Any Tesla model Y performance owners here who already got the M50?
Do you miss anything special in Tesla?
Do you miss anything special in Tesla?
Dentanium
I'm on vacation renting a place where a perk of the stay is the use of a Tesla Model Y Long Range. I figured I'd give my impressions regarding the differences between this car and the m50 I test drove. If you're a Tesla fan stop reading now.
OK, now that they're all gone...... What?!? I drove it up a bumpy gravel path and the first thing I said was "why is this rougher than my STi?" (2012 WRX STi is my current DD. Not known for caring about the state of your posterior on bumpy roads). When people on this forum said the Model Y/3 rode rough I admit I said to myself "bunch of BMW drivers, what do they know about a rough ride?". But yeah, it's as rough as my STi, but absent the confidence and corner ability you get from that. It's certainly quieter than my current car but not nearly as quiet as the i4, with wind and road noise. It's not a big deal, but it just isn't as good in that regard. I get that some people like the spartan interior, but it's just the opposite of driver focused. In the i4 it felt like everything was where it was supposed to be and I was in a cockpit. The quality of the seats just isn't comparable. It's creaky. It handles like it doesn't like you.
I guess I can see why people like these cars... They see them as a piece of technology. A means to an end, getting from A to B simply and with lots of tech goodies. That's not for me. Once you get past the instant torque that all EVs deliver, it just feels a bit too sterile. Maybe it's the white interior. I'm so grateful that BMW has made an EV for people who like to drive cars. My next car was going to be a model 3 performance before I found out about the i4 and I would have hated that car within 2 years, guaranteed. It's just not my cup of tea.
On the positive side, I will say, having rented a Tesla before, the infotainment / OS is quite good. I might not be able to say that if I wasn't already pretty far along the learning curve. The app is quite good even if you have to search around for things somewhat. They do that well.
As for the i4 M50... I had an admittedly short test drive but came away impressed. It felt not just quick but agile (for its weight of course). I know I still have a learning curve with it, but a lot of the controls are quite intuitive. You can get in and drive. Maybe the infotainment stuff requires more thought but I didn't ask "how do I put this into drive?". Or "how do I open the doors?"
Yeah driving is the big stick in the middle. Same as every car I've driven that wasn't from the 80's. Opening the doors uses this innovation called a door handle. It's been around roughly since we stopped living in caves. The i4 is certainly a grand touring car, trying to do everything well and mostly succeeding. If BMW drops a iM2 on us (electric M2), this i4 would be traded in faster than you could say "hey don't trade that i4 in". Smaller and more towards a track car would be my preference if I could have a bespoke EV. That said, the i4 m50 ticks all the most important boxes for me.
My opinion is to get a Tesla if you just aren't that into driving. Or nice interiors. It's a great EV. For me though, the i4 is a great CAR. It just happens to be an EV.
Obviously this is all my opinion, but it really reinforced that I'm getting the right EV for me from amongst the currently available options.
OK, now that they're all gone...... What?!? I drove it up a bumpy gravel path and the first thing I said was "why is this rougher than my STi?" (2012 WRX STi is my current DD. Not known for caring about the state of your posterior on bumpy roads). When people on this forum said the Model Y/3 rode rough I admit I said to myself "bunch of BMW drivers, what do they know about a rough ride?". But yeah, it's as rough as my STi, but absent the confidence and corner ability you get from that. It's certainly quieter than my current car but not nearly as quiet as the i4, with wind and road noise. It's not a big deal, but it just isn't as good in that regard. I get that some people like the spartan interior, but it's just the opposite of driver focused. In the i4 it felt like everything was where it was supposed to be and I was in a cockpit. The quality of the seats just isn't comparable. It's creaky. It handles like it doesn't like you.
I guess I can see why people like these cars... They see them as a piece of technology. A means to an end, getting from A to B simply and with lots of tech goodies. That's not for me. Once you get past the instant torque that all EVs deliver, it just feels a bit too sterile. Maybe it's the white interior. I'm so grateful that BMW has made an EV for people who like to drive cars. My next car was going to be a model 3 performance before I found out about the i4 and I would have hated that car within 2 years, guaranteed. It's just not my cup of tea.
