Goodbye iPace :( Hello i4 M50 :)
Discussion
After 3 very happy years with the fabulous iPace it's time to say goodbye. I have tried desperately to replace it with another, but in the end the price and suddenly missing equipment (blamed on chip shortage) has made it unjustifiable.
So instead I've made a deal work for the only other (affordable) EV that I've really taken to as a driver - an i4 M50, met black, black leather interior, 20" alloys - which will irritate many on here because I've 'thrown range away'... But the car looks so much better on the 20's
Definitely more of a GT than an M car but plenty of fun and absolutely brutal 30-70mph acceleration. Way quicker than BMW suggest.
Delivery 4-6 weeks, the lease company ordered the cars as stock over a year ago and they're nearly ready to ship to UK now. Bring it on!
So instead I've made a deal work for the only other (affordable) EV that I've really taken to as a driver - an i4 M50, met black, black leather interior, 20" alloys - which will irritate many on here because I've 'thrown range away'... But the car looks so much better on the 20's
Definitely more of a GT than an M car but plenty of fun and absolutely brutal 30-70mph acceleration. Way quicker than BMW suggest.
Delivery 4-6 weeks, the lease company ordered the cars as stock over a year ago and they're nearly ready to ship to UK now. Bring it on!
Nice!
The wife wants an i4 as it would fit perfectly for what we would want / need. M50 is what she really wants, but I think that the lower model is probably the better fit (and more affordable at least).
Had to take the wagon for a recall the other day so took a look at the i4 they had - the 35 model I think. I was really impressed and liked it a lot. Was talking to the sales guy and he'd just driven it from one of their other dealers to this one. Suggested that the range was accurate (i3 owners refer to it as the guess-o-meter, but I found it a bit on the pessimistic side) and that he was getting more than the EPA numbers with ease. This is what I have heard in general about BMW EV's here - the EPA test process is really brutal to the German manufacturers.
He also said that the 35 model was certainly quick enough for every day driving. This is California and traffic is a way of life, so take that with a pinch of salt. Quicker than the 330i but would really need to go for the more expensive models to get the performance. He did admit that he's not driven the M50 though. What was interesting is that this dealer (biggest for 50 miles) sells out completely of the i4. Allocation for 2023 is sold already and they didnt even have their allocation for the 2024 model (usually its a July split for model years). As soon as they get anything, its sold in days and its the same with the iX models.
Remains to be seen how long this lasts, but the demand for BMW EV's is strong here and there is a demand for them. Not a volume product yet, but pleased to see that they are really successful so far. So I think you have made a great choice, keep us posted when it arrives!
The wife wants an i4 as it would fit perfectly for what we would want / need. M50 is what she really wants, but I think that the lower model is probably the better fit (and more affordable at least).
Had to take the wagon for a recall the other day so took a look at the i4 they had - the 35 model I think. I was really impressed and liked it a lot. Was talking to the sales guy and he'd just driven it from one of their other dealers to this one. Suggested that the range was accurate (i3 owners refer to it as the guess-o-meter, but I found it a bit on the pessimistic side) and that he was getting more than the EPA numbers with ease. This is what I have heard in general about BMW EV's here - the EPA test process is really brutal to the German manufacturers.
He also said that the 35 model was certainly quick enough for every day driving. This is California and traffic is a way of life, so take that with a pinch of salt. Quicker than the 330i but would really need to go for the more expensive models to get the performance. He did admit that he's not driven the M50 though. What was interesting is that this dealer (biggest for 50 miles) sells out completely of the i4. Allocation for 2023 is sold already and they didnt even have their allocation for the 2024 model (usually its a July split for model years). As soon as they get anything, its sold in days and its the same with the iX models.
Remains to be seen how long this lasts, but the demand for BMW EV's is strong here and there is a demand for them. Not a volume product yet, but pleased to see that they are really successful so far. So I think you have made a great choice, keep us posted when it arrives!
Great choice. Had a go in a colleagues i4 40 and that is plenty quick enough, the 50 would be proper crazy, as in for real world driving M4s/M5s/RS4s/RS6s/C63s/E63s etc wouldn't see which way it went unless you're up into proper license loosing speeds. All the while balanced with serene refinement when you want it.
