Launch Control can be found on many modern cars, including the BMW i4. It helps propel you to the vehicle’s top speed at maximum load.
While it’s an imposing way to accelerate, it’s vital to only use Launch Control if it’s safe to do so. In the vast majority of situations, there’s no need to use it. But it’s there, just in case.
This article will explain how to use Launch Control and list some safety considerations.
As always, consult your owner’s manual before using a feature like the BMW i4 Launch Control.
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Safety warnings for BMW i4 Launch Control
Always adhere to the rules of the road and general common sense when using Launch Control. Standard models have a 0-60 time of around 6 seconds. While not the fastest on the market, it’s plenty for most people.
Using Launch Control on the BMW i4 M50 will see intense acceleration – a claimed 3.7 seconds.
Don’t risk losing control and causing potentially fatal injuries and irreparable damage. You might be able to practice in off-the-road environments such as local race tracks.
Below, you’ll find a (non-exhaustive!) list of safety considerations.
- Lift off the accelerator pedal and apply the brake if you feel a loss of traction.
- Only use Launch Control if the road is dry and the temperature is well above freezing.
- Check that the road offers plenty of grip for the tires.
- Don’t use this feature in a crowded, busy, or residential area for safety reasons.
- Be aware that you can be ticketed for driving recklessly.
- Adhere to the local speed limits, no matter how fast you accelerate.
- Watch out for traffic, including (and especially) more vulnerable road users. These include pedestrians, cyclists, horses, motorcyclists, and so on.
- Don’t use Launch Control for the first 300 miles after receiving your new car or after tire, brake, or other drivetrain replacements.
- This period is known as “running in”. The moving parts are settling into position. Excessive loads could damage them.
- Point the steering wheel straight when using Launch Control.
- If it’s angled, you’re likely to overcorrect and crash.
- Launch Control will wear components (such as tires) out much quicker.
In the end, if you’re unsure, don’t use Launch Control on your i4. You can still accelerate reasonably quickly, with plenty of power and torque for everyday situations.
Be especially careful when using the BMW i4 M50 Launch Control. The combination of all-wheel drive, electric torque, and Sport Boost mode makes for a rapid standing start. In fact, from a standstill, it even (just about) outperforms the much-loved M3.
Now there’s a fast car.
How to use BMW i4 Launch Control
Follow the instructions to use Launch Control on the BMW i4. Ensure you’re using it in a safe and legal environment.
- Bring your i4 to a complete stop using the brake pedal.
- Select the SPORT BOOST drive mode.
- Depress the brake pedal firmly.
- You must push it quite hard. If you don’t use enough force, the car will start to move off under the load of the accelerator pedal.
- Push the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor.
- Wait until you see a destination flag in the instrument cluster.
- Release the brake pedal within three seconds of the flag icon popping up.
Launch Control will activate, and you’ll accelerate away.
- Before you release the brake pedal, Launch Control remains active until the flag in the cluster disappears.
- To abort Launch Control, remove your foot from the accelerator pedal. Check that the flag has disappeared before lifting off the brake.
Can you deactivate BMW i4 Launch Control?
You can’t deactivate Launch Control on the i4, per se, but you can choose to not use it. Under normal operating circumstances, there’s no need to stamp on the accelerator pedal while holding the brake.
Fast acceleration is, these days, seen as a staple of owning an electric car. However, if Launch Control isn’t for you, simply don’t do it.
It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Read your BMW i4 owner’s manual for more information on Launch Control. You’ll find a general PDF version below.