On the positive side, I will say, having rented a Tesla before, the infotainment / OS is quite good. I might not be able to say that if I wasn't already pretty far along the learning curve. The app is quite good even if you have to search around for things somewhat. They do that well.
As for the i4 M50... I had an admittedly short test drive but came away impressed. It felt not just quick but agile (for its weight of course). I know I still have a learning curve with it, but a lot of the controls are quite intuitive. You can get in and drive. Maybe the infotainment stuff requires more thought but I didn't ask "how do I put this into drive?". Or "how do I open the doors?"
Yeah driving is the big stick in the middle. Same as every car I've driven that wasn't from the 80's. Opening the doors uses this innovation called a door handle. It's been around roughly since we stopped living in caves. The i4 is certainly a grand touring car, trying to do everything well and mostly succeeding. If BMW drops a iM2 on us (electric M2), this i4 would be traded in faster than you could say "hey don't trade that i4 in". Smaller and more towards a track car would be my preference if I could have a bespoke EV. That said, the i4 m50 ticks all the most important boxes for me.My opinion is to get a Tesla if you just aren't that into driving. Or nice interiors. It's a great EV. For me though, the i4 is a great CAR. It just happens to be an EV.
Obviously this is all my opinion, but it really reinforced that I'm getting the right EV for me from amongst the currently available options.
Yep. I haven’t even driven one, but just looking inside it I discovered a big part of what you did. I’m grateful BMW is making the i4 and not just the iX.
Well put.
Between my neighbor and I, we've had the pleasure of sitting in the M50, the iX and a recent Model 3 and there's no comparison - the BMW is leaps better in many areas. The Tesla (sorry Tesla fans) was a mass-scale proof of market viability that woke up a very slow moving industry. Sure it took like 10-15 yrs but it's here and the competition is good. My other neighbor's Audi e-tron wagon is also a very handsome and well designed car, that also happens to be an EV. I oogled it for months, but could never see myself in a Sn-Audi. But that's just me.
It's an exciting time though!
Between my neighbor and I, we've had the pleasure of sitting in the M50, the iX and a recent Model 3 and there's no comparison - the BMW is leaps better in many areas. The Tesla (sorry Tesla fans) was a mass-scale proof of market viability that woke up a very slow moving industry. Sure it took like 10-15 yrs but it's here and the competition is good. My other neighbor's Audi e-tron wagon is also a very handsome and well designed car, that also happens to be an EV. I oogled it for months, but could never see myself in a Sn-Audi. But that's just me
. It's an exciting time though!
Some additional thoughts after more time spent with the car:
Dog mode is awesome and BMW should steal it immediately. I know it can keep climate control on for 30 minutes, but just make it indefinite and display the temp in large, friendly numbers on the center screen and we're there.
The way they have this set up, I can't start the car if I don't have a signal on my phone. Slight scare there today. That's more on them in that they should leave you a key card for the car. Also, they had it in valet mode, which I promptly turned off. Hope they don't mind hehe.
Drove it around a lot today. EV instant power aside, it's a perfectly adequate driving appliance. It ain't the ultimate driving machine LOL.
It started raining and I had to wait to come to a stop like before I could turn the wipers on via the touchscreen. You can push a button on the blinker stalk, but you get like 3 wipes out of that. Wipers were set to auto but apparently auto means it's pouring rain and you can barely see but Tesla lady don't care. Used voice command after it stopped "turn off the wipers"...... "that command is not available yet". LOL come on that's an easy win adding that. Window fogged up so I asked my wife to figure out the defogger after opening the climate menu. Somehow it got hot in the car, the air turned off, my steering wheel heating came on and eventually the window defogged. I think my wife took the push all the buttons approach. My wife's review at that point: "I hate this <expletive deleted> car so much".
Build quality:
Tesla fans: "build quality isn't an issue any more, they figured it out"
This 2021 Model Y's Rear Liftgate: "baaaaaaaah"
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Dog mode is awesome and BMW should steal it immediately. I know it can keep climate control on for 30 minutes, but just make it indefinite and display the temp in large, friendly numbers on the center screen and we're there.
