is to choose a electric car. Great review as always Joe! :)
@@andywmoffat Door opening on previous gen was tight aswell. Same problem with the headroom and C pillar. Only the legroom was better for obvious reasons.
Trying to get one of these for myself, my gas guzzler FJ Cruiser is killing my wallet. I have and FK8 Type R as a weekend car so this would be great for my day to day. Although I may end up getting an i3 to save money.
I genuinly thought this was a biased review from an M3 owner. Then I drove the i4M50 and Joe is once again bang on! Maybe a little too kind as I thought it was boring.
I absolutely love your analogy of "carrying a bit too much tiimber" and jiggling. I'm totally with you on EV's. I will keep my manual Golf R as long as i can
I just want to say, Joe, that I thoroughly enjoy your perspective on cars. It's honest, articulated well, and well judged. Keep doing what you're doing! 👍
@@JoeAchilles1 i was thinking exactly the same as johnnyr25. considering where you get your input from (ie car manufacturers), i think that was a great honest piece and they should respect that
Probably the most honest EV review out there. Just got a new M340i and it's wonderful, but there is a very real reason why I want to hang onto my old, very analog 318ti.
Great honest review as always Joe. I’m looking forward to getting my I4 M50 in March. It’ll be my daily and then I have my manual M2 comp for the weekends. Best of both Worlds 👏
Nice car, very surprised how much i like this and how the grillie doesn’t bother my as much as expected (don’t start me on the iX though). Taycan due in April but I’d seriously consider whatever the evolution of this is when my PCP is up. Oh, and no kids, so the comedy back seats Joe pointed out would just serve to make me laugh if it was my turn to be the designated driver taking mates to the pub…😂
@@Thisonegoestoeleven666 I have the i4 m50 and I’m 6 foot 2” and I can sit in the back with good leg room head room is a bit tight but I’m not hitting the roof it’s not that bad also there are not that many families that are all above 6 foot
The majority of buyers just want a metal box to move people and things around in, with the right badge on the bonnet - so this ticks the box. For those who like a drivers car, this doesn’t tick the box as it’s a one-trick pony with its acceleration. The i4 will still sell very well however as it’s the future - and we’re going there whether we like it or not.
i4 is the best electric car in terms of balance and getting everything right. performance, price, practicality, service centers, sound, range, interior, ride.
Nothing more to say Joe ! The weight of the cars today is driving me crazy. I drove two Peugeot 205 GTI with a weight of approx 900 kg in my youth :) you can have a lots of fun with only 120 hp. Same opinion - EV's are good and they are doing their thing to save the environment in a long range but if you want to have fun, your garage needs at least another space left for an inline or a flat 6. If my M240 were a manual, I would never sell it. I'm currently waiting to replace it with the incoming G87 - but only if this will be build with three pedals and RWD.
This car will improve over the years. They will make the adjustments they need to make sure us BMW enthusiasts are happy. It’s the first generation let’s all relax and enjoy the car for what it is. Cheers 🍻. Nice review Joe as always.
I don't think even BMW intended to make the i4 M50 as great a driver's car as their normal M cars. And I don't think any of their customers would think so either. It is what it is. A super fast EV with comfort and luxury.
BMW has the ”Neue Klasse” platform coming in few years and I really do hope they get the weight down considerably. 2.2 metric tons is just ridiculous really. I drove the petrol 320i and 330e hybrid back to back and the extra weight on the hybrid made it feel like a tank. Maybe the RWD i4 version would be better, but even that is heavy.
The battery technology will improve in the years to come, increased density within the battery will allow for lighter batteries & as a result lighter cars. The reason the i4 is so heavy compared to say a Tesla Model 3 is due to the safety housing around the battery. Tesla skimp on the safety.
As a car guy a true enthusiast this is the kind of EV I can be sold on bc it looks like a car not a space ship , It’s got a real interior with buttons and knobs and not just one big ass screen surrounded by a cheap ass interior. I have fought EV’s but now that company’s are making regular looking EVs sign me up
Loved this review Joe. Honest and informative as always. 100% agree with what you say on cars being too fast to enjoy on the road now. Even the M340i (as amazing as that car is) is too quick to enjoy on the B roads. Fully understand what you’re saying about an i20 N or a Fiesta ST, for some B road thrills.
I think the E92 M3 with a naturally aspirated 414 hp was the sweet spot that was useable on the road. I loved mine and would have kept it thinking back on it now. I also love my F82 M4C but the power can be a bit spikey and could be dangerous in the wrong hands on a public road. I've driven a 991.2 Turbo S and it was insane how that thing accelerates, I can only imagine what a car like the SF 90 or 765 LT would be on public roads. You can only exploit these cars on track and you need skill in order to do so...Here in the States we do have a little more room on our roads but the point still stands.
I agree. I got an M240i. On Sydney roads it's just too much power to have fun all the time. The Abarth 124 spider will be a fun car to redline everywhere.
@@russodean2 I had a 06 Dinan Mini Cooper S that was the first car I ever tracked and it was probably the most fun I've had on track too. So I totally get how an Abarth 124 spider would/could be the pinnacle of a 200ish hp car driving experience on road or track. They won't kill you for making a slight mistake in a bend during a weekend outing.
@@Peanutdenver yeh exactly. My first car was a 2012 SKoda Fabia VRS. 132kw and 250NM. Hate to say it. but I had more fun driving that car than my BMW. Definitely had some scary moments around corners in my BMW haha. Makes you check yourself.
This is the review I needed! As a self confessed petrolhead, I ordered a car in August last year, thinking it would be the last petrol car I owned before we were all forced into EVs. That order hasn’t arrived and there is no sign of it anytime soon. So I am considering a Model Y, but now the M50 is looking tempting. I just needed to hear a review from a ‘driver’ not a fanboy. Thanks @joeachilles!
There’s a lot to be said for having a smaller car that you can push harder and not end up doing nearly 100mph in 2nd gear! Wouldn’t mind a GR Yaris or a Mini Cooper S to go alongside my M3 for the same reasons!
Guess I’ll stick with my lightweight i3S then. Corners like a go-kart and every trip is a blast. The new i4 looks allright, but i think BMWi has lost some of its engineering momentum from the great i3 / i8 days.
It's kind of Insane this car achieved 2.3 tonnes. Something went with the engineering or they spent extra effort to achieve that. This class of EV should be 1.9 Tonnes max which is already a bad weight penalty. How they made its 800kg more than an ICE equivalent is junk bonkers.
“Do you need all this straight line performance ?” absolutely hits the nail on the head, Joe. Manufacturers are obsessed with making EVs quick off the mark because, well, that’s about it for driving enjoyment. I’m going electric for my practical daily - a Skoda Enyaq which will be perfect for schlepping about in and which has no pretensions of being fun to drive. I’m keen to try a new M240i which might be my next fun car (M2 will be a bit beyond my budget). I also really question too whether all of that weight is really very green. No tailpipe emissions, sure, but what about the carbon footprint?? Hmm! Absolutely great vid as ever, detailed, thorough, crisply presented and above all, honest👌🏼
I honestly expected you to hate this car, so the verdict feels like a win :) I’ve had an M50 ordered since mid July, due for delivery in March. As a daily driver it makes a lot more sense than a 340i or 440i here in Ireland. Taxes & petrol prices have made ICEs just too damned expensive to buy and run here.
