BMW i4 & iX: Outdoing Range Tests by 50 Miles

Range anxiety is still a problem even though electric vehicles have advanced significantly in recent years. This and inadequate EV charging infrastructure still lead some to prefer gas-powered cars. However, if you’re considering an electric vehicle but have concerns about its efficiency, Consumer Reports has conducted an extensive investigation.

While generally more accurate than the WLTP test, the EPA rating for electric vehicles has flaws. Consumer Reports tested twenty-two electric vehicles in a real-world interstate road trip. Among these, two BMW models surpassed their official EPA ratings, demonstrating their efficiency and performance in practical conditions.

In Consumer Reports’ test, the 2023 i4 M50 with 19-inch wheels covered an impressive 318 miles (511.7 kilometres) before its battery depleted. It exceeded its EPA-rated range of 271 miles (436.1 kilometres) by 47 miles (75.6 kilometres). The 2023 iX xDrive50 also surpassed expectations. It beats its EPA range of 324 miles (521.4 kilometres) by 46 miles (74 kilometres), totaling 370 miles (595.4 kilometres). These results underscore the efficiency and range of BMW’s electric models.

If you’re interested in the test details, both BMW vehicles had been thoroughly broken into. The odometers show 2,000 to 15,000 miles (3,218 to 24,140 kilometres). Following BMW’s guidelines, the tire pressure and battery levels were kept at 100%. Consumer Reports preconditioned the cars in their garage, setting the air conditioning to 72° F (22.2° C). They conducted the tests under ideal summer conditions with temperatures ranging from 70 to 90° F (21.1 to 32.2° C) and clear skies, providing optimal driving conditions. Notably, the tests didn’t include winter conditions. It’s because it’s well-known that cold weather can variably impact the range of different electric vehicles.

During the test, the i4 M50 and iX xDrive50 maintained a constant speed of 70 mph (112.6 km/h) using cruise control, with an extra GPS unit to confirm this speed. Interestingly, even when the trip calculation showed zero miles left on the battery, the SUV continued for another 30 miles (48.2 kilometres). This occurred while the instrument cluster indicated no remaining range, a point where most other tested EVs typically ceased running, showcasing the BMW models’ remarkable range resilience.