i4 eDrive40 Msport 24hr Test Drive
Discussion
SWoll said:
There are a few bits that you could consider essential that the Tesla comes with as standard that you would need to option on the M50.
Lumbar Support + heated steering wheel- Comfort Pack - £1200
High Beam Assist - Visibility Pack - £1500
20" Wheels and bigger brakes - M Technology Pack - £1350
Glass Roof - £1050
£5k or so.
I agree though that the fact it comes with proper leather and a choice of paint as standard does balance the scales rather.
The 20" wheels are a waste of money and you already get beefed up brakes before going for the bling option. Tesla do a perforance pack for the Model 3 (Dot4 brake fluid, better pads I think, better wheels and tyres) so you should include that on the Tesla side if you're all out on the performance options.Lumbar Support + heated steering wheel- Comfort Pack - £1200
High Beam Assist - Visibility Pack - £1500
20" Wheels and bigger brakes - M Technology Pack - £1350
Glass Roof - £1050
£5k or so.
I agree though that the fact it comes with proper leather and a choice of paint as standard does balance the scales rather.
Edited by SWoll on Wednesday 23 February 08:21
Visibility pack also gives you laser lights, and true adaptive lights are standard already so stuff way beyond what Tesla offer
Glass roof... isn't it a proper sunroof too, not a fixed roof so again it takes the spec beyond Tesla
Carwow have just done a new video of the M50 against a BMW M3 Compeition, absolutely no sign of the lag Symonds thought he had with the M50, far from it, and it stopped way shorter than the M3 too, by some way.
ZesPak said:
There's a reason the TM3 is the most sold car in a lot of markets, on paper it makes a lot of sense.
As to the looks, if you call the TM3 "goping" and then go to BMW as an alternative, I'd say you're too destitute of vision to drive a car.
The Model 3 is -at worst- boring looking. Which is a sin of it's own, of course, but speaks to the volumes it sells.
In practice however, as pointed out, there's more than just numbers.
Swoll's criticisms are all very valid.
I see this as a downside personally. Any number of things that I would have liked on ours that just weren't available (better seats, HUD, matrix lights, surround parking, AA/carplay, adaptive suspension). Every other comparable EV has most of those either as standard or on the list should you want them. Attempting to sell a lack of choice as a benefit for the end user seems an odd take, although I'm sure it makes Tesla's job easier from a manufacturing perspective.As to the looks, if you call the TM3 "goping" and then go to BMW as an alternative, I'd say you're too destitute of vision to drive a car.
The Model 3 is -at worst- boring looking. Which is a sin of it's own, of course, but speaks to the volumes it sells.
In practice however, as pointed out, there's more than just numbers.
Swoll's criticisms are all very valid.
- The lack of lateral support (especially in something like the TM3P) is a big miss, with no options to rectify that.
- The range is largely needed to get people out of their diesel barges, could be of value if you can't charge at home.
- Tesla Superchargers are being opened up across Europe so that usp is all but gone.
Heres Johnny said:
The 20" wheels are a waste of money and you already get beefed up brakes before going for the bling option. Tesla do a perforance pack for the Model 3 (Dot4 brake fluid, better pads I think, better wheels and tyres) so you should include that on the Tesla side if you're all out on the performance options.
Visibility pack also gives you laser lights, and true adaptive lights are standard already so stuff way beyond what Tesla offer
Glass roof... isn't it a proper sunroof too, not a fixed roof so again it takes the spec beyond Tesla
Carwow have just done a new video of the M50 against a BMW M3 Compeition, absolutely no sign of the lag Symonds thought he had with the M50, far from it, and it stopped way shorter than the M3 too, by some way.
My point was that if you want certain options you can get them, but they aren't cheap as can only be added as part of a package.Visibility pack also gives you laser lights, and true adaptive lights are standard already so stuff way beyond what Tesla offer
Glass roof... isn't it a proper sunroof too, not a fixed roof so again it takes the spec beyond Tesla
Carwow have just done a new video of the M50 against a BMW M3 Compeition, absolutely no sign of the lag Symonds thought he had with the M50, far from it, and it stopped way shorter than the M3 too, by some way.
As discussed previously I think the M50 is far better value than the M3P, has more useful tech either as standard or optional and would be my choice.
SWoll said:
I see this as a downside personally. Any number of things that I would have liked on ours that just weren't available (better seats, HUD, matrix lights, surround parking, AA/carplay, adaptive suspension). Every other comparable EV has most of those either as standard or on the list should you want them. Attempting to sell a lack of choice as a benefit for the end user seems an odd take, although I'm sure it makes Tesla's job easier from a manufacturing perspective.