Nice review...the drawbacks of several of these reviews is that the reviewers don't have enough time with the car to get used to certain things and then properly judge. For example - I used to hate not having physical climate control buttons on my Tesla for a few weeks...now the auto climate control is perfect - I never have to touch anything other than increasing/decreasing temperature (even the auto seat heaters are perfect). Getting used to 1 pedal driving, regenerative braking takes some time...but when you do its a game changer and hard to live without.
I also drove the i4 M50 this week, and totally agree with your review. Having briefly driven the car, over roads I know well, I felt exactly the same way about it. Thanks for being so honest, we do appreciate it!
Great honest review as always Joe, I’m totally with you on this one. I have a lot of faith in BMW and I’m sure they will get the M electric cars right one day !! Porsche are steadily proving that
Amazing video as always, I'm totally with you with ev, I've driven a few and yes they are great cars but no way they're as exiting as real high performance car
I4 and the taycan are the best driving experience u can get in an EV. By farrrr. U actually get the driving dynamics of a real sports cars. I tried a tesla and noise isolation was terrible and it didnt feel like i was in something special. I4 really gives u that luxury sports car feeling.
There shouldn’t be any compliant about the rear on this. It was never designed for 4 tall adults. It’s a grand coupe. If you need a comfortable rear, then wait for their i3 or go for the iX. For me, this is perfect, I rarely carry ANY adult in my rear seats. Mostly empty, occasionally kids
Thanks for a great review! It’s so refreshing to see a honest review from someone that actually knows how a good car should feel. I live in the Mekka for EV’s - Norway - and it’s no longer possible to discuss cars here. Mention a really good car - which 99,9 % of Norwegian’s knows nothing about - you are immediately confronted with the 0-100 km/h time of a Tesla etc. All EV’s I have tried - including our 2nd car - have no soul. They are quick off the line, but that’s actually all it is. And of course all the incentives offered by the government. All the fun is gone, and the feeling of driving is lost. It’s like replacing a high quality mechanical watch with an Apple Watch - yes it show’s you the time (and a lot of stuff you don’t need) - but the feeling of owning something special is just not there. The feeling of craftsmanship, how the engine and transmission work together to create that special feeling. It’s just sad, and I’m so happy I grew up in the 80’s and 90’s 😀 Thank you again, and keep on giving me hope that you can still have fun driving 👍🏻
Another great video Joe. If we're to all be taking the transition to EV's seriously, why are manufacturers still involved in this power / torque arms race? 200bhp and twice the range would be much more likely to get a regular punter to consider the move from oil burner to cleaner (supposedly) models.
Some of it is to get the buyers in this class of market. The battery is still a large cost of the car but coming down. If you get into the higher end, performance sector then you are playing to the strength of EVs. Also with current tech there is a limit from reducing battery size and thus weight. Still, just about to sell my 1st EV after 3 years and awaiting the next to be delivered. Regularly do a 400 mile journey in a car with a realistic (i.e. average motorway speed of 70 plus ..er a bit) range of 200 miles in the summer and about 170 in the winter. Drive it for fun, use all the toys and never get range anxiety simply as always plan to stop between 120-150 miles. That ties in with when I want to stop for coffee etc and I arrive way more refreshed than if I’d done that whole journey in one.
@@jaromor8808 The Tesla Model 3 is comparable in curb weight to the M3: Standard Range RWD : 3,552 lb (1,611 kg) Standard Range plus RWD : 3,627 lb (1,645 kg) Mid Range RWD: 3,686 lb (1,672 kg) Long Range RWD: 3,814 lb (1,730 kg) Long-Range Dual-Motor AWD (including Performance): 4,072 lb (1,847 kg) BMW M3 3,840 lbs.
So refreshingly honest. Totally agree with the underwhelming drive of EVs. But it’s the way it’s going and it’ll only be the rich who will be able to drive combustion engines in the future.
BMW have got stuck in their ways it seems. Using the old conventional platform doesn’t work for something so different as an EV. At least they were creative with the i3 and i8. I’d love to see how you feel the drivers experience is with the new Kia EV6.
Joe, I have to admit, I was hoping for you to review this exact car, owning an F36 435d myself, thinking the i4 M50 could replace my 435d GC one day. But I'm very grateful for you being honest in reviewing this car and pointing out also the quite questionable aspects of this car. I honestly think, looking at you on the rear seat, BMW has worsened some traits of the F36 or at least hasn't improved them. Sure the predecessor was no 7 series either but it didn't appear as claustrophobic as the i4 seems to be and the c-pilar-view was not as bad. But the worse for me is the loss of the pleasure of driving because hand-on-heart, driving pleasure is much more than just straight-line performance. BMW should regardless of their drive-train constellation always corner and behave well on the road and if they don't, then that's a remarkable loss. But I would like to see, if the i4 40 might be the better driver's car, being a little lighter, maybe we will get a chance to see you reviewing that car one day too. Thanks for your hard and great work in getting across this interesting and usable information for us as your audience. Thanks to your honesty and authenticity, we can rely on your judgment and realistic verdicts. Thank you and keep up the great work 👍 IMO you're the best UA-camr when it comes to cars.
I own a Tesla Model Y Performance and you're bang on about the handling. They're so heavy and I always feel like the Y should handle better with the big rims/tires. It's almost 5000 lbs and EV manufacturers need to solve the riddle for those who want an EV that is the full package of speed and handling. Good video mate 🍻
Top notch review, As a bmw fanboy the transition to EV's is a tricky one for manufacturer's that built their reputation on a driver centric model! As you mentioned Porsche seemed to have pulled it off with the Taycan, whilst this seems more like BMW trying to tick all the boxes but with out the core values of an M performance car bar the freakish straight line performance! I have no doubt BMW will eventually re-discover that sweet spot that made them the driver's brand of choice within the EV new world, but for now appealing to wider the EV mass market is the priority. I currently drive a Panamera V8 4S which is an amazing do it all car and the Taycan is definitely the only EV I would consider at the moment - bar the cost! But great review and I still love and respect BMW during this transitional and disruptive period within the Auto industry!
11:56 greeting from Australia. Having owned 3 M cars, the only thing that makes sense about this car is that we have roof top solar that generates about 40kwh of electricity in excess every day. With premium petrol close to $2 in Australia, an i4 makes perfect sense for us.
This will be the most popular company car in the country. The last gen 4 series GC was super popular and given BiK rates you can get an i4 M50 for about £350 a month net through a salary sacrifice scheme including insurance, maintenance etc; let alone if you have a funded car.
This new interior is coming to the 3 series refresh too. Real shame they've gone full touch screen. I also think the single screen approach looks terrible, does in Mercs too.
Hi Joe there are 3 things handicapping this car, weight, range anxiety and the charging network, also one other point are the brakes, at over 2.3tons you are going to need a very good set of brakes to stop the car regardless of what the regen can assist with when you take your foot off the accelerator.
