BMW i4 M50 vs BMW M3
Verdict
The BMW i4 M50 is the rational shock: it costs RM430,800 against RM837,800 for the BMW M3, yet the EV has 537 hp against 503 hp and all-wheel drive as well. The M3 answers with the numbers keen drivers feel first, doing 0-100 km/h in 3.5 seconds versus 3.9 and running to 250 km/h instead of 225. For Malaysian buyers, the i4’s 83.9 kWh battery, 510 km range and RM1,065 road tax make daily use easier to justify; the M3 is the dearer, faster petrol choice.
Pick the BMW i4 M50 if you want the cheaper AWD sedan with 537 hp, a 510 km electric range and RM1,065 yearly road tax.
Pick the BMW M3 if you want the quicker petrol sedan, with 0-100 km/h in 3.5 seconds, 250 km/h top speed and a 2,993 cc engine.
Key differences
- Price: BMW i4 M50 RM430,800; BMW M3 RM837,800
- Power and acceleration: BMW i4 M50 537 hp and 3.9 s; BMW M3 503 hp and 3.5 s
- Top speed: BMW i4 M50 225 km/h; BMW M3 250 km/h
- Powertrain: BMW i4 M50 dual-motor electric AWD; BMW M3 2,993 cc petrol AWD
- Dimensions: BMW i4 M50 4,783 mm long and 1,852 mm wide; BMW M3 4,794 mm long and 1,903 mm wide
- Boot and road tax: BMW i4 M50 470 L and RM1,065/year; BMW M3 480 L and RM2,113/year
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 430,800✓ | RM 837,800 |
| Body type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Segment | Compact Executive | Compact Executive |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Powertrain | ||
| Fuel | Electric | Petrol |
| Engine | Dual motor | 2,993 cc |
| Power | 537 hp✓ | 503 hp |
| Torque | — | 650 Nm |
| Transmission | Single Ratio Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Driven wheels | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance | ||
| 0–100 km/h | 3.9 s | 3.5 s✓ |
| Top speed | 225 km/h | 250 km/h✓ |
| Efficiency | ||
| Fuel economy | — | 10.1 L/100km |
| Battery | 83.9 kWh | — |
| EV range | 510 km | — |
| CO₂ | — | 230 g/km |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,783 mm | 4,794 mm |
| Width | 1,852 mm | 1,903 mm |
| Height | 1,448 mm | 1,433 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,856 mm | 2,857 mm |
| Boot space | 470 L | 480 L✓ |
| Fuel tank | — | 59 L |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 6 | 6 |
| Auto emergency braking | Yes | Yes |
| Ownership | ||
| Warranty | 2 | 2 |
| Road tax / year | RM 1,065✓ | RM 2,113 |
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.
i4 M50
- Much cheaper to buy
- 537 hp from dual motors
- 510 km EV range
- Slower 0-100 km/h time
- Lower 225 km/h top speed
- Boot is 10 litres smaller
M3
- Quicker 3.5-second 0-100 km/h time
- Higher 250 km/h top speed
- 480-litre boot
- Costs RM407,000 more
- Uses 10.1 L/100 km
- CO2 output is 230 g/km
i4 M50 vs M3 FAQ
Is the BMW i4 M50 or BMW M3 better?
The BMW i4 M50 is better for most buyers on cost and EV running numbers: it costs RM407,000 less, has 537 hp and 510 km range. The BMW M3 is better if acceleration and top speed matter most.
What is the price difference?
The BMW M3 costs RM407,000 more: RM837,800 versus RM430,800 for the BMW i4 M50.
Which is faster, the BMW i4 M50 or BMW M3?
The BMW M3 is faster. It does 0-100 km/h in 3.5 seconds and reaches 250 km/h, while the BMW i4 M50 takes 3.9 seconds and tops out at 225 km/h.