The way they have this set up, I can't start the car if I don't have a signal on my phone. Slight scare there today. That's more on them in that they should leave you a key card for the car. Also, they had it in valet mode, which I promptly turned off. Hope they don't mind hehe.
Drove it around a lot today. EV instant power aside, it's a perfectly adequate driving appliance. It ain't the ultimate driving machine LOL.
It started raining and I had to wait to come to a stop like before I could turn the wipers on via the touchscreen. You can push a button on the blinker stalk, but you get like 3 wipes out of that. Wipers were set to auto but apparently auto means it's pouring rain and you can barely see but Tesla lady don't care. Used voice command after it stopped "turn off the wipers"...... "that command is not available yet". LOL come on that's an easy win adding that. Window fogged up so I asked my wife to figure out the defogger after opening the climate menu. Somehow it got hot in the car, the air turned off, my steering wheel heating came on and eventually the window defogged. I think my wife took the push all the buttons approach. My wife's review at that point: "I hate this <expletive deleted> car so much".
Build quality:
Tesla fans: "build quality isn't an issue any more, they figured it out"
This 2021 Model Y's Rear Liftgate: "baaaaaaaah"
Hi all! It is great to read all the posts and discussions about BMW and it's competitors. In my case I have on order an I4 M50 with all the bells and whistles and will trade in or sell my 2021 Tesla Model 3 Performance. I'm not a Tesla fan boy, but obviously bought it for reasons that are important for me and my quality of life. However, when the I4 was released my eyes popped out of my head...so let this be known I LOVE the looks, quality, features of the BMW. However, there are some wonderful things, may be small things, but good things nonetheless that the Tesla offers and the BMW does not (yet?). I made a list seen below and wondered about others experiences with their Tesla, and especially if they have been lucky enough to have their i4 delivered. I hope this can be educational, enlightening with others thoughts and opinions after experiencing both. I KNOW I will love the BMW, but do have FOMO...fear of missing out. Sorry for the long post, but if still interested...here is my list...does anyone have any experience of switching between the two?
Things I would miss with my Tesla
Things I would miss with my Tesla
- Automatic over heat protection…car cools down anything over 104 degrees and soon to be able to set to choice
- Dog mode, keeping climate on easily when leaving car
- Automatic door locking on lock away without any interaction
- Phone as key
- Easy entry, ability to set the seat position as the easy entry that works best for you
- Turn signal video on screen
- Trunk button, push to release and close on screen (vs having to hold until hatchback is closed)
- Under auto pilot, car reads and reacts to speed limit
- Car will NOT creep, will not move unless accelerator is being pressed whether in D or R
- Ease of charging at home due to charging door location
- Range at 80% (245 at 80% for Tesla vs optimal 245 at 100% for BMW)
- Front trunk
- Under trunk additional storage
- Aggressive and rich software updates
- Excellent resale value
- Apple CarPlay
- Hatchback
- Interior ambient lights
- Laser headlights
- Surround view camera
- Special parking features
- Aggressive looks
- Dampeners
- NVH
- Build quality
- Better carpeting, finishes
- Black headliner
- Ability to open/close sunroof
- Red leather interior
- Carbon fiber in and out
I think some of these are on the i4:
Automatic locking walking away definitely is.
Phone as key is (although you have to put it close to the door handle; it's NFC).
The trunk button is touch and go (the one on the door panel); you don't have to hold it the whole time.
The car can read and react to the speed limit.
Auto-hold will keep it from creeping (as will the auto cruise mode).
The BMW range seems to be conservative so may be closer to your Tesla. Edit: see Bjørn Nyland / Teslabjørn i4 40 - range test
There is a little storage, but less if you have the HK with subwoofer.
No comment about software updates...!
That thread I referenced says eDrive40 within 10% of TMSLR and better than TM3LR. The M50 is within 10% of the TM3SR+MIC.
Might be a little bit simplified - and my personal opinion :
Tesla has the best developed Software - including the infrastructure for - over the air updates.
BMW has the best Hardware - in the old meaning of hardware - the whole car except software.
Then the alternatives could be :
1. Wait for Tesla to build an ok car - or buy a new Tesla every year to get a better car.
2. Buy the far superior BMW i4 today, and trust that BMW will be able to improve the software - including implementing Dog Mode.
