More power and a new name have emboldened BMW’s smallest electric sedan. The BMW i4 M60, previously known as the M50, receives a 41 hp bump thanks to efficiency improvements on its silicon carbide inverters. That means its 84 kWh lithium-ion battery and two electric motors generate an eye-watering 593 hp, sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds, two-tenths quicker than before. BMW is quick to note that only 510 hp is available at start-up, but the full onslaught is accessible in Sport Mode. Still, that prodigious power and speed will make mincemeat out of unsuspecting sports sedans like the Audi RS 3 and Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S.

You can relax the death grip on your wallet if the upgrade from an i4 M50 appears tempting, but we would hold off. We’ve never driven an M50 and thought, boy, this thing sure needs some more power to outwit that pesky Cybertruck. Both variants are rapid, and there isn’t a night-and-day difference in the overall speed. However, the i4 M60 now struggles to put all of its power down, even with sticky Bridgestone Turanza 6 tires, resulting in what feels like torque steer under heavy acceleration.

Overloading the tires as they squirm and claw for grip informs us that the i4 feels limited and hamstrung in this configuration, with too much energy for its chassis to handle. With the augmented output, this M60 ideally requires more aero to push those wheels into the ground. We’re thinking a fixed rear spoiler, wider rear tires, and a stiffer suspension with some added camber. BMW does offer an M Enhanced Track Package ($2,300), which comes with larger 20-inch wheels and upgraded brakes, but we think these should have been standard to begin with.

That incremental gain in horsepower doesn’t add much substance to the overall driving experience, and current M50 owners aren’t missing out on much, making used models an even better deal. In this search for power and glory, the M60 has ultimately lost some of the fluidity and gentleness it once had in its acceleration. Which is not to take away from the overall polish of the i4 chassis. It still rides wonderfully with a suppleness that recent electric cars seem to lack thanks to its rear-axle air suspension. Though it doesn’t float with the cloud-like sensations of an i5, it does feel more grounded and connected to the road. Sporty? Absolutely, and it balances road comfort incredibly well with its adaptive dampers too.

The i4 comes with all the usual facets that make these BMWs such focused driver’s cars. The seats are snug with supportive bolsters and adjustable headrests, perfectly positioned for forward visibility. The steering wheel telescopes right toward the driver’s chest to make them feel more connected to the machine, and the wheel itself is a relatively slim, flat-bottomed shape (compared to the MINI wheels, which feel like wrestling a boa constrictor).

The rest of the interior is top-notch, with a vast infotainment system controlled by BMW’s rotary dial, which remains the gold standard of user interaction. After being overly saturated by the heavy digital real estate in Mercedes, Audis, and pretty much every luxury automaker out there, it’s nice to come back to these physical dials for their ease of use and ability to interact with them without taking your eyes off the road.

The tight rear cabin hasn’t changed, and we can just about squeeze our six-foot frames back there, but uncomfortably. The door portals are small, and the low seat cushions mean we end up falling in rather than climbing in. There is no separate sunroof panel for the rear cabin, which can make it feel particularly cramped. The hatchback liftgate means cargo storage is exceptional, enhancing the i4’s road-trip capability. But there is no front trunk storage, so what you see in the cabin is what you get. On a side note, the $900 Glass Controls are well worth the upgrade, in our opinion, especially when they catch the sun’s glare and reflect the colours of the rainbow like a sparkling diamond.

Added power does little to enhance nor diminish the i4’s appeal. It’s an overwhelmingly capable electric sedan with decent range, show-stopping power, and a well-judged ride that errs more towards comfort than sport. Though we wish BMW had taken the M application here a little more seriously, we can’t fault what is otherwise one of the best driving electric sedans on sale today.

Specifications:

Model: 2026 BMW i4 M60
Paint Type: Wildberry Metallic
Base Price: $82,900
Price as Tested: $106,150
Wheelbase(mm): 2,856
Length/Width/Height (mm): 4,787 / 1,886 / 1,448
Curb weight (kg): 2,276
Powertrain: 84 kWh lithium-ion battery, two electric synchronous AC motors
Horsepower: 593 hp
Torque: 586 lb-ft
Transmission: Single-speed transmission
Engine & Drive Configuration: Front engine, AWD
Observed Range: 370 km
Tires: Bridgestone Turanza 6, 245/40R19 front, 255/40R19 rear