BMW's current electric sports car lineup

BMW makes two electric sports cars you can buy today: the i4 M50 and the iX M60. The i4 M50 is a four-door sedan with a 536-horsepower dual-motor setup that reaches 60 mph in 3.9 seconds. The iX M60 is a larger performance SUV with similar power output and acceleration. Both are built on BMW's electric platform and come with the company's standard warranty and service network.

BMW also announced the i5 M60, a mid-size sedan positioned between the i4 and i7, though availability varies by market and year. The company has shown concept versions of a fully electric M2 and M3, but these are not yet in production. If you are shopping now, your realistic choices are the i4 M50 or iX M60.

Key Takeaways

  • The i4 M50 is a four-door sedan with 536 horsepower, 0–60 mph in 3.9 seconds, and an EPA-estimated range of 260 miles on a full charge.
  • The iX M60 is a performance SUV with the same 536 horsepower but lower range (324 miles EPA) due to its larger size and weight.
  • Both models use BMW's standard charging infrastructure and can add 80 miles of range in 10 minutes using a DC fast charger.
  • Pricing starts around $60,000 for the i4 M50 and $110,000 for the iX M60, though this varies by year, options, and market.
  • BMW's electric sports cars carry the same three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty as gas models, plus an eight-year/100,000-mile battery warranty.

i4 M50: Performance sedan with practical range

The i4 M50 is BMW's answer to a traditional sports sedan, but electric. It has two motors—one on each axle—that work together to deliver 536 horsepower and 589 pound-feet of torque. The car reaches 60 mph in 3.9 seconds and has a top speed of 140 mph. The EPA rates its range at 260 miles per charge, which is solid for a performance car but shorter than non-M versions of the i4.

The battery is an 84-kilowatt-hour unit mounted low in the chassis, which keeps the center of gravity low and improves handling. The i4 M50 uses an eight-speed automatic transmission (a single-speed reduction gear in electric terms) and offers all-wheel drive as standard. Interior space is comparable to a BMW 4 Series, with a rear seat that fits two adults comfortably and a trunk that holds about 17 cubic feet of cargo.

Charging at home on a Level 2 charger (240 volts) takes roughly 10 hours for a full charge. At a DC fast charger, you can add 80 miles in about 10 minutes, though charging speed slows as the battery approaches full capacity. The i4 M50 qualifies for a federal tax credit in the United States, though the amount depends on where it was assembled and your income level.

iX M60: Electric performance SUV with more space

The iX M60 is BMW's high-performance electric SUV, built on the same platform as the standard iX but with upgraded motors and suspension. It produces 516 horsepower (slightly less than the i4 M50 due to different motor tuning) and reaches 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. The EPA rates its range at 324 miles, which is longer than the i4 M50 despite similar power output, because the iX M60 uses a larger 111-kilowatt-hour battery.

The iX M60 is significantly larger than the i4 M50. It seats five adults, has 35 cubic feet of cargo space, and offers a third-row option in some markets. The higher seating position and larger footprint make it feel more like a traditional luxury SUV than a sports car, though the dual-motor setup and M-tuned suspension deliver genuine performance. Acceleration and handling are noticeably quicker than the standard iX, but the added weight means it does not feel as nimble as the i4 M50.

Charging times are similar to the i4 M50 at Level 2 (roughly 12 hours for a full charge) and DC fast charging (80 miles in 10 minutes). The iX M60 also qualifies for federal tax credits under the same rules as the i4 M50. The larger battery and SUV body make it heavier, which affects efficiency—you will see lower miles per kilowatt-hour than the sedan.

Performance and handling differences from gas sports cars

Electric motors deliver maximum torque when ready, which is why both BMW electric sports cars feel quick off the line. The i4 M50's 3.9-second 0–60 time matches or beats many gas-powered sports cars in its price range. However, the driving experience differs in ways that matter. There is no engine sound, no gear shifts, and no traditional transmission feel. Some drivers love this; others miss the feedback.

Both cars use regenerative braking, which means lifting off the accelerator slows the car and recovers energy. This takes adjustment if you are used to coasting in a gas car. The low center of gravity from the floor-mounted battery improves handling, and both models have M-tuned suspension with adaptive dampers. The iX M60 is heavier and less agile than the i4 M50, but still handles better than a standard iX.

