BMW 3 Series M vs BMW i4 M50
Verdict
At RM388,800 versus RM430,800, the BMW 3 Series M is RM42,000 cheaper and still properly quick: 387 hp, 500 Nm and 0-100 km/h in 4.4 seconds. The BMW i4 M50 counters with dual motors, 537 hp and a sharper 3.9-second sprint, plus a 83.9 kWh battery and 510 km EV range. Both are all-wheel-drive compact executive sedans with five seats, six airbags and AEB. The petrol car has the bigger boot and higher 250 km/h top speed; the EV is quicker and pays RM1,060 less road tax a year.
Pick the BMW 3 Series M if you want the lower purchase price, petrol convenience, a 480-litre boot and the higher 250 km/h top speed.
Pick the BMW i4 M50 if you want the quicker 3.9-second sprint, 537 hp dual-motor drive and a 510 km EV range.
Key differences
- Price: BMW 3 Series M RM388,800; BMW i4 M50 RM430,800
- Powertrain: BMW 3 Series M 2,998 cc petrol; BMW i4 M50 dual motor electric
- Power: BMW 3 Series M 387 hp; BMW i4 M50 537 hp
- 0-100 km/h: BMW 3 Series M 4.4 s; BMW i4 M50 3.9 s
- Top speed: BMW 3 Series M 250 km/h; BMW i4 M50 225 km/h
- Boot space: BMW 3 Series M 480 L; BMW i4 M50 470 L
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 388,800✓ | RM 430,800 |
| Body type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Segment | Compact Executive | Compact Executive |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Assembly | CKD | CBU |
| Powertrain | ||
| Fuel | Petrol | Electric |
| Engine | 2,998 cc | Dual motor |
| Power | 387 hp | 537 hp✓ |
| Torque | 500 Nm | — |
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Single Ratio Automatic |
| Driven wheels | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance | ||
| 0–100 km/h | 4.4 s | 3.9 s✓ |
| Top speed | 250 km/h✓ | 225 km/h |
| Efficiency | ||
| Battery | — | 83.9 kWh |
| EV range | — | 510 km |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,714 mm | 4,783 mm |
| Width | 1,827 mm | 1,852 mm |
| Height | 1,440 mm | 1,448 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,851 mm | 2,856 mm |
| Boot space | 480 L✓ | 470 L |
| Fuel tank | 59 L | — |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 6 | 6 |
| Auto emergency braking | Yes | Yes |
| Ownership | ||
| Warranty | 2 | 2 |
| Road tax / year | RM 2,125 | RM 1,065✓ |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
3 Series M
- RM42,000 cheaper to buy
- Higher 250 km/h top speed
- Larger 480-litre boot
- Slower 4.4-second 0-100 km/h time
- Lower 387 hp output
- Higher RM2,125 annual road tax
i4 M50
- Quicker 3.9-second 0-100 km/h sprint
- Much higher 537 hp output
- 510 km EV range from 83.9 kWh battery
- Costs RM42,000 more
- Lower 225 km/h top speed
- Slightly smaller 470-litre boot
3 Series M vs i4 M50 FAQ
Is the BMW 3 Series M or BMW i4 M50 better?
The BMW i4 M50 is better for acceleration and EV running, with 537 hp and 0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds. The BMW 3 Series M makes more sense if price, boot space and petrol convenience matter more.
What is the price difference?
The BMW i4 M50 costs RM42,000 more than the BMW 3 Series M. That extra money buys a dual-motor EV powertrain, 537 hp and a 510 km EV range.
Which one is quicker?
The BMW i4 M50 is quicker from 0-100 km/h at 3.9 seconds. The BMW 3 Series M takes 4.4 seconds, but it has the higher top speed at 250 km/h versus 225 km/h.