No one can say this isn’t an honest review Joe! Interesting, as I’ve been considering EVs for a few years now, but still have found that for me ICE is the way to go (current car is a M240i). It’s interesting BMW’s approach to EVs over the last 10 years or so, because they’ve gone from ground up EVs (i3 and i8) to shared EV/ICE platforms such as this. I’m thinking the reason for that is cost. I’m pretty sure the i3 and i8 never covered the massive investment that was involved in their creation (even though they’ve been relatively popular and the i3 remains an advanced and interesting car). Cost saving, due to the shared platform, is the reason this is compromised I would suggest. To be fair to BMW, I think they’re in a very tricky place at the minute; a company that historically was about great driving cars (saloons/sedans and coupés) has had to transition to SUVs (to meet increasing customer demand) and now EVs (to meet ever tougher emissions regulations and environmental concerns). As their range of cars has expanded, so has their customer base and now many frankly buy a BMW simply for its badge and less for the actual car itself. Tech seems to have taken over too in many cases, so it’s less about the car and the drive and more about whether it has Apple Car Play. As I say, tricky times for a company that was all about the drive.
Funny, I went from a 2016 M235i to a Taycan 4S. It really is the only EV close to being a drivers car, can't wait for the Lotus Type 135 or Porsche Cayman EV though. Even then, they really need to make the paddle shifters engage the regen braking, to mimic engine breaking IMO. Maybe even purposely have a minimum of two drive moves, one where the low end torque a bit so it 'builds', versus giving 100% at the start. They need to start engineering fun instead of just putting stats down in EVs, I guess is what my point is, even if it is a bit gimmicky.
I think it is a very commendable 1st try from BMW for a FEV. A bit late but still quite nice. I have ordered the 40, longer range, good enough power, cheaper and filled with equipment instead of extra weight and power that might make me lose my license :) I am selling my model 3. Cannot explain why, most Tesla fans would not get it anyway. Nice review, i agree with you with all your points besides the rear size. I do not think any cars can put a giant in the front and a giant in the back :)
I right now have a 2017 M5 and placed an order for the i4M50. The only reason is that it is saving me about 600 euro's a month and the M5 as a daily is just not a good car for me, since I only drive short distances (which is terrible for the engine, so i tend to drive about 30km to warm up the engine). I am a true petrolhead, so ultimately I also regret this decision, but I guess we have to move on to the 'new way of life...' and also save some money in the meantime.
I ordered my I4M50 as well, short commute to work but I test drove the I40 base model and was sold on the smoothness and like you said to save a couple bucks. Helps I have a Huracan EVO for Sunday driving in the summer, I can get my petrol fix.
Jiggling anology-marvelous. I'm not taking the mick, well explained and I've been watching you for a couple years now, possibly a bit longer. Keep it up.
I went to look at a 4 series gran coupe at my local garage. I set the driving seat where I wanted it an jumped in the back. I am 5’10 and I could sit okay in the back. Knees literally just clear of the back of the seat in front and my head was clear of the roof. Any taller and it would have been just too tight.
Interesting perspective Joe. I have sold my 2022 X4M Competition with 400 miles on the clock for all the reasons you point out. Horrible on gas (15 mpg), poor handling for an SAV and doesn't feel safe around corners. Also, I cannot open it up on the police-controlled streets and highways in my Scottsdale, AZ neighborhood. I ordered the I4 M50 and a more practical car for the everyday driver. I should receive it in the summer of 2022 according to my sales rep.
Would be interested to see your opinion on one of the Mustang Mach-E's. Maybe the GT to compare to this model. Personally can't compare any other EV's with it but I have driven a Mach-E RWD for some time and must say there is still a fun factor while at the same time not being overpowered.
No that 2.3 Tonnes has nothing to do with the battery. It's just an absurd weight which almost seems implausible. Even with weight penalty of a high capacity battery it should 1.9 Tonnes max.
@@Neojhun I disagree. The design is fine to my eye. It's like a blank slate. I just wish more people would make them their own. I've seen 3s & Ys wrapped with aftermarket wheels and thought they looked great!
Quality review Joe No BMW fanboy biased views 👍 At 6 ft 5" and a fiesta owner,in the rear of the BMW you look like you have less room than sitting in the back of our fiesta with me driving 😲
I do have hope that battery manufacturers will soon find a way to make them significantly lighter and charge significantly faster but until they do I'm not sure why anyone who enjoys driving would even consider an EV
I appreciate that having a long sweeping single screen to replace button and instrument cluster looks clean but I feel like it's super lazy car design and removes any of the intricacy of a lovely dashboard.
The review of a man stuck in ICE nostalgia. Its a pretty good step forward for EVs and its the future whether we like it or not. Whilst I don't dispute the opinions made, it lacks the context of the vision that car manufacturers are working in. They will get more efficient/responsive over time, and this is the start of a new M car generation.
@@Its-me.. Yes, because politicians and their payed experts have only the best for the majority in mind. They don't care about their own wealth, they are so selfless! Wake up, please.
@@latlak Ah yes, the classic conspiratorial response. You only have to look at public health research to see the significance of a switch to EVs, data and evidence that has existed for decades, and at a time when governments were active resistant to electrification.
The weight to me is a good thing it’s insulated and solid and where I live where the winter is terrible the weights great for traction no need to throw 100 pounds of sand in the trunk over the axle in this thing
I felt similar handling from the old model Range Rover Sport because it had the hefty Disco chassis, you'd turn the wheel and there was a delay till the car changed direction
Enjoyed the review Joe. In terms of performance, without a gearbox, the i4 only has direct drive, so it's pulling away from rest in probably the equivalent to 5th gear in an M3. So despite the extra torque, I'm not surprised the M3 can beat it....
@@z00h Power transmission: two-speed transmission unique to Porsche First gear gives the Taycan even more acceleration from a standing start, while the long second gear ensures high efficiency and power reserves even at very high speeds.
I test drove this car and found myself feeling disconnected ....strange right ! And you mentioned the jiggly movement driving , my thought was the same . The one pedal operation is great when you get used to it I would imagine , but the lurching and swaying movement in this mode is again something to get head around ! I need to go test drive more EV and see if the sensation is in other makes
I think you nailed it and rightly said: Electric cars are not exciting at all. The manufacturers made them "attractive" by giving them straght line performance. Beyound that, it all falls apart. Same as you, I don't like climate controls integrated in the screen. Truth is, when it works well, like in a BMW, how many time do we need to change the settings? Is it really an issue?
Much like a 2+2 coupe, my theory about the tiny rear doors is so they aren't particularly inviting to people, but if absolutely pressed, you can take more than 1 passenger in a pinch. ...and I'm quite OK with a backseat that doesn't invite extra passengers. : )
Great honest review Joe! 2.2 tonnes is a bit of a joke for any car enthusiast out there. A new car audience is upon us leaving us all scratching our heads unfortunately 🤯
Most of that weight is sitting in the floor of the car, so centre of gravity is very low. It feels a lot different to having the weight hanging over the front/rear wheels.
Nah dude it's closer to 2.3 Tonnes. Not sure how BMW even achieved that, it has nothing to do with being a BEV. It should be 1.9 max even with weight penalty of a battery. Something else is going on.
@@SDK2006b Yes 600kg battery would result in 1.9 Tonnes. Not freaking 2.3 Tonnes. This has nothing to do wit Tesla M3 it's not relevant. Kia Niro EV a bulkier SUV weighs 1.8 tonnes and has very similar range to i4. I think BMW with all their CFRP tech should be able to achieve a proper M4 BEV at 1.9 tonnes. They are just outdated and don't have the cojones.
