It’s an open secret: used vehicles are at all times the place the bargains are. Whereas that sentence is written primarily with the fanatic automobile market in thoughts, it holds true for EVs, too. So, naturally, an enthusiast-minded EV needs to be the last word cut price, proper? I made a decision to check the idea and do some automobile purchasing for what, for my part, is already top-of-the-line EV values on the planet: the BMW i4 M50. Think about my shock after I realized you could possibly choose up a 500+ horsepower electron-fed monster for lower than the value of a brand new Toyota Camry.
Recap: the BMW i4 M50 at a Look
The 2022 BMW i4 M50 marked a big milestone for BMW, serving because the model’s first totally electrical mannequin to put on an M badge. In fact, it’s technically an “M Efficiency badge,” however we received’t maintain that in opposition to it. Positioned on the high of the preliminary i4 vary, the M50 prioritized driving engagement. Not exhausting to do, contemplating the moment torque and refinement of an EV powertrain. Talking of: the i4 M50 is powered by a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup producing 536 horsepower and 586 pound-feet of torque. Zero to 60 mph takes roughly 3.7 seconds. Efficiency is supported by M-specific chassis tuning, adaptive suspension, and upgraded brakes. The result’s a extra planted and athletic automobile than different i4 variants.
Power is equipped by an 83.9-kWh battery, delivering an EPA-estimated vary of as much as 270 miles, relying on wheel selection and driving situations. DC quick charging functionality of as much as 200 kW permits for fast top-ups on longer journeys. So, positive. It lacks the sound and character of a combustion M automobile, however the acceleration is fast and easy. And when you won’t end up carving up distant again roads as ceaselessly, that’s merely a trade-off you make for driving electrical. Assuming you’ve made your peace with these caveats, a used i4 M50 reveals itself to be an unbelievable worth.
Used BMW i4 M50 Pricing and Efficiency
On the time of this writing, you’ll be able to snag an i4 M50 on the secondhand marketplace for beneath $30,000. The least costly automobile listed on a preferred automobile shopping for web site is accident free and has round 65,000 miles on the odometer. It’s listed at $28,288. For somewhat perspective, a brand new 2026 Toyota Camry begins at $30,195 in the USA. In the meantime, the most cost effective G80 M3 listed on the identical web site instructions slightly below $60,000. Maybe predictably — in spite of everything, the i4 M50 was a $70,000 automobile not a number of years in the past — you don’t lose out on any facilities regardless of the i4 being a number of years outdated. CarPlay and Android Auto, in-car maps, app integration — all on high of 500+ horsepower — make the i4 M50 a veritable cut price.
In fact, there are the “gotchas” that we have now to acknowledge. For one, assuming an above common battery degradation curve (to correlate with the above-average mileage on this particular mannequin) means you’re in all probability seeing nearer to 250 miles per full cost. Even that could be optimistic, which will be limiting in case you aren’t charging at house or work. Or, in fact, placing the accelerator pedal by means of the ground at each alternative to take full benefit of that 536 horsepower. Although it’s necessary to notice that for the reason that battery ought to nonetheless beneath the preliminary guarantee, there’s a little little bit of peace of thoughts there.
Used i4 M50: Cut price or Time Bomb?
It actually makes you assume. A brand new Camry could be cheaper to keep up, however fuel costs will eat into the financial savings. Possibly the higher illustration for the i4 M50 is a “half-price M3.” As we talked about, a used G80 M3 prices round double what you could possibly snag an i4 M50 for. Not less than round city, the i4 M50 is actually the higher choose — it’s quieter, extra comfy, and faster than non-xDrive variants. So, in case you’re unafraid to drive electrical, it’s unattainable to name a used i4 M50 something in need of the efficiency automobile cut price it truly is. Plus, with the current updates made for the 2026 BMW i4, costs may fall much more!
The downsides are nothing uncommon to an EV. However one additionally should surprise: will the value of an inevitable battery substitute (seemingly very far off) outpace the price of possession for considered one of BMW’s fashionable, gas-powered M vehicles? Sadly, I don’t have pockets deep sufficient to search out out. However you undoubtedly ought to.
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