This statement is of course the opposit of what everyone says : Buy a Tesla and it will improve with new Software.
Some examples of this already working :
- First versions (prototypes/press cars/early adaptors) of i4M50 had too much tourque steer.
- First versions of Driver assists was not good - today at Tesla level, but clearly posibilities for future improvements.
Another possible OTA improvements that could happen on i4 :
- Improved roadholding on cars with adaptive suspension (i4M50 and i4 40 M-Sport)
- Improved comfort on cars with adaptive suspension.
- BMW's with iDrive 7/8 reports road conditions back to BMW centrally - I dont think this info is used by adaptive suspension yet - (car could stiffen dampers, if another BMW had discovered an unexpected bump in the road).
I have neither but the 2 primary reasons for choosing the BMW over the Tesla were not on your list:
- Everyone has a Tesla. Not only would my car look like yet another Tesla, but the style is further watered down by the fact that the X and Y look like over-inflated versions of the M3. I believe in the saying "If you don't look back at your car as you walk away, you're in the wrong car." When every 10th car in the lot looks exactly like yours, I lose that feeling.
- The Tesla interior is spartan. I get some people like that, but I like the feeling of sitting in the cockpit of a machine that was built around me as the driver. When sitting in a Tesla, I can't shake the feeling I'm at a McDonalds self-service ordering kiosk. I think the lack of a drivers display really turns me off.
The beautiful thing about Tesla v. BMW (and all the other legacy OEMs) is that it has spurred revolutionary changes in drivetrain, software, and efficiency. Tesla helped force the legacy OEMs to electrification (although, admittedly, BMW was pretty early to the race with the i3). The legacy OEMs have made huge advances emulating Tesla's software, UX, and motor/battery tech. Tesla is still learning from the legacy OEMs on manufacturing and quality control. In the end, everyone is going to benefit and the planet will be better off for it. Although I don't drive a Tesla, I'm a fan* because of the disruptive (and positive) influence they've had on the auto industry.
*although I'm not really a fan of Elon Musk
*although I'm not really a fan of Elon Musk
I have a '18 Model 3 LR AWD (not a performance). I generally agree with your statements, although many of them are available on the i4. Here's my list of things that I think I'll miss:
1) Lack of phone as key functionality where I can leave it in my pocket. I'm so used to just being able to walk up and get in, etc. Using the key fob will be the most similar experience, just requires carrying the fob with me. I assume I'll get used to it again.
2) Being able to specifically set a temperature for the car to heat/cool to via app. (On the i4, you can turn on HVAC, but it's basically at whatever it was set to before, can't change it from the app.) Again, not sure if this will really matter in practice.
3) Concern over rapid obsolescence. Tesla has done a pretty solid job so far of bringing new features to all levels of cars. We have already seen where the iX and i7 will get features that the i4 won't (DigitalKey+, AR, as some quick examples). This is normal in the BMW world, but hasn't been the experience in the Tesla world so far, as there's more feature parity / availability been vehicles. (This is good and bad, I suppose)
4) OTA updates. While the i4 has OTA capabilities, it's either not being leveraged in the same manner, or is not as capable. Example is the current stop sale for the Valet issue. It's a straight software issue (based on what has been gathered), but it's not available as an OTA, and has to be done at dealer/PDC. I've never taken my Tesla to the shop for an upgrade.
One thing that you'll notice right away that I don't ever see mentioned is visibility over the hood of the car. That is one wonderful thing they got right with the design of the TM3.
No useless push to start/stop button. I get that it may be easier for those converting to an EV in theory, but it's not really needed. At least make it optionable software wise.
No need to physically move a shifter to the left for max regen. This should have been a software option for those that always want it at max.
The sound system is better in the TM3 (LR and Perf) than the H/K in the i4 (If you're into that).
Phone app experience is superior as well.
The i4 has a better build quality/interior and additional options to customize to your style. Many on here overstate how better it is. It's better without question, but it's not like you're going from a Honda to a Bentley.