9:30 I'm pretty sure it's also a lot cheaper to put it in the screen than make physical buttons for it, which explains why VAG are doing it so much after the Diesel gate fines
fair video i think! it seems like all manufacturers have work to do to make high performance EVs seem more special than just straight line machines. But until that happens it just makes more sense to buy the cheaper variants with more range.
Totally agree with you, straight acceleration is not everything, and that’s all EV’s has to offer, I will stick to gasoline or diesel cars as far as possible, manual or paddles are good for me, I need to feel I’m driving a car, and not being just a passenger, cheers from Costa Rica
I appreciate this review, you're absolutely right there's no joy to EV's but I do feel apart from Porche BMW has hit the ball out of the park out off all the others attempting EV's. It's a gorgeous looking car for sure.
Great review! It indeed points out that the acceleration of these EVs is great and ridiculous, but that's not what is all about when enjoying driving a car. They will never be a drivers-car. I'm really not looking forward to the future, regarding the fact that we all have to spend time in a vacuum cleaner with wheels...
Great review. If EVs are inevitable then I wish BMW would simply take the M3 body and make it an EV. It needs the handling of the current M3 and some piped in sound to add to the driver experience. Why go half way with just the mirrors and steering wheel? Personally I believe the ICE manufacturers want to control the pace of the transition to EVs to maintain profits.
To clarify. It’s 400kg heavier than a base 7 series, not a LWB. A better comparison would be it’s slightly lighter than the Porsche Taycan with performance battery packs.
Great vid, really appreciate the honesty. I can imagine the M division weren't happy with an M badge going on a 2.2 ton vehicle, it doesn't exactly fit their mantra and apart from truck racing I can't think of a Motorsport with 2.2 ton class.
And It's not even the heaviest M car. The X6M is just under 2,300 kg. Let's face it, when the lightest M car is over 1,700 kg, the company really doesn't care about weight.
I saw one yesterday in nardo greyish.. and i have to say as a mercedes fan.. wauw.. what a good looking car in my opinion the first fast ev that is not that expensive.. within 1 or 2 years i think they should be affordable
So after making their cars less roomy (6ft 6 guy here), after letting best BMW M staff go to Huyndai Kia group and after designing the ugliest BMWs in history. They decided that it was removing the buttons and making everything "touch" that made Tesla chosen against their competiors ! Great job guys, for sure it wasnt that Teslas are AWD, offer a much better range and of course so more powerful. Just to give an idea of what clowns make decisions in Munich.. They are offering an all electric RWD X3 !!!! And they are expecting this to sell units. BTW Great job bro !
Yep it's not good times at the moment, I think we have 2-3 years of interesting ICE BMW's to be launched (new M2, M4 CSL and M3 Touring), after that it's looking very average...
@@JoeAchilles1 They Germans are arrogant, they cannot learn from their past mistakes. They let a brilliant mind go to Huyndai group, mr Albert Bierman! Google him, a guy with deacades of presence at BMW Motorsport.. And the Koreans honored him ! Because Joe its the people who make a brand rise or fall
Thanks for another great, thorough review…did you ever drive an iPace? Just curious as we bought one for our daily treks and, as a keen petrolhead, I was genuinely surprised by how engaging and fun it is to drive. Sure, it’s not a GR Yaris ok the lanes, but it has poise and handling to match most of the best SUVs and big saloons and wasn’t far off the Taycan in my experience in terms of fun.
Very honest review, thanks. I’ve never liked these 4/5 door “coupe” variants, not just BMW other manufacturers too. Not liking that dash either. Oh my. Love my G21 though. 👍
I had owned a Tesla Model 3 Performance for 8 months, then I sold it for various reasons. One of them is the lack of soul or excitement. Yes, the acceleration is fast, at first it is very impressive, especially during the test drive, but you know what, after having done maybe 5-10 times the full acceleration, my body got used to the G force, then I couldn’t feel anything special about the car anymore. There is no acoustic feedback (engine noise), no revs, nothing, there is no feedback, nothing to work with, it’s a super super boring experience, I am not attached to the machine. Then I sold it and switched back to a manual mx-5 with 8s 0-100, super slow, but very exciting to drive, you are connected to the machine, you can work your engine, you get a feedback, it’s rewarding. Another reason to sell Tesla is phantom braking, another topic.
My thoughts exactly. Driving an electric car is like driving a fridge.
Exactly evs are more for daily. for spirited or philosophical or musical driving conventional ice esp na ice still tops the exp
Performance EVs are a one-trick pony. Combustion engines have so many facets to their personality that I mourn for the future. And Mark Williams… a sound generator just doesn’t cut it 🤷🏻♂️
Same. Selling my M3P because it’s a heavy one trick pony. Just not that fun - you really feel the weight in the curves
I feel sorry for those that can only have 1 car for some reason. I have 3 all suited for a different purpose. The model 3 P is a great daily. But yeah, not great if thats your only car and you're a bit of a driving enthusiast.
As a car enthusiast who started out in mk2 Escorts I think EV’s make great everyday cars, especially if it means we can enjoy proper (petrol powered + manual gearbox) sports cars for fun!
My m50 is arriving in March next year.I'll save up for next 5 years and then buy a 2020 low milage M3 Comp for my day off!
Correct! Great Dailys and lacking in weekend cars =)
Agreed, that's why I have an Exige for the weekend.
I really appreciate your thorough car reviews. Especially points about interior space. Many car journalists forget that people need to be able to actually use with these machines everyday.
Cheers man, glad you appreciate it 👌
Oh sorry I am of the opposite opinion. Carwow can tell me about interior space if I want. I always watched joe for the thrill of driving
The reason for the lack of door space in the rear is due to the fact that the Gran Coupé, is the same dimmensions as the normal coupé.
Same lenght, wheelbase and width (Counting without the added wheel arches).
I have a M50 on order myself.
Fiew reasons for going for the M50 and not the eDrive40;
I wanted xDrive, the added bits of power and style, and price difference here in Norway.
It was only 10000 nok or about 1000£, for fully specced models in the start. Later they realised that the M50 was too cheap so the price went up 56k nok / 5.6k £!
Another reason is that the M50 was almost half price of a similar specced M440i, due to taxes..
You're absolutely right about this not being a M3 alternative or replacement. I believe it never was supposed to be, as BMW themself said current technology hasn't reached that far yet. Its simply too fat and can't drive all day on a track without killing its tires and draining the battery too soon.
But atleast to me, its the best alternative in the current EV marked if one is to choose a electric car.
Great review as always Joe! :)
But it’s got less space than the previous generation GC. That’s the issue.
@@andywmoffat Door opening on previous gen was tight aswell. Same problem with the headroom and C pillar. Only the legroom was better for obvious reasons.
Trying to get one of these for myself, my gas guzzler FJ Cruiser is killing my wallet. I have and FK8 Type R as a weekend car so this would be great for my day to day. Although I may end up getting an i3 to save money.
I genuinly thought this was a biased review from an M3 owner. Then I drove the i4M50 and Joe is once again bang on! Maybe a little too kind as I thought it was boring.
