The automotive landscape is undergoing a monumental shift, with electric vehicles increasingly challenging the benchmarks set by their internal combustion engine (ICE) predecessors. A striking example of this evolution is the comparison between BMW’s formidable M3 Competition and its electric stablemate, the i4 M50. As demonstrated in the accompanying video, these two performance sedans deliver distinct yet compelling driving experiences.
Consider the raw numbers: the traditional M3 Competition X-Drive catapults from 0 to 60 mph in a blistering 3.17 seconds, covering the quarter-mile in 11.5 seconds at 121.5 mph. The electric challenger, the i4 M50, isn’t far behind, hitting 60 mph in 3.57 seconds and completing the quarter-mile in 11.9 seconds at 118.6 mph. While the M3 boasts an impressive 1.09 G on the skidpad, the heavier i4 M50 still achieves a very respectable 0.99 G. These figures highlight the potent capabilities of both vehicles, setting the stage for a deeper dive into what makes each machine unique.
The Legacy of M: BMW M3 Competition’s Enduring Appeal
BMW’s M division has long been synonymous with high-performance motoring, a heritage stretching back to the original M1 in the late 1970s and the M5 in the 1980s. However, it was the 1986 M3 that truly solidified the M badge as the pinnacle of road-going performance for many enthusiasts. The M3 was born out of racing homologation requirements, a testament to its purebred performance intentions.
Unleashing the Beast: M3 Performance and Design
Today’s 2022 BMW M3 Competition X-Drive carries that torch with a fierce spirit. Under its hood, a twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six engine produces a formidable 503 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. This power, coupled with an advanced all-wheel-drive system and grippy Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires, translates into explosive acceleration and superb traction.
The M3 Competition’s design language emphasizes its athletic prowess. Our test model, loaded with options, reached over $108,000, including a $4,700 carbon package. This package adds carbon fiber elements to the splitter, mirrors, and roof, contributing to a lighter curb weight of 3,904 lbs. Despite its weight, this M3 is engineered to be a track weapon, designed to grip and go with immense force.
The Visceral M Experience: Sound and Steering
The M3 delivers a visceral driving experience that is hard to replicate. Its engine produces a distinctive, aggressive sound that is an integral part of its identity. On the track, the M3 proves to be a ferocious and nimble machine, responding eagerly to driver inputs. While its steering is sharp and precise, some enthusiasts note a consistent lack of feedback, making it challenging to truly feel what the tires are doing – an essential component often desired in the M legacy.
Electrifying Performance: The BMW i4 M50 Enters the Arena
The 2022 BMW i4 M50 represents BMW’s bold step into the electric performance segment. While not a full-fledged M car, it is the first electric BMW to proudly wear the M badge, signaling the brand’s commitment to carrying its performance DNA into the EV era. This model is an M Performance variant, much like an M340i is to a full M3, offering enhanced capabilities beyond a standard model.
Electric Power and Engineering
The i4 M50 is powered by a large, heavy battery pack mounted low beneath the floor, contributing to a significantly lower center of gravity. This pack sends power to two electric motors, one at the front and one at the rear, effectively providing all-wheel drive. The vehicle tips the scales at 5,067 lbs, approximately 1,163 lbs heavier than the M3 Competition.
Despite its substantial weight, the i4 M50 delivers impressive performance. It boasts 469 horsepower and 538 lb-ft of torque in its standard configuration. Engaging Sport Boost mode elevates these figures to a staggering 538 horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque, offering immediate and immense power delivery that is characteristic of high-performance EVs. The i4 M50 rolls on 20-inch wheels wrapped in Pirelli P Zero tires, with wider rubber at the rear to help manage its power.
Real-World Range and Practicality
Beyond its acceleration, the i4 M50 offers surprising real-world range. While EPA-rated at 227 miles on a full charge, tests have shown a real-world range closer to 268 miles. This significantly outperforms its official rating, placing the i4 M50 among EVs with much higher estimated figures and offering a practical advantage for daily use. The i4 also benefits from a versatile rear hatchback-style trunk, enhancing its practicality over the M3 sedan’s traditional trunk.
Driving Dynamics: A Different Kind of M
On the track, the i4 M50 demonstrates impressive mechanical grip. Its low center of gravity, due to the battery placement, keeps the car remarkably planted through corners, despite its considerable weight. The immediate and immense power delivery is highly addictive, providing thrilling bursts of speed. However, some drivers might find that the car’s software limits full power in certain steering angle situations, perhaps to manage traction or preserve components.