I agree, the problem is that most manufacturers then seem to take the piss. So it's never perfect 
.When configuring the Model S, air suspension, glass roof, heated rear seats and steering wheel, upgraded sound system and even power tailgate (!!) were all optional on some of the competition. So I felt like I was getting robbed after selecting a EUR 85k I Pace/e-tron.
Iirc the e-trond did come with a power tailgate as standard
.SWoll said:
Heres Johnny said:
The 20" wheels are a waste of money and you already get beefed up brakes before going for the bling option. Tesla do a perforance pack for the Model 3 (Dot4 brake fluid, better pads I think, better wheels and tyres) so you should include that on the Tesla side if you're all out on the performance options.
Visibility pack also gives you laser lights, and true adaptive lights are standard already so stuff way beyond what Tesla offer
Glass roof... isn't it a proper sunroof too, not a fixed roof so again it takes the spec beyond Tesla
Carwow have just done a new video of the M50 against a BMW M3 Compeition, absolutely no sign of the lag Symonds thought he had with the M50, far from it, and it stopped way shorter than the M3 too, by some way.
My point was that if you want certain options you can get them, but they aren't cheap as can only be added as part of a package.Visibility pack also gives you laser lights, and true adaptive lights are standard already so stuff way beyond what Tesla offer
Glass roof... isn't it a proper sunroof too, not a fixed roof so again it takes the spec beyond Tesla
Carwow have just done a new video of the M50 against a BMW M3 Compeition, absolutely no sign of the lag Symonds thought he had with the M50, far from it, and it stopped way shorter than the M3 too, by some way.
As discussed previously I think the M50 is far better value than the M3P, has more useful tech either as standard or optional and would be my choice.
Not driven the i4edrive MSport as I very quickly worked out that with options that I would add the i4M50 was a better value car for me.
I did drive the Model 3P and the Polestar 2 in AWD with the both normal suspension and the Performance pack with bigger brakes etc.
I found the Polestar2 with the Performance pack had a very firm ride which was IMO uncomfortable, the Model 3P also had a firm ride and I found the seats lacked side support and did not suit me. The best compromise seemed be the normal Polestar 2 with AWD. The car drove well, seats were comfortable, ride quality was good.
The i4M50 drives better than the Polestar 2, the seats are more comfortable and provide better support, the refinement is better, the ride is multi-adjustable and on Comfort is more comfortable than the Polestar 2. Tech and cabin quality is also better in the i4M50.
I also did not notice any lag when test driving the i4M50.
I did drive the Model 3P and the Polestar 2 in AWD with the both normal suspension and the Performance pack with bigger brakes etc.
I found the Polestar2 with the Performance pack had a very firm ride which was IMO uncomfortable, the Model 3P also had a firm ride and I found the seats lacked side support and did not suit me. The best compromise seemed be the normal Polestar 2 with AWD. The car drove well, seats were comfortable, ride quality was good.
The i4M50 drives better than the Polestar 2, the seats are more comfortable and provide better support, the refinement is better, the ride is multi-adjustable and on Comfort is more comfortable than the Polestar 2. Tech and cabin quality is also better in the i4M50.
I also did not notice any lag when test driving the i4M50.
Edited by Mahalo on Wednesday 23 February 12:07
Mahalo said:
Not driven the i4edrive MSport as I very quickly worked out that with options that I would add the i4M50 was a better value car for me.
I did drive the Model 3P and the Polestar 2 in AWD with the both normal suspension and the Performance pack with bigger brakes etc.
I found the Polestar2 with the Performance pack had a very firm ride which was IMO uncomfortable, the Model 3P also had a firm ride and I found the seats lacked side support and did not suit me. The best compromise seemed be the normal Polestar 2 with AWD. The car drove well, seats were comfortable, ride quality was good.
The i4M50 drives better than the Polestar 2, the seats are more comfortable and provide better support, the refinement is better, the ride is multi-adjustable and on Comfort is more comfortable than the Polestar 2. Tech and cabin quality is also better in the i4M50.
I also did not notice any lag when test driving the i4M50.
The P2 performance pack suspension is manually adjustable though so likely it could have been setup to be more comfortable, the car you tested also didn't likely have the £1000 performance boost upgrade to 476hp.I did drive the Model 3P and the Polestar 2 in AWD with the both normal suspension and the Performance pack with bigger brakes etc.
I found the Polestar2 with the Performance pack had a very firm ride which was IMO uncomfortable, the Model 3P also had a firm ride and I found the seats lacked side support and did not suit me. The best compromise seemed be the normal Polestar 2 with AWD. The car drove well, seats were comfortable, ride quality was good.
