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 | Model S 85 | |
|---|---|---|
| Total time | 7h37−32 min | 8h09 |
| Charging stops | 4 stops | 4 stops |
| Total cost | 65,01 €−4,18 € | 69,19 € |
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 gap is built at the stops: 4 stops totalling 36 min for the i4 M50 xDrive G26 versus 4 stops totalling 69 min for the Model S 85.
The official WLTP figures (19,7 kWh/100km for i4 M50 xDrive G26 and 23,5 kWh/100km for Model S 85) 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 24,6 kWh/100km (Model S 85). Full methodology: see the dedicated button above the summary.
During the 36 minutes of charging for the i4 M50 xDrive G26, range recovers by 499 km. During the 69 cumulative minutes for the Model S 85, range recovers by 523 km. Per minute: the i4 M50 xDrive G26 recovers 1,8× faster. At this rate, the charging stop blends into the trip rhythm — just enough time for a coffee. At a lower rate, it dictates the pace.
A Peugeot 508 1.6 PureTech 180 (equivalent segment) consumes about 7,2 L/100km on the motorway at 130 km/h. At 1,9 €/L, this Paris → Marseille trip would cost ~103 €. That is 1,6× the electric cost of the i4 M50 xDrive G26 and 1,5× that of the Model S 85. The gap narrows in winter but never reverses.
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 · 0,21 €/kWh | 307 km73 kWh consumed | 0,050 €/km | 15,25 € |
| Tournus, A6 → Limonest, A6energy charged at Ionity 194 kW · 0,45 €/kWh | 137 km32 kWh consumed | 0,106 €/km | 14,53 € |
| Limonest, A6 → Montélimar, A7energy charged at Ionity 194 kW · 0,45 €/kWh | 137 km32 kWh consumed | 0,106 €/km | 14,53 € |
| Montélimar, A7 → Manosque, A51energy charged at Ionity 194 kW · 0,45 €/kWh | 137 km32 kWh consumed | 0,106 €/km | 14,53 € |
| Manosque, A51 → Marseilleenergy charged at Ionity 208 kW · 0,45 €/kWh | 58 km14 kWh consumed | 0,107 €/km | 6,18 € |
| Trip total | 65,01 € | ||
| Segment | Distance | €/km | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paris → Beaune, A6initial energy charged at home · 0,21 €/kWh | 283 km70 kWh consumed | 0,052 €/km | 14,65 € |
| Beaune, A6 → Limonest, A6energy charged at Supercharger 116 kW · 0,45 €/kWh | 126 km31 kWh consumed | 0,111 €/km | 13,95 € |
| Limonest, A6 → Valence, A7energy charged at Supercharger 116 kW · 0,45 €/kWh | 126 km31 kWh consumed | 0,111 €/km | 13,95 € |
| Valence, A7 → Manosque, A51energy charged at Supercharger 116 kW · 0,45 €/kWh | 126 km31 kWh consumed | 0,111 €/km | 13,95 € |
| Manosque, A51 → Marseilleenergy charged at Supercharger 107 kW · 0,45 €/kWh | 114 km28 kWh consumed | 0,111 €/km | 12,69 € |
| Trip total | 69,19 € | ||
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 | Tesla Model S 85 |
|---|---|---|
| 5 minutes | ~51 km | ~28 km |
| 10 minutes | ~101 km | ~57 km |
| 20 minutes | ~202 km | ~114 km |
| Full session 10 → 80 % | ~239 km25 min | ~220 km42 min |
Replace one of the two with an alternative from the same segment
544 ch · 80.7 kWh · 2024
362 ch · 77.5 kWh · 2012
The advantage comes from the combo real range + charging speed. On Paris → Marseille (775 km at 130 km/h), the i4 M50 xDrive G26 arrives in 7h37 with 4 charging stops.
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: 65,01 € (i4 M50 xDrive G26) and 69,19 € (Model S 85). An equivalent petrol SUV (~8 L/100 km) would cost about 115 € in motorway fuel. Electric costs less in energy but adds charging stops.