You'll notice the i4 has better side mirror visibility. That was one thing I noticed going to the TM3 initially, and again once I got in the i4. They really need to redesign the mirrors on the TM3.
BMW's auto wipers have always been good. The TM3 is very uncertain at times.
TM3 has better wireless phone charging if that matters to you.
TM3 has a full glass roof, again if that matters to you.
Sentry mode and the dashcam will be missed. The i4 view recorder option isn't the same. But it's better than nothing, I guess.
The i4 will also have bird's eye view when parking if get that option. Looking forward to having that again.
I'm currently torn between the two. I'll probably hold on to the TM3 for a few months after my M50 arrives. I initially got the TM3 after 10 years of beamers due to them not having a proper electric sedan at the time. I really like the way the i4 looks and its interior. But it didn't feel like a "much superior car" during the test drive as many here claim it to be. A month or so should give enough time to decide which to keep. I also see a lot of reviews say the drivetrain isn't as sorted as the TM3. Which in theory would make sense as they haven't had as much time to refine their current electric platform. But I'll see for myself once I can have it for more than a day.
I owe Tesla a debt of gratitude. If it wasn’t for their efforts in popularising EVs, I wouldn’t currently own my M50, which is rapidly becoming one of my favourite cars of the 20-odd I’ve had in my lifetime. Most days I wake up and want to go somewhere in it; anywhere for any excuse. I keep driving to a local farm shop for fruit I can buy for half the price at the supermarket I can walk to. But there are some nice roads and if it’s clear of traffic… well, it’s an M50
I've test drive the M5 and e40 this week and both of them are more silent than my current M3 '20 which for me is of great value and one of the main drivers for changing from Tesla to BMW. The e40 was impressively fast so I definitely do not need the M5 horsepowers, I have the M3 LR AWD today and the e40 was close to the acceleration of the M3, but for me, it does not matter so much.
I love the visibility when driving the M3, the windows are way too small on i4.
The middle floor divider in the back of the i4 is a huge disadvantage for families, but with 2 kids it's OK.
The i4 interior feels not as lean and modern as on M3, but much better than Audi and VW models.
Love the back hatch on i4 compared to M3, feels like there is more space in the trunk.
I've never used the frunk on the M3 so i will not miss it so much.
Will be ordering the i4 next week and hope to get it in 10 months, very long delivery time and I'm in Europe ...
I love the visibility when driving the M3, the windows are way too small on i4.
The middle floor divider in the back of the i4 is a huge disadvantage for families, but with 2 kids it's OK.
The i4 interior feels not as lean and modern as on M3, but much better than Audi and VW models.
Love the back hatch on i4 compared to M3, feels like there is more space in the trunk.
I've never used the frunk on the M3 so i will not miss it so much.
Will be ordering the i4 next week and hope to get it in 10 months, very long delivery time and I'm in Europe ...
BTW, BMW had planned to have it available in the i4, so this may be another victim of the pandemic-related issues.
I really hope they make dog mode a thing. I never have owned a tesla, but I just got my first pup, and I love taking him on rides with me, but can't always because I can't leave him in the car. Dog mode would be awesome, and should be available in all new cars going forward.
If you have high requirements of the sound system - take a look at the BMW iX.
Due to i4's battery taking space normally reserved for speakers, no sub below seats, sub in the trunk.
With Camping mode in the Model 3 the sound might be good, while driving you loose the music due to wind/tire noise.
Due to i4's battery taking space normally reserved for speakers, no sub below seats, sub in the trunk.
With Camping mode in the Model 3 the sound might be good, while driving you loose the music due to wind/tire noise.
Yep was learning more about the IX and it’s optional Bowers & Wilkins. If I could afford that car I would go with it in a heartbeat! It is supposed to sound amazing!
Having the the TM3 I’m always surprised with how good the system sounds. It’s not branded, so would love to know who is behind it. I’m also excited to hear the HK system because the people that have reviewed it have liked it. What gives their reviews credibility to me is that they criticize past BMW HK units while recognizing how good the I4 sounds in comparison.