The i4M50 drives better than the Polestar 2, the seats are more comfortable and provide better support, the refinement is better, the ride is multi-adjustable and on Comfort is more comfortable than the Polestar 2. Tech and cabin quality is also better in the i4M50.
I also did not notice any lag when test driving the i4M50.
Edited by Mahalo on Wednesday 23 February 12:07
I'd expect the M50 to be noticeably better overall as with the same equipment levels you are looking at a £10-15k price difference. For me the P2 looks very good value compared to the rest of the market at the moment.
SWoll said:
Mahalo said:
Not driven the i4edrive MSport as I very quickly worked out that with options that I would add the i4M50 was a better value car for me.
I did drive the Model 3P and the Polestar 2 in AWD with the both normal suspension and the Performance pack with bigger brakes etc.
I found the Polestar2 with the Performance pack had a very firm ride which was IMO uncomfortable, the Model 3P also had a firm ride and I found the seats lacked side support and did not suit me. The best compromise seemed be the normal Polestar 2 with AWD. The car drove well, seats were comfortable, ride quality was good.
The i4M50 drives better than the Polestar 2, the seats are more comfortable and provide better support, the refinement is better, the ride is multi-adjustable and on Comfort is more comfortable than the Polestar 2. Tech and cabin quality is also better in the i4M50.
I also did not notice any lag when test driving the i4M50.
The P2 performance pack suspension is manually adjustable though so likely it could have been setup to be more comfortable, the car you tested also didn't likely have the £1000 performance boost upgrade to 476hp.I did drive the Model 3P and the Polestar 2 in AWD with the both normal suspension and the Performance pack with bigger brakes etc.
I found the Polestar2 with the Performance pack had a very firm ride which was IMO uncomfortable, the Model 3P also had a firm ride and I found the seats lacked side support and did not suit me. The best compromise seemed be the normal Polestar 2 with AWD. The car drove well, seats were comfortable, ride quality was good.
The i4M50 drives better than the Polestar 2, the seats are more comfortable and provide better support, the refinement is better, the ride is multi-adjustable and on Comfort is more comfortable than the Polestar 2. Tech and cabin quality is also better in the i4M50.
I also did not notice any lag when test driving the i4M50.
Edited by Mahalo on Wednesday 23 February 12:07
I'd expect the M50 to be noticeably better overall as with the same equipment levels you are looking at a £10-15k price difference. For me the P2 looks very good value compared to the rest of the market at the moment.
Yeah, chip shortage has been cited as the reason.
It doesn’t say on the website (yet), but they’re struggling with supply of the 64kWh battery too, so upgrading cars to a 69kWh pack.
Cars are also coming without the boot kicker, although Polestar say they’ll retrofit this FOC when the part is available.
It doesn’t say on the website (yet), but they’re struggling with supply of the 64kWh battery too, so upgrading cars to a 69kWh pack.
Cars are also coming without the boot kicker, although Polestar say they’ll retrofit this FOC when the part is available.
Just spent a week with the i4 eDrive 40 MSport. I have also spent a bit of time in the M50.
I'm a motoring journo who just specialises in EV's, but as I have been banned on here previously for mentioning my outlet, I will step back from saying too much. We have just finished filming a three-way comparison between the Polestar 2 PP, Model 3 Long Range Dual Motor and the i4 eDrive 40. However if anyone wants more info, I am happy to answer PM's.
I'm a motoring journo who just specialises in EV's, but as I have been banned on here previously for mentioning my outlet, I will step back from saying too much. We have just finished filming a three-way comparison between the Polestar 2 PP, Model 3 Long Range Dual Motor and the i4 eDrive 40. However if anyone wants more info, I am happy to answer PM's.
MrB. said:
Just spent a week with the i4 eDrive 40 MSport. I have also spent a bit of time in the M50.
I'm a motoring journo who just specialises in EV's, but as I have been banned on here previously for mentioning my outlet, I will step back from saying too much. We have just finished filming a three-way comparison between the Polestar 2 PP, Model 3 Long Range Dual Motor and the i4 eDrive 40. However if anyone wants more info, I am happy to answer PM's.
Nothing stopping you telling us your thoughts without plugging another outlet. You either want to contribute to the forum or not.I'm a motoring journo who just specialises in EV's, but as I have been banned on here previously for mentioning my outlet, I will step back from saying too much. We have just finished filming a three-way comparison between the Polestar 2 PP, Model 3 Long Range Dual Motor and the i4 eDrive 40. However if anyone wants more info, I am happy to answer PM's.
Heres Johnny said:
MrB. said:
Just spent a week with the i4 eDrive 40 MSport. I have also spent a bit of time in the M50.
