Launched: BMW i4 M50 – Fastback EV With 544 HP, 510 KM Range, From RM430,800

All-electric BMW i4 bows in M50 guise, packing a 544 HP dual-motor driveline capable of 0-100 KM/H in 3.9 secs!

BMW Group Malaysia were the first to kick-start festivities during Press Day of the 2023 Malaysia Autoshow organised by MARii (Malaysia Automotive, Robotics & IoT Institute). Leading the Bavarian marque’s all-electric launch and showcase is the new BMW i4 all-electric four-door fastback - or 'Gran Coupe', as the brand terms it.

The first all-electric M-performance model to officially bow in Malaysia comes in BMW i4 M50 guise, packing a dual-motor setup that sees one motor powering each axle and effectively provide all-wheel-drive (AWD). Altogether, the setup generates no less than 544 HP and physics-twisting 795 NM of twist.

The i4 M50's 83.9 kWh battery accepts DC fast-charging inputs of up to 200 kW, allowing 10-80% charges in just 31 minutes.

The latter peak torque figure can be accessed in Sport Boost mode, which also enables this all-electric fastback four-door to despatch the 0-100 KM/H sprint in just 3.9 seconds whilst enroute towards its electronically-governed V-max of 225 KM/H.

Juicing the powertrain is a sizeable 83.9 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. With a claimed average consumption rate between 19 and 24 kWh/100 KM, BMW claims the i4 M50 can cover a maximum travel range of 510 KM (WLTP).

As for charging, the BMW i4 M50 accepts both regular AC and rapid DC inputs, the former up to a rate of 11 kW and the latter up to 200 kW. AC Charging at 11 kW via a dedicated wallbox sees full charges from 0 to 100% attained in 8 hours and 15 minutes, whereas DC fast-charging at 200 kW grants 10 to 80% charges in 31 minutes.

20-inch BMW Individual Style 862 aero wheels forms part of the i4 M50's standard-equipped M Sport package.

Mechanical bits aside, the i4 M50 comes laced with the M Aerodynamics package, plus the M rear spoiler in body colour and black rear diffuser insert. On board, the cabin is furnished with the M interior trim featuring Carbon Fibre trim finishers, M Anthracite Headliner, M Sport seats at the front, M seat belts, instrument panel in Sensatec, and electrical glass roof.

Additionally, there also something called the BMW IconicSounds Electric suite present. This, according to BMW Group Malaysia, provides “a particularly emotive experience by recreating the sporty “M” engine sound.”

M interior trim features Carbon Fibre trim finishers, M Anthracite Headliner, M Sport seats, M seat belts, instrument panel in Sensatec, and electrical glass roof.

On the safety front, BMW Group Malaysia notes the presence of things like Acoustic Protection for Pedestrians, Active Protection for Pedestrians, Driving Assistant Professional, Parking Assistant Plus and Active Protection. These are all offered as standard equipment on board the BMW i4 M50.

In terms of colourways, the BMW i4 M50 will be offered with the choices of Mineral White, Black Sapphire, M Brooklyn Grey, M Portimao Blue and Sanremo Green exterior colours. On board, Interior upholstering is available in Leather Vernasca in Black with Blue Contrast Stitching and Leather Vernasca in Cognac.

The BMW i4 M50 on display at the Malaysia Autoshow 2023 is dressed the signature M colour called Portimao Blue.

Keen to electrify your daily drive with this Bavarian fastback? Get ready, it’s no bargain – unsurprisingly. Things start from RM430,800 excluding on-road costs. Said price does however include a 5-year, unlimited mileage warranty and free scheduled service program, as well as an 8-year or 160,000 KM separate EV battery warranty.

Check out more images of the new BMW i4 M50 in the extensive gallery prepared below.