BMWBEV
i4 M50 xDrive G26
544 ch · 80.7 kWh · 2024
Motorway range comparison
Trip mapped at a glance. Charging stops visible, total duration predictable. Caralogy simulation at 130 km/h.
Paris → Marseille · 130 km/h · Caralogy simulation
| i4 M50 xDrive G26 | 520d G30 | |
|---|---|---|
| Total time | 7h37 | 7h01−36 min |
| Charging stops | 4 stops | 0 stops−4 stops |
| Cost of energy used | 80.88 € | 67.75 €−13.13 € |
Both vehicles drive at 130 km/h. The difference comes from charging stops.
Analysis
Both vehicles drove at 130 km/h for the entire trip. The 520d G30 (combustion) makes no stop, the i4 M50 xDrive G26 (electric) 4 stops totalling 36 min. Road safety reminder: on a trip of this duration, it is recommended to stop for at least 51 min total (17 min every 2h). The energy cost is 80,88 € for i4 M50 xDrive G26 versus 67,75 € for 520d G30.
The official WLTP figures (19,7 kWh/100km for i4 M50 xDrive G26 and 4,6 L/100km for 520d G30) are measured on a mixed cycle averaging ~46 km/h. At a steady 130 km/h, aerodynamic drag weighs much more heavily - it grows with the square of speed. Caralogy calculates a motorway consumption specific to each vehicle based on its aerodynamic profile (SCx), weight and power curve - not a uniform correction factor. For this trip, the simulation yields 23,6 kWh/100km (i4 M50 xDrive G26) and 4,3 L/100km (520d G30). Full methodology: see the dedicated button above the summary.
On a 200 km round trip (e.g. a weekend getaway), the electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle completes the entire journey on home energy at 0.18 €/kWh - with no charging stop. The time advantage of the combustion car on long-distance motorways disappears entirely, and the economic advantage of electric strengthens considerably.
The cost per kilometre depends on the electricity rate applied to each segment - based on the energy source used at that point of the trip.
| Segment | Distance | €/km | Cost (€) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paris → Tournus, A6initial energy charged at home · 0,20 €/kWh | 307 km73 kWh consumed | 0,047 €/km | 14,53 € |
| Tournus, A6 → Limonest, A6energy charged at Ionity 194 kW · 0,60 €/kWh | 137 km32 kWh consumed | 0,141 €/km | 19,37 € |
| Limonest, A6 → Montélimar, A7energy charged at Ionity 194 kW · 0,60 €/kWh | 137 km32 kWh consumed | 0,141 €/km | 19,37 € |
| Montélimar, A7 → Manosque, A51energy charged at Ionity 194 kW · 0,60 €/kWh | 137 km32 kWh consumed | 0,141 €/km | 19,37 € |
| Manosque, A51 → Marseilleenergy charged at Ionity 208 kW · 0,60 €/kWh | 58 km14 kWh consumed | 0,142 €/km | 8,24 € |
| Trip total | 80,88 € | ||
| Segment | Distance | €/km | Cost (€) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paris → Marseillefuel · 2,03 €/L | 775 km33 L consumed | 0,087 €/km | 67,75 € |
| Trip total | 67,75 € | ||
How many kilometres do you recover depending on the time spent at the charger? Comparison at nominal peak power.
| Charging stop duration | BMW i4 M50 xDrive G26 | BMW 520d G30 |
|---|---|---|
| 5 minutes | ~51 km | - |
| 10 minutes | ~101 km | - |
| 20 minutes | ~202 km | - |
| Full session 10 → 80 % | ~239 km25 min | - |
Replace one of the two with an alternative from the same segment
544 ch · 80.7 kWh · 2024
190 ch · 2018
The advantage comes from the combo real range + charging speed. On Paris → Marseille (775 km at 130 km/h), the 520d G30 arrives in 7h01 with 0 charging stop.
WLTP consumption does not reflect motorway reality. Aerodynamic drag grows with the square of speed, so real consumption is 15 to 25 % higher than WLTP combined. Caralogy calculates a highway consumption specific to each vehicle based on its aerodynamic profile (SCx), weight and power curve.
Total time = driving time + charging time. Driving time is calculated at an average speed of 130 km/h on the motorway (adjustable). Charging time is calculated based on the real power curve of each vehicle, respecting the optimal 10 → 80 % range and the maximum power accepted by the chargers on the route.
No. The displayed cost covers only the energy consumed during the trip: kWh × energy rate, with a mix of home charging and DC fast chargers. Battery wear is a long-term ownership cost, not a trip cost.
Electric: 80,88 € (i4 M50 xDrive G26) and 67,75 € (520d G30). An equivalent petrol SUV (~8 L/100 km) would cost about 115 € in motorway fuel. Electric costs less in energy but adds charging stops.