I absolutely love your analogy of "carrying a bit too much tiimber" and jiggling. I'm totally with you on EV's. I will keep my manual Golf R as long as i can
I just want to say, Joe, that I thoroughly enjoy your perspective on cars. It's honest, articulated well, and well judged. Keep doing what you're doing! 👍
Thank you 👊👊
@@JoeAchilles1 i was thinking exactly the same as johnnyr25. considering where you get your input from (ie car manufacturers), i think that was a great honest piece and they should respect that
Its not Well judged. Its known for numb steering But hiding its weight. He says The opposite 😂😂😂
Can’t rely on many other Car Journalists for honest reviews like this man does
First tall reviewer that showed the real interior size of this car. As a tall driver, i appreciated it a lot!
Probably the most honest EV review out there. Just got a new M340i and it's wonderful, but there is a very real reason why I want to hang onto my old, very analog 318ti.
Great honest review as always Joe. I’m looking forward to getting my I4 M50 in March. It’ll be my daily and then I have my manual M2 comp for the weekends. Best of both Worlds 👏
Cheers man! Ahh yes that is the perfect setup 👌
I really hope you don’t have any rear passengers, that rear seat is a joke.
6 year old son so not a bother
Nice car, very surprised how much i like this and how the grillie doesn’t bother my as much as expected (don’t start me on the iX though). Taycan due in April but I’d seriously consider whatever the evolution of this is when my PCP is up. Oh, and no kids, so the comedy back seats Joe pointed out would just serve to make me laugh if it was my turn to be the designated driver taking mates to the pub…😂
@@Thisonegoestoeleven666
I have the i4 m50 and I’m 6 foot 2” and I can sit in the back with good leg room head room is a bit tight but I’m not hitting the roof it’s not that bad also there are not that many families that are all above 6 foot
The majority of buyers just want a metal box to move people and things around in, with the right badge on the bonnet - so this ticks the box. For those who like a drivers car, this doesn’t tick the box as it’s a one-trick pony with its acceleration. The i4 will still sell very well however as it’s the future - and we’re going there whether we like it or not.
sad state of affairs
i4 is the best electric car in terms of balance and getting everything right. performance, price, practicality, service centers, sound, range, interior, ride.
Nothing more to say Joe ! The weight of the cars today is driving me crazy. I drove two Peugeot 205 GTI with a weight of approx 900 kg in my youth :) you can have a lots of fun with only 120 hp. Same opinion - EV's are good and they are doing their thing to save the environment in a long range but if you want to have fun, your garage needs at least another space left for an inline or a flat 6. If my M240 were a manual, I would never sell it. I'm currently waiting to replace it with the incoming G87 - but only if this will be build with three pedals and RWD.
This car will improve over the years. They will make the adjustments they need to
make sure us BMW enthusiasts are happy. It’s the first generation let’s all relax and enjoy the car for what it is. Cheers 🍻. Nice review Joe as always.
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I don't think even BMW intended to make the i4 M50 as great a driver's car as their normal M cars. And I don't think any of their customers would think so either. It is what it is. A super fast EV with comfort and luxury.
BMW has the ”Neue Klasse” platform coming in few years and I really do hope they get the weight down considerably. 2.2 metric tons is just ridiculous really. I drove the petrol 320i and 330e hybrid back to back and the extra weight on the hybrid made it feel like a tank. Maybe the RWD i4 version would be better, but even that is heavy.
The battery technology will improve in the years to come, increased density within the battery will allow for lighter batteries & as a result lighter cars. The reason the i4 is so heavy compared to say a Tesla Model 3 is due to the safety housing around the battery. Tesla skimp on the safety.
Honestly. First real size+ reviewer that picks up on the real issues.
As a car guy a true enthusiast this is the kind of EV I can be sold on bc it looks like a car not a space ship , It’s got a real interior with buttons and knobs and not just one big ass screen surrounded by a cheap ass interior. I have fought EV’s but now that company’s are making regular looking EVs sign me up
Loved this review Joe. Honest and informative as always. 100% agree with what you say on cars being too fast to enjoy on the road now. Even the M340i (as amazing as that car is) is too quick to enjoy on the B roads. Fully understand what you’re saying about an i20 N or a Fiesta ST, for some B road thrills.
I think the E92 M3 with a naturally aspirated 414 hp was the sweet spot that was useable on the road. I loved mine and would have kept it thinking back on it now. I also love my F82 M4C but the power can be a bit spikey and could be dangerous in the wrong hands on a public road. I've driven a 991.2 Turbo S and it was insane how that thing accelerates, I can only imagine what a car like the SF 90 or 765 LT would be on public roads. You can only exploit these cars on track and you need skill in order to do so...Here in the States we do have a little more room on our roads but the point still stands.
I agree. I got an M240i. On Sydney roads it's just too much power to have fun all the time. The Abarth 124 spider will be a fun car to redline everywhere.
@@russodean2 I had a 06 Dinan Mini Cooper S that was the first car I ever tracked and it was probably the most fun I've had on track too. So I totally get how an Abarth 124 spider would/could be the pinnacle of a 200ish hp car driving experience on road or track. They won't kill you for making a slight mistake in a bend during a weekend outing.
@@Peanutdenver yeh exactly. My first car was a 2012 SKoda Fabia VRS. 132kw and 250NM. Hate to say it. but I had more fun driving that car than my BMW. Definitely had some scary moments around corners in my BMW haha. Makes you check yourself.
I'll also add that my BMW M240i is the best car I've ever had. love it.
This is the review I needed! As a self confessed petrolhead, I ordered a car in August last year, thinking it would be the last petrol car I owned before we were all forced into EVs. That order hasn’t arrived and there is no sign of it anytime soon. So I am considering a Model Y, but now the M50 is looking tempting. I just needed to hear a review from a ‘driver’ not a fanboy. Thanks @joeachilles!
Absolute pleasure!
There’s a lot to be said for having a smaller car that you can push harder and not end up doing nearly 100mph in 2nd gear!
Wouldn’t mind a GR Yaris or a Mini Cooper S to go alongside my M3 for the same reasons!
Guess I’ll stick with my lightweight i3S then. Corners like a go-kart and every trip is a blast.
The new i4 looks allright, but i think BMWi has lost some of its engineering momentum from the great i3 / i8 days.
It's kind of Insane this car achieved 2.3 tonnes. Something went with the engineering or they spent extra effort to achieve that. This class of EV should be 1.9 Tonnes max which is already a bad weight penalty. How they made its 800kg more than an ICE equivalent is junk bonkers.
“Do you need all this straight line performance ?” absolutely hits the nail on the head, Joe. Manufacturers are obsessed with making EVs quick off the mark because, well, that’s about it for driving enjoyment.
I’m going electric for my practical daily - a Skoda Enyaq which will be perfect for schlepping about in and which has no pretensions of being fun to drive. I’m keen to try a new M240i which might be my next fun car (M2 will be a bit beyond my budget).
I also really question too whether all of that weight is really very green. No tailpipe emissions, sure, but what about the carbon footprint?? Hmm!
Absolutely great vid as ever, detailed, thorough, crisply presented and above all, honest👌🏼
Thank you 🙏
Spot on.
I honestly expected you to hate this car, so the verdict feels like a win :) I’ve had an M50 ordered since mid July, due for delivery in March. As a daily driver it makes a lot more sense than a 340i or 440i here in Ireland. Taxes & petrol prices have made ICEs just too damned expensive to buy and run here.
