Your Definitive Guide to the BMW i4 M50 Electric Car Lease Deal

The BMW i4 M50 electric car lease deal-your definitive guide

The rumour mill would historically suggest that EVs were designed to offer sub-standard driving experience to customers and that somehow some conspiracy or alternative motive was afoot.

And when you look back 10 years there is probably some legitimacy to these concerns when you consider some of the introductory product; small, boxy, poor range and charging time. But the industry was only just getting started and there was probably, as can be understood, some reticence to moving to zero-emission transport.

Plus, there wasn’t much in the way of company car tax savings, Government grants or charge point infrastructure. But, more and more cars, particularly since 2019, have hit back at the suggestions that EVs are slow, aesthetically boring or inadequate on range / charging. At 2023, this couldn’t be more profound.

So is the BMW i4 M the quickest electric car to lease?

To be clear this is a lightening car and is more than capable of performing alongside the petrol M3 and M4 which have been so popular for the German manufacturer. But with a 0 - 62 time of 3.9 seconds, this is unbelievably some way off being considered “the quickest”. You only have to see our definitive guide to  electric car acceleration  to see just how rapid some EVs actually are. Just take a look at examples like:

• Tesla Model S Plaid - 2 seconds
•  Porsche Taycan Turbo S Saloon - 2.8 seconds
•  Lotus Eletre R - 2.95 seconds
•  Tesla Model 3 Performance - 3.10 seconds
• Hyundai Ioniq 5 N - 3.4 seconds   

Many of the modern electric speed machines are offering customers in excess of 500hp! Indeed, we actually give e-car lease personal and business leasing customers a clear caution when it comes to their new car.

For many combustion customers, they are acclimated to more moderate performance from their petrol and diesel options, which would rarely offer sub 5 seconds 0 - 62 times. And while we do advocate the fun and exciting experience with lithium-ion tech, we do also remind customers to enjoy this responsibly and operate within the legal speed limits at all times, especially those fleet customers with onboard trackers! 

And how do EVs get delivered to lease customers?

One of the early queries is how lease cars are actually delivered to the customer - do they collect it from the dealership? As a contract hire broker, we are not a finance company nor are we a franchised dealership. Our team are effectively a conduit between the customer and the dealer / finance company.

What this means, is that we do not personally deliver your new battery tech. When you place an order with our team, we will use a nominated dealership (by us or the finance company) and they will notify us when your EV is in stock for delivery. At this point, one of three things will happen: 

1.  Collection - in cases of high value or technical vehicles, the dealership may offer the opportunity for the customer to collect the vehicle from their dealership and receive a handover. For more local dealerships, this is something which some of our customers do enjoy, especially when it is their first time in an electric car. The car will also be presented in a “showroom” condition, which effectively means it will be really clean.  But, as many EVs are delivered directly from ports around the UK, this is not always available;
2.  Trailer Delivery - in some cases, the supplying dealer will include (or offer for an additional cost) the ability for the new car to be delivered on a trailer / low-loader. The advantage is that the EV will turn up with almost no miles on the clock and should be, subject to road wear, be in clean condition; and
3. Driven Delivery - in many cases, the EV will be driven by a delivery driver (from the dealership or 3rd party). What this means is that a human being will drive your vehicle from the dealership / port to your home or business address. And this does mean the car will incur road wear and mileage. While cars will be cleaned at a local garage, this will not constitute “showroom” condition and any mileage undertaken in this process will be offset from your contract mileage. The car will not arrive with 100% charge either and in most cases we would ask that at least 40% battery is available for you to get home / find a charge point. 

Our team will always make you aware of the delivery methods so you can choose your preferred option. As highlighted, trailer delivery can incur an additional cost which will have to be paid by you or your company. Regardless of the method, there are some key EV delivery pointers to be aware of:

•  Specification - print off your order form from us, to ensure the vehicle spec / colour and options matches this;
•  Cables - ensure you receive some form of cable. In some cases you will get a cable for connecting to a 3-pin plug and in others you will get a Type 2 connection. In some cases you will get both options. Check with our team before delivery as we cannot remediate this after delivery and cannot include additional ones for you (each cable can cost between £150 - £300);
•  Charge - new EV lease cars will not always arrive with 100% charge (unless dealership or trailered). So this means you need a solution put in place before delivery. This could be a home charge point (see Rightcharge for more details) or a public solution nearby (see Zapmap for more details); 
•  Insurance - ensure your motor insurance is set for the day of delivery. While we work with Churchill Expert for businesses and salary sacrifice customers, this must be put in place prior to the delivery date; and
• Apps - most EVs now use some form of App for your iPhone or Android. Make sure you access and download this before delivery as this will often act as your vehicle key, organise charging sessions or even provide vehicle tracking technology. It will often serve as a handbook for you too, as many manufacturers do not offer physical handbooks in the vehicles anymore.  

The BMW i4 M50 will arrive with some great standard specification for any leasing customers. Expect standard equipment like M Aerodynamics package, LED headlights and LED rear lights, Automatic tailgate operation, BMW Live Cockpit Plus with BMW Curved Display, BMW Operating System 8.5 with navigation, BMW IconicSounds Electric, M leather steering wheel with stitching in M colours.

Automatic air conditioning, Drive/suspension, BMW xDrive all-wheel drive system, based on two BMW M eDrive motors, Adaptive M suspension, Variable sport steering, M Sport braking system, Heat pump for increased efficiency and pre-temperature setting, Driver assistance, Reversing Assist Camera and Cruise Control with brake function. 

Choose colours like Mineral White, Brooklyn Grey, Sunset Orange, Portimao Blue, Frozen Blue and Frozen Pure. The 20” Bicolour options are an additional option and you must have a M technology Pack too. Plus review a whole host of additional packs like the Visibility Pack, Tech Plus Pack and Comforts Pack.

In terms of the BMW i4 M50 Performance, how does it stack up? 

The AWD option will have a 80.7 kWh usable battery which will offer 0 – 62 times of 3.9 seconds, 140 mph top speeds and 400 kW (or 536 hp). Expect a combined winter range of 235 miles with warmer weather allowing for 320 miles.

On charging, the 11 kW AC max will allow 8 hours and 45 min 0 – 100% charging times with the 207 kW DC maximum allowing 27 minute 10 – 80% times. A cargo volume of 470L is available with this car. It has a vehicle fuel equivalent of 140 mpg. This option can tow 750kg (unbraked) and 1600kg (braked). This EV will have no Bidirectional charging. 

In terms of the car shown, the BMW I4 GRAN COUPE 400kW M50 83.9kWh 5dr Auto Pure Electric Vehicle, this is based on the following configuration:

•  Metallic Paint - Black Sapphire
•  Vernasca leather - Black with grey stitching
•  20" M Double spoke light alloy wheels in bicolour with mixed and performance tyres - style 868M
•  Both Mode 3 / Type 2 Charging Cable (Public Charging & home wallbox charger – Fast charging) & Mode 2 / 10amp 240v Charging Cable (Domestic 3 pin plug - Slow charging)