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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 SUV & Overall

2022 BMW iX xDrive50

Vehicle Type: SUV Electric
102
 overall score
Category Ranking: 1

Vehicle Price

Base Price: $83,200
Price as Tested: $102,070

Fuel Information

Fuel Type: Electricity
120V Charge Time: 3.4 miles per hour
240V Charge Time: 26.3 miles per hour
DC Fast Charger: 10% to 80% in 40 minutes
EPA City MPGe86
EPA Highway MPGe85
EPA Combined MPGe86
EPA-Est. Electric Range (mi): 315

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 EPA-estimated range is high (324 miles), as is its fuel efficiency (86 MPGe). Prospective buyers should be prepared to pay handsomely for this largesse, however. The iX’s starting MSRP is $84,100, and that number rises quickly with options, of which there are plenty. Other negatives worth noting: an unintuitive infotainment system, poor rear visibility, and annoying glare from reflective interior controls and instrumentation. Finally, some ADAS features (adaptive cruise control, for example) are extra-cost options, not standard.

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Strengths and Weaknesses

Strong Points

  • • Smooth, responsive drivetrain
  • • Spacious passenger compartment and cargo area
  • • High range, MPGe numbers
  • • Compliant ride quality
  • • Sporty, responsive handling

Weak Points

  • • Difficult-to-use infotainment system
  • • Price rises quickly with options
  • • Not all ADAS features are standard
  • • Poor rear visibility

Vehicle Specifications

Model year tested: 2022
Number of passengers (F/R): 2/3
Curb weight (lbs): 5720.0
Exterior L / W / H (in): 195.0 / 77.4 / 66.8
Wheelbase (in): 118.1
Number of air bags: 10
Warranty (months/miles): 48/50,000
Tire manufacturer and model: Bridgestone Alenza
Front and rear tire size: 275/40 R22
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: 516

Test Data

Test Vehicle Scores

Advanced Safety Features:

9.10

Fuel Efficiency:

9.52

EPA Emissions Score:

10.00

Acceleration:

9.28

Braking:

6.87
Handling: 6.23
Quality and Drivability: 8.34

Ride Quality:

8.50

Interior Size:

5.83

Easy of Entry and Exit:

7.91

Visibility:

7.88

Interior Noise:

9.39

Cargo Capacity:

3.62
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