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Price Range: Less Than
$24,490
$154,765
mpg/MPGe Range: More Than
11
134
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Introduction:

To help members understand the latest automotive technology so they can purchase vehicles that best suit their needs, the Automobile Club of Southern California's Automotive Research Center (ARC) began testing and reviewing vehicles over a decade ago

For the 2023 edition, we include testing and ranking cars and light trucks with the latest technology, including having at least one advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) feature. In addition to vehicle evaluation, the guide covers a number of pertinent automotive topics in detail—for example, the latest advanced safety features, how to properly maintain your vehicle, and new vehicles coming to market in the next few years.

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 MPGe79
EPA Highway MPGe80
EPA Combined MPGe80
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.

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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:

9.10

Fuel Efficiency:

9.39

EPA Emissions Score:

10.00

Acceleration:

9.55

Braking:

7.02
Handling: 8.09
Quality and Drivability: 8.53

Ride Quality:

8.11

Interior Size:

3.81

Easy of Entry and Exit:

6.50

Visibility:

7.74

Interior Noise:

8.56

Cargo Capacity:

.49
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