Nice review...the drawbacks of several of these reviews is that the reviewers don't have enough time with the car to get used to certain things and then properly judge. For example - I used to hate not having physical climate control buttons on my Tesla for a few weeks...now the auto climate control is perfect - I never have to touch anything other than increasing/decreasing temperature (even the auto seat heaters are perfect). Getting used to 1 pedal driving, regenerative braking takes some time...but when you do its a game changer and hard to live without.
All input is error!
Insanely better looking than the Plaid.
Joe I just want to say thank you for the honest opinions. This is why you are my favourite car channel, it’s like listening to a mate talk about cars.
Thank you, appreciate the support and happy 2022 🙏
And Joe isn't the target buyer for this car, so good he can give his honest opinion.
I also drove the i4 M50 this week, and totally agree with your review. Having briefly driven the car, over roads I know well, I felt exactly the same way about it.
Thanks for being so honest, we do appreciate it!
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Great honest review as always Joe, I’m totally with you on this one.
I have a lot of faith in BMW and I’m sure they will get the M electric cars right one day !! Porsche are steadily proving that
Amazing video as always, I'm totally with you with ev, I've driven a few and yes they are great cars but no way they're as exiting as real high performance car
Exactly, just don't see the evs taking off, disappointing that they're never really going to be as good 😕
PLAID!
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I4 and the taycan are the best driving experience u can get in an EV. By farrrr. U actually get the driving dynamics of a real sports cars. I tried a tesla and noise isolation was terrible and it didnt feel like i was in something special. I4 really gives u that luxury sports car feeling.
There shouldn’t be any compliant about the rear on this. It was never designed for 4 tall adults. It’s a grand coupe. If you need a comfortable rear, then wait for their i3 or go for the iX. For me, this is perfect, I rarely carry ANY adult in my rear seats. Mostly empty, occasionally kids
Thanks for a great review! It’s so refreshing to see a honest review from someone that actually knows how a good car should feel. I live in the Mekka for EV’s - Norway - and it’s no longer possible to discuss cars here. Mention a really good car - which 99,9 % of Norwegian’s knows nothing about - you are immediately confronted with the 0-100 km/h time of a Tesla etc. All EV’s I have tried - including our 2nd car - have no soul. They are quick off the line, but that’s actually all it is. And of course all the incentives offered by the government.
All the fun is gone, and the feeling of driving is lost. It’s like replacing a high quality mechanical watch with an Apple Watch - yes it show’s you the time (and a lot of stuff you don’t need) - but the feeling of owning something special is just not there. The feeling of craftsmanship, how the engine and transmission work together to create that special feeling. It’s just sad, and I’m so happy I grew up in the 80’s and 90’s 😀
Thank you again, and keep on giving me hope that you can still have fun driving 👍🏻
Another great video Joe. If we're to all be taking the transition to EV's seriously, why are manufacturers still involved in this power / torque arms race? 200bhp and twice the range would be much more likely to get a regular punter to consider the move from oil burner to cleaner (supposedly) models.
Agreed - Id much rather have 300hp and as much range as possible. If possible 500+ miles as I am not able to charge at home.
200bhp in an EV does not sounds like enough, thank you but no... 200hp would be enough if it wasn't for EVs being heavy af.
Some of it is to get the buyers in this class of market. The battery is still a large cost of the car but coming down. If you get into the higher end, performance sector then you are playing to the strength of EVs. Also with current tech there is a limit from reducing battery size and thus weight. Still, just about to sell my 1st EV after 3 years and awaiting the next to be delivered. Regularly do a 400 mile journey in a car with a realistic (i.e. average motorway speed of 70 plus ..er a bit) range of 200 miles in the summer and about 170 in the winter. Drive it for fun, use all the toys and never get range anxiety simply as always plan to stop between 120-150 miles. That ties in with when I want to stop for coffee etc and I arrive way more refreshed than if I’d done that whole journey in one.
@@jaromor8808 The Tesla Model 3 is comparable in curb weight to the M3:
Standard Range RWD : 3,552 lb (1,611 kg) Standard Range plus RWD : 3,627 lb (1,645 kg) Mid Range RWD: 3,686 lb (1,672 kg) Long Range RWD: 3,814 lb (1,730 kg) Long-Range Dual-Motor AWD (including Performance): 4,072 lb (1,847 kg)
BMW M3 3,840 lbs.
So refreshingly honest. Totally agree with the underwhelming drive of EVs. But it’s the way it’s going and it’ll only be the rich who will be able to drive combustion engines in the future.
We have ordered the i4 m50 and can't wait for it to arrive.
BMW have got stuck in their ways it seems. Using the old conventional platform doesn’t work for something so different as an EV. At least they were creative with the i3 and i8. I’d love to see how you feel the drivers experience is with the new Kia EV6.
Exactly what I was hoping for and expecting in this review! Top work as ever mate thank you
Joe, I have to admit, I was hoping for you to review this exact car, owning an F36 435d myself, thinking the i4 M50 could replace my 435d GC one day.
But I'm very grateful for you being honest in reviewing this car and pointing out also the quite questionable aspects of this car.
I honestly think, looking at you on the rear seat, BMW has worsened some traits of the F36 or at least hasn't improved them. Sure the predecessor was no 7 series either but it didn't appear as claustrophobic as the i4 seems to be and the c-pilar-view was not as bad.
But the worse for me is the loss of the pleasure of driving because hand-on-heart, driving pleasure is much more than just straight-line performance.
BMW should regardless of their drive-train constellation always corner and behave well on the road and if they don't, then that's a remarkable loss.
But I would like to see, if the i4 40 might be the better driver's car, being a little lighter, maybe we will get a chance to see you reviewing that car one day too.
Thanks for your hard and great work in getting across this interesting and usable information for us as your audience.
Thanks to your honesty and authenticity, we can rely on your judgment and realistic verdicts.
Thank you and keep up the great work 👍 IMO you're the best UA-camr when it comes to cars.
I own a Tesla Model Y Performance and you're bang on about the handling. They're so heavy and I always feel like the Y should handle better with the big rims/tires. It's almost 5000 lbs and EV manufacturers need to solve the riddle for those who want an EV that is the full package of speed and handling. Good video mate 🍻
Top notch review,
As a bmw fanboy the transition to EV's is a tricky one for manufacturer's that built their reputation on a driver centric model! As you mentioned Porsche seemed to have pulled it off with the Taycan, whilst this seems more like BMW trying to tick all the boxes but with out the core values of an M performance car bar the freakish straight line performance!
I have no doubt BMW will eventually re-discover that sweet spot that made them the driver's brand of choice within the EV new world, but for now appealing to wider the EV mass market is the priority. I currently drive a Panamera V8 4S which is an amazing do it all car and the Taycan is definitely the only EV I would consider at the moment - bar the cost!
But great review and I still love and respect BMW during this transitional and disruptive period within the Auto industry!
11:56 greeting from Australia. Having owned 3 M cars, the only thing that makes sense about this car is that we have roof top solar that generates about 40kwh of electricity in excess every day. With premium petrol close to $2 in Australia, an i4 makes perfect sense for us.
This will be the most popular company car in the country. The last gen 4 series GC was super popular and given BiK rates you can get an i4 M50 for about £350 a month net through a salary sacrifice scheme including insurance, maintenance etc; let alone if you have a funded car.
This new interior is coming to the 3 series refresh too. Real shame they've gone full touch screen. I also think the single screen approach looks terrible, does in Mercs too.