If I didn't need a bit more space I'd have had one like a shot.
If I didn't need a bit more space I'd have had one like a shot.
off_again said:
Nice!
The wife wants an i4 as it would fit perfectly for what we would want / need. M50 is what she really wants, but I think that the lower model is probably the better fit (and more affordable at least).
Had to take the wagon for a recall the other day so took a look at the i4 they had - the 35 model I think. I was really impressed and liked it a lot. Was talking to the sales guy and he'd just driven it from one of their other dealers to this one. Suggested that the range was accurate (i3 owners refer to it as the guess-o-meter, but I found it a bit on the pessimistic side) and that he was getting more than the EPA numbers with ease. This is what I have heard in general about BMW EV's here - the EPA test process is really brutal to the German manufacturers.
He also said that the 35 model was certainly quick enough for every day driving. This is California and traffic is a way of life, so take that with a pinch of salt. Quicker than the 330i but would really need to go for the more expensive models to get the performance. He did admit that he's not driven the M50 though. What was interesting is that this dealer (biggest for 50 miles) sells out completely of the i4. Allocation for 2023 is sold already and they didnt even have their allocation for the 2024 model (usually its a July split for model years). As soon as they get anything, its sold in days and its the same with the iX models.
Remains to be seen how long this lasts, but the demand for BMW EV's is strong here and there is a demand for them. Not a volume product yet, but pleased to see that they are really successful so far. So I think you have made a great choice, keep us posted when it arrives!
Same here regards the i4 40's and ix 40's selling the day they land - or before via lease. The supply chain has gone to sThe wife wants an i4 as it would fit perfectly for what we would want / need. M50 is what she really wants, but I think that the lower model is probably the better fit (and more affordable at least).
Had to take the wagon for a recall the other day so took a look at the i4 they had - the 35 model I think. I was really impressed and liked it a lot. Was talking to the sales guy and he'd just driven it from one of their other dealers to this one. Suggested that the range was accurate (i3 owners refer to it as the guess-o-meter, but I found it a bit on the pessimistic side) and that he was getting more than the EPA numbers with ease. This is what I have heard in general about BMW EV's here - the EPA test process is really brutal to the German manufacturers.
He also said that the 35 model was certainly quick enough for every day driving. This is California and traffic is a way of life, so take that with a pinch of salt. Quicker than the 330i but would really need to go for the more expensive models to get the performance. He did admit that he's not driven the M50 though. What was interesting is that this dealer (biggest for 50 miles) sells out completely of the i4. Allocation for 2023 is sold already and they didnt even have their allocation for the 2024 model (usually its a July split for model years). As soon as they get anything, its sold in days and its the same with the iX models.
Remains to be seen how long this lasts, but the demand for BMW EV's is strong here and there is a demand for them. Not a volume product yet, but pleased to see that they are really successful so far. So I think you have made a great choice, keep us posted when it arrives!
t so BMW seem to be focussing only on certain model variants.People that ordered a dealer i4 M50 over a year ago still haven't got a delivery date in the UK.. that's why when I found a lease deal on one whuch the lease co had ordered a year ago and was about to leave the factory, I jumped!
plfrench said:
Great choice. Had a go in a colleagues i4 40 and that is plenty quick enough, the 50 would be proper crazy, as in for real world driving M4s/M5s/RS4s/RS6s/C63s/E63s etc wouldn't see which way it went unless you're up into proper license loosing speeds. All the while balanced with serene refinement when you want it.
If I didn't need a bit more space I'd have had one like a shot.
I tried the 40 too and it's indeed nippy, I would describe the 50 as borderline scary sometimes.If I didn't need a bit more space I'd have had one like a shot.
A bit more research reveals a few independent testers recording 3.3 secs to 60 (BMW say 3.9 but they have reasons for playing it down..)
Anything even close to 3 secs is bonkers quick
TheDeuce said:
I tried the 40 too and it's indeed nippy, I would describe the 50 as borderline scary sometimes.
A bit more research reveals a few independent testers recording 3.3 secs to 60 (BMW say 3.9 but they have reasons for playing it down..)