The variable sport steering, standard on the M50, provides a weighty feel that some appreciate, though it still shares the M3’s characteristic lack of direct feedback from the road. The overall driving sensation is one of refined speed and composure rather than raw, unbridled aggression. This indicates a different interpretation of the M experience, one that prioritizes rapid, controlled progress with less of the traditional M car’s dramatic character.
Inside the Cabin: Luxury and Technology
Both the M3 Competition and the i4 M50 offer premium BMW interiors, yet their approaches differ significantly, reflecting their core philosophies.
M3 Competition Interior: Race-Inspired Luxury
Stepping into a $100,000+ M3 Competition means entering a cockpit designed to evoke a race car. The steering wheel features bright red M mode buttons and large paddle shifters, inviting the driver to engage actively with the car’s performance. The cabin screams performance while maintaining the luxury expected from BMW, with high-quality materials and airtight tailoring.
Technology in the M3 is centered around a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.3-inch center screen running the iDrive 7 infotainment system. Control is intuitive, with options for touchscreen, iDrive controller, or physical buttons, all exuding a premium feel. Optional $3,800 carbon bucket seats, while incredibly supportive for track driving with their distinctive crotch hump and aggressive thigh bolsters, can be challenging for daily ingress and egress. They are, however, highly effective at keeping the driver firmly in place during high-G maneuvers.
i4 M50 Interior: Modern EV Comfort with M Accents
The i4 M50’s interior, while undoubtedly luxurious and well-built, prioritizes electric identity and modern comfort. The steering wheel offers a comfortable balance of sport and luxury, featuring blue and red stitching and a subtle M badge. Blue accents throughout the cabin—around the center roundel, start-stop button, and gear selector—subtly emphasize its electric nature more than its M lineage.
The build quality in the i4 M50 is exemplary, showcasing BMW’s long-standing expertise in crafting premium interiors. Tight panel gaps, exquisite stitching, and thoughtful details like a padded knee rest confirm that the electric experience doesn’t mean sacrificing BMW’s renowned quality. The most striking feature is a massive, curved one-piece display that stretches across the dash, housing a 12.3-inch driver’s display and a nearly 15-inch center touchscreen. This system runs the brand-new iDrive 8 infotainment, offering highly responsive controls via the iDrive dial or direct touch.
Climate controls are integrated into the screen, a modern trend, but BMW mitigates potential frustration with a dedicated “climate menu” button for quick access. The seats in the i4 M50 are comfortable, wide, and supportive, with extendable thigh pads for extra comfort. They lack the aggressive bolstering of the M3’s race-inspired seats, further indicating a focus on refined driving over track-day aggression. Overall, the i4 M50’s interior is a fantastic place to be, a high-quality BMW experience that feels distinctly contemporary and electric, rather than overtly M-focused.
The Verdict: Two Paths to Performance
The journey to compare the BMW i4 M50 and the BMW M3 Competition reveals that both vehicles are extraordinary examples of performance engineering, albeit with different methodologies. The M3 Competition is the quintessential internal combustion engine M car, offering raw power, a visceral sound, and an uncompromising track-focused experience. Its legacy is clear, and its performance remains a benchmark.
The i4 M50, on the other hand, represents the “electric M experience.” It delivers staggering acceleration and impressive handling dynamics, proving that an electric vehicle can indeed carry the spirit of performance. While it may be a “diet M” or “M decaf” compared to the full-fat M3, it offers a quieter, more comfortable, and refined version of speed. The i4 M50 is BMW’s clear intention to transition the M bloodline into the electric age, providing a compelling option for those ready to embrace an electric future without sacrificing driving excitement. With a starting price around $67,000, the BMW i4 M50 presents a strong value proposition for an M-badged electric performance sedan.
Electrifying the Debate: Your BMW i4 M50 vs. M3 Q&A
What cars are being compared in this article?
This article compares two high-performance BMW models: the electric BMW i4 M50 and the gasoline-powered BMW M3 Competition.
What is the main difference between the BMW i4 M50 and the BMW M3 Competition?
The primary difference is their power source; the i4 M50 is an electric vehicle (EV), while the M3 Competition uses a traditional internal combustion engine (ICE).
Are both cars fast in terms of 0-60 mph acceleration?
Yes, both are incredibly fast. The M3 Competition reaches 60 mph in about 3.17 seconds, and the electric i4 M50 does it in approximately 3.57 seconds.
What does the ‘M’ badge on the electric BMW i4 M50 signify?
On the i4 M50, the ‘M’ badge indicates it’s an ‘M Performance’ model, offering enhanced capabilities and a sporty driving experience, though it’s not a full-fledged M car like the M3.
What is the real-world driving range of the electric BMW i4 M50?
While the EPA rating is 227 miles, real-world tests have shown the BMW i4 M50 can achieve a driving range closer to 268 miles on a full charge.