Hi Joe there are 3 things handicapping this car, weight, range anxiety and the charging network, also one other point are the brakes, at over 2.3tons you are going to need a very good set of brakes to stop the car regardless of what the regen can assist with when you take your foot off the accelerator.
Liked and subscribed. Nothing like a good honest video.
Thank you ❤️👊🙏
No one can say this isn’t an honest review Joe! Interesting, as I’ve been considering EVs for a few years now, but still have found that for me ICE is the way to go (current car is a M240i). It’s interesting BMW’s approach to EVs over the last 10 years or so, because they’ve gone from ground up EVs (i3 and i8) to shared EV/ICE platforms such as this. I’m thinking the reason for that is cost. I’m pretty sure the i3 and i8 never covered the massive investment that was involved in their creation (even though they’ve been relatively popular and the i3 remains an advanced and interesting car). Cost saving, due to the shared platform, is the reason this is compromised I would suggest. To be fair to BMW, I think they’re in a very tricky place at the minute; a company that historically was about great driving cars (saloons/sedans and coupés) has had to transition to SUVs (to meet increasing customer demand) and now EVs (to meet ever tougher emissions regulations and environmental concerns). As their range of cars has expanded, so has their customer base and now many frankly buy a BMW simply for its badge and less for the actual car itself. Tech seems to have taken over too in many cases, so it’s less about the car and the drive and more about whether it has Apple Car Play. As I say, tricky times for a company that was all about the drive.
Funny, I went from a 2016 M235i to a Taycan 4S. It really is the only EV close to being a drivers car, can't wait for the Lotus Type 135 or Porsche Cayman EV though.
Even then, they really need to make the paddle shifters engage the regen braking, to mimic engine breaking IMO. Maybe even purposely have a minimum of two drive moves, one where the low end torque a bit so it 'builds', versus giving 100% at the start.
They need to start engineering fun instead of just putting stats down in EVs, I guess is what my point is, even if it is a bit gimmicky.
I think it is a very commendable 1st try from BMW for a FEV. A bit late but still quite nice.
I have ordered the 40, longer range, good enough power, cheaper and filled with equipment instead of extra weight and power that might make me lose my license :)
I am selling my model 3. Cannot explain why, most Tesla fans would not get it anyway.
Nice review, i agree with you with all your points besides the rear size. I do not think any cars can put a giant in the front and a giant in the back :)
I right now have a 2017 M5 and placed an order for the i4M50. The only reason is that it is saving me about 600 euro's a month and the M5 as a daily is just not a good car for me, since I only drive short distances (which is terrible for the engine, so i tend to drive about 30km to warm up the engine). I am a true petrolhead, so ultimately I also regret this decision, but I guess we have to move on to the 'new way of life...' and also save some money in the meantime.
I ordered my I4M50 as well, short commute to work but I test drove the I40 base model and was sold on the smoothness and like you said to save a couple bucks. Helps I have a Huracan EVO for Sunday driving in the summer, I can get my petrol fix.
@@chrisvincent5933 Having a 458 'on the side' was also a big help for me, so that I don't lose all my fun in driving.
I had a look at the range! 315 miles on 19’s 260ish on 20’s sadly so that’s why it’s so low compared to the 315 you expected
Jiggling anology-marvelous. I'm not taking the mick, well explained and I've been watching you for a couple years now, possibly a bit longer. Keep it up.
I went to look at a 4 series gran coupe at my local garage. I set the driving seat where I wanted it an jumped in the back. I am 5’10 and I could sit okay in the back. Knees literally just clear of the back of the seat in front and my head was clear of the roof. Any taller and it would have been just too tight.
I'd actually like to see a driving review from you on the i4 40 model.Whether you just find it similar or find it works out as a much better package.
Seconded. There may be more soul to be found in the RWD variant of the i4.
That video ending really cracked me up, haha :D
Interesting perspective Joe. I have sold my 2022 X4M Competition with 400 miles on the clock for all the reasons you point out. Horrible on gas (15 mpg), poor handling for an SAV and doesn't feel safe around corners. Also, I cannot open it up on the police-controlled streets and highways in my Scottsdale, AZ neighborhood. I ordered the I4 M50 and a more practical car for the everyday driver. I should receive it in the summer of 2022 according to my sales rep.
Nice to see more EV's coming through from premium manufactures.
Tesla make some good cars,but IMO they can't compete on the quality.
Never thought we'd have a "jiggling Joe" BMW.
Feels like when you’re running and everything jiggling 🤣🤣🤣 classic Joe
Would be interested to see your opinion on one of the Mustang Mach-E's. Maybe the GT to compare to this model. Personally can't compare any other EV's with it but I have driven a Mach-E RWD for some time and must say there is still a fun factor while at the same time not being overpowered.
Great review. Expensive and heavy and no drama,no noise.Need the coming soild state batteries to clip the weight.
No that 2.3 Tonnes has nothing to do with the battery. It's just an absurd weight which almost seems implausible. Even with weight penalty of a high capacity battery it should 1.9 Tonnes max.
Those taillights are absolutely beautiful! That’s the only design features on the Tesla lineup that bothers me, their taillights look old fashioned.
Other than the new Plaid Model S. Most of the Tesla car are quite Ugly. Nice pair of tail lights ain't going to save the overall design.
@@Neojhun I disagree. The design is fine to my eye. It's like a blank slate. I just wish more people would make them their own. I've seen 3s & Ys wrapped with aftermarket wheels and thought they looked great!
Quality review Joe
No BMW fanboy biased views 👍
At 6 ft 5" and a fiesta owner,in the rear of the BMW you look like you have less room than sitting in the back of our fiesta with me driving 😲
Agree with you Joe, I do a lot of travelling and love manual cars. Im dreading the next 10 years.
I do have hope that battery manufacturers will soon find a way to make them significantly lighter and charge significantly faster but until they do I'm not sure why anyone who enjoys driving would even consider an EV
I appreciate that having a long sweeping single screen to replace button and instrument cluster looks clean but I feel like it's super lazy car design and removes any of the intricacy of a lovely dashboard.
The review of a man stuck in ICE nostalgia. Its a pretty good step forward for EVs and its the future whether we like it or not. Whilst I don't dispute the opinions made, it lacks the context of the vision that car manufacturers are working in. They will get more efficient/responsive over time, and this is the start of a new M car generation.
They will never have any soul, feel sorry for manufacturers being forced into this EV farce.
@@JoeAchilles1 A necessary farce though. Moving away from ICEs is obviously a very important step to make.
@@Its-me.. Yes, because politicians and their payed experts have only the best for the majority in mind. They don't care about their own wealth, they are so selfless! Wake up, please.
@@latlak Ah yes, the classic conspiratorial response. You only have to look at public health research to see the significance of a switch to EVs, data and evidence that has existed for decades, and at a time when governments were active resistant to electrification.
@@Its-me.. Public Health Research surely doesn't get their money from the government :) Np, buy an EV so I won't have to!
The real question is do prefer it over a Tesla??? I wud get this over a Tesla!!! Only advantage i see is the charging stations🤷♂️
The weight to me is a good thing it’s insulated and solid and where I live where the winter is terrible the weights great for traction no need to throw 100 pounds of sand in the trunk over the axle in this thing
It jiggles down the road, you had me cracking up Joe!! Thanks for another straight up review!