I'm a motoring journo who just specialises in EV's, but as I have been banned on here previously for mentioning my outlet, I will step back from saying too much. We have just finished filming a three-way comparison between the Polestar 2 PP, Model 3 Long Range Dual Motor and the i4 eDrive 40. However if anyone wants more info, I am happy to answer PM's.
Nothing stopping you telling us your thoughts without plugging another outlet. You either want to contribute to the forum or not.I'm a motoring journo who just specialises in EV's, but as I have been banned on here previously for mentioning my outlet, I will step back from saying too much. We have just finished filming a three-way comparison between the Polestar 2 PP, Model 3 Long Range Dual Motor and the i4 eDrive 40. However if anyone wants more info, I am happy to answer PM's.
If you have come from any other BMW product of recent times, the car is very easy to adapt to. Interior works well and the screen layout is as you'd expect from BMW. There's a familiarity with the car which is exactly what BMW want. It's much the same with the iX3, it makes it easy for their customers to transition from ICE to EV.
In comparison with the other two, I would suggest the i4 doesn't move the game on the way they did, and when cost is taken into account, it is a lot more expensive spec for spec. But as a driver's car, the i4 is a decent steer, and much better in eDrive 40 guise than the M50 is.
MrB. said:
We have just finished filming a three-way comparison between the Polestar 2 PP, Model 3 Long Range Dual Motor and the i4 eDrive 40.
This could be interesting, I'd be interested to see this video.I tried the Polestar and the BMW, settled on the i4 eDrive40 MSport in the end. I thought of the Tesla too, but the customer service was rubbish when I tried to get a test drive, so I decided that if they were pants when they were trying to get my money, they'd be even worse when they had it!
MrB. said:
Fair point. In my opinion, the 40 eDrive is a better car than the M50. The M50 is very good, but IMHO they've played it a bit safe. It doesn't interact with you as a driver the way the single motor car does. You feel a bit detached from the experience in the M. Its very quick, don't get me wrong, but the chassis just doesn't feel as engaging as you might expect. The 40 is a more delicate car to drive, a bit more "movement" in the chassis, and I'd say the numbers don't do it justice. It feels quicker than they say. The throttle is also a lot nicer than the Tesla as it feels more progressive, the power delivery more linear. The car I had was also fitted with the MSport Pro Pack which gives it adaptive dampers and variable steering and I would suggest is worth having.
If you have come from any other BMW product of recent times, the car is very easy to adapt to. Interior works well and the screen layout is as you'd expect from BMW. There's a familiarity with the car which is exactly what BMW want. It's much the same with the iX3, it makes it easy for their customers to transition from ICE to EV.
In comparison with the other two, I would suggest the i4 doesn't move the game on the way they did, and when cost is taken into account, it is a lot more expensive spec for spec. But as a driver's car, the i4 is a decent steer, and much better in eDrive 40 guise than the M50 is.
what's your verdict on those 3?If you have come from any other BMW product of recent times, the car is very easy to adapt to. Interior works well and the screen layout is as you'd expect from BMW. There's a familiarity with the car which is exactly what BMW want. It's much the same with the iX3, it makes it easy for their customers to transition from ICE to EV.
In comparison with the other two, I would suggest the i4 doesn't move the game on the way they did, and when cost is taken into account, it is a lot more expensive spec for spec. But as a driver's car, the i4 is a decent steer, and much better in eDrive 40 guise than the M50 is.
I quite like the i4 40, as a long term BMW fans and owner, but like you said the price tag are high and "everything is optional"
The TM3 RWD seem very good deal compare to i4, not as good drive and comfortable as i4, interior material is not as good as i4 but better than polestar 2 and cheaper than i4 40
The Polestar 2 AWD cheapest for the straight line speed, and I think if budget can stretch to top spec TM3 and i4 M50, there will be no doubt picking i4 M50 over TM3P?
the 40 is just too much money for what it offers.
It's a fantastic car, and it looks amazing - but it's not worth the premium BMW are trying to charge. (no pun intended)
When the 40 goes against the polestar and the M3LR, it loses everything head based and only wins heart points.
I let my heart do a lot of deciding when it comes to cars, but the head still has a say - it's saying, "either reach further into your pocket and get the M50 and be happy, or suck it up and get the m3LR and be 'sort of' happy"
It's a fantastic car, and it looks amazing - but it's not worth the premium BMW are trying to charge. (no pun intended)
When the 40 goes against the polestar and the M3LR, it loses everything head based and only wins heart points.
I let my heart do a lot of deciding when it comes to cars, but the head still has a say - it's saying, "either reach further into your pocket and get the M50 and be happy, or suck it up and get the m3LR and be 'sort of' happy"
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