There’s always a question hanging over performance electric cars: are they genuinely exciting to drive, or just fast in a straight line?
The BMW i4 Gran Coupe M50 answers that almost immediately.
We recently took the BMW i4 M50 out from the Cocoon Vehicles offices in Derby for a proper mixed-route drive — across the Cat and Fiddle towards Manchester, into the city centre, along the M62 to Leeds, and back via the M1 and Belper. In short, a proper real-world test.
And the verdict? This is an electric car that feels reassuringly, unmistakably BMW.
First Impressions: Familiar, Not Futuristic
One of the i4 M50’s greatest strengths is that it doesn’t look like it’s trying too hard.
There are no dramatic sci-fi cues, no overly complex light signatures, no exaggerated EV theatrics. It’s sleek, purposeful and understated. If you like the look of a 4 Series Gran Coupé, you’ll like this.
Inside, it’s classic modern BMW:
Solid driving position
Excellent steering wheel feel
Clear digital displays
Premium materials throughout
It feels like a proper executive performance car — it just happens to be electric.
Derby to Cat and Fiddle: On Rails
Leaving Derby and heading towards the Cat and Fiddle route, the M50 quickly shows its character.
With dual motors producing serious power, acceleration is instant. Not dramatic in a noisy way — just clean, decisive thrust. But it’s the handling that impresses most.
As typically a BMW would, it drove like it was on rails on the twisting and winding roads. The weight is well managed, body control is tight, and the steering remains precise. You can place it confidently through curves, and when the road opens up, there’s more than enough power available — even while respecting the average speed cameras that now line parts of the route.
The all-wheel-drive system gives you huge confidence exiting bends. It feels planted, secure and very composed.
This isn’t just an electric car that happens to go quickly. It’s a performance car that happens to be electric.
Into Manchester: Calm and Refined
Dropping down into Manchester city centre, the i4 M50 transformed from B-road tool to refined executive cruiser.
In traffic:
The ride remains composed
Low-speed control is smooth
Regenerative braking is easy to modulate
Cabin insulation keeps outside noise to a minimum
The silence in city driving is noticeable, especially when surrounded by combustion traffic. It makes stop-start journeys far more relaxing than you might expect from a car capable of serious acceleration.
M62 to Leeds: Effortless Motorway Miles
From Manchester we joined the M62 for a meeting in Leeds — a proper test of motorway comfort.
Sitting comfortably at the 70mph mark, the i4 M50 made the journey feel effortless. Cabin noise was minimal. Wind and road noise were well suppressed, and the car felt stable and settled at speed.
This is where the i4 shows its dual personality:
Engaging on twisty roads
Relaxed and refined on long motorway stretches
Driver assistance systems work intuitively, and the seats remain supportive over distance. It’s an easy car to spend hours in.
Back Down the M1 and Across to Belper
Heading back via the M1 and across towards Belper, there was time to reflect on something important: this might be the perfect electric car for drivers who don’t want a futuristic design experiment.
It looks like a premium BMW.
It drives like a premium BMW.
It just happens to be fully electric.
When we arrived back at the Cocoon Vehicles office, we still had around 40 miles of range remaining — more than enough for additional local use.
Real-World Charging Costs
We charged the i4 M50 overnight using Octopus Energy.
The total cost?
£7.01.
For a full day of mixed driving across Derbyshire, Cheshire, Manchester and Yorkshire, that’s remarkably cost-effective — particularly given the performance on offer.
Charging at home overnight remains one of the simplest and most economical ways to run an EV.
Performance Figures (For Context)
The i4 M50 produces:
Around 400kW of power
0–62mph in under 4 seconds
Dual motor all-wheel drive
But what matters more is how usable that performance feels in real conditions. It’s accessible, controllable and confidence-inspiring.
Living With the i4 M50
What stands out most is balance.
It’s:
Practical enough for everyday use
Refined enough for business travel
Quick enough to satisfy enthusiastic drivers
Stylish without being overstated
It doesn’t scream “electric car”. It just feels like a very good car.
BMW i4 M50 on Car Subscription or Short-Term Lease
At Cocoon Vehicles, we currently have a strong range of BMW i4 Gran Coupé models available, including the M50, on:
This makes it possible to experience a high-performance electric BMW without committing to long-term finance or ownership.