Anything even close to 3 secs is bonkers quick
It's the way it keeps on going that is most impressive - usually where EVs tail off a fair bit once up to around 100mph is. This video seems to capture the relentless pull pretty well - properly impressive.A bit more research reveals a few independent testers recording 3.3 secs to 60 (BMW say 3.9 but they have reasons for playing it down..)
Anything even close to 3 secs is bonkers quick
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUTOCQ8OKjk&t=...
Around 2:50 for the 100-200km/h acceleration test. 8.5sec vs 11.3 for the Tesla Model 3 Performance.
plfrench said:
TheDeuce said:
I tried the 40 too and it's indeed nippy, I would describe the 50 as borderline scary sometimes.
A bit more research reveals a few independent testers recording 3.3 secs to 60 (BMW say 3.9 but they have reasons for playing it down..)
Anything even close to 3 secs is bonkers quick
It's the way it keeps on going that is most impressive - usually where EVs tail off a fair bit once up to around 100mph is. This video seems to capture the relentless pull pretty well - properly impressive.A bit more research reveals a few independent testers recording 3.3 secs to 60 (BMW say 3.9 but they have reasons for playing it down..)
Anything even close to 3 secs is bonkers quick
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUTOCQ8OKjk&t=...
Around 2:50 for the 100-200km/h acceleration test. 8.5sec vs 11.3 for the Tesla Model 3 Performance.
I suppose that means it could have been geared differently and been even quicker 0-60... But what would be the point? When I launched it on a test drive with the windows down I would say the tyres were close to the limit of traction already, there was definitely a little slip and lateral shuffling as the rear dug in and shunted the car forwards. It's 'enough' I reckon
oop north said:
I went from an iPace (via an xc90 for a year) to an iX a month ago. Going by how fast that accelerates I can imagine the i4 50 being borderline scary! I would have considered an i4 if I didn’t need the extra space and an upright seating position for my wife’s back
It's scary because it doesn't stop accelerating so there's no 'you've had your fun' moment - unlike the iPace which stops being bonkers once you're at around 65mph.It also seems to demand commitment to corner hard, which is unlike all other powerful EV's I have driven. IE, it won't always grip like a limpet, if you lose confidence and lift it can start to understeer, but if you push too hard it will allow more rear axle slip than you'd expect. I haven't had enough time in the one I tested and mine isnt turning up for several weeks - but I get the impression it's a car you have to master to get the best from. If I'm honest, the iPace, whilst amazingly good dynamically, was easy to extract the full potential out of from day one.
I would say the M50 is a 'drivers' EV but this is PH and the mob will come after me
plfrench said:
It's the way it keeps on going that is most impressive - usually where EVs tail off a fair bit once up to around 100mph is. This video seems to capture the relentless pull pretty well - properly impressive.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUTOCQ8OKjk&t=...
Around 2:50 for the 100-200km/h acceleration test. 8.5sec vs 11.3 for the Tesla Model 3 Performance.
Bloody hell! That is impressive.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUTOCQ8OKjk&t=...
Around 2:50 for the 100-200km/h acceleration test. 8.5sec vs 11.3 for the Tesla Model 3 Performance.
This is what interests me around EV's - the variability of how the performance / range is obtained. We have already seen that there are some different engineering approaches and unlike the anti-EV group that just dismiss them, I think they make a great real-world performance car. From what I have seen and read about the i4, it and the Taycan are the closest so far. Its going to be really interesting to see what happens in the next few years!
And it just goes to show, there is more to performance than the 0-60 number. Personally, corners interest me.
TheDeuce said:
I hadn't realised it was so far ahead of the M3P by that metric. It's definitely geared to be an autobahn bruiser/GT car.