Range decreases in cold weather and at highway speeds, just as it does in any electric car. BMW estimates a 20 to 30 percent range loss in freezing temperatures. Highway driving at 70 mph will consume more battery per mile than city driving, so real-world range often falls short of EPA estimates on long trips.

Charging infrastructure and real-world ownership

BMW electric cars work with multiple charging networks: Tesla's Supercharger network (via an adapter), Electrify America, EVgo, ChargePoint, and others. BMW also offers its own charging app that shows available stations and lets you start and stop charging remotely. If you have a driveway or garage, installing a Level 2 home charger is the most practical option—most owners charge overnight and start each day with a full battery.

Public DC fast charging is useful for road trips but not for daily driving. A typical DC fast charger costs $0.25 to $0.35 per kilowatt-hour, which works out to roughly $10 to $15 to add 100 miles of range. Home charging on a standard 240-volt circuit costs less—usually $0.12 to $0.18 per kilowatt-hour depending on your local electricity rates.

BMW includes three years of complimentary charging at some public networks with new car purchases, though this benefit varies by market and changes year to year. Service is available at any BMW dealership, and the company has a network of certified technicians trained on electric powertrains. Tire wear is often higher on electric cars due to the weight of the battery, so budget for replacement sooner than you would on a gas car.

Price, incentives, and total cost of ownership

The i4 M50 starts around $60,000 before options and incentives. The iX M60 starts around $110,000. Both prices vary by model year, market, and dealer inventory. Adding options like premium audio, upgraded interior trim, or enhanced driver information packages can push the total significantly higher.

In the United States, both cars may may have access to for a federal tax credit of up to $7,500, though the amount depends on final assembly location, battery component sourcing, and your modified adjusted gross income. The credit is applied when you file taxes, not at the point of sale. Some states offer additional incentives, and some utilities offer rebates for home charger installation.

Total cost of ownership is lower than comparable gas sports cars because electricity is cheaper than gasoline and maintenance is simpler—no oil changes, spark plugs, or transmission fluid. However, battery replacement after the warranty expires (typically eight years or 100,000 miles) is expensive, though this is rare in practice. Resale value for electric sports cars is still stabilizing, so long-term depreciation is harder to predict than for gas models.

Alternatives if you want electric performance

If the i4 M50 or iX M60 do not fit your needs, other electric performance cars exist. The Tesla Model 3 Performance is faster (0–60 in 3.1 seconds) and cheaper (around $50,000), but lacks the interior quality and warranty support of BMW. The Porsche Taycan is a true sports car with better handling dynamics but costs significantly more and has shorter range. The Lucid Air offers similar performance and range but is less established in the market.

If you want BMW performance but do not need the absolute fastest acceleration, the standard i4 (non-M) offers 335 horsepower, 0–60 in 5.5 seconds, and better range at a lower price. The standard iX M40i is a less aggressive performance option with 503 horsepower and a lower starting price than the M60.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to charge an i4 M50 or iX M60 at home?

On a Level 2 charger (240 volts), a full charge takes roughly 10 to 12 hours. If you charge overnight, you start each day with a full battery. A standard 120-volt outlet charges much more slowly—roughly 3 to 4 miles of range per hour—and is not practical for daily use.

Can I take a BMW electric sports car on a long road trip?

Yes, but you need to plan charging stops. With 260 to 324 miles of range and DC fast chargers available on major highways, you can drive cross-country. A typical pattern is 2 to 3 hours of driving, then 20 to 30 minutes at a fast charger. This is slower than gas cars but manageable if you build in time.

What is the difference between the i4 M50 and the standard i4?

The i4 M50 has dual motors (one per axle) for 536 horsepower and all-wheel drive. The standard i4 has a single rear motor with 335 horsepower and rear-wheel drive. The M50 accelerates faster, handles better, and costs more. The standard i4 has longer range and lower price.

Do BMW electric sports cars may have access to for tax credits?

Both the i4 M50 and iX M60 may may have access to for a federal tax credit of up to $7,500 in the United States, depending on where the car was assembled, battery sourcing, and your income level. The credit applies when you file taxes, not at purchase. Check the current rules with BMW or the IRS before buying, as requirements change year to year.

How does cold weather affect range?

Cold temperatures reduce range by 20 to 30 percent because the battery is less efficient and the car uses energy to heat the cabin. A car rated for 260 miles might deliver 180 to 210 miles in freezing weather. Preheating the cabin while plugged in helps, as does using seat warmers instead of cabin heat.