I felt similar handling from the old model Range Rover Sport because it had the hefty Disco chassis, you'd turn the wheel and there was a delay till the car changed direction
Looks amazing and tech looks delicious but sorry not sold on the EV. Combustion engine still wins my heart everyday.
Enjoyed the review Joe. In terms of performance, without a gearbox, the i4 only has direct drive, so it's pulling away from rest in probably the equivalent to 5th gear in an M3. So despite the extra torque, I'm not surprised the M3 can beat it....
Think that through and come back with some valid observations.
@@z00h Power transmission: two-speed transmission unique to Porsche
First gear gives the Taycan even more acceleration from a standing start, while the long second gear ensures high efficiency and power reserves even at very high speeds.
I test drove this car and found myself feeling disconnected ....strange right ! And you mentioned the jiggly movement driving , my thought was the same . The one pedal operation is great when you get used to it I would imagine , but the lurching and swaying movement in this mode is again something to get head around ! I need to go test drive more EV and see if the sensation is in other makes
I think you nailed it and rightly said: Electric cars are not exciting at all. The manufacturers made them "attractive" by giving them straght line performance. Beyound that, it all falls apart.
Same as you, I don't like climate controls integrated in the screen. Truth is, when it works well, like in a BMW, how many time do we need to change the settings? Is it really an issue?
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Much like a 2+2 coupe, my theory about the tiny rear doors is so they aren't particularly inviting to people, but if absolutely pressed, you can take more than 1 passenger in a pinch.
...and I'm quite OK with a backseat that doesn't invite extra passengers. : )
Great honest review Joe! 2.2 tonnes is a bit of a joke for any car enthusiast out there. A new car audience is upon us leaving us all scratching our heads unfortunately 🤯
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Most of that weight is sitting in the floor of the car, so centre of gravity is very low. It feels a lot different to having the weight hanging over the front/rear wheels.
Nah dude it's closer to 2.3 Tonnes. Not sure how BMW even achieved that, it has nothing to do with being a BEV. It should be 1.9 max even with weight penalty of a battery. Something else is going on.
@@Neojhun - it ‘s the 500-600kg of batteries, decent build quality and an interior. That Tesla M3 is a washing machine made out of MDF 🤣
@@SDK2006b Yes 600kg battery would result in 1.9 Tonnes. Not freaking 2.3 Tonnes. This has nothing to do wit Tesla M3 it's not relevant. Kia Niro EV a bulkier SUV weighs 1.8 tonnes and has very similar range to i4. I think BMW with all their CFRP tech should be able to achieve a proper M4 BEV at 1.9 tonnes. They are just outdated and don't have the cojones.
9:30 I'm pretty sure it's also a lot cheaper to put it in the screen than make physical buttons for it, which explains why VAG are doing it so much after the Diesel gate fines
I wish they made a dual motor version of the e40. The only reason I would buy the m50 is for the awd because I need it since I live in Switzerland.
It's more worth having like 1 extremely cheap electric car to get around cheap. And then some fun weekend car like a m3.
Facts.
fair video i think! it seems like all manufacturers have work to do to make high performance EVs seem more special than just straight line machines. But until that happens it just makes more sense to buy the cheaper variants with more range.
Totally agree with you, straight acceleration is not everything, and that’s all EV’s has to offer, I will stick to gasoline or diesel cars as far as possible, manual or paddles are good for me, I need to feel I’m driving a car, and not being just a passenger, cheers from Costa Rica
I appreciate this review, you're absolutely right there's no joy to EV's but I do feel apart from Porche BMW has hit the ball out of the park out off all the others attempting EV's. It's a gorgeous looking car for sure.
Great review! It indeed points out that the acceleration of these EVs is great and ridiculous, but that's not what is all about when enjoying driving a car. They will never be a drivers-car. I'm really not looking forward to the future, regarding the fact that we all have to spend time in a vacuum cleaner with wheels...
Great review. If EVs are inevitable then I wish BMW would simply take the M3 body and make it an EV. It needs the handling of the current M3 and some piped in sound to add to the driver experience. Why go half way with just the mirrors and steering wheel? Personally I believe the ICE manufacturers want to control the pace of the transition to EVs to maintain profits.
To clarify. It’s 400kg heavier than a base 7 series, not a LWB. A better comparison would be it’s slightly lighter than the Porsche Taycan with performance battery packs.
740Li 1815kg
The tiny, or at least smaller, rear door is also what I noticed on the Mercedes C class a couple of years ago. The front door is much larger!
Range is reduced on the 20 rims and BMW publish a reduced range to reflect 👍
M50 would be the way to go for me as I'd want Xdrive.
8:40 thats why I like you video joe because u talk about the driving feeling not the gadget, keep doing it that way
Great vid, really appreciate the honesty. I can imagine the M division weren't happy with an M badge going on a 2.2 ton vehicle, it doesn't exactly fit their mantra and apart from truck racing I can't think of a Motorsport with 2.2 ton class.
And It's not even the heaviest M car. The X6M is just under 2,300 kg. Let's face it, when the lightest M car is over 1,700 kg, the company really doesn't care about weight.
Whilst the jury may be out on the car, it should be mentioned that Joe's trainers are awesome 👌
I saw one yesterday in nardo greyish.. and i have to say as a mercedes fan.. wauw.. what a good looking car in my opinion the first fast ev that is not that expensive.. within 1 or 2 years i think they should be affordable
Amen on your E car thoughts brother
I agree about the focus on the 0 to 60 mph figures. This is why I have ordered the less powerful 345 BHP i4 edrive 40
So basically another electric car that has rapped the earth to make. Great 👍
So after making their cars less roomy (6ft 6 guy here), after letting best BMW M staff go to Huyndai Kia group and after designing the ugliest BMWs in history. They decided that it was removing the buttons and making everything "touch" that made Tesla chosen against their competiors ! Great job guys, for sure it wasnt that Teslas are AWD, offer a much better range and of course so more powerful. Just to give an idea of what clowns make decisions in Munich.. They are offering an all electric RWD X3 !!!! And they are expecting this to sell units. BTW Great job bro !
Yep it's not good times at the moment, I think we have 2-3 years of interesting ICE BMW's to be launched (new M2, M4 CSL and M3 Touring), after that it's looking very average...
@@JoeAchilles1 They Germans are arrogant, they cannot learn from their past mistakes. They let a brilliant mind go to Huyndai group, mr Albert Bierman! Google him, a guy with deacades of presence at BMW Motorsport.. And the Koreans honored him ! Because Joe its the people who make a brand rise or fall
Thanks for another great, thorough review…did you ever drive an iPace? Just curious as we bought one for our daily treks and, as a keen petrolhead, I was genuinely surprised by how engaging and fun it is to drive. Sure, it’s not a GR Yaris ok the lanes, but it has poise and handling to match most of the best SUVs and big saloons and wasn’t far off the Taycan in my experience in terms of fun.
Nice to see an honest review Joe. Not like many who say nice things not to upset the manufacturer. 👍
Very honest review, thanks. I’ve never liked these 4/5 door “coupe” variants, not just BMW other manufacturers too. Not liking that dash either. Oh my. Love my G21 though. 👍
Thanks Joe!! Honestly being honest is what makes you the best!! Appreciate you!