I suppose that means it could have been geared differently and been even quicker 0-60... But what would be the point? When I launched it on a test drive with the windows down I would say the tyres were close to the limit of traction already, there was definitely a little slip and lateral shuffling as the rear dug in and shunted the car forwards. It's 'enough' I reckon
I don't think those figures are right to be honest. The BMW is clearly faster at higher speeds but various websites suggest there isn't much in it. Drag race here:I suppose that means it could have been geared differently and been even quicker 0-60... But what would be the point? When I launched it on a test drive with the windows down I would say the tyres were close to the limit of traction already, there was definitely a little slip and lateral shuffling as the rear dug in and shunted the car forwards. It's 'enough' I reckon
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbdiQ9FjBwc
MaxFromage said:
I don't think those figures are right to be honest. The BMW is clearly faster at higher speeds but various websites suggest there isn't much in it. Drag race here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbdiQ9FjBwc
That video did make me laugh when I saw it at the time. For some reason they tested against a Model 3 P with an aftermarket bodykit/spoiler and non standard wheels which went on to record the slowest 1/4 mile time in any test they've performed. Generated plenty of clicks and engagement though funnily enough.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbdiQ9FjBwc
All a bit pointless though TBH, both cars have got performance that can very rarely be used on public roads in the UK, and at autobahn speeds will empty their batteries in < 100 miles.
SWoll said:
MaxFromage said:
I don't think those figures are right to be honest. The BMW is clearly faster at higher speeds but various websites suggest there isn't much in it. Drag race here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbdiQ9FjBwc
That video did make me laugh when I saw it at the time. For some reason they tested against a Model 3 P with an aftermarket bodykit/spoiler and non standard wheels which went on to record the slowest 1/4 mile time in any test they've performed. Generated plenty of clicks and engagement though funnily enough.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbdiQ9FjBwc
All a bit pointless though TBH, both cars have got performance that can very rarely be used on public roads in the UK, and at autobahn speeds will empty their batteries in < 100 miles.
But as you say, and as I said earlier, there comes a point at which it's all a bit pointless. Fast enough has already been well and truly achieved amongst the fastest real world EV's that are on the market. They're all now hovering around the 3 second to sixty mark (that was hypercar territory in very recent history) and all of them can be brutal when it comes to 40-70mph / 50-90mph overtaking.
What's starting to set a few apart is the differing driving dynamics, in particular how the power is metered front to rear and how 'safe' the e-diff setup is. It's interesting that there is a belief that all EV's are point and squirt with no driver deftness required... apparently the EV6 GT in drift (heavy rear axle bias) takes considerable driver ability to keep travelling in the intended direction - so perhaps as EV's become more lairy the new skill and input as a driver will be to deal with direct control of an instant torque electric motors power output? That has to be roughly equivalent in terms of driver finesse compared to perfect gear + perfect RPM for a corner. As I said above, I was quickly aware that getting the M50 around a set of corners at unbelievable speed was possible, but the car wasn't going to do it all for me. You sort of have to trust that the car will shift enough torque to the front axle and inner wheel to pull the car into the corner, if you back off, it gives up (because you're judged weak by a German M division e-diff engineer, I assume) and you run a little wide. There's still a safe level of driver aid at all times but it lets you know that you have to take part all the way for the car to do what it can do.
The M50 is mostly a GT car but I'm now thinking about the MG roadster and wondering how flamboyant it's e-diff setup might be in terms of driver engagement. I'm convinced that there are high thrills available from giving a driver as much control over power delivery as is vaguely safe in these sportier EV's.
DMZ said:
What are the self-driving tech and stereo like?
To my ear the older HK in my F30 330d was a little better than the current HK stuff BMW provide.. but it's still above average.The meridian system in the iPace was superb.
As for self driving tech, the general consensus is that BMW have caught up Tesla at the very least, and I'd agree. The adaptive braking in particular is very clever.
DMZ said:
What are the self-driving tech and stereo like?
Have no complaints about the stereo, it does not strike me as anything special but I am sure if I fiddle with the settings I could make it better.I don’t like any driving assistants or tech apart from the blind spot monitor and parking sensors. The automatically activated lane assistance is so annoying I turn it off when doing any longer journeys.
South tdf said:
DMZ said:
What are the self-driving tech and stereo like?
Have no complaints about the stereo, it does not strike me as anything special but I am sure if I fiddle with the settings I could make it better.I don’t like any driving assistants or tech apart from the blind spot monitor and parking sensors. The automatically activated lane assistance is so annoying I turn it off when doing any longer journeys.
A self driving intervention on a b-road blast is irritating, but on a longer journey on major roads, let the car do the leg (wheel..) work..?
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