Took a drive that was 30 minutes each way in the Model Y today. On the way back I tried out autopilot. It sure is neat, but I wouldn't pay the $1700 for DAP, let alone 10-12k for autopilot. We came to a blinking yellow light and it just... Shut off. Tweaked out, gave me an alarm and a red warning saying "take over control immediately!". Because of a blinking yellow light it reacted like a driving student after 6 cups of Starbucks. This was on a straight road, no cars at the intersection in any direction. That was not expected. Aside from that, it's OK if you want to add not steering to not using the gas pedal in regular old cruise control. I didn't feel like I could not pay attention... Maybe for 3 seconds or so. I'd rather just drive the car.
One concern I had that might be a problem on the i4 too is there was an ambulance behind me and I didn't notice immediately since the rear visibility is so poor. The i4 was similar. The MY has a weird tinted rearview mirror and that may have contributed.
All in all I'm sure I sound more negative than I actually feel about this car. It's fine. I saw a dark blue Model 3 and wished I was driving that instead of the Y. To reiterate, the app and infotainment are very good. It scratches the instant power itch, perhaps a bit too well. I'd describe the throttle as twitchy, where the i4 was easier to modulate despite being a faster car. I think I would have been fine with a Model 3 Performance. It's a step up from my STi in power, a huge step up in technology (sound/infotainment/app), probably a step back slightly in handling and possibly in ride comfort (surprisingly). Where I feel it falls down a bit is in personality. The STi has that in spades. I guess it's a bit intangible, but the i4 has a better vibe for me. I just "got" the car right away. YMMV.
One concern I had that might be a problem on the i4 too is there was an ambulance behind me and I didn't notice immediately since the rear visibility is so poor. The i4 was similar. The MY has a weird tinted rearview mirror and that may have contributed.
All in all I'm sure I sound more negative than I actually feel about this car. It's fine. I saw a dark blue Model 3 and wished I was driving that instead of the Y. To reiterate, the app and infotainment are very good. It scratches the instant power itch, perhaps a bit too well. I'd describe the throttle as twitchy, where the i4 was easier to modulate despite being a faster car. I think I would have been fine with a Model 3 Performance. It's a step up from my STi in power, a huge step up in technology (sound/infotainment/app), probably a step back slightly in handling and possibly in ride comfort (surprisingly). Where I feel it falls down a bit is in personality. The STi has that in spades. I guess it's a bit intangible, but the i4 has a better vibe for me. I just "got" the car right away. YMMV.
Probably final wife thoughts on the Model Y "At least I don't hate this car as much as that stupid Jaguar we rented. That thing bruised my legs up".
1) She pronounced it "Jag-you-are" for comedic effect
2) The side sills on that Jag were prominent enough and kind of sharp so that whenever she got out of the car she'd hit her leg on it.
3) We were in Portland, OR a few years ago when we decided to upgrade to a premium full size sedan. I was hoping for a BMW 5 series but we got a Jaguar XF. Nice looking car. That's all that I liked.
1) She pronounced it "Jag-you-are" for comedic effect
2) The side sills on that Jag were prominent enough and kind of sharp so that whenever she got out of the car she'd hit her leg on it.
3) We were in Portland, OR a few years ago when we decided to upgrade to a premium full size sedan. I was hoping for a BMW 5 series but we got a Jaguar XF. Nice looking car. That's all that I liked.
This morning, I really enjoyed a moment when a large truck that was coming down the winding road on the hill I was driving up, crossed the double yellow line onto my side of the road, and I had to jump on the brakes and hug the guardrail while it recovered.
And the Tesla "Lack of Vision" never saw the truck.
Every day, it misses stuff and gives false alarms. I just don't understand how anyone trusts anything these cars do if they are all as blind and dumb as mine is.
And the Tesla "Lack of Vision" never saw the truck.
Every day, it misses stuff and gives false alarms. I just don't understand how anyone trusts anything these cars do if they are all as blind and dumb as mine is.
To the point about the full regen braking by default, I don't see that as a plus for Tesla. If you want you can configure D to be full regen just like B, but with the bmw you can set D to whatever you want so that way toggling between the two drive modes is super simple. I for one will likely leave D as adaptive so it decides based on traffic and road, though i could also see myself turning it as low as possible so that if a friend or family wants to drive it they can with less of a learning curve.
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