Car Guide Winner: 1st Place Midsize

2022 BMW i4 M50
Vehicle Type: Midsize Electric
97
overall score
Category Ranking: 1
Vehicle Price
Base Price:
$65,900
Price as Tested:
$76,670
Fuel Information
Fuel Type: Electricity
120V Charge Time: 3 miles per hour
240V Charge Time: 22.7 miles per hour
DC Fast Charger: 10% to 80% in 31 minutes
EPA City MPGe: 79
EPA Highway MPGe: 80
EPA Combined MPGe: 80
EPA-Est. Electric Range (mi): 227
Advanced Safety Features
- Adaptive Cruise Control [O]
- Advanced Headlights [S]
- Automatic Emergency Braking [S]
- Blind-Spot Warning [S]
- Driver Monitoring [S]
- Forward-Collision Warning [S]
- Lane-Departure Warning [S]
- Lane-Keeping Assistance [O]
- Rear Cross-Traffic Warning [S]
- Reverse Automatic Emergency Braking [O]
- [S] Standard, [O] Optional
Overall Observations
The iX, BMW’s first all-electric SUV, is an impressive
vehicle. It delivers dramatic styling, performance,
comfort, and technological sophistication in spades. An example
of the latter: The iX makes extensive use of carbon fiber - reinforced
plastic in its frame. About the size of the X5, the iX looks more
substantial, largely because of its bold, hunky shape (including its
somewhat polarizing grille).
Equipped with two electric motors (516 hp), the iX’s drivetrain
supplies plenty of power, including abundant low-end torque. The
steering provides ample feedback, and the optional adaptive air
suspension nicely balances a compliant ride with responsive, sporty
handling. Smooth regenerative and traditional friction braking deliver
strong stopping power. All-wheel drive is standard.
The iX’s cabin features plenty of space front and rear, plus interior
storage compartments and cargo room aplenty. Both the exterior
and interior materials and fit and finish are first-rate. The iX’s EPAestimated
range is high (315 miles), as is its fuel efficiency (86 MPGe).
However, the infotainment system is nonintuitive and visibility to
the rear is poor. Additionally, some ADAS features (adaptive cruise
control, for example) are extra-cost options, not standard equipment.
Prospective buyers should be prepared to pay handsomely for this
largesse. The iX’s starting MSRP is $83,200, and that number rises
quickly with options, of which there are plenty. But, as the saying
goes, you get what you pay for, and in the rarefied realm of luxury
SUVs, the iX delivers the goods.
Want to buy this car?
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strong Points
- • Sporty handling, great road grip from tires
- • Stylish exterior and interior (except for the grille)
- • Lightning-fast power and acceleration
- • First-rate fit and finish inside and out
- • Lots of the latest ADAS features
Weak Points
- • Inefficient drivetrain, low MPGe ratings and range
- • Tight backseat legroom and headroom
- • Limited rear visibility
- • Pricey, especially with options packages
Vehicle Specifications
Model year tested: 2022
Number of passengers (F/R): 2/3
Curb weight (lbs): 5100.0
Exterior L / W / H (in): 188.5 / 72.9 / 57.0
Wheelbase (in): 112.4
Number of air bags: 9
Warranty (months/miles): 48/50,000
Tire manufacturer and model: Pirelli P Zero
Front and rear tire size: 255/35 R20
Max towing capacity (lbs): Not recommended
Headlight type: LED
Transmission type: Auto 1-speed
Drivetrain type: All wheel
Engine/motor: Dual electric motors
Electric motor horsepower: 536
Test Data
Test Vehicle Scores
Advanced Safety Features:
9.10Fuel Efficiency:
9.39EPA Emissions Score:
10.00Acceleration:
9.55Braking:
7.02
Handling:
8.09
Quality and Drivability:
8.53
Ride Quality:
8.11Interior Size:
3.81Easy of Entry and Exit:
6.50Visibility:
7.74Interior Noise:
8.56Cargo Capacity:
.49
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