Performance electric cars no longer have to look like concept vehicles or feel like futuristic experimentations. The BMW i4 Gran Coupé range is a perfect example — it wears its electric heart on its sleeve while still feeling unmistakably like a BMW.
Two of the most compelling versions in the range are the M50 and the M60. Both deliver thrilling performance, cutting-edge technology and everyday usability, but they’re aimed at slightly different drivers.
We took both on the road — from winding country routes to motorways and city traffic — to find out how they compare in the real world.
Power and Performance: Heartbeat vs Heart-Starter
At the core of both cars is BMW’s electric propulsion philosophy: instant torque and composed handling.
M50: Balanced Bite
The M50 sits squarely in the sweet spot for most drivers:
Dual motors with around 400kW of power
All-wheel drive
0–62mph in around 3.9 seconds
The M50 is fast — truly fast — but it feels composed and predictable. It’s the sort of car that makes you smile on a twisty B-road because it grips, turns in decisively and delivers power without drama.
M60: Peak Punch
The M60 turns up the dial even further:
Around 440kW of output
Tweaked torque delivery for razor-crisp response
0–62mph with a sharper edge
If the M50 is a performance sedan with pace to spare, the M60 is the one that feels like it wants to be flogged. It’s audibly sharper off the line and rewards braver throttle use with authority that flatters any driver.
Verdict: If pure performance thrills are top of your list, the M60 pulls ahead. But the M50’s delivery is already explosive and easier to live with daily.
Handling and Driving Character: Rails vs Razor
BMW’s claim that the i4 range “drives like a BMW” isn’t marketing fluff — it’s reality.
M50: Controlled Cornering
On winding routes — like our customary run from Derby across the Cat and Fiddle towards Manchester — the M50 impressed with:
Pin-sharp steering
Composed body control
Excellent traction on corner exits
It felt planted and predictable, giving confidence in places where other performance EVs might feel vague or heavy.
M60: Sharper, More Focused
The M60 builds on that with a slightly firmer edge. On the same twisting roads, the difference wasn’t night and day, but:
The car felt more brace-ready
Direction changes had a harder-edged communication
Mid-corner balance was just a touch firmer
This gives the M60 a sportier feel — but on everyday roads it might come across as a bit eager if you’re not in full attack mode.
Verdict: Both are excellent, but the M50 feels more natural for everyday drivers. The M60 suits those who genuinely want the most dynamic EV handling BMW currently offers.
Comfort and Refinement: Grand Tourer Peace
Whether you’re in Manchester city centre or cruising the M62 back to Leeds, comfort matters.
M50: Calm and Collected
The M50 suppresses:
Road noise
Wind noise
Suspension harshness
At motorway speeds, it’s genuinely relaxing — the sort of car where a long drive feels like a break.
M60: Controlled but Slightly Firmer
The M60 shares the same refined cabin and noise insulation, but its sportier tune means:
Slightly firmer suspension feedback
A touch more alert posture over bumps
Not uncomfortable, but more focused — which you may love or find unnecessary depending on taste.
Verdict: For long motorway miles and everyday comfort, the M50 is marginally more forgiving.
Range and Real-World Use
Battery size isn’t radically different between the two — both use the larger 83.9kWh pack — but how you drive affects usable range.
The M50’s slightly gentler power output helps preserve range on mixed routes
The M60’s extra performance can mean a quicker battery drop under spirited use
In real world driving — twisty A-roads, urban traffic and motorways — we found that both comfortably covered normal needs, and any difference in range was noticeable mainly under enthusiastic driving.
Practical Technology and Everyday Living
Both cars include:
BMW’s latest infotainment and digital cockpit
Apple CarPlay and wireless connectivity
Advanced driver assistance systems
Premium interiors and good everyday practicality
For many drivers, this means you get technologically up to date and easy to live with in either spec.
Cost of Running
If you’re charging at home overnight (as we did with Octopus Energy), a typical daily mixed-route cost can be less than £10 a day — a compelling figure when compared with fuel costs in combustion equivalents.
And with a strong network of public chargers across the UK, longer journeys are increasingly convenient.
So Which One Should You Choose?
Here’s a simple way to think about it:
Choose the i4 M50 if you want:
- A more balanced performance EV
- Everyday comfort with exciting dynamic ability
- Slightly better real-world range potential
- A focused yet comfortable grand tourer
Choose the i4 M60 if you want:
- The sharpest performance edge
- A more assertive driving posture
- Maximum acceleration and sharper throttle response
- A sportier feel without compromising practicality
Either way, you’re choosing one of the most compelling electric performance sedans on the road — one that satisfies both enthusiast drivers and daily commuters.
Try Them Through Cocoon Vehicles
At Cocoon Vehicles, we currently have a range of BMW i4 Gran Coupé models available, including both M50 and M60 spec, on:
Car subscription — flexible, short-notice access
Short-term car lease (5–18 months) — structured terms with predictability
Explore the current electric line-up here:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the M60 significantly faster than the M50?
Yes — the M60 delivers higher output and a sharper 0–62mph time, but the M50 is already extremely quick in everyday use.
Do both versions have AWD?
Yes — both the M50 and M60 feature all-wheel drive for traction and composure in varied conditions.
Which has the better range?
The M50 often edges ahead under mixed driving thanks to its slightly gentler outputs, but real-world range depends on use.
BMW i4 M50 vs M60 – Key Specification Comparison
Specification | BMW i4 M50 | BMW i4 M60 |
|---|---|---|
Power (kW) | 400kW | 440kW |
Power (BHP) | 544 bhp | 601 bhp |
0–62 mph | 3.9 seconds | 3.7 seconds |
Battery Capacity (Gross) | 83.9 kWh | 83.9 kWh |
Drive System | Dual Motor AWD | Dual Motor AWD |
Maximum Torque | 795 Nm | 795+ Nm (enhanced calibration) |
Official WLTP Range (up to) | Approx. 316 miles | Approx. 305 miles |
Top Speed | 140 mph (limited) | 140 mph (limited) |
Charging (DC Rapid) | Up to 205 kW | Up to 205 kW |
